The Martialist: The Magazine For Those Who Fight Unfairly

“Stay ‘unreasonable.’  If you
don’t like the solutions [available to you], come up with your
own.” 
Dan Webre

The Martialist does not
constitute legal advice.  It is for ENTERTAINMENT
PURPOSES ONLY.

Copyright © 2003-2004 Phil Elmore, all rights
reserved.

Quick Look: CRKT Companion

A Brief Evaluation by Phil Elmore

The
Columbia River Knife and Tool
Companion is one of the best deals in self-defense knives of which I am aware. 
Designed through cooperation between CRKT,

Al
Polkowski, and
Bob Kasper, this
inexpensive fixed-blade has the right features and is of the right size for
every-day carry of a defensive knife. 

The 3.5 inch AUS 6M blade and synthetic handle
combine for an overall package of about 8.5 inches.  Out of the box, the
Companion was nice and sharp, cutting and moving well through paper, plastic,
and cardboard.

The handle is very comfortable and designed for a very secure
grip and draw, thanks to the precisely located protrusions.  While this
means the knife is not compatible with a point-down, edge-in grip, it is great
for the edge-out reverse grip and the normal forward grip. Grooving on the spine
of the blade provides a comfortable spot for the thumb during cutting.

One
of the biggest problems with the Companion, despite all its great qualities, is
that presented by the issue plastic sheaths.  From the factory, the
Companion has a sheath that can be configured for IWB (inside the waistband)
carry and another that can be used as a neck sheath.  I find the Companion
much to large and heavy for neck carry.  I also find the IWB sheath to be
too loud and bulky for proper daily concealed carry.

To
solve this problem I obtained a custom IWB sheath of Kydex.  My sheath was
made for me by
On/Scene Tactical. 
It is configured for an edge-out reverse grip draw, which is extremely fast and
agile with the Companion.  With the knife and sheath used together in this
manner, I could not be happier with the package.

If you want a good-sized but inexpensive fixed blade for
self-defense, the Companion is one of the best choices available.  If you
prefer a tip-down, edge-in grip, I would go with the Cold Steel
Kobun.

If, however, you prefer your
edge out, the Companion is a great alternative.