Your New Favorite EDC: The CRKT Bamboozled™ is Smart, Sharp, and Stylish

By: Maureen Chaffe

When it comes to everyday carry (EDC) knives, finding the right balance between performance, ergonomics, and visual appeal can be a challenge. But every so often, a design comes along that seems to get it all just right. Enter the CRKT Bamboozled™ Assisted, designed by Kenny Onion, son of the legendary knifemaker Ken Onion. With a combination of bold design cues, superior functionality, and materials that punch above their weight class, this spring-assisted folding knife delivers more than just first impressions.

A Heritage of Innovation: Kenny Onion’s Design Legacy
Let’s begin with the knife’s pedigree. Kenny Onion might be a new name to some, but he carries the weight of a famous lineage. As the son of Ken Onion, a name synonymous with innovation in the knife industry, Kenny proves he’s learned from the best. With the Bamboozled, Kenny merges traditional form with modern function — and the results are nothing short of impressive.

Out of the Box: First Impressions

The CRKT Bamboozled arrives in standard CRKT packaging — minimalist, efficient, and protective. But the moment you lift the knife from the box, it becomes clear this is no ordinary folder. Its striking brown G10 handle accented by a stainless steel bolster immediately grabs your attention. It’s a clean, stylish design that leans classic without veering into boring.

At just 3.70 oz, the knife feels sturdy yet not overly heavy. The tan color palette gives it a refined, tactical look, and the tip-up pocket clip ensures it rides deep in your pocket without drawing attention.

*Straight out of the box, the CRKT Bamboozled stuns with its clean lines, contrasting textures, and solid feel in the hand.*

Technical Specifications
• Overall Length: 7.81″
• Blade Length: 3.34″
• Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Finish: Black
• Edge Type: Plain
• Handle Length: 4.47″
• Handle Material: G10 w/ Stainless Steel Bolster
• Color: Tan
• Weight: 3.70 oz.
• User Orientation: Right-Hand
• Pocket Clip: Tip-Up
• Knife Type: Spring Assisted
• Opener: Flipper
• Pivot Type: Bearings
• Lock Type: Liner Lock
• Designer: Kenny Onion
• Country of Origin: China
• Best Use: Everyday Carry (EDC)

D2 Steel Blade – A Workhorse for Your EDC Needs
At the heart of any good knife is its blade, and the Bamboozled doesn’t disappoint. Featuring a 3.34-inch drop point blade forged from D2 tool steel, the knife is built for durability. D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium steel known for its excellent edge retention and wear resistance, making it a fantastic choice for someone looking for a knife that doesn’t need constant sharpening.

The black finish adds a layer of stealth and helps protect the blade from corrosion. Out of the box, the blade arrives razor sharp and ready to tackle tasks ranging from slicing open packages and cords to carving wood or even light food prep.

Whether you’re an urban dweller needing an all-purpose tool or an outdoor enthusiast wanting a backup blade, the Bamboozled is up to the task.

*The 3.34″ drop point blade made from D2 tool steel offers top-notch edge retention, making it ideal for rugged daily use.*

Assisted Opening: Fast, Smooth, Satisfying

One of the standout features of the Bamboozled is its spring-assisted opening. A simple press on the flipper tab, and the blade rockets open with a satisfying snap. It’s quick, intuitive, and one-handed — everything you’d want in a fast-deployment knife.

This is thanks to the ball bearing pivot system, which makes the motion buttery smooth. There’s no grit, no hesitation, just precision engineering. This makes it especially handy when you only have one hand free or need to deploy the blade quickly in a pinch.

*Thanks to the flipper tab and assisted-opening mechanism, deployment is fast and smooth every single time.*

Handle and Ergonomics: Grip Meets Elegance

The handle is where the Bamboozled really starts to show its refinement. Measuring 4.47 inches, it fits comfortably in most adult hands. The G10 scales provide an excellent balance of weight and grip, and the textured surface keeps the knife secure even when your hands are wet or gloved.

Adding to the style and strength is the stainless steel bolster, which not only adds a nice visual break but also reinforces the structural integrity near the pivot. It’s the kind of detail that elevates the knife into a more premium tier — aesthetically pleasing, yet practical.

The liner lock is easy to engage and disengage with one hand, and once locked open, the blade feels rock solid with zero blade play.

*The contoured G10 handle and steel bolster offer a solid grip and a premium feel, merging durability with elegance.*

Everyday Carry (EDC) Credentials

When choosing an EDC knife, portability and reliability are key. The Bamboozled hits that sweet spot. At just 3.70 oz, it’s light enough to carry daily without noticing it, but heavy enough to feel substantial when in use.

The tip-up pocket clip is sturdy and keeps the knife accessible. While it’s a right-hand-only design, it rides deep enough in your pocket to remain discreet. Whether you’re wearing jeans, slacks, or even light hiking pants, the Bamboozled tucks away cleanly without creating an awkward bulge.

Real-World Use: The Bamboozled in Action
Over the course of a week, I carried the CRKT Bamboozled as my primary EDC blade. I used it to slice rope, open stubborn packages, break down boxes, and even prepare a quick trail snack. The D2 blade held its edge exceptionally well, and the drop point tip proved versatile enough for detailed work like scoring and scraping.

The assisted opening came in handy more than once, particularly when I was juggling other items and needed the knife in a flash. At no point did the knife feel unsafe or flimsy. The liner lock stayed secure, even during harder pushes and twists.

*The CRKT Bamboozled blends sleek aesthetics with high-performance materials, earning its place as both a tool and a statement piece.*

Style Points: A Knife You’ll Want to Show Off

There’s a quiet elegance to the Bamboozled. It’s not flashy, but it definitely turns heads. Between the black blade, tan G10 scales, and steel bolstering, there’s a refined contrast that gives the knife a designer look — fitting, considering the Kenny Onion origin.

Unlike tactical-style knives that scream for attention or ultraminimalist folders that fade into the background, the Bamboozled walks the line gracefully. It’s the kind of knife that gets compliments, even from folks who don’t usually notice cutlery.

Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Excellent blade steel (D2) with great edge retention
• Smooth, fast assisted opening
• Stylish G10 and steel handle combination
• Comfortable ergonomic grip
• Slim, lightweight, and pocket-friendly
• Designed by Kenny Onion with classic CRKT build quality

Cons:
• Right-hand only pocket clip
• D2 requires more maintenance than stainless counterparts (light oiling helps prevent corrosion)
• Made in China (may be a consideration for some collectors)

The Verdict: CRKT Bamboozled is a Cut Above
CRKT has long been known for collaborating with some of the best knife designers in the industry, and the Bamboozled by Kenny Onion is a shining example of what those partnerships can yield. This is not just another folder — it’s a refined, functional, and aesthetically impressive tool that excels as an everyday carry.

With a hardworking D2 steel blade, smooth assisted deployment, durable G10 handle, and a designer pedigree, it’s hard to find fault here — especially at the accessible price point CRKT typically delivers.

For more details or to purchase the CRKT Bamboozled Assisted, visit their official website: https://www.crkt.com/

Whether you’re new to knives or a seasoned EDC enthusiast, the CRKT Bamboozled™ Assisted offers a balance of practicality and panache that few folders can match. Kenny Onion has delivered a blade that lives up to his family’s name — and then some.