Soldotna Fixed (Photo courtesy of CRKT)
April 23, 2024
By Game & Fish Staff
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) recently launched the Soldotna , a premium fixed-blade hunting knife made in the USA, just in time to commemorate the brand’s 30th anniversary. The new Soldotna fixed blade was designed by renowned craftsman, professional guide and outdoorsman Russ Kommer, a longtime partner to CRKT and a close friend of CRKT founder Rod Bremer.
The Soldotna embodies CRKT's identity as a family-owned American company, known for its commitment to collaboration with the best in the industry.
For the Soldotna, CRKT joined forces with the master blacksmiths at Vegas Forge in Nevada to craft the blade from Damascus steel and worked with TOPS Knives in Idaho for its production. The blade includes a full-grain leather sheath with a belt loop and stud closer, handmade in Idaho.
Soldotna Fixed with a 1095 Carbon Steel Steel Blade and Micarta Handle (Photo courtesy of CRKT) “As we celebrate our 30th year in business, the Soldotna is the perfect knife to both celebrate the past and set the tone for the future,” said Doug Flagg, VP of Marketing & Innovation for CRKT. “Not only is the Soldotna a highly functional hunting knife, but it’s also an example of our commitment to collaboration, quality and craftsmanship.”
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The inspiration for the Soldotna stems from a custom knife designer Russ Kommer crafted for Rod Bremer to gift to his grandson for a special hunt. Additionally, its name pays homage to a town in Alaska near the Kenai River, where Russ and Rod often fish for king salmon together.
Crafted to be an all-purpose hunting knife, the Soldotna features a 3.5-inch drop point blade. With a flat grind and just enough belly, the knife can be used for skinning but is also nimble enough for more intricate cuts. A supremely manageable knife, the feel in hand is outstanding thanks to a subtle swell in the back of the handle and a slight curvature near the finger guard which helps lock your hand in place when gripping the knife.
Soldotna Fixed with a Damascus Steel Blade and Walnut Handle (Photo courtesy of CRKT) The Soldotna will be available in two models: 1095 Carbon Steel and Damascus. The limited-edition Damascus steel version features a walnut handle and an acid etch finish to bring out the contrasting pattern on the steel. It’s a random pattern Damascus, so each knife will have its own unique character. Only 200 will be made and they will be available only on CRKT.com .
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A field-ready, in-line version will feature the exact same design and dimensions as the Damascus model and will again be made in the US in collaboration with TOPS Knives. This version will be crafted with 1095 Carbon blade steel with a Cerakote finish, tan canvas micarta handle and will include a black leather sheath.
