Custom knifemaker and Knifemakers’ Guild member Kit Carson is widely known for his M16® design, which we offer in many CRKT production models. But since 1990, Kit’s most consistent selling custom model has been his classic M4. In his usual unassuming manner, Kit says, “I guess you’d say it’s my flagship custom. It’s simple, with form following function. No tricks that look slick but aren’t worth a flip in your hand. I’ve made many variations on it, from exotic collectibles to working tacticals, in maybe 20 versions. But I still get more and more calls to make the M4.”

This year CRKT is offering the M4 design in Kit’s smaller every day carry (E.D.C.) size. The M4-02M comes with white resin infused fiber scales and black G10 bolsters. It’s a very classy look.

While we were engineering it, we decided to add some more value by offering the patented OutBurst assisted opening, and a classic liner lock mechanism. It creates a virtual fixed blade when actuated after the blade is opened and locked.

The OutBurst mechanism instantly springs the blade fully open after you have opened the blade approximately 30 degrees. M4 models have dual thumb studs for ambidextrous one-hand opening and bronze and Teflon bearings at the adjustable blade pivot for smooth, fast action. The 3.25″ blade is a high-hollow-grind drop point of premium 8Cr13MoV stainless steel in a bead-blast finish with a Razor-Sharp edge. The heavy-duty InterFrame build is true to Kit’s design, with dual stainless steel liners, one locking, and a stainless steel back spacer. All M4 models have high-mounted pocket/gear clips.

So here you have a friendly E.D.C. knife that fits the hand naturally for all kinds of cutting and carving tasks. Like Kit, it’s a bit unassuming, but it’s a knife you’ll come back to year after year.