Kite Lab: CRKT Kite Knife
Overview
The CRKT Hook Knife called the XTRIK-8-R is a nice compliment to a modern kiter’s safety protocol and should be on every harness.
Details
The CRKT Hook Knife was actually designed for first responders to cut seatbelt webbing when responding to a car crash. Although not originally intended for freeing an entangled kiter from his or her lines, it is the perfect tool for the job. This highly effective tool makes quick work of kite line and anything else that might be wrapped around you causing trouble.
The XTRIK-8-R is a simple tool comprised of a machine cut flat piece of metal formed into a hook with no moving parts. The inside of the hook has been sharpened into very sharp cutting surface, but the point of the hook and the rest of the knife is dull and rounded. This means that only the lines you want cut will be cut and you don’t have to worry about stabbing yourself or something else when using the knife. The knife has a mil-spec, reflective orange paracord lanyard that helps in locating the knife when you need it.
The XTRIK-8-R comes with a very clean and effective scabbard that securely holds the knife where you want it and makes the tool available when you need it. With a large hooked clip on the back and two slots on either side of the scabbard, it provides easy options to mount almost anywhere. The tool itself is held in place by friction and the smart design of the scabbard and how it interacts with the shape of the tool. I was initially worried about the blade falling out, but after more than a dozen days kiting with it in all types of conditions and situations (including some tumbling crashes), the tool remained in place ready to be deployed if necessary.
Since the XTRIK-8-R was not originally designed to be used as a kite knife, it has some features that aren’t especially useful for our purposes and it is missing one feature that would be very handy. The knife comes with a small oval hole that is sized for adjusting the flow on an oxygen bottle. Obviously not a feature that I hope to ever use while kiting. Instead of serving as a oxygen wrench, I wish the XTRIK-8-R had an integrated bottle opener because I am confident that it would get used much more frequently. I realize that is too much to ask of a tool that was designed for another purpose, but that meets our needs as kiters very nicely.
Specs
Manufacturer: Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT)
Model: XTRIK-8-R (2051)
Dimensions: 106mm x 50mm
Weight: 1.5 oz.
Colors: Satin (2051) or Flat Black Teflon (2051K) Finishes
Online Info: CRKT
MSRP: $29.99 Satin, $32.99 Black
Buy Now: Shopatron
Ratings
Durability Rating: 
This tool will be used by cockroaches after Armageddon.
Function Rating: 
Perfect for its intended purpose, but I wish it had a bottle opener…
Quality Rating:
High quality materials and finish.
Appearance Rating:
If you appreciate function over form, it is hard to beat this tool.
Packaging/Environmental Responsibility Rating: 
Minimal packaging for this great product.
Overall Overall Rating:
Not designed specifically as a kite knife, the XTRIK-8-R fits the purpose perfectly.
Conclusion
Snowkiting has gotten a lot safer over the years with modern equipment and better training, but there are still risks. Tangled lines can be dangerous and it is import to be able to cut through them in an emergency. A hooked knife is the safest way to do it and the XTRIK-8-R by CRKT is the perfect kite knife for the job.
More snowkiting goodness...
- Kite Lab: OtterBox for iPod Nano
- Kite Lab: Ozone AccessXC D-Ring Harness
- Kite Lab: Loki Ring Jacket
- Kite Brigade Gallery
- Kite Lab: Snowfer Uniboard
