CRKT Offbeat 7730 pocket knife, Crawford design

The CRKT Offbeat is a design by Pat Crawford which dates back to 1979. It stood the test of time and is now back in this production version.

You immediately notice the open lock. The Offbeat uses a version of a backlock which is open. As such you can clearly see how the backlock is keeping the blade in place. The open spring on the back of the spine carries a hammer at the end that falls exactly in a cut-out on the spine of the blade, at the back. As such the blade can't go anywhere.

The open spring offers you a couple of options to unlock the lock. As such you can press your thumb against the thin part of the spring, or immediately against the thumb stud which is pressed in the hammer. Practical about the way the hammer of the backlock falls into the blade is that you use your thumb during use to keep it in place. Of course not necessary, but it does make you feel safe.