|
From the beginning, we at Columbia River Knife & Tool have worked with
the best knife designers we could find. And we've always been especially
delighted when two of them get their heads together and come up with
something completely surprising. So we're happy to report that it
hashappened again this year, resulting in our new NIRK� Tighe folder.
It all began last year 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 custom NIRK Tighe from exotic materials,which
immediately won the Most Innovative Custom Design Award at the 2010
Blade Show.
All that was left for us to do was to convert his custom into a faithful
production model. Our version of the NIRK Tighe features 420J2 stainless
steel frames which are stamped, then machined and coated with blue
titanium nitride. Finally, the frame exterior is satin polished, leaving
the blue interior coating, a stunning effect.
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 premium AUS 8
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.
Glenn's original quest was to create a folder of "irreducible
complexity." Brian has added a few additional parts, true, but he's also
added a vast amount of design interest in what is still a very
functional folder.
About the Knife Designer
Brian Tighe
Brian Tighe is a Canadian "Renaissance man": tool and die maker,
photographer and extraordinary custom knifemaker and CRKT knife
designer. He says, "I started making knives because I always carried one
and had a passion for them. When I was first introduced to custom
knives, I knew I could make them as well, got hooked and never looked
back. I knew from my experience how to cut metal, what tools were needed
and how to achieve the top fit and finish. I test my knives by carrying
one every day, and I use it for everything I need to do around the house
and work. I also get a lot of feedback from customers who use my knives
to make their living." Pat Covert of American Handgunner has said,
"Brian Tighe has risen from the rank and file of edged weapons artisans
to the rarified air of the top 10 elite. His sense of design is
extraordinary, his pride of workmanship exemplary. These are qualities
that have propelled Tighe to the top." His custom workshop is in
Ridgeville, Ontario.
Glenn Klecker
Glenn Klecker is an award-winning knife and tool designer who lives in
Silverton, Oregon. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a
degree in Mechanical Engineering. Glenn was a Captain in the U.S. Marine
Corps during Operation Desert Storm where he led a detachment of 100
Marines, for which he received the Navy Achievement medal for Superior
Service. He is also an expert marksman in both rifle and pistol. He has
extensive experience in designing and engineering products and
manufacturing technology for the automotive industry and knife and tool
industry. Hisknife and tool designs for leading manufacturers have
resulted in over 22 patents, and have received numerous awards,
including the prestigious IWA, International Multitool of the Year for
2006 and 2004; "iF", Product Design Award for 2006; Blade Magazine, Best
American Design of 2008; as well as receiving recognition from National
Geographic, Best Gear of 2008; Men's Journal, Best Gear for 2008. He is
the designer of the new CRKT NIRK.
Specifications
Dimensions
Open Overall Length: 9.13 inches
Closed Length: 5.25 inches
Weight: 5.1 ounces
Blade
Length: 3.875 inches
Thickness: 0.121 inches
Material: AUS 8
Blade-HRC: 58-59
Finish: Satin
Grind: Hollow
Style: Drop Point
Edge: Plain
Handle
Liner: 420J2
Lock
Type: Lockback
Carry
Carry System: 1 Position Clip
Features
Flipper: Yes |
Weapons
Universe is on Facebook
