CRKT Nirk Tighe 2 Knife Green Stainless Steel (3.2″ Satin) 5241

It all began when Canadian knifemaker Brian Tighe saw Glenn Klecker’s design for his NIRK™ folder, a strikingly minimal design stamped and folded out of two pieces of stainless steel. Brian called Glenn, and raised the possibility of using the same lockback release mechanism with CNC-machined open-build construction. Brian went to work and produced his NIRK Tighe from exotic materials, which immediately won the Most Innovative Custom Design award at the 2010 Blade Show.

Like the original NIRK, the knife is a lockback folder in which the spring, release bar and lock detent are all integral with the frame structure. Two pronounced finger notches provide a secure grip. Brian’s blade is a graceful but strong drop point design with subtle recurve, and weight-saving reliefs cut into the spine for balance. The blade can be opened with one hand, by using a thumb on the reliefs, or by pressing the blade flipper. The blade is precision cut from 8CR14MoV stainless steel. At the blade pivot, a special caged mini ball bearing system gives fast and smooth opening action. The tighter the grip on the handle, the tighter the lockup, making this an exceptionally safe design. A custom removable stainless steel clothing/gear clip is provided.