Why the Fraction Deserves a Careful Look
The Chris Colwell Fraction is a custom folder that balances a lightweight build with serious cutting geometry. When buying one pre-owned, you're getting a knife that was built to perform, but the used market means you need to verify that the original craftsmanship hasn't been compromised by wear or previous modifications.
This guide walks through the specific areas to inspect on a pre-owned Fraction, from the S90V blade and its chisel grind to the marbled carbon fiber handle and anodized titanium hardware. Use these checks to confirm the knife meets your expectations before you commit.
What the Catalog Confirms About This Fraction
- Chris Colwell Fraction (Pre-Owned): Blade: S90V steel with a precision chisel grind, finished with Colwell's signature Road Runner stonewash. The chisel grind is a specific edge geometry that affects sharpening and cutting performance. Confirm the grind is even and the stonewash finish hasn't been altered by amateur sharpening.
Chris Colwell Fraction (Pre-Owned) - Chris Colwell Fraction (Pre-Owned): Handle: Marbled Carbon Fiber scales for a lightweight, high-strength grip. Marbled carbon fiber can develop micro-cracks if dropped or overtightened. Look for any hairline fractures or delamination near the pivot or screws.
- Chris Colwell Fraction (Pre-Owned): Hardware: Anodized blue titanium throughout, including a decorative pivot and custom titanium pocket clip. Anodized finishes can wear or fade over time. Check the pivot, clip, and backspacer for consistent color, especially at contact points.
Key Inspection Points for the Fraction
These are the areas that matter most on a pre-owned custom folder like the Fraction. Each check helps you spot potential issues before you buy.
- Blade Condition and Edge Geometry: The S90V chisel grind is a single-bevel edge. Check for uneven sharpening, chips, or a rolled edge. The supplied record notes 'light marks on the blade' – these are cosmetic and typical for a used knife, but deep scratches or pitting are red flags.
- Pivot and Deployment: The Fraction uses dual thumb studs for opening. Cycle the blade several times. It should open smoothly without lateral blade play. If the pivot feels gritty or the blade doesn't center when closed, the pivot may have been over-tightened or the washers may need replacement.
- Lockup Test: With the blade open, apply light pressure to the spine. A solid lockup should show minimal vertical play and no lock rock. The catalog doesn't specify the lock type, so verify that the lock bar engages fully and doesn't slip under moderate force.
- Handle and Hardware Integrity: Inspect the marbled carbon fiber scales for cracks, especially around screw holes. Check that all anodized blue titanium parts – pivot, clip, backspacer – are secure and the anodizing isn't worn through. Missing or stripped screws are harder to replace on a custom knife.
- Overall Wear Assessment: The listed condition is 'overall excellent' with light blade marks. Compare this to the actual photos. Look for signs of disassembly (marred screw heads, uneven lock bar wear) that might indicate previous owner tinkering.
What About the Pre-Owned Premium?
The pre-owned Fraction is listed at USD 474.50, compared to a catalog price of USD 949.00. That's a significant saving, but it reflects the used condition and the fact that this is an older model. You're getting the same premium materials – S90V, marbled carbon fiber, titanium hardware – at roughly half the original cost. The trade-off is that you need to do your own due diligence on wear and previous maintenance.
If the blade edge is still sharp, the pivot is smooth, and the lockup is solid, this Fraction can be a fantastic value for someone who appreciates Colwell's design philosophy and wants a high-performance folder without paying full custom price.
Shipping and Return Considerations
This item ships from Canada, with tracking available 2–4 business days after order. Delivery takes about 8–10 business days after tracking is provided. Review the store's cancellation and return policy on their Terms and Conditions page before purchasing, especially since this is a pre-owned item.
