The CKF Evo 3.0E is a pre-owned, mint-condition collector folder designed by Jon Sorensen of Rotten Design and produced by Custom Knife Factory. Among the premium Custom Knife Factory Knives offered by WBKC, this configuration stands apart with a mirror-polished and acid-etched Damasteel blade, a full ZircuTi show-side scale, a titanium lock side, a ZircuTi pocket clip, and a zirconium backspacer.
This example is Serial Number 170. Its original Certificate of Authenticity records an October 2022 date. The knife is accompanied by its CKF pouch, microfiber cloth, COA, and original spare components.
CKF Evo 3.0E Full-Dress Configuration
The Evolution is one of Rotten Design’s signature models. For the third generation, Jon Sorensen retained the overall length of the original Evo while revising the proportions, reducing unnecessary weight, and combining favored elements from the first two generations.
The result is a broad, powerful folder with a more efficient blade-to-handle ratio. Its forward-canted profile, deep finger recess, substantial blade stock, and sweeping cutting edge preserve the unmistakable Evo identity.
This 3.0E represents the premium material configuration of the platform. The entire show-side scale is ZircuTi rather than titanium with a smaller decorative insert. Its concentric orange, violet, red, gold, gray, and purple patterns create substantial depth across the handle.
Collectors browsing our Preowned Knives will also appreciate that this example retains its serial-numbered documentation and complete accessory package.
Mirror-Polished and Acid-Etched Damasteel Blade
The 3.74-inch blade is crafted from Damasteel and finished through mirror polishing followed by acid etching. This process reveals the layered pattern across the clipped drop-point profile while creating strong visual contrast between the polished and etched areas.
Its hollow grind reduces material behind the cutting edge, while the 0.197-inch blade stock gives the knife the substantial presence associated with the Evo series. The usable cutting edge measures approximately 3.62 inches.
An elongated thumb opening provides manual deployment. A separate rounded stop pin near the pivot contributes to the Evo’s recognizable mechanical design.
For collectors comparing premium Damasteel knives, this blade offers a particularly dramatic presentation. The pattern remains visible across the flats, bevels, thumb opening, and forward portion of the blade rather than appearing as a small decorative accent.
Full ZircuTi Show Scale
The show side is dominated by a full ZircuTi scale with an energetic, layered pattern. Orange and violet tones provide the strongest color, while purple, gold, red, and silver lines create smaller concentric formations throughout the material.
Because the pattern extends across the entire show side, each section of the handle has its own visual character. Some areas form large circular figures. Others transition into tighter bands and irregular organic shapes.
The scale is secured with contrasting hardware and incorporates the large pivot, secondary body screw, rear screw, and Custom Knife Factory mark. Dark internal construction along the handle spine provides additional contrast.
This is the type of material treatment collectors expect when browsing premium ZircuTi knives. It is visually expressive, yet the Evo’s strong geometry prevents the presentation from feeling overly ornamental.
Titanium Lock Side and ZircuTi Clip
The lock side uses dark-finished titanium with a long, machined ZircuTi pocket clip. The subdued titanium surface creates a deliberate contrast with the colorful show side and allows the clip to become the dominant visual feature.
The clip carries its own orange, blue, violet, gold, and dark metallic pattern. It is configured for right-handed, tip-up carry and is secured with two screws near the rear of the handle.
A titanium frame lock secures the blade. CKF also uses a replaceable steel lock insert to protect the primary locking surface from direct titanium-to-steel wear.
The frame lock, internal milling, bearing system, and replaceable components give this collector-focused configuration a practical mechanical foundation. It remains a fully functional folder rather than a display piece built around exotic materials alone.
Bearing and Washer Pivot System
The blade operates on bearings supported by washers. This arrangement is intended to provide smooth movement while giving the bearings a stable running surface.
The original package includes replacement bearings, washers, a spare pivot screw, handle screws, and an additional steel lock insert. These components add long-term ownership value because they allow important wear parts to remain with the knife.
The included zirconium backspacer completes the premium material package. It also adds structure along the handle spine without competing visually with the ZircuTi scale and pocket clip.
Product Specifications:
- Maker: Custom Knife Factory
- Model: Evolution 3.0E
- Common Model Name: Evo 3.0E
- Designer: Jon Sorensen of Rotten Design
- Serial Number: 170
- COA Date: October 2022
- Condition: Pre-Owned; Mint
- Overall Length: 8.43 inches
- Blade Length: 3.74 inches
- Cutting Edge: 3.62 inches
- Closed Length: 4.69 inches
- Blade Thickness: 0.197 inch
- Blade Material: Damasteel
- Blade Style: Clipped Drop Point
- Blade Grind: Hollow
- Blade Finish: Mirror Polished and Acid Etched
- Edge Type: Plain Edge
- Opening Method: Thumb Hole
- Handle Configuration: Full ZircuTi Show Scale with Titanium Lock Side
- Handle Thickness: 0.55 inch
- Locking Mechanism: Titanium Frame Lock
- Lock Interface: Replaceable Steel Lock Insert
- Pivot Assembly: Bearings with Washers
- Pocket Clip: ZircuTi
- Carry Orientation: Right-Hand, Tip-Up
- Backspacer: Zirconium
- Weight: Approximately 7.27 ounces
- Country of Origin: Moscow, Russia
- Included: CKF Zippered Pouch, Microfiber Cloth, COA, Spare Pivot Screw, Handle Screws, Steel Lock Insert, Bearings, and Bearing Washers
Video Introduction: CKF Evo 3.0 ZircuTi Beauty
This is the Custom Knife Factory Rotten Design Evo 3.0E, Serial Number 170. It features a mirror-polished and acid-etched Damasteel blade, a full ZircuTi show scale, a titanium frame lock, a ZircuTi clip, and a zirconium backspacer. This mint pre-owned example includes its original CKF pouch, COA, cloth, and spare components.
Mint Condition and Original Provenance
This CKF Evo 3.0E is represented in pre-owned mint condition. The supplied photographs show a clean Damasteel blade, intact cutting edge, vibrant ZircuTi surfaces, clean pivot hardware, and a well-preserved titanium lock side.
The set includes the original CKF zippered pouch, red microfiber cloth, Certificate of Authenticity, and the wrapped accessory package shown in the photographs. The COA identifies the model as the Evolution 3.0, names Jon Sorensen as the designer, and records Serial Number 170 with an October 2022 date.
Complete documentation and original spare components are especially desirable for a high-spec Evo. They help preserve the knife’s provenance while giving its next collector a more complete representation of the original factory package.
Appraisal Note: Condition Verification
The supplied photographs provide clear views of the Damasteel blade, show-side scale, titanium lock side, ZircuTi clip, pivot hardware, COA, and original presentation materials. No obvious chips, corrosion, scratches, or substantial finish loss are visible. We take ensuring the condition of every knife we intake and it’s provenance very seriously. That’s why collectors trust us!
Collectors with similarly complete CKF pieces can review how to Sell Your Knife Collection directly to We Buy Knife Collections.
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