The CRKT Minimalist Cleaver

The CRKT Minimalist Cleaver is a small (tiny?) knife suitable for everyday carry in either urban or remote environments.

The Knife:

This full tang knife has near straight 1-7/8" cutting edge. A study of the pictures reveals a blade cross section with a deep hollow ground that pulls up near the spine.

Now and then an open carry knife blesses me while canoeing, especially when fishing. With a sheath knife there is no pocket digging while balancing in the canoe and no searching in my backpack. There is no opening or actuating an assisted blade, the sheath knife is always at the ready.

Because fixed blade knives have no mechanism they are near impervious to sand and grit. Full tanged knives are unlikely to break. Even in rough use and they will not unexpectedly close on you. Sometimes simple is best, and oftentimes being small or even tiny is most useful.

The Sheath:

In the field a fixed bladed knife is never better than its scabbard. The CRKT Minimalist Cleaver comes with a Zytel sheath that can be configured for neck or belt carry. For belt carry the sheath can be positioned horizontally or vertically. This knife positively clicks, is retained in its sheath. As a unit the CRKT Minimalist Cleaver is a good system.

Sharpening:

I tried several different stones on the CRKT Minimalist Cleaver. After knocking off the factory edge and some experimentation, best results were found with a coarse stone. I held the blade to a steep angle. Now it only takes a few strokes to bring the dull blade to shaving sharp.

This steep of an angle is unconventional, but it works without rolling this edge.

Use:

In camping most knife chores are small, but important. Much of my knife use involves food preparation. On these trips the larger knives stay in my pack and the small knife sees all the action.

The CRKT Minimalist Cleaver is specialized for general use. In urban settings it is great for numerous chores.

These knives are easily incorporated into the lifestyle of individuals who values self reliance and the old motto of "being prepared." CRKT has a nice little knife/sheath combination in their Minimalist Cleaver.

Thanks for reading!

MSM