I avoid using the phrase “functional art” in my knife reviews because it’s unspecific and potentially misleading. But I am hard-pressed to classify designer Darriel Caston’s knives any other way. Everything he churns out is as wonderful to look at as it is to use.

In 2024, CRKT released both the Minimal X and the limited-edition Mbombo, both based off of a knife that Caston designed for SpaceX. Where the Minimal X was positioned as the workhorse of the two, the fancier Mbombo, which carried Damascus steel, quickly sold out before CRKT removed the knife from its site.

For 2025, the Mbombo makes its return. It’s still a folding flipper made from titanium, but the Damascus steel has been replaced by M390. Amplifying the appeal of this version of the knife is the fact that the whole thing has been dipped in black. However, even with these modifications, I still can’t categorize the Mbombo for one set of tasks or a certain type of use, because I think a knife like this relies a lot on the user’s needs and imagination.

In short: The CRKT Mbombo is a memorable knife. It’s unique and a wonder to look at, but it’s also a hard-use knife that could provide years of utility work. The right person for this knife will need a great imagination to unlock everything it can do for them.

CRKT Mbombo Frame Lock Review

Design & Features

Back in 2021, Caston was commissioned by SpaceX to design an EDC knife for its crew members. That knife needed to be durable, reliable, and easy to use. It also needed to be unique — a study in both precision and engineering. It succeeded with flying colors on all fronts.

A couple of years later, that design evolved into the Mbombo and Minimal X. The Minimal X was marketed to be part of the regular lineup, while the Mbombo was a limited edition. That Damascus-bladed beauty sold out quicker than a rabbit running down a race track.

For 2025, CRKT decided to offer a visually sleeker variant to the Mbombo lineup. This version is blacked out from tip to tail. Its M390 blade is coated in an undisclosed satin finish, and the titanium handle scales have been brushed.

Every time you flip it open, it sounds like you’re slicing through a ream of paper — wicked satisfying. Additionally, it has ample jimping on the spine and around the frame lock, which provides a strong lock-up and is easy to operate. Rounding it out is an all-black deep-carry pocket clip.

First Impressions

I really like what Caston does with his knives, and the way CRKT executes them. But if I am being honest about my first impressions, I thought it looked purpose-built to spread peanut butter and jelly. In my defense, I’m not wrong. The flat, chisel blade with its fuller allows for spreading spreadables with precision and ease.

That being the case, the Mbombo isn’t obviously practical. However, based on its materials, design, and build, it is more than capable of doing a lot of work you require of it.

I think different people will find different things to do with this knife. And I think that list of possibilities will grow as you use it. If you follow my trajectory, you’ll drop the Mbombo in your pocket and see what it can do as the opportunities reveal themselves to you.

In the Field

Over the month that I carried and used the knife, it quickly transformed from functional art to performance piece. Where I enjoyed the smaller stature of the Minimal X, the larger size of the Mbombo broadened its abilities.

From breaking down recycling materials to scribing wood, peeling bark off branches for walking sticks, and cutting open plant containers, I found something for the Mbombo to do besides looking good.

Importantly, while the Mbombo looks like you could pry with it, you shouldn’t. Yes, it’s capable — until you push the limits and blow out the pivot. What those limits are, I will never know because I was able to overcome temptation and instead stick to cutting, slicing, and carving with it — which it can do very well, just think more broad shapes than fine detail, like spoons and bowls.

Although the Mbombo is satisfyingly pretty and precise, I don’t want to overlook its strength, durability, toughness, or reliability. These traits all owe to the titanium frame and M390 steel. Despite its sharp looks, you’ll really appreciate it after giving it some abuse.

Conclusion: Who’s It For?

At the end of the day, most folks will want to know if the Mbombo is a practical EDC knife. I believe it is. Its shape and finish could certainly land it in a case to be admired for years. But put it in your pocket and you can rely on it for more tasks than you might expect.

But you will have to find your groove with this knife.

Though it will fit in most hands and perform comfortably, it’s big. Its overall ergonomics lend it to be comfortable, but the blade shape is unique and therefore not as universal as a knife with a drop point, clip point, or even sheepsfoot blade.

With that being the case, I consider the Mbombo to be an enthusiast’s type of knife. Anyone can use it, but it takes someone who has knife experience to address its novel design.

So, if you fit in that category, or you jump at the chance to try new things, I highly recommend taking the Mbombo for a spin. Bring it to an art museum, and then drag it along on a hike. Break down some Amazon boxes and, yes, spread some of the PB&J, too.