It looks like a family heirloom from WWI, but the Homefront by CRKT is an innovative knife of today. The designer, Ken Onion, has implemented novice technology that allows for something rarely seen in a knife: The ability to field strip.
The Homefront has the patent pending ability to be taken apart and reassembled, without any tools, while in the field. When simple maintenance or a necessary cleaning needs to be done, you don’t have to take the Homefront to a tool-loaded workbench. Additionally, opening the knife is easy. Simply push the front lever away from the blade, spin the turn release wheel on the rear of the handle away from the pivot shaft and when you feel the handle release, pull it up and away from the blade. As for reassembly, simple reverse the procedure.
The vintage look of the knife may have you in disbelief of its contemporary internal technology. The bayonet lug-style flipper sets off the smooth open action of the 3.5-inch drop point blade. The tank jimping on the back strap adds to the antique look, and it helps to sit the knife handle snugly in the user’s palm.
“The applications are vast. Hunters can clean the blood and entrails easily from their knife. Mechanics can clean the grime and grease out. Soldiers can take the dirt, dust and sand out,” said designer Ken Onion.
The Homefront handles are made of 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum and the blade is constructed of AUS 8 stainless steel. The overall length when opened is 8.3 inches and 4.7 inches when closed, the Homefront weighs 4.8 ounces and features a locking line style.
MSRP $150