Description

Cold Steel Crawford Model 1 Folding Knife 20MWC

The Cold Steel Crawford Model 1 is an affordable folding utility knife developed in collaboration with American custom knifemaker Wes Crawford. It adapts the profile and practical features of one of Crawford’s custom flipper designs into a durable production model suitable for everyday cutting, outdoor use and general utility work.

The approximately 8.9 cm blade is made from Japanese 4034 stainless steel and combines a wide sabre grind with a hollow-ground cutting edge. Its strong point and generous belly provide useful control for slicing, opening packaging, cutting cordage and other routine tasks.

An integrated flipper supports convenient manual opening, while the textured Zy-Ex™ handle includes traction-enhancing rubber inlays. The knife also features a leaf-spring locking mechanism and an additional secondary safety designed to increase resistance to accidental lock release under shock or impact.

Key Features

• Affordable production version of a Wes Crawford custom design
• Japanese 4034 stainless steel blade
• Wide sabre-ground blade profile
• Hollow-ground plain cutting edge
• Strong point with generous cutting belly
• Integrated flipper opening tab
• Leaf-spring locking mechanism
• Additional secondary safety
• Durable Zy-Ex™ glass-reinforced nylon handle
• Traction-enhancing rubber handle inlays
• Low-profile stainless steel pocket clip
• Approximate blade length of 8.9 cm
• Approximate overall length of 21.3 cm
• Approximate weight of 116 g
• Cold Steel product number 20MWC

Wes Crawford Design

The Crawford Model 1 was created in collaboration with custom knifemaker Wes Crawford. Its overall silhouette, blade proportions and handle profile closely follow one of his custom flipper designs while using economical production materials to keep the knife accessible.

The result is a practical working folder with distinctive custom-inspired styling and straightforward everyday functionality.

Wide Sabre-Ground Blade

The blade uses a broad sabre grind that leaves substantial material through the spine while tapering towards the cutting edge. This construction provides a useful balance between structural strength and cutting performance.

A pronounced belly creates a long curved cutting section suitable for controlled slicing, while the strong point supports detailed utility work.

Hollow-Ground Cutting Edge

The blade is hollow-ground towards a relatively thin cutting edge. This geometry reduces resistance during slicing and allows the knife to take a fine, sharp edge.

The thin edge is designed for cutting rather than prying or impact work. Twisting, levering or striking the blade may damage the edge or locking mechanism.

Japanese 4034 Stainless Steel

The blade is manufactured from Japanese 4034 stainless steel, an economical working steel valued for useful corrosion resistance and straightforward sharpening.

Its chromium content helps protect the blade against ordinary moisture and environmental exposure, while its moderate wear resistance allows the edge to be restored without specialised equipment.

Although stainless, the blade should still be cleaned and dried after exposure to water, salt, food residue, sap or adhesive materials.

Integrated Flipper

The flipper is formed as part of the blade tang and provides a convenient contact point for manual opening. When the blade is open, the flipper also forms a small guard-like projection between the hand and cutting edge.

Opening speed depends on pivot adjustment, lubrication and user technique. The knife should always be opened in a controlled manner with fingers kept clear of the blade path.

Leaf-Spring Lock with Secondary Safety

The Crawford Model 1 uses Cold Steel’s leaf-spring locking mechanism to secure the blade in the open position during normal use.

An additional secondary safety can be engaged to increase resistance to accidental lock release under shock or impact. This provides an extra level of security during demanding utility work.

No folding-knife lock is completely failure-proof. Always confirm that the primary lock and secondary safety are correctly engaged before cutting, and never place fingers in the blade’s closing path.

Zy-Ex™ Handle with Rubber Inlays

The approximately 12.4 cm handle is made from Zy-Ex™, a glass-reinforced nylon material selected for strength, moisture resistance and low weight.

Traction-enhancing rubber inlays are incorporated into the handle to improve grip and comfort. The contoured profile follows the shape of the original custom design while remaining durable and economical.

Low-Profile Pocket Clip

A stainless steel pocket clip is included for convenient everyday carry where lawful. Its low-profile design helps keep the knife close to the pocket and reduces unnecessary bulk.

The clip and mounting screws should be inspected regularly for looseness. The presence of a clip does not confirm that carrying the knife in public is lawful in every jurisdiction.

Recommended Use

• Everyday utility cutting
• Opening boxes and packaging
• Cutting rope, cordage and webbing
• Camping and general outdoor use
• Workshop and equipment-maintenance tasks
• Household and garden utility work
• Emergency preparedness equipment
• Collection and lawful everyday carry

The knife is not designed for prying, chiselling, hammering, throwing or use as a screwdriver.

Technical Specifications

Why Choose the Cold Steel Crawford Model 1?

The Crawford Model 1 offers custom-inspired design features at an accessible price. Its broad hollow-ground blade provides efficient slicing performance, while the integrated flipper, secure handle and secondary safety make it practical for regular utility use.

The Japanese 4034 stainless steel blade is corrosion resistant and easy to maintain, while the reinforced synthetic handle keeps the knife relatively light at approximately 116 g.

It is particularly suitable for users seeking a distinctive yet economical folding knife for everyday work, outdoor equipment or a first serious utility folder.

Care and Maintenance

• Clean the blade after every use.
• Remove moisture, dirt, sap, food residue and adhesive promptly.
• Dry the knife thoroughly before storage.
• Apply a small amount of suitable lubricant to the pivot when necessary.
• Use a light protective oil during extended storage or after exposure to corrosive conditions.
• Use food-safe oil if the knife may contact food.
• Inspect the blade, pivot, lock, safety mechanism and handle regularly.
• Confirm that the primary lock and secondary safety operate correctly.
• Check the pocket clip and mounting screws for looseness.
• Sharpen using suitable equipment while preserving the original edge geometry.
• Avoid overheating the blade during powered sharpening.
• Do not place the knife in a dishwasher.
• Store securely and away from children and unauthorised persons.

Safety Information

• This is a sharpened folding knife and may cause serious or fatal injury.
• Keep fingers clear of the blade path when opening and closing the knife.
• Open the blade in a controlled manner.
• Confirm that the leaf-spring lock is fully engaged before use.
• Engage the secondary safety where appropriate.
• Do not assume that the secondary safety makes accidental closure impossible.
• Cut away from the body and other people.
• Use a stable working surface whenever possible.
• Do not use excessive force.
• Do not use the knife for prying, twisting, hammering or heavy impact work.
• Do not throw the knife.
• Stop using it if the blade, pivot, lock, safety mechanism or handle is damaged.
• Keep the knife folded when not in use.
• Carry and transport it only where lawful.
• Store securely and out of reach of children and unauthorised persons.

Legal and Responsible Use Notice

This product must be purchased, possessed, carried, transported and used only in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in the customer’s country, region and municipality.

The customer is responsible for determining whether the purchase, possession, carriage, transport or use of this knife is lawful in their location and for using it safely, responsibly and only for lawful purposes. The seller does not encourage, recommend or authorise unlawful, threatening, offensive or harmful use.

Classification of this product within a folding knife, flipper knife, everyday carry, outdoor, tactical, utility or self-defence category does not constitute legal advice, confirmation that it may legally be carried in public or for self-defence, or a recommendation to use it against another person.

Applicable laws may differ according to blade length, opening method, locking mechanism, intended use, location, manner of transport and surrounding circumstances. Misuse may cause serious injury, death, property damage or legal consequences.

The knife must be transported securely, kept folded when not in use and stored away from children and unauthorised persons.

This notice does not exclude or limit any statutory consumer rights or legal obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded.

FAQ

Glossary

• Sabre Grind: Blade grind that begins partway down the blade, leaving more material near the spine for strength.
• Hollow Grind: Concave blade grind that creates a relatively thin cutting edge for efficient slicing.
• 4034 Stainless Steel: Japanese stainless steel offering useful corrosion resistance, moderate wear resistance and easy sharpening.
• Flipper: Projection on the blade tang used to assist manual opening.
• Leaf-Spring Lock: Folding-knife locking system using a spring component to secure the open blade.
• Secondary Safety: Additional mechanism designed to reduce the risk of unintended lock release.
• Zy-Ex™: Glass-reinforced nylon material used for strong, lightweight and moisture-resistant knife handles.
• Blade Belly: Curved portion of the cutting edge that provides additional slicing surface.
• Plain Edge: Continuous sharpened edge without serrations.

Manufacturer & GPSR Information

Manufacturer:
GSM Outdoors, LLC
5250 Frye Road
Irving, TX 75061
United States

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Responsible Person in the EU:
Battle-Merchant Wacken GmbH & Co. KG
Gehrn 4
25596 Wacken
Germany