FOG HORN March 2020

Twobirds Flying Publications

XOLOTL A Michael Rodriguez Design

by CRKT
Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
 XOLOTL A Michael Rodriguez Design
XOLOTL A Michael Rodriguez Design
by CRKT
By: Sal Palma
One of the must see exhibitors when
attending Shot Show is Columbia River Knife
and Tool best known as CRKT. It is one of
just a few of the candy stores for edged
weapon aficionados. What accounts for
CRKT’s success? The answer is their ability
to attract a group of immensely talented
designers like Michael Rodriguez.
Michael R. Rodriguez was one of only two
Americans to ever graduate the Irish Army
Ranger Wing Sniper Course; he was also an
advisor to George W. Bush and has received
numerous awards, but most relevant to this
review is Michael’s passion for designing
2020
by CRKT
knives with an elegant touch of Aztec and
Mayan flavor.
For 2020, CRKT added the XOLOTL,
pronounced (show-low-tl), to the
company’s Forged By War™ program. It was
love at first sight for me as this faux dagger
is absolutely stunning.
Michael’s XOLOTL is not something that you
carry so you can open UPS or FedEx
packages; it is a defensive folder of
substantial prowess.
The business end of this knife is a razor
sharp 3.64 inch, hollow ground plain edge
blade made from 1.4116 steel, an alloy
stainless with an HRC of 55-57. A further
hint of its defensive role is the “hilt like”
flippers at the blade axis.
The XOLOTL ergonomics are truly excellent.
This is a very slim 4.0 oz. pocket folder that
is as comfortable in an icepick as it is in a
saber grip. The G10 scales are nicely
textured and its liner is machined with
flowing curves that fit the hand
comfortably.
Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
 XOLOTL A Michael Rodriguez Design
Michael included a reversible pocket clip
that lets the knife sit deeply into the pocket,
won’t damage your valuable garments and
accommodates left side or right side carry.
The XOLOTL design is a tip down carry but I
really wish Michael and CRKT would have
taken the tip up route, especially for a
defensive pocket folder.
Should the situation
require a less than lethal
behavior modification
strategy, the XOLOTL has a
cranial opposite its axis
that will shut down any
aggression in a swift,
orderly and efficient
military manner.
Last, but no less important than any of its
many features, the blade locks up very
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
2020
by CRKT
securely with no side to side wobble at the
axis.
Like most daggers, this pocket folder is
balanced about an inch south of its axis, so
its needle like tip is fast and formidable.
Michael Rodriguez’s XOLOTL won’t replace
your conceal carry platform but it is one hell
of a backup.
-SP
Manufacturer Specifications
 Blade Length 3.64" (92.53 mm)
 Blade Edge Plain Edge
 Blade Steel 1.4116
 Blade Finish Satin
 Blade Thickness 0.13" (3.18
mm)
 Overall Length 8.94" (227.03 mm)
 Closed Length 5.26" (133.50 mm)
 Weight 4.00 oz. (113.40g)
 Handle G10
 Style Folding Knife w/Liner Lock