The CRKT CEO Compact Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we'll take a look at a new little choice from CRKT, a compact version of their popular "CEO" model with two very different choices available.

[@turtelz217]

What a perfect little knife!! The flipper never fails to deploy and the knife I received sight unseen was pretty perfect. Glad CRKT finally offered a CEO with some premium materials they’re great with the small package. I’d recommend this to anyone who has doubts or concerns with the silhouette. Very perfect little blade.

[@glassjar7814]

Usually I’m not going for a pocketknife that small but the blade on the CEO has always caught my eye and this seems like a great carry with a suit or business casual

[@krabuh]

old comment ik, but if you love the small style of knives I would check out Samior! they have some AWESOME little knives.

[@ting280]

Perfect for me, I think it looks beautiful and I'm happy it's finally in a decent steel.

[@michaelrossi3707]

It already had decent steel but now it’s got high end steel

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

@@michaelrossi3707 no, 8cr is NOT a decent steel, it is barely good enough for edc and only if you like to sharpen your knife every second day.

[@michaelrossi3707]

@@KZbin-Censorship-Police Lol “barely good enough” is basically a good way of describing the word decent. And no I mind sharpening my CEO because it’s razor shap after one pull through my Wiltshire kitchen knife sharpener

[@andreigolovik3047]

I still don't get why people talk about ergos in hammer grip. Pinch grip covers 90% of what most people use an EDC knife for, yet almost no reviewers even mention it

[@Orochi_001]

This is an interesting comment. I’ve personally never used a pinch grip outside of a chef’s knife or cleaver.

[@andreigolovik3047]

@@Orochi_001 Maybe not exclusively a pinch grip: I personally use pinch and claw most often. For the office ninja that cuts up fruits, boxes, tape, and paper, there's no use for a hammer grip. Especially with a knife like the CEO which is built specifically for small tasks, as mentioned, I don't see the reason why hammer grip is even brought up. I'd like to see what your use cases are.

[@Lancealot3553]

I’ve got for get one of these. I have two already and I love them, it’s always interesting to see what Crkt comes out with simply because they have so many knife designers, if they continue that they will always have customers and always be original, in every design. You are definitely right about the price point and the steal. Let’s hope they apply their smarts to the right metal and keep the good designs coming.

[@johndorian3359]

Thank you for the thoughtful review. I love the looks of the high end version shown, but like you’ve said, not for the current price.

[@MrWishihadagibson]

I recently picked up the compact CEO in carbon fiber. The clip was loose. I sent it back under warranty and just got it back. I love it! It’s a great little gent carry.

[@kens5871]

I always looked down on crkt as a budget, but innovative maker. This really pushes up a rank for me with s35. Nice

[@waynegraham7608]

The keltec of knives

[@Freakmaster480]

The jeans coin pocket is actually a watch pocket. It was origionally used for pocket watches and is now just there.

[@Glocks.Scotch.and.Wristwatch]

It’s a coin pocket because we don’t use it for a watch anymore.

[@Freakmaster480]

@@Glocks.Scotch.and.Wristwatch Who actually uses it for coins though? It's about as annoying as possible for that task.

[@Stantonv]

Great review. I would have bought this on looks alone until I watched this review. Thanks.

[@TheStreamingEnderman]

So happy they made this. It's a better CEO in every way.

[@3wheelmannc860]

I bought on a couple of years ago (pre-flipper option). Not a big fan due to my difficulty in opening easily. I really like the flipper option. If they would offer with upgraded steel option more often, I would like one. I have not seen the version you have. I would prefer the non-compact. It is a very useful edc knife imo.

[@9inchrails]

I had same problem with flipping it. I used a chainsaw file and some sand paper to open up the area around the thumb stud a little more. Not filing metal off, just the grip.

[@Krozin]

still just giving out great content, great points made

[@matthuck378]

It's like a good version of the Boker Kwaiken. I like it. I do wish the 'budget' version had d2 or 14c28n considering it's just plastic-scaled and costs $45.

[@jonesy369]

Totally agree about the ergonomics of the back corners, which make it uncomfortable for front pocket carry also.

[@alexxxpierce7788]

I just got one of the budget friendly ones from Academy yesterday and I love it…, the action is really snappy on it, it’s my new EDC now

[@michaelmechex]

I feel like playing devil's advocate here. This knife is designed for office people, who generally need to open like a cardboard box and cut two envelopes in a week. It's designed to be hidden away until you need an edge once in a while. My point is, no one is using this for more than a minute at a time. For that kinda use even 420 would get you by for 2 months. I'd much prefer 1.4116 to D2 on a knife like this, because it I pulled this out of my pocket after 2 weeks and it would be rusty I'd be mad. Edge retention is just not an important metric on a knife like this.

[@mikeobrien4081]

Glad they made an upscale version, I saw 7redi's review of the base compact version and the materials downgrade made me a sad panda. EDIT: this absolutely doesn't need to be a front flipper (nothing does), but as a top-rear-corner flipper it would be perfect.

[@sleestack13]

Thanks for the review, Nick! This looks like a nice "eatin' out at the semi-fancy restaurant" knife (because restaurants will not give you a sharp knife anymore, even if you order steak). Probably won't illicit screams from the next table over. That being said, the 2.7 inch blade is actually too BIG for me. Chicago city laws say that any blade over 2.5 inches is a "beheading sword", and a SWAT team member would be standing on my neck the moment I pulled this out. Kidding on that last one, but really not. Two - point - five - inches. Sigh.

[@chrisc1760]

Yea with 600 to 800 homicides from gun violence every year, Chicago definitely has there priorities in check with keeping those massive 3" blades out of the city! 👏👏👏 Keep up the good work protecting the public from those deadly assault style knives...

[@klahowya_capo]

I have the older CEO. Really like it! My go to for a dressy occasion.

[@davidszatkowski6131]

I bought one when they came back in stock. It's actually easier for me to operate than the standard CEO Flipper. I like it though. It was indeed the S35VN that sold me on it though.

[@rodgeronimo6557]

OMG fall shutty...🤣love your humor. Imagine if like reate or protek was OEM.

[@joelhansen7373]

In my book design encompasses more than just the appearance. It should include important things like ergonomics & balance, as well as little things like avoiding a knife blade cluttered up with branding & marketing messages.

[@wvojak]

I have the CEO Micro Flipper. A very nice knife to carry at work where "Weapons" are not allowed. Fits in the watch pocket of my jeans. I've also used it in restaurants to cut steaks as such, since it's so small nobody notices. (I really hate the cheap saw tooth steak knives restaurants give you). Next time I'll use a Spyderco Endura and see if anyone notices. . .

[@Cid_1]

I see they took some notes from the Boker Kwaiken handbook on this one. But I really like this both the CEO and the Kwaiken got some nice options.

[@chefboiarby304]

As easy as the CRKT CEO Flipper Compact is to carry, I can't help but think that the regular CEO Flipper seems a bit more attractive to me. I think the length of the original and regular flipper version made the design more unique as it seemed slimmer (both are equally slim, but the extra length emphasizes it). I think the original size might also help with manipulation and the ergonomics. Also, I don't like to spend a lot of money on an individual knife, because it allows me to buy enough budget knives where even 8Cr13MoV/AUS 8 is more than enough to cover my edge retention needs. Ease of sharpening is more important to me (I have some D2, AR-RPM9, and 12C27N knives just because I collect so many) since I use a Lansky Turnbox and Blade Medic to touch up my blades. Considering all of this, the CEO flipper is a compelling option for me as its softer steel is my preference due to the circumstances of my collection. The $40 price point works for my knife budget with my only qualm being the FRN (I've heard that the CEO has good FRN that doesn't look or feel as cheap as it often does so my qualm isn't that strong). I don't have the CEO yet, but it is within my next top few picks to buy (like the Byrd Tern and Kershaw Turismo).

[@seatedliberty]

I used to be a big fan of CKRT and carried one for a long time, but with Civivi, CJRB, QSP, and others at the same price point but vastly superior blade steels, I no longer see the need to purchase much if anything from CKRT. And if I need an even less expensive knife, I have been very impressed with Petrified Fish knives.

[@clintonlewis1261]

Looks good.

[@damascusthefox]

I love the CEOs, and if they made a front flipper version, that would be sweet! ^w^

[@jamesrodgers3132]

Civivi Lumi

[@KudoYoung]

I Absolutely love my CEO Flipper. #1 Reason being I can fit my hands into my pockets much easier for other items. I feel I don't necessarily need this newer smaller version. :3

[@82cb750]

I do like that they did not put any logo on the pocket clip.

[@Mntoyaz]

I’ll wait for the next Compact CEO Premium version. I do like the size looks of knife.

[@highdesertforester]

I recently bought this knife and I agree with all of your comments. That squared off handle is also uncomfortable when you place your hand in your pocket. Round it off CRKT!

[@speckledjim_]

A little tuning and this is very drop shuttle, it's git a beautiful action

[@6bluestrings]

Thanks Nick. I hope CRKT will add a thumb stud Compact to their lineup?

[@weirdmusicmixmaster]

id really like to see steel move to d2, vg10, and aus10 as the new budget steels on decent knives.

[@DetoxA1313]

I really enjoy the reversible pocket clip here. I did notice that this design is remarkably close to the the “Boker Plus Kwaiken Mini”, all except the clip. Anyone else see the resemblance?

[@bigmikeg84]

I liked the original CEO, and I'm glad they switched over to a flipper. The blade was so thin that the thumb stud made it impossible to properly maintain the blade on stone or leather.

[@a.j.garrett9639]

It's growing on me!

[@davidmarshall7752]

That's a hit for CRKT. Kudos to a brand I'd written-off years ago.

[@scottmeacham1738]

That overall profile reminds me of a small Sod Buster. I'm not buying the "pecking Flipper tab". It's on the same end as the pocket clip, right? What is going to be hanging around at the rim of the pocket with the knife? Nothing. I carry my Benchmade Osborn 9400 or WE Pintail Limited with the black and white swirl pattern on G10 as my Gentleman's Carry. Thanks for sharing this video with us!

[@JAMESGREGORYKULP1985]

It sounds like Kershaw knives company. Kershaw loves 8CR13MOV stainless steel.

[@timb4425]

Sign up for the newsletter and get the 10% code. At least makes it a bit less. Love the website exclusive.

[@AmzK]

Wish I could get my hands on this in South Africa, I searched high and low with no luck.

[@deffunc]

The base model is more ballpoint pen, this model is more fountain pen. Others have commented that the surface finish on the base model's GRN handles is prone to wear, exposing black, which makes one wonder why CKRT didn't just do uncoated black like the earlier models. As you point out, the value in blade steel and handle material is just not there at the price point. Which is a pity because I like the CEO concept and overall design. Just needs more refinement.

[@Kilt_Camera_and_Carry]

Tale as old as time … CRKT has wonderful designs… Innovative locks … Collaborations with hot designers … Then crashes and burns on cheap steel!

[@SeemsLogical]

I think that going cheap on the materials is why you get to see so many innovative designs come out from CRKT. It's a risk to come out with something new and so when they release a design that's so bizarre they want to cover themselves in case it fails to sell on the market. It's financially conservative moves like that which keeps them from going bankrupt but also the mentality that prevents them from being more popular with the knife community as a whole.

[@DieYuppieScum91]

To me, the flipper tab kills this design. The whole original idea of the CEO line was being shirt pocket, and even pen pocket, friendly. Flipper tab makes that less the case. This really needs a front flipper. The original with the thumbstud was good for carry, but hard to manipulate the liner lock.

[@jamesbarry6248]

that in D2 would be a good base model

[@masonr1666]

I am glad to see that they came out with a version with a flipper tab. I tried the version with the thumb stud a while back, and didn't care for it. I may have to pick one up, because I did like the form factor, just not the way it deployed. I almost never use a knife, maybe once a month at the most.

[@masonr1666]

Update: I have just purchased the CRKT CEO, in a blacked out D2 version, w/ a flipper tab. [Non-compact.] It just arrived today. I don't plan on using it that much, but I will be carrying it everyday. The Flipper size is a .5" to an 1" longer than a closed space pen. So far, the glaring miss on the CEO Flipper, is the access to the lock bar for closing. It's kind of hard to get to it. However, I much prefer the Flipper tab to the thumb stud version. I didn't want to take the time to learn the ways of the thumb stud, so I sent it back. One of the reasons I prefer a flipper, is when it is deployed, a Flipper tends to act as a built in guard for the knife. Comparing the Queit Carry iQ to the CRKT CEO flipper: the CEO is longer & a little slimmer. The iQ' bade is much wider, and looks "less delicate." The blade length is very close to each other. The CEO Flipper version is also available in Aus-8 now, and I think I like the contrasting clip & screw better than the full black on black (I just wanted to upgrade to D2 steel). I am so far glad I purchased the CRKT CEO flipper in D2 steel, I probably will purchase an Aus-8 for when the D2 needs sharpened.

[@krabuh]

@@masonr1666 you should check out some knives from Savior, similar to this but better IMO

[@a.j.garrett9639]

I actually like this version better. The full size looks like a fish fillet knife

[@Dan_Ondutydriving]

I agree. I find the CEO blade is deceptively long, causing some collateral damage.

[@Hexsyn]

I like it, but i want it to have a damascus blade with that carbon fiber because I only see myself buying this as a knife for a sports jacket pocket for a handful of fancy dress-up days in any given year of my life.

[@bani_niba]

For this kind of knife, you're going to be cutting an apple or opening a few letters. Hot spots won't be a real issue.

[@susanavenir]

Richard Rogers needs to design a knife called the Hammerstein because you'll never walk alone when the corn is as high as an elephant's eye. Okay, okay, so am I the only one here who sings show tunes when drunk?

[@HeyItsCoates]

Looks like a good office knife, looks more discrete than whipping out a huge tanto blade to open your sandwich.

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

Not for me and I like small knives. I agree with everything you've said.

[@sethsbikehacks2730]

Hey Nick! Sell all your watches or all your knifes?

[@kymcopyriot9776]

I have a Civivi Bo that I love and I feel like it does everything just as well as the CRKT, and is better value. Buying this would just be paying more to double up.

[@matthewadler1329]

I actually don't see 1.4116 to be on par with AUS-8 or 8cr. I think its worse. It dulls very quickly, and I'm not happy that CRKT has been pushing lesser steels for too much money for while, but instead of making up for that, they have put out a bunch of new designs with even crappier steel, and I'm not pleased.

[@arupian666]

$150 for the S35VN version on BHQ

[@genoedcknifecollecter1538]

You lost me at can only get this from crkt directly I hate that bs

[@matthuck378]

Also, your average CEO-type has a Mnandi, haha.

[@happykt]

I loathe front flipping knives. I've tried opening 3 different ones and have been unsuccessful. I have small female sized hands.

[@HaiNguyen-zz7ue]

You got the nice one. Want to sell it?

[@csarebel8657]

I had one and I gave it away for Christmas…. I hated that clip. Scales were too slick… difficult to open.

[@thelogician1934]

It belong in dollar shop.

[@PRproduct]

You shouldn't really bring up a lower trim model as a critique in this review that's like criticizing a cheaper version of a car in the higher trim review

[@not-a-raccoon]

Crkt has been trying hard to regain their relevance. Not sure how successful they are though. They still don't have anything in their lineup that would entice me.

[@TheMillieSmalls]

I just had one of these in my hands today. They are garbage. Looked great, that’s about it

[@clintonlewis1261]

Yeah should be cheaper!

[@j.r7872]

Blue microflipper is better.

[@lRickGrimesl]

Bugs bunny

[@DorkForge]

8Cr equivalents at $45 is too expensive? S35VN and marbled CF is not good value at $115? I understand that Chinese brands are pushing value in the market, and that's great, but those comments seem wildly disconnected from inflation, supply chain choking and well... general pricing? I just can't wrap my head around the premium version being not good value at that price, and the 8Cr thing is just tired steel snobbery tbh.

[@NickShabazz]

You're very welcome to disagree. But I'm just as welcome to ask for better, particularly when other brands are delivering it.

[@DorkForge]

@@NickShabazz Certainly, we're all entitled to our opinions and I hope this didn't seem like an attack on yourself to any degree, opinions invite discussion and it was two points I found egregious so commented. On the cheap steel: No it's not amazing value, but the painting of that category of steels as sharpening all the time is, well I doubt what actually happens. Most people that would pick up a design like this will be using it occasionally and no for extended cutting, particularly in rotation it isn't going to need maintenance often. I understand that you have to critique the knife itself, but your steel comments feel very 'this is my opinion on this steel' and not often strongly tethered to if it actually matters for that knife. On the price of the premium version, I'd sincerely appreciate an example of a brand doing materials like that at an $85 pricepoint. I checked Bladehq to see if I was horribly out of date since my disposable income dived and my buying dropped back, but I don't think I am. Most knives in the $80-$90 bracket with S35VN are using G10, Micarta and so on and it took me all of two pages to hit around the price point CRKT is asking for. Considering the sheer amount of variations from Chinese firms that eat page space, that was genuinely surprising. Maybe I'm wrong and you have a reem of examples of comparable materials at the price point you want to see, but looking at the knives actually for sale on one of the most popular knife vendors in the US... Those prices are the exception, the extreme outliers and they're not using marbled CF, or CF to this extent at all for the most part. I enjoy your videos, I value your opinion even if my wallet doesn't, but knocking a knife's price because it's at least fair (by market standards) doesn't feel right. If everything delivered extreme value like you say you want to see, would anyone be delivering it? Or would the goalposts move again? Are the price evaluations based in actual value given in the here and now, or based on opinions we form as we get into the hobby and get stuck on older pricing as everything rises around us, with the minority leveraging lower costs to deliver a somewhat lower price? I don't think you're movable on the first point, despite your own use not going beyond the performance of those steels by your own admission. But they second one I hope you consider, because as an influencer you can set people's expectations and perceptions, and that's a responsibility. Just take a look for a knife in S35VN and marbled CF and see what the actual pricing is. you might be surprised. Looking forward to the next video, they're always a joy to view, differing opinions take nothing away from that.

[@mikiuxp]

The whole concept of ‘budget steels’ is an industry hand-wave, especially for non-working knives that will never see consistently hard use. I have an almost 20yo M21-14 from CRKT that’s been to Bosnia, Irag, and Afghanistan that I guarantee has seen more hard use than what most civilians EDC. It’s AUS8, I believe, which people these days will shit all over, but it cut when I needed it to, pried when I needed it to, the maintenance was never egregious, and it’s still in perfect working order today. I remember when a Blade Magazine article gushed about 440C being amazing for pocket knives, and how its move from cutlery was a such great thing. Imagine that now. Budget vs CPM Uber steels are mostly a non-factor for infrequent, EDC use, and the back and forth on them is created out of whole cloth by manufacturers to create an upwards trend in price points. In terms of practical use, if your knife consistently performs well for what you carry it for, everything else is secondary.

[@grumpyoldphart7325]

Worse knife ever made.

[@hetrogamr84]

Please sir, talk slower.

[@danielsorrell1168]

I was excited to order this knife, since I loved the look. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend it. They advertised it correctly; this knife is TINY. So tiny that it is very awkward in the hand when I try to deploy the knife. This lead to many misfires and, given the slickness of the handle, me dropping the knife towards my feet with the blade out. The user is “not a brilliant man” so take that for what it’s worth. This one will be returned to CRKT.