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Expert Advice / Best / Beat the Icon: Finding Alternatives to the CRKT CEO

Beat the Icon: Finding Alternatives to the CRKT CEO

May 29, 2025 By: Howard Korn Categories: Best
Beat the Icon: Finding Alternatives to the CRKT CEO

The CRKT CEO, designed by Richard Rogers and released in 2019, took the knife world by storm. Its sleek design and office-friendly appearance made it a hit, almost singlehandedly popularizing the “executive knife” category. But can any alternative truly capture the CEO’s magic? This article explores knives that try to do just that. Some are directly inspired by the CEO, while others predate it but fit the same refined style. So, can anything knock the CEO off its spot at the top?

What Makes the CRKT CEO So Special?

The CEO’s success isn’t an accident. Several factors contribute to its iconic status. Let’s look closer at what sets it apart.

The “Executive Knife” Aesthetic

CRKT CEO folding knife closed on blue background

The CRKT CEO nails the “executive knife” look. What visual elements define it?

  • A long, narrow blade profile that is influenced by kwaiken-style blades.
  • The blade is completely hidden when closed.
  • It has a pen-like profile in the pocket.
  • It includes a deep carry clip.

These features combine to create a knife that’s both functional and discreet.

Functional Design Features

CRKT CEO folding knife close-up of pocket clip

It isn’t just about looks. The CEO has some practical design elements, too:

  • Narrow blade: It’s great for precision cutting and making curved cuts.
  • Flat butt cap: Inspired by classic doctor’s knives designed to crush pills. While you probably won’t do much pharmacy work with it, it’s a nice touch.
  • Thumb stud placement: Allows for quick and easy access to the blade.
  • Lightweight and pocketable: Won’t weigh you down.
  • Affordability: It won’t break the bank.

These features combine to make the CEO a practical, approchable, and stylish tool.

CEO Variants: Expanding the Appeal

CRKT has expanded the CEO lineup with several variants. Each one offers a slightly different take on the original design.

  • CEO Flipper: This version adds a flipper tab for opening. It includes a reversible pocket clip and 8Cr13MoV blade steel.
  • CEO Compact: The CEO Compact features a smaller size (2.6-inch blade). It also has a flipper tab, IKBS ball bearings, and a metallic blue-gray handle.
  • CEO Micro Flipper: The CEO Micro Flipper goes even smaller (under 2.5-inch blade). It includes aluminum handles and Sandvik 12C27 steel. Most of these variants are very lightweight, weighing around 2 ounces.

Staying In-House: Other CRKT Options

Want a CEO but still want to stay within the CRKT family? The brand offers other knives that capture a similar spirit.

CRKT Seis (Richard Rogers Design)

CRKT Seis folding knife on white background

Designed by Richard Rogers, the CRKT Seis is inspired by the CEO. It features a more rugged feel, 4116 stainless steel, a bead-blasted blade finish, and an aluminum/stainless steel frame with rubberized inlays. If you want a more premium-feeling CEO alternative, the Seis is a top choice.

  • Inspired by the CEO
  • More rugged feel
  • Leatherlike GFN inlays

CRKT Stylus (Ken Onion Design)

CRKT Stylus folding knife on fabric background

The CRKT Stylus, designed by Ken Onion, is available in two versions: an affordable assisted opening flipper with aluminum handles, or a premium manual titanium frame lock with S35VN steel. The different handle materials and drop point blade profile set it apart from the CEO.

  • Different feel
  • Assisted opening
  • Aluminum or titanium handles

The Competition: Knives That Challenge the CEO

Many companies have released knives that try to capture the essence of the CEO. Let’s take a look at some of the competition.

Boker Kaizen

Two Boker Kaizen folding knife on wood desk

The Boker Kaizen is inspired by the CEO, featuring a flat butt cap. It offers D2 steel (S35VN on a KnifeCenter exclusive) and G10 handles. The hidden blade profile and the usability of the small flipper tab are noteworthy.

  • Inspired by the CEO
  • Flat butt cap
  • Hidden blade profile

Boker Kwaiken Air

Two Boker Kwaiken Air folding knives on burlap and wood background

The Boker Kwaiken Air is a narrower take on the classic Kwaiken. It’s influenced by the CEO’s success, but is also inspired by a tradational Japanese short sword with a long history. It features VG10 steel (or S35VN on a KnifeCenter exclusive) and Micarta handles.

  • Narrower design
  • Micarta handles
  • Influenced by CEO

Boker Urban Trapper

Boker Urban Trapper folding knife on desktop surrounded by Rolex watch, fountain pen, flask, leather folio

The Boker Urban Trapper is a more gentlemanly design that is more influenced by Trapper slipjoints than anything else. It predates the CEO but fits the “executive knife” genre. It features VG10 steel (S35VN on a KnifeCenter exclusive) and Micarta, wood, or titanium handles.

  • Gentlemanly design
  • Micarta or wood handles
  • Fits executive knife genre

Boker Urban Trapper Linear

Is the Boker Urban Trapper Linear a response to the CEO? It’s a fair question to ask when considering the similarities. It offers VG10 steel and Micarta handles.

MKM Flame/Flame Light (Michael Zieba Design)

MKM Flame and Flame Light folding knives on wood background

The MKM Flame and Flame Light offer a frame lock or liner lock. They include M390 steel and titanium or wood handles. The pen-like quality and subtle aesthetics are appealing, and the Italian craftsmanship is brimming with quality and character.

  • Frame lock or liner lock
  • M390 steel
  • Pen-like quality

Michael Zieba Six/MS3

Two Michael Zieba Six folding knives on blue background

The Michael Zieba Six/MS3 is a higher-end version of the design. It features MagnaCut steel and titanium handles.

  • Higher-end design
  • MagnaCut steel
  • Titanium handles

Ocaso Solstice

Two Ocaso Solstice folding knives on marble background

The Ocaso Solstice is a collaboration with Andrew Demko. It features S35VN steel and titanium handles, and comes in a stunning selection of materials and finishes that really elevate the overall design.

Outside the Box: Unexpected Alternatives

These knives may not be the first things that come to mind. They offer a unique take on the executive knife concept.

Tactile Knife Co. Rockwall

Three Tactile Knife Co. Rockwall knives on bright green background

The Tactile Knife Co. Rockwall boasts premium materials and construction. It features MagnaCut steel, titanium handles, and a thumb stud opening.

  • Premium materials
  • MagnaCut steel
  • Thumb stud opening

Benchmade Fact

Benchmade Fact folding knife

The Benchmade Fact is a premium, yet tactical take on the executive knife. It includes subtle automatic action activated by its crossbar lock mechanism, S90V steel, milled aluminum handles, and a deep-carry clip.

  • Tactical design
  • S90V steel
  • Ambidextrous lock

Spyderco Ikuchi

Spyderco Ikuchi folding knife on white background

The Spyderco Ikuchi boasts a graceful design with a hidden blade. It features S30V steel, G10 and carbon fiber laminate, and a compression lock.

  • Graceful design
  • Hidden blade
  • Compression lock

Microtech UTX-70

Microtech UTX-70 switchblade knife on white background

The Microtech UTX-70 is an executive automatic knife. It features aluminum handles and an OTF action.

  • Automatic knife
  • Aluminum handles
  • OTF action

Conclusion

So, does the CRKT CEO still stand alone, or do these alternatives rise above? Despite its relative newcomer status, the impact the CEO has had on the knife industry is undeniable. Try the original to see what makes it so special, or shop the other picks here to find what works best for you.