are crkt knives good?

Yes

I have a M-16 13-Ti. I really like the slim profile, and the steel (Aus-8) is pretty good. Lots of other companies use this steel with good results. I haven't carried mine yet. It sits waiting for duty, however when that time comes I'm sure it will perform great. I have owned a few other of thier knives with AUS-6 steel and was not satisfied. I feel you should spend the extra dough and go for the AUS-8. The M-18, and the KFF pro have this steel. There is also the special edition WASP but the price tag is over $200 for that one. Good Luck
 
I've had a few fail the spine whack test. (3 KFFs)

Their M-16 series of knives are very good in my opinion. Easy to sharpen, good lockup, the flipper is cool, nice handles, etc. Probably the best knife they make.

The Point Guard is a very nice knife as well.

My only complaint is that their AUS-6 has very, very poor edge retention. (The M-16 has AUS-8...better steel.)
 
CRKT's....I like 'em, although now that I have bought my first Spyderco, I'm off crkt's(for now) and will put just a tad more $ towards Spydie's superior build, awesome Lockup, fit-n-finish and blade steel/finishes. Discontinued Spyderco models sell for about what you'd pay for a good CRKT.
 
I have a CRKT Point Guard. I think it's a nice knife for what it sells for.

It was given to me as a gift. They (knives) always seem nicer and better made, when they are given to ya for free!:D
 
Yes, they are good.

Some models are excellent values for the money. For example, the KFF and the zytel M16.

However, the price of a CRKT knife has gone up in the last few years.

Newer models are selling in the $70+ range. For that kind of money, you could easily get a decent Spyderco (Native, Endura, Delica, etc) or Benchmade (Griptillian, etc).

In the $30-$45 price range, they are hard to beat.

Above that, I would seriously consider competing brands, many of which have better steel and materials, higher quality, and better warranties.

-- Rob
 
To add to my comments...
I don't mind AUS 6 myself. It's plenty good for what I use for, and I won't cry when ceramics or maybe glass manage to dull it up (I've practically given up on trying to sharpen CPM440V because I don't have any diamond stones, and I rather get another blade than getting a set of those). However, I think CRKT should heat treat them harder. I've seen how Spyderco's AUS 6 blades perform, and they are great. It just seems the CRKT's AUS 6 is a lot softer.
 
I sure read a lot of bad things about AUS-6, but as far as I am concerned it is a good steel. The knives that I have owned with AUS-6 blades have all had edges that have held up pretty well and these knives have all been inexpensive ($20.00-$40.00). I have not run into a better steel on knives in this price range.
 
I've owned a CRKT Black Apache 1 for most of 3 years and consider it a very fine and reliable knife. As good as some that cost twice as much.

It remains in heavy rotation as one of my EDC blades.
 
CRKT's have a couple of weak spots (steel, blade finish), but they are very well-made and dirt cheap.
 
I have one of the small S-2's with an ATS34 blade and titanium handle. This knife is more than just good bang for the buck. It has the materials and workmanship if a much more expensive knive. The only drawback in the pocket clip which is too tight and is a b***h to get in out of your pocket.

They don't make these any more but they show up on ebay from time to time.
 
CRKT are not bad at all. I got the Craford Kasper, and Pokowski Kasper which fit very comfortably in hand. My only beef is the edge retention of their aus6. I suck at sharpening (gotta get a spydie sharpmaker) so I prefer a harder steel.
 
CRKT knives are okay for the money, however, a big negative that I haven't seen mentioned yet in this thread is the fact that CRKT seems to bead blast too many of their blades. I used to think it was a cool looking finish until I noticed that it rusts easier and if you get a scratch in it, you can't really buff it out without leaving a smooth patch on the blade. I agree with others who have said consider Spyderco and especially discontinued models. Great bargains. By the way, I'm down to just two CRKT knives from about 6 or 7. After time, you just want something a little better. Good luck and don't spend too much on CRKT. :p
 
It seems like most of the answers have been positive, but qualified. Let me give my UNqualified thumbs up to CRKT knives. I've had seven or so in the past year, four of which I've actually put to substantial use. They ranged in price from $15-$70, and they weren't just good knives for the money -- they were good knives, period. For their prices, I would say that they were phenomenal knives.
 
I do think they make a fine selection of affordable knives.., and as mentioned.., there is nothing wrong with AUS-6, or AUS-8 for general use.

Of course they are far better knives out there.., but when folks say stuff like..."There are many better knives for the money"..., I'd like to see that list of [many]... :)

They have the same deficits of most knives in their proce range.., including the quality of liner locks, fit and finish..., etc., but $ for $ I do think CRKT has a terrific product line.., and I have literally beat the snot out of several of their knives.., and given probably 20 for gifts.

I personally wouldn't recommend their knives if your life may, or is likely to, depend on a knife..., but for general utilitarian use they are just fine and hold up well with minimal care.


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
I recently bought my first CRKT knife and I'm very pleased with it. I bought the Crawford Kasper Pro (7772). It has an AUFS 8 blade.

I have my eye on my next purchase from CRKT when it's released. I'll be getting the D.O.G. (4504) which also has the AUFS 8 blade. I haven't handled one yet but it looks so good to me that I will buy one as soon as it's available (hopefully this month).

I'm certainly no expert on knives (heck, I don't even qualify as a novice :) ) but I'm happy with my new EDC folder.

I also purchased a Kershaw Avalanche (1570) and really like it too but haven't really carried it as much. I think the Speed Safe mechanism scares me a little in my pocket. LOL

I've been partial to Kershaw's for years. I have a survival knife I bought probably 18 years ago at a gun/knife show that I still can't help pulling out and looking at. They don't make it anymore.

I actually went to buy a new Kershaw the day I found the Kasper as soon as the CRKT's caught my eye (so, I bought both...).
 
CRKT's website and others I've read say it's 8. The other Kaspars are 6 but the Professional model is 8.
It's a great knife. I like it more everyday and it's my favorite EDC right now.
 
"A GREAT KNIFE FEELS GOOD IN YOUR HANDS. IT HAS THE RIGHT CURVES, THE RIGHT BALANCE, AND THAT RIGHT SOMETHING EXTRA WHICH IS HARD SOMETIMES TO PUT INTO WORDS..."
-Benchmade

CRKT is one of those brands that people eather love or hate with a passion,
and it's never easy to tell which one you will be. Go to a local knife dealership and actualy hold the knife. Given what we have told you about the steel, (pretty much much the only thing you can't get an impression about by yourself before you buy,) open it, close it, pocket it, draw it....then make your descision.

Oh, and if you have the money, CRKT has a few offerings with AUS 118, a modern supersteel.
 
Originally posted by nuke585
"A GREAT KNIFE FEELS GOOD IN YOUR HANDS. IT HAS THE RIGHT CURVES, THE RIGHT BALANCE, AND THAT RIGHT SOMETHING EXTRA WHICH IS HARD SOMETIMES TO PUT INTO WORDS..."
-Benchmade

CRKT is one of those brands that people eather love or hate with a passion,
and it's never easy to tell which one you will be. Go to a local knife dealership and actualy hold the knife. Given what we have told you about the steel, (pretty much much the only thing you can't get an impression about by yourself before you buy,) open it, close it, pocket it, draw it....then make your descision.

Oh, and if you have the money, CRKT has a few offerings with AUS 118, a modern supersteel.
Click to expand...

Ah, a fellow NC'er! Great advice. The only way to really buy a knife is to do exactly that (above advice)!

I bought the Kershaw Avalanche the same day as the CRKT. I wasn't planning on the CRKT at all. Guess I shouldn't have asked to hold it. I left with both! I'm just starting to like the Avalanche but the CRKT has been love at first sight all along.
 
Of the whole M16 line my favourite has to be anything from the Carbon Fibre series. The blades are made from Acuto 440 I believe.

A lot of people gripe about the edge retention of the AUS6M and I myself am not a huge fan of it either thats why the CF line is so appealing.

Thus far they seem to hold a better edge.
 
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