This Futuristic Pocket Knife Can Be Deployed Three Different Ways

CRKT’s Nucleus, designed by rising star Princeton Wong, is inspired by his childhood favorite anime.

crkt nucleus pocket knife designed by princeton won

Published August 9, 2024

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Updated August 9, 2024

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In the knife business, there’s a popular term that is not at all technical. That term is “fidget friendly,” and it essentially describes a pocket knife that for whatever reason is just super fun to open and close and generally flick around — like a fidget spinner that’s actually good for something.

In addition to delighting knife nerds, the Nucleus will also charm hardcore anime fans. The name comes from the Gundam Nucleus Drive that powers the titular armor in Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Mobile Suit Gundam.

The latest release from up-and-coming knife designer Princeton Wong, who claimed the title of Best New Maker at Blade Show 2021, can be called many things: futuristic, stealthy, angular, anime-inspired. But considering the Nucleus has three different deployment mechanisms, “fidget friendly” definitely makes the cut.

CRKT Nucleus Frame Lock

$300.00 at CRKT

CRKT Nucleus Frame Lock

Now, what are those mechanisms? Look closely and you’ll see that it has both front and rear flippers, as well as a finger hole. All three of these touch points can be used to quickly release the blade — and thanks to an IKBS ball bearing pivot, it always comes out smooth. On the, ahem, flip side, the Nucleus employs a sturdy frame lock to remain firmly closed when not in use.

In addition to delighting knife nerds, the Nucleus will also charm hardcore anime fans. The name comes from the Gundam Nucleus Drive that powers the titular armor in Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Mobile Suit Gundam, which focuses on a giant “mecha” robot, RX-78-2 Gundam, piloted by a teenage mechanic named Amuro Ray.

crkt nucleus pocket knife folded — In its folded position, the Nucleus calls to mind a stealth fighter jet.

Though the Japanese anime TV series lasted just 43 episodes from 1979 to 1980, it was the very first in the multi-billion-dollar Gundam franchise of TV shows, films, video games, manga, novels, plastic model kits and toys — and as a child, Wong was a huge fan.

As if the design and inspiration behind the Nucleus isn’t enough, this knife packs premium materials, too. The 3.23-inch plain-edge blade is made of MagnaCut steel, which is all the rage right now thanks to its blend of toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Meanwhile, a titanium handle with a carbon fiber overlay keeps the knife both strong and light. With an overall length of 7.38 inches and a closed length of 4.14 inches, the whole unit weights just 2.3 ounces.

crkt nucleus frame — The Nucleus can be deployed using front and rear flippers *and* the finger hole in the blade.

Availability and pricing

The version shown here is available now for $300. A humbler variant, with a 12C27 steel blade, a stainless steel handle with G10 overlay and red accents, is available for $113.