CRKT Drifter Pocket Knife Review

Bottom Line

The CRKT Drifter is a compact, no-nonsense pocket knife ready for daily and outdoor tasks at a budget price. We put it to the test on day hikes, camping trips, and everyday tasks such as food preparation, gear repairs, package opening, and rope cutting. It proved to be reliable, sharp, and easy to carry. Its micarta handle adds a touch of class and durability, while the smooth-opening action makes it easy to deploy one-handed.

This knife is ideal for beginners and budget-savvy users who still want respectable materials and thoughtful design features, like a recurve blade and solid liner lock. It’s not without its flaws, though. The tip-down pocket clip feels somewhat dated, and those with larger hands may find it a bit too small. But for its value, the Drifter delivers impressive performance in a sleek package.

Check out how it stacks up in our guide to the best pocket knives for everyday carry and outdoor adventures.

How We Tested

The CRKT Drifter joined us on a series of northern Minnesota adventures, including backpacking trips, paddling outings, and laid-back campfire nights. We used it for classic camp chores, such as whittling, roasting sticks, trimming cords, slicing apples, and opening packages, as well as daily tasks at home. 

Build Quality

The CRKT Drifter delivers impressive build quality for its price. For a budget-friendly knife, the Drifter feels refined in hand. During our testing, which spanned daily EDC use, light trail chores, and food prep at camp, we paid close attention to the fit and finish after weeks of carry. The micarta handle scales maintain a firm and grippy texture in both dry and damp conditions, and the IKBS ball-bearing pivot system gives a smooth, almost addictive opening action.

Blade centering was spot-on straight out of the box and held steady over time. We didn’t experience any noticeable blade play developing after continuous use. The liner lock never stuck and was easy to disengage with one hand, as it requires minimal pressure. 

The knife’s slim, lightweight build means it’s not designed for heavy-duty prying or batoning, but regular tasks such as breaking down boxes, trimming cords, and light food slicing are a breeze.

Blade Retention & Stability

Over several weeks of use, we subjected the Drifter to a range of real-world cutting tasks, from slicing apples on day hikes to cutting paracord and corrugated cardboard. 

Even after repeated work on tougher materials, the edge stayed impressively keen, and the Veff Serrations near the base of the blade make cutting through fibrous materials like rope and straps much easier.

The recurved blade design is helpful for draw cuts and slicing tasks, as it subtly locks into the material, providing more control. We appreciated this feature during gear repairs, where precision and grip matter. 

Blade stability remained solid throughout testing, with no noticeable wobble or lateral movement at the pivot. While the recurved shape and serrated portion improve cutting performance, it does make sharpening more finicky.

Ergonomics & Grip

The Drifter feels secure in hand for its size, but its compact handle can feel cramped if you have larger hands. It has a handle length of around 3.25 inches and has a compact frame. In our testing, most average-sized adult hands were able to achieve a secure three-finger grip, with the pinky finger either tucked underneath or partially off the handle. The prominent flipper doubles as a finger guard, providing excellent security during tougher cuts.

The micarta handle has a tactile grip for a budget knife, and even during sweaty summer hikes and damp trail work, the texture stayed grippy without feeling too abrasive. However, during activities like whittling fire sticks or breaking down multiple boxes, the aggressive jimping on the flipper did start to press uncomfortably into the index finger.

While not ideal for heavy-duty or extended cutting sessions, the Drifter’s ergonomics are good for short bursts of EDC and light outdoor use.

Corrosion Resistance

The Drifter’s 12C27 stainless steel materials offer corrosion resistance, although they benefit from care and cleaning in harsh environments or when performing dirty tasks. In our corrosion testing, we subjected the Drifter to simulated wet-weather conditions, including exposure to a saltwater spray solution, damp pocket carry during summer hikes, and food preparation with acidic produce such as citrus and tomatoes. 

After several days of light moisture exposure, we noticed no visible rust spots or staining on the blade or liners, and the micarta handle scales remained unaffected by moisture.

That said, while 12C27 performs better against corrosion than some lower-end budget steels, it isn’t entirely maintenance-free. Users planning to carry this knife in coastal, humid, or wet environments should make occasional cleaning part of their routine.

Locking Mechanism

The Drifter’s liner lock is reliable, easy to disengage, and adds a touch of safety thanks to some smart design details. Over weeks of regular testing, the liner lock always engaged with a reassuring click and held the blade in place under both light and moderate pressure. We didn’t experience any unintended disengagements, even when applying torque while cutting rope or digging into thick plastic.

One thoughtful design detail is how the prominent flipper tab acts as a finger guard when closing the knife. On many budget liner-lock knives, disengaging the lock risks having your finger in the blade’s closing path, but the Drifter’s flipper catches the finger first, making accidental nicks far less likely.

Weight

We measured the Drifter at 2.4 oz on our digital scale. During testing, this low weight translated to excellent carry comfort. It virtually disappears in a pant pocket or hiking pack and doesn’t create any noticeable drag or pull too much on lightweight shorts or joggers.

That portability is ideal for ultralight hikers, EDC enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a reliable backup blade. The trade-off is that the Drifter doesn’t have much of an in-hand presence. In heavier cutting tasks, like trying to pry open a stubborn wooden crate lid, the light frame showed some flex near the pivot, and it’s not designed for rough jobs.

Should You Buy the CRKT Drifter?

The CRKT Drifter is a good choice for anyone seeking a compact, reliable everyday carry knife. It’s well-suited for beginners or budget-conscious users who still want quality materials and thoughtful design details typically found in higher-priced models. That said, this isn’t the right pick for anyone needing a heavy-duty workhorse or a full-sized handle for high-pressure tasks. 

What Other Pocket Knives Should You Consider?

If you like the CRKT Drifter’s compact size, affordability, and reliable EDC performance, there are a handful of other standout options in our guide to the best pocket knives worth a look.

SOG Twitch II Review:  The SOG Twitch II offers similar portability with a slightly shorter blade. It’s an excellent pick for anyone who prioritizes discreet carry and fast access in work or urban settings. While it requires two hands to close and may feel a bit cramped for larger hands, its refined design and extra safety lock give it a practical appeal.

CRKT Squid Review: This is another small-but-mighty option that’s arguably a bit tougher than the Drifter. It’s heavier than the Drifter and has a shorter blade, but it’s a reliable choice if you want a compact workhorse for daily use.

Opinel No. 8 Review: This is a timeless, ultralight option that’s perfect for picnics, day hikes, and food prep. Its razor-sharp blade excels at slicing, and the lightweight beechwood handle looks and feels great. While it lacks a one-handed opening, it’s a charming and reliable tool for anyone seeking a traditional, budget-friendly knife.