Probably one of the most over looked items in an outdoorsman’s or woman’s arsenal is the pocket knife. Outdoorsmen take great care in choosing most of their equipment. We all know the guy or gal who spends a small fortune on their shotgun, the one who has a boat worth more than their house, casts only handmade wooden crankbaits or cherishes their special order fly rod. Everything seems to be the best of the best, yet when they need to cut some rope, clean the reeds on their duck call or whatever, they pull out some wimpy little pocket knife that looks like it should belong to a Wall Street banker, not a serious outdoorsman!

Like most of you, I started with the little toothpick that grandpa gave me. That lasted until I either lost it or broke the blade off while whittling something. Through the years I tried a pocket knife here and there, but to be honest I never found one I could carry daily. Sure I have some great hunting knives, and one of those metal clip knives that ride on the seam of your pants pocket. Those are cool and handy, but most of the time I prefer a subtle look.

Although we have utilized numerous Columbia River Knife and Tool products through the years it wasn’t until recently we became aware of the Centofante Tribute knives. Although we don’t follow knife designers, CRKT does, and they elicit the help and work of the world’s best knife makers. Hence the production of this model, which was designed by renowned bladesman, Frank Centofante.

As an admirer of simple things, I immediately fell for this new knife. Right off the bat, I noticed the light weight of the knife. CRKT specs show the weight at a poultry 1.3 ounces, which means nothing to me. It compared to a ball point pen or a half dollar. Upon closer inspection, I observed the handle which is very unique. It is created from Micarta, a synthetic material obviously lighter than wood or the typical rubber or plastic grip material. The Tribute grip or handle has a smooth finish showcasing reddish clay and black grains. Both the blade and pins are of some high tech stainless steel, polished to a classy satin finish. Sleek and subtle is how I would describe these knives. Nothing flashy, no clips, springs, or gimmicks to snag fabric, faultier or break. Just a smooth, pleasant feel.

Suddenly I noticed the handle was merely paper thin. Checking the spec sheet, I noticed CRKT lists the thickness (or really thinness) of the handle to be .081 or 2.1 millimeters. Again what a joy to handle! The fact that it has a real man sized (2.8 inch) drop point blade is awesome. No tiny finesse steel here, no sir! This knife could easily be used to bone out big game should it be called upon. Heck it was even strong enough to cut through and open some of those blasted clam shell packages, that really require a college degree and a chop saw!

Upon placing the knife into front pocket of my shorts I couldn’t tell it was there. I was even able to add my cell phone with no discomfort. Through the day I kept checking to ensure the knife was still in my pocket. In fact later that eve, I pulled my cell out and over looked the Tribute which took a spin in the washer. My point is that this baby is comfortable enough to carry daily, no matter what the wardrobe.

Alright, now for the field testing… Since it was summer I was not able to actually cape or bone out a deer. The tribute did draw blood though on a superb Trout fishing trip. With a couple limits of fresh fish needing to be cleaned an only one fillet knife, I suddenly remembered the Tribute was in my pocket. In a flash it was ready for service. I handed it to my brother to get his opinion. “Wow, this sucker is sharp,” he exclaimed. Heck I had not touched the edge to a stone. It sliced through the fish flesh with ease. There was no blade flex when cutting through the spine and clipping off the tail. A quick rinse in the cool waters and it was clean and ready for the next task.

The Tribute went everywhere with me. Early one morning I found myself on the river float fishing when I came upon a few unmarked limb lines complete with grimy line, rusty hooks and debris tangled in them. They were just waiting to snag some innocent angler or animal and needed to be removed! One swipe with the Tribute per line and they were off the tree branches. Normally, I have to saw a bit, but the edge design and sharpness cut like a knife through hot butter. Of course, these babies’ open letters efficiently, clean fingernails and the typical day to day sissy stuff too!

Now I would never attempt to cut barbed wire, shred steel belted radials or whatever… That is just infomercial jumbo and a sure death to any knife. What I am saying is that for about forty bucks you can purchase either the CRKT Centofante Tribute or its brother the Tribute 2 knife and live happily ever after. Carry it daily like I do and barring loss or theft by one of your buddies, I actually think it would last a lifetime. It’s priced so that if it is lost, you can still afford college for your children, but its appearance is such that your most prominent friends won’t be offended when you hand it to them.