CRKT debuted the original Xolotl a few years back, and it’s been a popular choice for EDC. This new iteration of the Xolotl adds OTF auto functionality to an already great design.
Pronounced show-low-tl, Xolotl was an Aztec deity who guided souls to the afterlife. Former Green Beret Michael Rodriguez is the designer behind this knife. The handle is inscribed with 21 ribs, one for each of his years of service.
Forged by War
During a recovery period, the combat veteran met Ryan Johnson with RMJ Tactical. Soon after, Rodriguez began forging knives and tools himself. This led to his involvement with CRKT’s Forged by War program. CRKT partners with veterans to design and produce mission-ready knives and tools.
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The veterans earn commissions from the products. In addition, a portion of the profit on each sale is directed to the charity of the veteran’s choice. In this particular case, Rodriguez chose the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation
Xolotl Auto Features and Design
This is a dual-action OTF. The spearpoint blade is sharpened on both sides. They went with MagnaCut for the blade, which is a great choice. It takes a very keen edge, and it’ll keep that edge for quite a while.
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The Xolotl Auto handle is aluminum. In keeping with the skeletal sort of inspiration to the handle engraving, the reversible pocket clip is sternum-esque in appearance. The handle is slim, not quite 3/8-inch thick. At the widest point, it’s one inch across. Closed, it’s 5.31 inches long.
It rides fine in the pocket, though it is a little boxy in the hand. The ribs on the handle provide good traction without being uncomfortable.
The OTF action is smooth and fast. At this point, I’ve fired it open and closed a few hundred times, and it hasn’t hesitated once. It has just a touch of recoil, I guess you’d say, but not bad at all. I’ve had some OTFs that felt like they were going to leap out of my hand each time I opened the blade. Definitely not the case with the Xolotl Auto.
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It weighs just 3.2 ounces. This is far lighter than the knife looks like it would weigh, given the size of the handle.
Who Needs the Xolotl Auto?
This is a fun and very functional EDC option as well as a backup defense option. As a general rule, OTF knives aren’t well-suited for hiking, camping, and similar outdoor pursuits. The inner workings can be fouled too easily in those environments. This is a more refined tool.
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Think of it like this: the Xolotl is more John Wick than John Rambo, if you know what I mean.
It serves as a useful tool for standard knife chores like opening packages and cutting cordage. Further, it would do well as a backup defense weapon.
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Xolotl Specs
| Overall Length | 8.88 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Steel | MagnaCut |
| MSRP | $325 |
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