One of the more interesting things I saw during SHOT Show 2025 was the CRKT Provoke X Axe. I’m not a big blade guy, but this caught my ear, then my eye. What makes the CRKT Provoke X Axe stand out from the crowd is its folding mechanism. I’ve carried a variety of folding knives over the years, and now this folding axe has captured my attention.
Deploying the axe is simple, requiring just enough force with a flick of the wrist, and producing an extremely satisfying click as everything locks into place. A simple safety lever prevents unintentional opening of the Provoke X, which is easy to snick off without worry it coming open in a pocket or pack. A reversible clip allows the axe to be stowed for left or right handed use. To close the axe, a simple push button releases the lock, and the user folds the blade and spike down into the handle.
I don’t know what I’d use this for, but there’s a good chance that one of these will find their way to my home upon release. MSRP on the CRKT Provoke X Axe sits at $350.00. Expect to see these available for purchase in April of this year. Keep an eye on the product page >>HERE<< to pick yours up upon release.
CRKT Provoke X Axe
For more information, check out the details directly from CRKT below.
Get ready to come out swinging.
It’s not every day that a new tool comes along and completely transforms its category. The Provoke® X is exactly that tool. It builds on the success of the original Provoke® karambit, bringing the innovative Kinematic® technology to a new product category. This first-of-its-kind morphing axe fits in your pocket and deploys with a satisfying flick of the wrist, ready to swing into action at a moment’s notice. The blade and spike are secured open with our industry-leading Deadbolt® lock and slide into recessed positions on the handle when closed. Closing the axe automatically sets the safety, which is easily released in either hand and from either side of the handle. Corrosion-resistant, titanium nitride-coated D2 steel ensures the Provoke® X can take a beating; a trustworthy deterrent for all who’ve learned to expect the unexpected.
- Unique Innovation: Kinematic® deploys the blade with flick of the wrist
- Strong And Simple: Deadbolt® lock provides incredible strength and it’s easy to use
- Superior Performance: D2 blade steel for excellent edge retention
- Safe And Secure: Automatic safety prevents accidental opening
- Carry Options: Adjustable pocket clip for easy concealment and left or right hand carry
Specifications
- Blade Details
- Blade Steel D2
- Blade Edge Axe w/ Spike
- Blade Finish Titanium Nitride
- Measurements
- Blade Length 1.84″ (45.79mm)
- Blade Thickness 0.12″ (3.12mm)
- Overall Length 8.69″ (220.68mm)
- Closed Length 8.69″ (220.68mm)
- Weight 13.20 oz (374.21g)
- Other
- Handle Material Stainless Steel w/ Glass-Reinforced Overlays
- Style Folding Axe with Kinematic®
New from CoolFire is the Sidekick. This is the first kit from CoolFire to bring their dry practice capability to the AR-15 ecosystem. Much like with the original CoolFire, shooters use their gun, as the Sidekick is compatible with virtually all AR-15s. This means you get your sights, your grips, and all the reps on your gun.
The kit consists of a replacement bolt carrier group, a CO2 reservoir, along with the tools necessary to operate and maintain the system. Using standard soda bottle CO2 cannisters, shooters can expect to have approximately 50-60 “shots” per full load of CO2.
Hands-On with the CoolFire Sidekick
I had the opportunity to try the Sidekick at the CoolFire booth during SHOT Show 2025. This version was installed in the owner’s personal AR, which featured a suppressor, white light, and all the other modern fixings. I’m not the fastest on the AR, but quarter-second splits were easy, and presented no issues for the Sidekick. As a few of us passed the rifle around, the system showed no signs of slowing or hiccups as the CO2 was discharged.
As an addition, this sample of the Sidekick was equipped with an IR and visible laser. This allowed us to visually confirm our hits once zero on the laser was adjusted to match the optic atop the rifle. Another “shooter” had the opportunity to use the Sidekick in a simulator shoothouse scenario, with the IR laser interacting directly with the projection.
The CoolFire Sidekick is expected to release in Q2 of 2025. MSRP is projected to sit between $400-600 depending on configuration.
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