By: Abel Gonzalez

Knives are one of those tools that bridge practicality and personality. You don’t just carry a pocket knife—you live with it every day, reaching for it during the small, repetitive tasks that make up life. From opening packages to trimming cord, or even preparing food on the go, the right EDC knife should feel like a natural extension of your hand.

Recently, I got the chance to unbox and review the CRKT Padawan, a folding pocket knife designed by Pedro Buzetti. It’s marketed as an affordable, functional, and thoughtfully designed EDC option—and after spending some time with it, I can confidently say it’s a knife worth talking about.

First Impressions: A Pop of Character

The Padawan arrived in CRKT’s familiar minimalist box—sleek, professional, no frills. Sliding the knife out, I immediately noticed the orange micarta inlays set against the stainless steel handle. It’s a bold touch of color without being overwhelming—something that makes the knife feel personal while still practical.

Weighing in at 3.1 ounces, the Padawan strikes a sweet balance—it’s lightweight enough for everyday carry, yet sturdy enough to inspire confidence in hand.

The Blade: Sandvik Strength

The heart of any knife is its blade, and the Padawan doesn’t disappoint. It features a 3.01-inch drop point blade made from Sandvik 14C28N steel, a stainless steel known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.

The satin finish gives it a smooth, clean look, and paired with the plain edge, it’s designed for everyday versatility—whether you’re slicing, piercing, or doing finer cuts. The 0.13-inch thickness gives the blade enough backbone for heavier use without feeling bulky.

During my first few test cuts—opening boxes, slicing through rope, and even prepping an apple—I could feel the steel’s reliability. Sharp right out of the box, the blade required minimal effort to glide through materials.

Specifications:
• Overall Length: 7.13″
• Blade Length: 3.01″
• Blade Thickness: 0.13″
• Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N
• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Finish: Satin
• Edge Type: Plain
• Handle Length: 4.14″
• Handle Material: Stainless Steel w/ Orange Micarta Inlays
• Color: Gray / Orange
• Weight: 3.10 oz
• Opener: Jimped Flipper Tab
• Pivot: Bearings
• Lock Type: Frame Lock
• Carry: Tip-Up Pocket Clip
• Designer: Pedro Buzetti
• Model Number: 6070
• Best Use: Everyday Carry

Deployment: Smooth and Intuitive

The jimped flipper tab opener is one of my favorite features of the Padawan. With just a flick of the finger, the blade rockets out, thanks to the ball bearing pivot system. The jimping adds just enough grip to ensure my finger doesn’t slip while deploying, even when my hands weren’t at their driest.

The action is snappy and satisfying, yet controlled—it doesn’t feel loose or sloppy. This is exactly what I look for in a knife I plan to carry daily; it needs to open with reliability and minimal fuss.

Locking Mechanism: Secure Frame Lock

A knife’s lock is only as good as its reliability under pressure, and the Padawan’s frame lock earns full marks. When the blade is deployed, it locks firmly into place, with no noticeable blade play in any direction.

Closing the knife was equally smooth. The frame lock disengaged easily, but not so easily that I’d worry about it failing under stress. Safety and stability—check and check.

The Handle: Stainless Steel with Personality

The handle is 4.14 inches long and crafted from stainless steel, which provides durability and a sturdy grip. But what really gives the Padawan character is the orange micarta inlays.

Micarta not only adds a touch of color but also introduces a layer of texture that makes the knife more comfortable in hand. The contrast between the cool, sleek stainless steel and the warm, textured micarta makes this knife stand out visually and ergonomically.

At just over 7 inches in overall length when open, the knife feels well-balanced, neither too large for pocket carry nor too small to take seriously as a utility tool.

Everyday Carry Practicality

When it comes to carry, the tip-up pocket clip on the Padawan does its job well. It sits low enough in the pocket for comfort and accessibility while keeping the knife discreet. At just 3.10 ounces, I barely noticed it was clipped to my jeans until I needed it.

During a week of carrying, I used it for a variety of EDC tasks—slicing cord, breaking down cardboard, and even light food prep. The blade retained its edge impressively well, which is a testament to Sandvik 14C28N’s performance.

The Designer’s Touch: Pedro Buzetti

One of the cool things about CRKT knives is their collaborations with designers. The Padawan was designed by Pedro Buzetti, whose philosophy blends practical design with functional beauty. The Padawan embodies that approach—it’s simple, efficient, and aesthetically appealing.

The name “Padawan” itself is fitting—it suggests something accessible, reliable, and built for learning and growth, which is exactly how this knife feels in hand: approachable but undeniably capable.

CRKT: Innovation Meets Accessibility

Based in Oregon, CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) has earned its place in the knife community by offering innovative designs at budget-friendly prices. They’ve collaborated with legends like Ken Onion, Lucas Burnley, and Jesper Voxnaes, consistently bringing high-quality knives to everyday users.

Their Forged By War series, designed exclusively by Veterans, speaks volumes about their commitment not only to quality but also to honoring those who serve. The Padawan continues this tradition by offering a reliable, well-designed knife at a price point that won’t scare off casual users.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Sandvik 14C28N steel blade offers sharpness and durability.

• Smooth ball bearing pivot with reliable flipper tab opener.

• Frame lock feels secure and confidence-inspiring.

• Orange micarta inlays add both grip and character.

• Lightweight and pocket-friendly for EDC.

• Excellent balance of design and affordability.

Cons:

• Right-hand only carry may limit some users.

• Stainless steel handle can feel cold or slick without micarta.

• Country of origin (China) might be a drawback for those preferring U.S.-made knives.

Final Thoughts: An EDC That Balances Form and Function

After carrying and testing the CRKT Padawan, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic entry-level to mid-tier EDC knife. It’s thoughtfully designed, with enough unique touches to make it stand out, while staying practical and reliable for real-world use.

The Sandvik blade holds an edge, the flipper deployment is snappy, the frame lock is solid, and the micarta accents add a touch of style to an otherwise rugged tool. At the end of the day, this knife embodies CRKT’s philosophy perfectly: affordable innovation, built for the everyday user.

If you’re searching for a knife that combines utility, personality, and value, the Padawan is well worth adding to your rotation.

Where to Buy

You can check out the CRKT Padawan Frame Lock Folding EDC Pocket Knife and other CRKT designs directly at their official website: CRKT Official Website