CRKT Squid Pocket Knife Review

Bottom Line

This everyday carry knife is made to fit discreetly in your pocket and last a lifetime. The CRKT Squid is an impressive blend of quality and affordability, with a compact design and deep pocket clip to keep it discreet. It is also easy to misplace, so keep it close! However, its small size may feel cramped for larger hands, and it only excels with basic or some moderate tasks. Basically, don’t expect this knife to do much more than slice a few pieces of cheese or whittle down a stick around the campfire. 

Despite being slightly heavier than expected, its value is undeniable—providing unexpected performance at a budget price. The Squid is a solid investment ideal for anyone seeking a dependable, no-frills knife. See more of our top picks for everyday carry knives in our guide to the best pocket knives.

Build Quality

The CRKT Squid provides exceptional build quality for the price, especially when you compare it side by side with premium pocket knives. It has a fairly seamless design with smooth hinges and durable side plates. All the components are made from steel, which creates a long-lasting construction. More than that, the steel is carefully treated for an even more optimal performance. Do not underestimate this knife just because of its small size; it holds up well, slicing and cutting most standard materials. It is a little heavier than expected, but that may be because of the materials used to create such a robust and sturdy tool.

Blade Retention & Stability

Looking at the CRKT through the lens of a budget knife, the sharpness and edge retention are hard to beat. Made from high-quality 8Cr14MoV steel, the blade moves and cuts consistently. We could slice through tough materials like cardboard, whittle down sticks, and cut fabric without losing much of an edge. 

Although we didn’t have issues performing most tasks with the knife, the smaller blade length may limit its utility and make tasks that require more reach difficult. Regardless, the knife’s utility is optimal for the average user at a great price point.

Ergonomics & Grip

The CRKT Squid is a highly portable and compact knife. It weighs a bit more than expected (but more on that later), but its small size fits perfectly in your pocket. The simple profile and deep pocket clip enhance its portability, and there is a place to add a lanyard for more versatile carrying options. 

It is a true everyday carry knife and is best for everyday tasks. The small size is convenient, but it can also be uncomfortable for users with larger hands. Even if you have small hands, the small size can cause some fatigue when used for extended periods. It is optimized for small, simple tasks as an everyday carry knife. So, sticking to the basics will maximize comfort and performance.

Corrosion Resistance

Using one material for the entire knife streamlines maintenance and corrosion resistance. Made from 8Cr14MoV steel, it contains about 13% chromium, which forms a protective layer of oxide to help prevent rust. The steel is also heat treated to improve the hardness of the blade. The material is decently durable, but the steel is still very easy to work with, helping users maintain an edge and reduce corrosion effectively. 

The best way to keep this knife in good shape is to keep it clean and keep up with knife maintenance. CRKT goes a long way to make a reliable tool that will last a lifetime.

Locking Mechanism

The CRKT Squid uses a frame lock, which is standard for most pocket knives, to secure the blade while it is in use. These locks are integrated into the knife’s handle, and part of the handle material creates a locking mechanism. When the blade is open, a part of the handle (or frame), known as the lock bar, moves outward slightly to engage the blade tang. 

Frame locks are highly reliable and perform well under pressure and heavy use. Although they are very stable, aspects of the mechanism, like the pivot screw, may need to be adjusted. The pivot screw on the CRKT Squid is challenging to adjust but not impossible.

Weight

The CRKT Squid weighs 3.5 ounces, which is kind of heavy for the knife’s length (2.16 in blade). It is heavier than other compact options but the weight adds a stronger, sturdier feel to such a small blade. We can appreciate the weight simply because of the durability we’ve seen during testing. Still, it may feel a little bulky to some users.

Should You Buy the CRKT Squid?

The CRKT is potentially the perfect everyday carry knife. This will appeal if you need a compact, reliable knife that can continually take on daily tasks at an affordable price. It is long-lasting, has good edge retention, and is small enough that you may even forget it is in your pocket. 

If you’re seeking something with a longer blade, this may feel too cramped, and you won’t be able to tackle very demanding tasks. It is best for light to moderate tasks and is suitable for those new to knives or just wanting a trustworthy pocket knife at a decent price.

What Other Pocket Knives Should You Consider?

Here are a few that are standout favorites but there are a ton of great blades in our list of the best pocket knives:

Kershaw Leek Review: The Kershaw Leek has a stylish, functional design. It is similar to the CRKT Squid in that it has a compact size, is easy to carry, and is good at daily tasks. However, it does have a higher price point. The most significant difference is that it is slightly lighter and features an assisted opening. 

Benchmade Bugout 535 Review: If you’re after an ultralight knife, the Benchmade Bugout weighs only 1.9 ounces, making it great for those prioritizing lightweight performance. Despite its lightweight design, it is longer than the CRKT Squid, making it more comfortable to use and giving it better control for certain tasks. It is more expensive than the Squid but offers superior edge retention and better ultralight qualities. 

Opinel No. 8 Review: The CRKT Squid and the Opinel No. 8 are affordable, lightweight, and good for casual users. The Opinel is still more affordable, but it has fewer features and performs poorly. The design is simpler than the Squid, requires more frequent honing, and has a manual locking mechanism. The Opinel No. 8 isn’t necessarily a better knife than the CRKT Squid, but it is cheaper.