By: Mark J. Bartlett

When it comes to choosing an everyday carry (EDC) pocket knife, versatility, durability, and sharpness are key factors that should influence your decision. Enter the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding EDC Pocket Knife, a sleek and dependable tool designed for the modern tactical enthusiast. This review will dive into its design, build, performance, and real-world functionality, giving you a comprehensive look at why this knife stands out in the crowded EDC market.

Design and Build: Tactical Precision Meets Durability

The Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding EDC Pocket Knife is a well-thought-out blend of tactical design and quality materials. Built for strength and durability, the knife features a MagnaCut steel blade—a high-performance material known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. The stonewash finish adds a rugged aesthetic, giving the blade a worn, but not worn-out, look that fits perfectly with its tactical nature.

The crossbar lock mechanism is a standout feature. It’s designed for fast deployment and a secure lock, ensuring the blade remains firmly in place during use. This locking system offers greater reliability than standard liner locks, providing a solid feel with each use. The knife’s design also focuses on convenience and portability, with a closed length of 5.10 inches and an overall length of 9.19 inches when opened. Weighing just 4.90 oz (138.91 g), it’s light enough for daily carry without compromising on strength or performance.

Comfort and Fit: A Knife That Feels Right in Your Hand

One of the most important factors in any tactical tool is comfort, especially when it’s used frequently. The Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding EDC Pocket Knife excels in this area. The handle is ergonomically designed, offering a firm yet comfortable grip that doesn’t strain the hand, even after prolonged use. The textured G10 handle ensures a secure hold, preventing slippage in wet or sweaty conditions. The knife’s overall balance is well-calculated, giving it a controlled feel during both light tasks and more demanding cuts.

Additionally, the pocket clip is reversible, allowing users to carry the knife in their preferred orientation. The lightweight build adds to its portability, making it an ideal EDC knife for those who require a dependable, comfortable tool for a variety of tasks without feeling burdened by weight or bulk.

Functionality: A Knife Ready for Any Situation

The Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding EDC Pocket Knife’s versatility shines through in its ability to tackle a wide range of tasks. Whether you’re cutting through rope, cardboard, or denim fabric, this knife proves itself an invaluable tool. The 4.06-inch blade provides ample length for larger cutting tasks while remaining manageable for detailed work like carving or whittling.

When it comes to everyday carry, the knife’s crossbar lock mechanism ensures that it can be deployed quickly and safely. Additionally, its adjustable pocket clip provides flexibility, making it easy to secure the knife in various positions on your person.

Overall, the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding Knife is an adaptable tool that handles everyday cutting tasks with ease while excelling in more rugged environments where precision and durability are needed.

Performance: Real-World Test Scenarios

To truly understand how the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding EDC Pocket Knife performs in real-world situations, we put it through a series of rigorous tests. These evaluations provide insight into its overall sharpness, durability, and versatility across multiple materials.

1. Hair Shave Test: The Precision of the Blade

Out of the box, the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding EDC Pocket Knife impressed with its sharpness. The MagnaCut steel blade easily shaved hair from the arm, demonstrating its precision and superior edge retention. The smoothness with which the blade cuts hair showed that the knife is razor-sharp, and the edge stayed intact throughout the test. It’s clear that this knife is built to maintain a high level of sharpness for a long time, which is critical for those who need a reliable tool in tactical environments.

2. Cardboard Cut Test: Speed and Precision

Cutting through multiple layers of cardboard is often an indicator of how well a knife will perform in practical scenarios. The Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding Knife sliced through the cardboard effortlessly, showcasing its sharp edge and durability. The knife didn’t bend or show any signs of wear on the edge, making it an excellent choice for tough, repeated cutting tasks.

3. Denim Cut Test: Handling Tough Fabric

When cutting through denim, a tough and dense fabric, the knife’s performance was exemplary. The blade’s sharpness allowed it to slice through the fabric without any noticeable dulling. Despite the toughness of the denim, the knife handled the material with ease, and there was no visible damage to the blade, which is a testament to the quality of MagnaCut steel.

4. Paper Test: Smooth Cuts with No Tearing

The paper cut test provided further evidence of the blade’s sharpness. The Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding Knife sliced through paper smoothly without any fraying or tearing. The knife maintained precision with each cut, showcasing its suitability for tasks that require fine detail work, such as cutting paper, cardboard, or other similar materials.

5. Nylon or Rope Cutting Test: Versatility in the Field

Cutting through rope or nylon can be a challenge for many knives, but the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding Knife made short work of it. Whether it was nylon or paracord, the blade sliced cleanly through without much effort. The cutting speed was impressive, and the blade didn’t experience any noticeable dulling after several cuts, making this knife an excellent choice for tactical applications where rope and other fibrous materials are common.

6. Can Cutting Test: Challenging the Blade’s Durability

The true test of a blade’s strength and durability is how it handles tougher materials like metal. Cutting through a metal can is a strenuous task for any knife, but the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding Knife managed to cut through the can without significant issues. There was a slight amount of resistance, but the blade didn’t bend or show signs of dulling. This is a strong indicator of the knife’s overall durability, even when subjected to extreme conditions.

Comparison: Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding Knife vs. Other Tactical Knives

When compared to other tactical knives in the market, the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding Knife holds its own. Many knives in this price range use standard steel like 420HC or stainless steel, which may not hold an edge as well as MagnaCut steel. Additionally, the crossbar lock mechanism sets this knife apart from many competitors, offering a more secure and reliable lock than traditional liner locks or frame locks.

Some knives may offer more features or accessories, but the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding Knife excels with its simplicity, sharpness, and ergonomic design. It’s a solid, no-frills tactical tool that can handle a variety of tasks in demanding environments.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Pros:

• MagnaCut steel blade for superior sharpness and edge retention
• Crossbar lock for fast, secure deployment
• Ergonomic G10 handle provides comfort and durability
• Lightweight design (4.90 oz) for daily carry
• Excellent for a variety of cutting tasks, from light to tough materials
• Reversible pocket clip for versatile carry options
Cons:

• Not as many customization options as some competing knives
• May not be as suited for heavy-duty survival tasks (compared to larger, fixed-blade knives)
• Slightly higher price point than entry-level knives

Recommendation: Who Would Benefit from the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding Knife?

In conclusion, the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding EDC Pocket Knife is a highly versatile, durable, and sharp tool that excels in both everyday carry and tactical scenarios. Its impressive performance in our tests—combined with the ergonomic design and quality construction—makes it an ideal choice for anyone who requires a reliable knife for everyday tasks, fieldwork, or tactical applications.

Those who will benefit most from this knife include tactical enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and everyday carry aficionados looking for a well-rounded, reliable knife that performs in multiple environments. Whether you’re cutting rope, preparing for tactical operations, or simply need a dependable blade for daily tasks, the Redemption® Crossbar Lock Folding EDC Pocket Knife is a solid choice.

For more information, visit the official website: Columbia River Knife & Tool