Benchmade VEX or CRKT M-21 Plain

I had a M21 and really liked the handle and wish the CRK&T had not discontinued it. It is a beefier knife than the Vex, at least it looks to be as I've not handled a Vex, and it stood up to some abuse I put it through. I had this knife during a time that I slammed open my blades and I mean SLAMMED. this took a bit of a toll on the poor ole knife but not enough to cause any bladeplay.I have since become a fan of the tight pivot and the gentle opening. I have retired my M21 but once in a while I do get it out to fondle it. I don't know if Kit Carson ever made this exact model, but if he did I would have loved to own one!

That all said, I think the framelock on the Vex would probably be a winning point for it. I really like the lines of this knife and would like to get one at some time, hopefully before they are discontinued.
 
I have both and the Benchmade Vex is, in my opinion, a much better designed tool. The clip is weak because of the cutout for the hinge but I plan to replace mine with an Emerson clip on the other side for point-up carry. Outside of that, it is a very solid and well made knife.

The CRKT M21 has a really nice blade but I find it just too busy with gadgets. There is the kicker to help open it along with the thumb studs and there is a second lock you can apply to the blade . . . just too much happening. I also don't like the handle design - to many places for pocket contents to get stuck.

I carry the Vex but leave the CRKT M21 in my flyfishing kit.
 
cepeen said:
... i've chosen Benchmade Vex, but CRKT M-21 has better steel, but its look isn't so nice as VEX. Could you, as experienced users, help me?
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cepeen, I know you've already chosen the Vex. Good for you. Still wanted to give my 2cents.

IMO, I don't think there is much of a difference in the steels of the two knives.

According to the AG Russel site, the M-21 uses AUS8 steel. According to the latest Benchmade info, the Vex uses a Chinese steel, 8Cr14MoV. The composition of 8Cr14MoV is pretty darn close to AUS8. I doubt you could tell the difference between the steels in everyday use. Depends on the heat treats, of course.

Enjoy your new knife.
 
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