FOG HORN 2015

Twobirds Flying Publication

Copyright 2015, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

CRKT ARGUS™

CRKT ARGUS™ - a Matthew Lerch EDC 2015

Copyright 2015, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

CRKT ARGUS™ - a Matthew Lerch EDC

By: Sal Palma

Matthew Lerch’s signature is his combination of

innovative mechanisms with relatively

elaborate carvings; his knives combine art with

function. A native of Sussex, Wisconsin, he

started out life as a jeweler and watchmaker

before graduating to manufacturing and

toolmaker.

In this review, I take an in-depth look at his

ARGUS folder, a collaborative effort with

Columbia River Knife and Tool.

The ARGUS has several things to like, many of

which compete for the number one spot in my

mind; however, its weight is what does it for

me. In spite of its 6061 aluminum handle, the

ARGUS weighs a mere 4.2 ounces, which makes

carrying a joy and imperceptible.

Tied for the number two spot, on my list, is

ARGUS’ pocket clip and blade profile. CRKT has

done a magnificent job of implementing the

pocket clip, which lets the knife sit deeply and

inconspicuously in the carry pocket while

remaining very gentle on your garments.

Carrying the ARGUS with dress wool or

gabardine slacks is nothing to be concerned

over. Its wide and softly flared clip slides gently

over fabrics without compromising retention -

very well done is the least I could say!

Consistent with several Lerch designs, the

ARGUS sports a drop point blade that simply

rocks. Although this knife is a welterweight, its

flat ground 3.55 inch blade provides enough

tool strength to handle tasks that under most

circumstances would be assigned to a more

corpulent tool.

The assisted opening mechanism, marketed

under the trade name Outburst™, is very lively;

putting the blade into action with a distinctive

snap. The spring takes over the opening process

after approximately 15°of blade travel. Opening

the blade happens by pressing down and out on

the ambidextrous thumb disc. Once open, a

hefty liner lock keeps it securely and safely in

CRKT ARGUS™ - a Matthew Lerch EDC 2015

Copyright 2015, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

place. Accidental blade openings are prevented

with CRKT’s Fast Fire safety mechanism.

Matt’s watchmaker background seeped into

ARGUS’ design and is readily observable in the

thumb disc, which is held on the blade spine by

a “miniscule” torx bolt and rotates back and

forth; very much like a watch movement. It’s

this rotation along with some delicate

machining that makes opening this blade so

smooth.

Although very creative; I see the possibility of

the thumb disc coming loose with extended use

so caveat emptor, and once you decide on

which side to use the thumb disc, apply a small

amount of blue Loctite on the fastener. I’m also

going to lobby CRKT to include an appropriately

sized torx wrench as part of their product

packaging. This is certainly not a deficiency but

simply an opinion based on my years of

experience with anything that can go wrong will

go wrong - usually at the worst possible times.

The ARGUS handle features removable scales

made from 6061 Aluminum and textured to

provide a very positive grip. This knife has a

very nice balance centered about an inch aft of

the axis point so its blade tip is very nimble. The

abundance of finger coils along the handle gives

ARGUS a very comfortable feel. It just sits in the

hand very nicely!

My review sample is a black finish and CRKT

also offers this exceptional folder in a satin

finish.

ARGUS is a gentleman’s knife offering a brilliant

balance between a very sexy look and

exceptional tool quality. AUS 8 is the perfect

steel for this quality EDC folder; perfectly suited

for edge retention, corrosion resistance and

price.

The CRKT ARGUS is an import of first-rate

quality, handsome looks and outstanding

features at a price you can afford. Check it out

at your favorite dealer or take my word for it;

ARGUS is a great little folder you’ll want in your

pocket. -SP

Manufacturer Specifications

Dimensions Open Overall Length 8.13 inches

Closed Length 4.56 inches Weight 4.2 ounces Blade

Length 3.55 inches Thickness .12 inches Material AUS 8 Blade-HRC 57-58 Finish Satin Grind Flat Grind Style Drop point Edge Plain Edge Handle

Material 6061 Aluminum Lock

Type Locking Liner Safety System FireSafe Carry

Carry System 1 position clip (tip down) M.S.R.P. $130.00