Krudo’s DAO folder is a big knife with plenty of attitude. For 2021, co-founder and sole designer Louis Krudo gives it a sensible update with some re-tooled design elements. Called the LTE, the update consists of trimming down material usage for economy in both form factor and price.
Inspired by Krudo’s father’s straight razor, the DAO came in with a lot of flair. Now, it lands with enhanced function. The DAO LTE folding knife is available on pre-order. Here’s what we know.
DAO LTE Folding Knife Changes
The biggest changes coming to the DAO LTE folding knife are in materials. Krudo sought to maintain build quality but restrict costs by re-evaluating some of the knife’s attributes.
“Due to the challenges and changes we all have been experiencing during 2020 and beyond,” Krudo says, “I’ve re-centered my designs to continue to embody long life, tough attitude, and excellence all around, but with a lower price point.”
What that means for the DAO is a repositioned thumb wedge, narrower handle, and thinner blade stock. The DAO LTE maintains the high-end Chinese 9Cr18MoV steel used for the original DAO but trims the thickness by a hair.
This folding knife also drops thickness in the handle. The overall effect on heft is minuscule — the DAO LTE is just 0.2 ounces lighter than the original DAO. This may be a good thing; keeping its proportions in check should help it handle similarly. And while the knife’s unique thumb rest was already popular, its repositioning is a calculated move.
DAO LTE on Pre-Order
The redesigned Krudo DAO LTE folding knife is currently available on pre-order. The DAO was always designed to make a statement. Now, it’s re-equipped for easier handling and reduced pricing.
The DAO LTE releases on September 30, 2021. MSRP is $124. As of this writing, pre-orders were still available at $91. By contrast, the original DAO fetches $150.
Learn more at KrudoKnives.com.
