Shieldon Crusader Kite: The Ultimate Everyday Carry Knife for Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Shieldon Crusader Kite is a versatile, high-performance knife designed for everyday carry and outdoor activities.

Built by Shieldon’s R&D team, it features a tough Лезвие 154 см and an ergonomic design. The drop point blade is perfect for tasks like hunting, survival, and tactical use, with a razor-sharp edge and a sleek stonewash finish.

The dark goldenrod G10 handle not only looks great but also provides a secure, comfortable grip.

The axis lock mechanism ensures safe and smooth operation, while the reversible deep carry clip makes it easy to use for both left- and right-handed users.

Whether you’re a collector or an everyday user, the Kite offers practicality, durability, and style.

Features of Crusader Kite

• Материал лезвия: 154 см: Offers a perfect balance between affordability and performance, providing excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and the ability to maintain a sharp edge for extended use.
• Handle Material: Double G10: aMade from tough, lightweight G10, which is a high-strength composite material. The handle is comfortable to hold, provides a secure grip, and stands up to wear and tear over time.
• Blade Hardness (HRC): 58-60: The blade’s hardness level ensures that it is tough enough to resist damage, while also being easy to sharpen and maintain over time, making it a practical choice for everyday carry.
• Sharpened Angle: 15-20 Degrees: The precise sharpening angle ensures the blade is razor-sharp, allowing for smooth cuts through a variety of materials and enhancing its overall performance for tasks like cutting, slicing, and piercing.
• Blade Thickness: 0.118″ / 3mm: The 3mm thickness offers a perfect balance of strength and flexibility, ensuring that the blade can handle tough tasks without being too bulky or heavy, allowing for precise control.
• Blade Length: 3.44″ / 87.5mm: With a blade length of 3.44 inches, this knife offers ample cutting surface while remaining compact enough for portability, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of activities, from hunting to daily carry.
• Handle Thickness: 0.47″ / 12mm: The handle thickness is designed for comfort, providing a firm grip without feeling bulky. This ensures that you can handle the knife for long periods without fatigue or discomfort.
• Total Length: 7.91″ / 200.8mm: The overall length of 7.91 inches offers a perfect balance of control and maneuverability. The knife is large enough to be effective in a wide range of tasks, but small enough to carry comfortably.
• Weight: 3.25 oz / 92g: Weighing just 3.25 ounces, the Kite is lightweight, making it easy to carry and reducing strain on your pocket or gear when used throughout the day. Despite its light weight, it remains strong and durable.
• Main Pivot Hardware: T8 416SS: The high-quality T8 stainless steel pivot ensures smooth and reliable blade action, providing effortless deployment and easy handling over time, even with heavy use.
• Assembly Hardware: T6 416SS: The T6 assembly hardware is made of strong stainless steel, ensuring the knife remains securely put together, even during intense use or after repeated opening and closing.
• Clip Hardware: T6 416SS: Stainless steel clip hardware guarantees durability and strength, ensuring the knife stays securely attached to your pocket, backpack, or gear without slipping or loosening over time.
• Carry Orientation: Both Hands: The design is fully ambidextrous, allowing both left- and right-handed users to comfortably carry and operate the knife without discomfort or difficulty, making it highly versatile.
• Шариковый подшипник: керамический в клетке: Caged ceramic ball bearings provide smooth, friction-free operation, ensuring that the blade opens and closes smoothly with minimal effort, contributing to quicker and easier deployment.
• Стиль лезвия: точка падения: The drop point blade is one of the most versatile blade shapes, offering a strong, sharp point that is perfect for general utility, tactical use, and outdoor activities like hunting or survival tasks.
• Handle Color: Dark Goldenrod: The dark goldenrod color gives the knife a distinctive and stylish appearance, setting it apart from standard black or gray designs. The color is also highly resistant to fading and wear, maintaining its look over time.
• Pocket Clip: Reversible Stainless Steel Deep Carry Tip-Up: The deep carry pocket clip allows for secure, low-profile carrying, ensuring that the knife stays safely and comfortably in your pocket. It is also reversible for either left or right-hand carry, adding to its versatility.
• Pocket Clip Finish: Stonewash: The stonewash finish provides a rugged, premium look while also helping to hide scratches and wear from regular use, keeping the knife looking good even after frequent carry.
• Lock Mechanism: Nested Axis Lock: The nested axis lock ensures that the blade stays securely in place when open, preventing accidental closures while in use. It also allows for smooth, one-handed operation, making it easy to open and close the knife quickly.
• Open Way: Front Flipper: The front flipper mechanism enables quick, one-handed opening, offering a smooth and reliable method to deploy the blade efficiently with minimal effort.
• Отделка лезвия: Стоунвош: The stonewash blade finish not only adds an attractive, rugged appearance but also helps to conceal the effects of daily use, preventing visible wear marks and maintaining a smooth surface for cutting.
• Заточка лезвия: плоская: The flat grind ensures the blade has a consistent, even thickness, which contributes to its sharpness and ability to perform a variety of cutting tasks, from slicing through soft materials to tackling tougher jobs.

Design Procedure of Crusader Kite Knife

1. The Crusader Kite was inspired by a German design and developed through extensive research in 2023. It underwent numerous modifications before the final version was confirmed by management. This model marks the first use of an axis lock with a front flipper opening mechanism in Shieldon’s designs.

2. While axis lock knives are usually more expensive, Shieldon made efforts to reduce costs without compromising quality. The goal was to create an affordable option for knife enthusiasts by simplifying the blade and handle features.

3. The design incorporates common elements such as a drop point blade, ergonomic handle, and a pivot mechanism. The pivot serves as the central point of rotation for the blade and ensures smooth movement. Its construction also guarantees the blade stays properly aligned when closed, avoiding any potential damage to the edge.

4. The internal stop pin design features a groove on the blade that fits with a pin in the frame, providing stability and preventing the blade from moving when fully open.

5. The axis lock mechanism uses a small steel bar inside the handle, which moves horizontally. Tensioned by Omega springs, this bar locks the blade into place. The lock engages when the blade’s tang pushes the bar into its cutout, securing the blade when open.

6. The axis lock design allows for easy one-handed operation and reduces wear because it doesn’t come into contact with the blade. The lock’s smooth operation contributes to a more efficient opening and closing process compared to traditional back spring designs.

7. The axis lock is ambidextrous, allowing both right- and left-handed users to operate it with ease. Known for its strength and reliability, it is well-suited for both everyday carry and tactical outdoor use.

8. During the design process, the pivot screw was found to be too close to the axis cutout, which could potentially cause damage during casual use. To address this, the axis cutout was moved slightly backward to improve durability.

9. Once the G10 handle scales are closed, the axis lock mechanism is completely hidden and protected inside. This ensures the Omega spring and other internal parts remain safe from damage. Careful attention was paid to the ease of reassembling the lock mechanism after disassembly.

10. The drop point blade was chosen for its versatility. Its strong tip is less likely to break or chip, while the lowered point reduces the risk of accidental punctures. The curve leading to the point makes the blade easy to sharpen.

11. The smooth, simple design of the drop point blade enhances both functionality and aesthetics. It is a clean, unobtrusive shape that appeals to users seeking both practicality and visual appeal.

12. A backspacer was added to the handle to provide extra support and improve the knife’s appearance. The backspacer is fixed with two hidden screws, ensuring a clean, seamless look.

13. The Crusader Kite features skeletonized liners to reduce weight. The circular skeletonization method helps remove unnecessary material, contributing to a lighter overall knife without compromising strength.

14. The blade length was designed to comply with carry laws in many areas, particularly in the USA, where knives with blades longer than 3.5″ are often restricted. The blade’s pivot area is also hidden inside the handle when the knife is opened, contributing to the compact design.

15. The total blade length is 87.5mm, which keeps it within legal carrying limits in most states while still providing a blade long enough for general use.

16. The flat grind blade is easy to sharpen because it maintains a consistent angle from the spine to the edge. This simplicity makes it easier for users to maintain the blade, even without specialized sharpening tools.

17. After extensive design and research, the Crusader Kite’s final version was completed. The clean G10 scales and stonewash finish on the blade give it a high-quality, polished look while ensuring durability and strength.

Why the Crusader Kite’s Knife Stands Out?

1. The Shieldon Kite represents a significant advancement in everyday carry (EDC) knives, blending innovative design with practical usability. Developed by the Shieldon R&D Center, it showcases the brand’s commitment to quality and user-centered design, making it a standout choice for both enthusiasts and everyday users.
2. The box label offers a detailed view of the Shieldon Kite’s specifications, promising performance and innovation. Key details include:
   • Item No.: RD01A
   • Item Name: Kite
   • Designer: Shieldon R&D Center
   • Материал лезвия: 154 см
   • Handle Material: Double G10
   • Blade Length: 3.44″ / 87.5mm
   • Total Length: 7.91″ / 200.8mm
   • Weight: 3.25 oz / 92g
   • Отделка лезвия: Стоунвош
3. The unboxing experience begins with the knife’s premium packaging, housed in a brand color box. Inside, a nylon pouch cradles the Kite, ensuring it remains protected during transit. The packaging not only safeguards the knife but also elevates the unboxing experience, reflecting Shieldon’s attention to craftsmanship.
4. The first feature to catch the eye is the handle, crafted from dark goldenrod G10. The handle is aesthetically appealing with subtle curves that provide a comfortable grip. Known for its durability and resistance to moisture, G10 is ideal for an EDC knife built to endure various environments.
5. The handle thickness of 0.47 inches (12.0mm) offers a perfect balance of robustness and ease of handling. Additionally, it features a reversible, ambidextrous stainless steel deep carry clip with a stonewash effect, enhancing accessibility for both right- and left-handed users.
6. The axis lock is complemented by the reversible deep carry clip, enhancing usability for both left- and right-handed individuals. A detachable thumb stud is included, providing an alternative opening method for those who prefer not to use the front flipper tab.
7. The design of the Shieldon Kite combines simplicity and utility. Inspired by market research and input from collaborators, the name “Kite” reflects its streamlined appearance and innovative axis lock mechanism, symbolizing freedom of use and versatility.
8. The Kite marks a departure from previous naming conventions, showcasing Shieldon’s creative evolution. The incorporation of a front flipper tab with an axis lock addresses a gap in the market, offering something fresh and exciting for EDC enthusiasts.
9. The Kite’s blade is made from 154CM steel, known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. The engraving “154CM” proudly displayed on the blade emphasizes the premium material used, underscoring its durability and quality.
10. Measuring 3.44 inches (87.5mm) in length and 3mm in thickness, the drop point blade is versatile and capable of handling a wide range of tasks. Ideal for hunting, utility, survival, tactical, and everyday carry, this design makes the Kite a reliable tool for various applications.
11. A standout feature is the nested axis lock mechanism, a first for Shieldon. This innovative locking system ensures both strength and ease of use, keeping the blade securely in place. The front flipper tab and jimping on the blade’s spine provide smooth opening and enhanced control, making the Kite user-friendly.
12. The fine stonewash finish on the blade not only enhances its aesthetic but also provides a non-reflective surface that conceals scratches, maintaining its visual appeal. The flat grind and large belly of the blade improve its cutting efficiency, delivering smooth and comfortable performance.
13. Each Kite is meticulously crafted, ensuring there are no lock rock or lock play issues. The blade is centered when closed, a testament to Shieldon’s commitment to precision and reliability. The pivot is engineered for smooth operation, allowing the blade to close securely and safely.
14. The name “Kite” signifies the knife’s simple yet functional design, inspired by the wire mechanism of a kite. This marks a shift in Shieldon’s naming convention, moving away from previous themes and highlighting the brand’s maturity and innovative approach.
15. To accommodate different user preferences, the Shieldon Kite includes a detachable thumb stud, offering an alternative method for opening the knife. This thoughtful addition reflects Shieldon’s consideration of the diverse needs of knife enthusiasts.
16. The axis lock mechanism in the Kite employs a rotating cam with balls or pins, unlike the traditional liner lock. This system provides smoother deployment, a stronger lock, and less wear on the mechanism, allowing the knife to be flipped open with one hand for quick access.
17. The Shieldon Kite represents a remarkable combination of innovation, design, and practicality. With a premium 154CM steel blade, ergonomic G10 handle, and advanced axis lock mechanism, every aspect of the Kite is crafted with precision, making it a versatile and elegant tool for both collectors and everyday users.
18. The Kite sets a new standard for modern EDC knives, combining thoughtful design and exceptional build quality. Its unique features make it an indispensable companion for daily tasks and adventures alike.
    

Disassembly and Assembly Tutorial of Crusader’s Knife – Step-by-Step Guide

1. The Shieldon Kite, an innovative EDC folding knife, redefines everyday carry. After a year of market research and collaboration with a German designer, it introduces a groundbreaking axis lock mechanism without a front filler, a first in the industry.
2. The R&D team began with a blank canvas, determined to challenge established norms and create something new. The Shieldon Kite reflects this ambition and commitment to pushing the limits of folding knife design.
3. The Kite represents a commitment to high-quality materials and performance. Attention was given to the architecture of the knife’s parts to ensure lightness, strength, stability, and transparency. Its design is intended to be instantly recognizable and technologically advanced.
4. A team of designers and engineers worked on the concept of the Kite without limitations on budget or technical constraints. Every detail, from the knife’s movement to the placement of components, was created with both function and aesthetic perfection in mind.
5. The design was initially sketched and refined using CAD software. The choice of materials for each component was made according to specific requirements, ensuring the knife’s design remained cohesive and practical.
6. After the design was finalized, a prototype was created to ensure all technical decisions were sound. 3D models allowed the engineers to visualize the mechanics and optimize their design. The real-world prototype provided valuable insights into how the knife would perform under various conditions.
7. In the knife-making industry, precision is key, and while CAD tools are essential, the technician’s expert eye plays a crucial role. Only through this expertise can the fine details that make the knife unique be realized.
8. The Shieldon Kite is designed to endure impacts, temperature changes, and all types of climates. It is built for active use and is a reliable companion for every adventure, whether in the city or the great outdoors.
9. The handle of the Kite is crafted from dark goldenrod G10, a luxurious yet durable material. This handle provides strength, lightweight properties, and an unmistakable style that matches the knife’s high-performance standards.
10. A dedication to perfection drove every step in the development of the Kite. The result is a knife that not only delivers outstanding performance but also reflects the passion and emotion of its creators.
11. The Kite is not just a tool; it is an embodiment of dedication to quality. The 154CM steel blade and double G10 handle were chosen for their excellence, and the name “Kite” signifies a shift in branding towards more descriptive and innovative product names.
12. The Kite offers a rare combination of features, including a front flipper and axis lock mechanism. This innovation brings something new to the market, offering an advanced knife at a more accessible price.
13. The Shieldon Kite arrives in a premium branded box, securely packed in a nylon pouch. Unboxing the knife is a moment of excitement, and the first touch of the handle reveals the craftsmanship and quality of the product.
14. The G10 handle scales are designed to offer both durability and comfort. With a flat surface and curved edges, the handle ensures a secure grip. The ambidextrous deep carry clip, along with extra screws, adds versatility for all users.
15. The 3.44” drop point blade, made from 154CM steel, offers versatility for various tasks. Its design is practical, making it suitable for everyday carry, hunting, and survival situations.
16. The blade is sharpened at a 15-20 degree angle, with a 3mm thickness and large belly that enhances cutting efficiency. Jimping on the back of the blade ensures better control during use.
17. The axis lock mechanism is an essential feature of the Kite. This lock provides smooth operation and secure closure, allowing the blade to lock automatically when the lock is released, ensuring reliable performance.
18. The reversible deep carry clip and detachable thumb stud give users multiple options for opening the knife. This customization ensures comfort and ease of use for both right- and left-handed individuals.
19. The name “Kite” reflects the simplicity and elegance of the knife’s design, as well as its innovative axis lock mechanism, which resembles a kite’s wire mechanism. This naming convention marks a departure from Shieldon’s previous branding choices.
20. Unboxing the Shieldon Kite is an exciting experience. Its weight of 3.25 oz and total length of 7.91” make it a substantial yet manageable tool for everyday carry. The smooth deployment and secure lock-up offer a sense of satisfaction with each use.
21. The Shieldon Kite is more than just a folding knife—it’s a statement of quality, design, and innovation. With its eco-friendly construction, durable materials, and sleek aesthetics, it’s designed to a
22. ccompany users through everyday adventures.

The Shieldon Kite isn’t just a tool—it’s a testament to innovation, quality, and attention to detail.

Every feature, from its advanced axis lock to its durable G10 handle, is designed to meet the needs of modern adventurers.

Built to handle the challenges of daily life, this knife is a dependable companion for any task. Shieldon’s focus on craftsmanship and performance shines through in every detail, making the Kite a top choice among EDC ножи.

If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish tool that combines functionality with durability, the Shieldon Kite is a smart investment.