2013 CRKT offerings.

I'm already starting to see some of these offerings being sold on certain auction sites and among certain knife sellers.

I just saw the Redemption fixed blade on sale from one of my favourite sellers for around 180$. Hopefully the swindle and new ripples won't be far behind...
 
They really knocked it out of the park this year. They've been moving more and more in the right direction every year and seem to be picking up speed, if anything.
 
Sorry to keep bumping this topic with minor information, but I'm starting to see more of these offerings pop up for sale - New ripples at around 90$ each, plus the new Hammond fixed blades at 250$ish.

I'm not sure what "Acuto 440" steel is (whether it's similar to 440C, 440A, etc.), but 90$ seems pretty steep if it turns out tobe closer to 440a.

EDIT: Also starting to see Swindles, for about 70$ and 100$ for the cheap and expensive models, respectively. Those prices are probably just that one store inflating things...that's way above MSRP.
 
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9blades said:
I believe the catalog says $80 for the milled and $60 for smooth.

Street will probably be around $50 for milled and $35-40 for the smooth.
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I MUST have one of these if this is the price. The smooth handles strike me as gorgeous.
 
Dorito Monk said:
Sorry to keep bumping this topic with minor information, but I'm starting to see more of these offerings poop up for sale - New ripples at around 90$ each, plus the new Hammond fixed blades at 250$ish.

I'm not sure what "Acuto 440" steel is (whether it's similar to 440C, 440A, etc.), but 90$ seems pretty steep if it turns out tobe closer to 440a.

EDIT: Also starting to see Swindles, for about 70$ and 100$ for the cheap and expensive models, respectively. Those prices are probably just that one store inflating things...that's way above MSRP.
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I heard that somebody did some tests when the steel first appeared in the original Ripple and it turned out to basically be a modified 440C, and very similar to n690co. The composition charts I have found support this. I think the carbon content is a hair over 1%, right along with VG-10 440C and n690co.
 
dkb45 said:
I heard that somebody did some tests when the steel first appeared in the original Ripple and it turned out to basically be a modified 440C, and very similar to n690co. The composition charts I have found support this. I think the carbon content is a hair over 1%, right along with VG-10 440C and n690co.
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Didn't the first ripples use a different steel, though? I thought they used to use something called "Acuto +", but are switching to "Acuto 440".

It could just be that I'm instinctively suspicious of any maker who lists their steel as '440' without adding a letter afterwards.
 
Well CRKT lists the Rockwell for their Acuto 440 at about 60 so I think 440a is automatically ruled out. I don't think it can get that hard, and if it can it would chip like a nightmare.
 
I absolutely LOVE my Ripple. Got it on a whim and it hasn't left my pocket in the year since. The Acuto+ takes a wicked edge, which I love. I hope the Acuto 440 isn't too much of a change from the Acuto+

I modified my Ripple a little bit by changing the flipper protrusion into an upward curving prong instead of the jimped flat protrusion, and I find it flips alot better now than it did before. I always felt like the jimping and the corners were a little sharp, so I started off by just sending them down and rounding them out. Then I decided to go all out and make it into a rounded protrusion. Wasn't sure it would work, but I actually prefer it now.

I've only seen one pic of the Bronze colored new Ripple and I am kinda disappointed in the change in the blade shape ---- or the shrinking of the swedge, but I really don't think it will make that much of a difference.

I do like the looks of the Swindle and I'm pretty sure I'll grab one of the 12c27 models when they hit the market.
 
Plain handle Swindle available for pre-order at $38.95, "Expected March 2013" at some site or another :rolleyes:
 
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A couple of Swindle's are available on ebay right now. I'm debating ordering one right now. I was basically looking for a Centofante Tribute that can be opened with one hand. The Swindle might fit the bill. Note for one of the ebay sellers its listed as backordered 2-4 weeks.
 
I have a CRKT "Otanashi Noh Ken" in my pocket right now. Really easy carry for such a large folder (really thin blade though). At home, I have a CRKT "Redemption". This knife came very, very sharp right out of the box.

I have never heard of the steel that is used on the "Redemption" YK-30 high carbon steel. Anyone ever heard of YK-30?
 
dkb45 said:
Well CRKT lists the Rockwell for their Acuto 440 at about 60 so I think 440a is automatically ruled out. I don't think it can get that hard, and if it can it would chip like a nightmare.
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I either read something wrong or am clueless. Acuto 440 is NOT Acuto +. They seem similar, but the hardness difference is a few points. I find the new Acuto 440 to be really soft (I mean even AUS-8 runs harder than 58). I feel like it may be a modified 440a. It seems like charging nearly $100 for that steel may not be the best of choices.

The Swindle still seems frickin' sweet, though. I will be getting one.
 
I ordered a swindle today, plain handle. For the price I don't think I could be disappointed by it. Ill post pics when I get it
 
Okieblade said:
I have a CRKT "Otanashi Noh Ken" in my pocket right now. Really easy carry for such a large folder (really thin blade though). At home, I have a CRKT "Redemption". This knife came very, very sharp right out of the box.

I have never heard of the steel that is used on the "Redemption" YK-30 high carbon steel. Anyone ever heard of YK-30?
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It's comparable to 0-1 tool steel. However, CRKT's site lists the Redemption as being made of 0-1 tool steel. Lots of people still use 0-1. Randall still uses it, though i think they heat treat it into the mid-50s instead of the 57-59 range. Could be wrong on both accounts though. Where'd u see it listed as yk-30?
 
Here's the smooth Swindle. Initial impressions:

Pros:
  • Nice finish all around, especially the bead blasted stainless handle and satin polished pocket clip.
  • Excellent detent and very (too?) firm, 100% consistent IKBS flipper action.
  • Solid lockup in all directions. Very early lockbar engagement and just-right lock release.
  • Suburb ergos. It just melts into the hand like warm wax in every grip position I've tried.
  • Somewhat heavy, but very smooth, slim, rounded and pocket-friendly. The ambidextrous clip is brilliant.


Cons:
  • Blade grind isn't evenly thickness-tapered; the point on mine veers off-axis a bit when sighting down the blade, so it appears to be poorly centered when closed. This is purely an aesthetic issue and shouldn't cause any problems, as there's no rubbing anywhere. IME, this condition is fairly typical of inexpensive Chinese knives.
  • I'd prefer slightly thinner blade stock for better cutting performance and less weight, and a thinner hollow grind, especially adjacent to the edge bevel, but that's just personal preference.

All in all, I think this knife represents an excellent value. It's a solidly built, beautifully designed and damn comfortable EDC for only pennies a serving.


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