Sharp styles and everyday smarts.
If you’re into pocket tools and EDC (everyday carry) gear, the latest crop from Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) has some genuinely fun and useful options. I spent some time digging into what makes each of these stand out — from a sleek everyday blade to utility-focused carry pieces — and who might benefit most from adding one (or all) of them to a pocket or kit.
Manufacturer: CRKT
Model: Zephyr (3840); Box Key (7118); Hangpry (9920)
Price: Zephyr ($123.99); Box Key ($78.00); ($74.99)
Made in: Overseas
Source: Houseofknives.ca
Key Features:
Zephyr:
- Overall Length: 7.19″
- Blade Length: 3.22″
- Weight: 2.1 oz
- Steel Type: D2
- Blade Finish: Satin
- Blade Style: Sheepsfoot
- Opens With: Flipper
- Lock Type: Liner Lock
- Handle Material: G10
Box Key:
- Overall Length: 3.24″
- Blade Length: 1.24″
- Blade Thickness: 0.1″
- Weight: 1oz
- Steel Type: 12C27
- Opens With: Slipjoint
- Lock Type: Slipjoint
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Hangpry:
- Overall Length: 3.6″
- Blade Length: 0.36″
- Thickness: 0.15″
- Weight :0.7oz
- Steel Type: Titanium
1. CRKT Zephyr Black (#3840) — sleek, smooth, and EDC-ready
There’s something about a knife that just feels right in the hand — and that’s exactly the vibe the CRKT Zephyr Black (3840) gives off. This is the one that feels like a real knife: a full-sized folder built for daily carry with a refined look and thoughtful design. The Zephyr’s plain-edge sheepsfoot blade is about 3.22″ long and provides a very controlled cutting profile — great for everyday tasks like opening packages, food prep on the trail, or detailed work where you want precision over aggressiveness. The blade steel on this version is D2 tool steel, which sits between budget stainless and premium steels: it offers excellent wear resistance and edge retention, though it’s not as corrosion-resistant as high-end stainless steels.
It rides on an IKBS ball-bearing pivot system for smooth deployment, and the textured G10 handle scales keep it lightweight and grippy without bulk. That means you get the feel of a higher-end EDC without a heavy weight in your pocket.
With its sheepsfoot-style blade and smooth ball-bearing pivot system, the Zephyr moves from pocket to task with very little fuss. The sheepsfoot profile is all about control over bite — the straight edge resists slips and excels at everyday cutting tasks. The textured G10 handle on the black version gives you a secure grip in everyday situations.
What I love about this one is how it blends practicality with polish. It’s light, easy to deploy with that rear flipper tab, and feels like it was designed with real life — not just shelf display — in mind.
The Zephyr is ideal for use in the shop and around the home or office for range of jobs, from opening packages to light cutting tasks. I’ve been using it as a layout knife in the shop and it works amazingly. Anyone who wants a reliable — but affordable — EDC knife that’s comfortable to use right out of the box will love this knife.
2. CRKT Stainless Steel Box Key (#7118) — tiny but terrific little cutter
Don’t underestimate this little guy just because it’s compact. The CRKT Box Key design is something of a novelty in the EDC world: it’s a card-style tool that fits easily on a keychain and handles quick cutting jobs without pulling out a full-size knife.
In this grey Box Key iteration, you’re essentially carrying a micro-knife blade engineered to slice through box tape, open mail, trim stray threads, and tackle those tiny tasks where a big blade is overkill. Because it’s so small and light, it’s the perfect “just in case” tool that almost disappears on your keys until you need it. The integrated clip serves as a money clip or a pocket clip provides secure carry.
This is the tool to have on hand for those everyday minor cutting jobs that come up more often than you think. The thin blades makes it ideal for cutting thin veneers in the shop. It’s the perfect choice for folks who want an ultra-light EDC utility and like to keep their gear minimalist — especially commuters, office workers, and anyone with a loaded keychain.
3. CRKT HangPry Grey Steel — The Utility Pry Bar You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’re the type who’s ever said “I need something like a knife, but not a knife,” the HangPry is a brilliant answer. This clever little tool is a one-piece titanium pry-bar that’s designed for all those daily tasks where a blade would just get gummed up or be overkill.
Need to open a paint can lid? Check. Pry up small nails? Yep. Tighten a flat-head screw? HangPry has you covered. It even slices through packaging tape without dulling your main blade. At just over 3.5″ and lighter than a pencil, it clips onto your keyring so it’s always available.
What sets this apart from a standard pocket pry bar is the feel — strong and lightweight because of its titanium build — and that “it just works” attitude. It’s utility personified for opening, prying, scraping, and utility tasks where a knife blade isn’t ideal. It’ll quickly become a ‘go-to’ tool for DIYers, tradespeople, and anyone who likes to be prepared for the non-cutting tasks that tend to pile up.
So, which one’s right for you? If you want a proper pocket knife that’s smooth, stylish, and genuinely useful: go with the Zephyr Black. If you want a lightweight utility tool you’ll barely notice until you use it, the Box Key Grey is perfect. And, if your daily tasks often involve prying, scraping, or lifting: the HangPry Grey is a clever and practical companion.
Each of these has its niche, but they all share that CRKT philosophy: practical design, everyday usefulness and a price point that feels fair for what you get.





Too bad it’s an American company.
Hi Jim, thanks for taking the time to comment.
I’m curious what you mean by that. CRKT is an American company, but their products — like many tools we use in our shops — are available through Canadian retailers. The woodworking world is pretty global these days. A lot of the tools we rely on here in Canada are made in the U.S., Europe, or Asia, just as Canadian-made products are sold and used elsewhere.
If we limited ourselves strictly to tools manufactured in Canada, most of us would have a hard time fully equipping a shop. It’s similar to how we buy produce in the winter months that simply can’t be grown locally. At the end of the day, I tend to focus on quality, performance and value, regardless of where a company is headquartered.