Chris Reeve Knives -what's the difference?

[longbow]

I've owned more than several CRK's. Don't own them anymore. They are made well no doubt. Tolerances are very exact. But some makers can match that and do better and I own a few of those. Jeff Hall is one, Ron Flarehty is another. I've a M1 from Ron that is just superb in every way and it is A2 steel which makes it even better. I've got a big Raleigh Tabor folder with a liner lock that is done extremely well. Also a few manufactured folders that are very well done. An original Paragon folder that I've had for years and is well used but is rock solid and just seems to get better with age. The new BOKER Epicenter I am very very impressed with as well. Just an outstanding highly precise build quality. This is the second iteration of the knife so can't comment on the first. But this one is a winner. So there ya go.

The reason I don't have any Sebbie's left is just plain simple hand ergonomics. All ti is just plain to slippery for me. Save for the Epicenter. keepem sharp

 

[monkeyman666]

The CRK's looks great but aren't really hard use knives. If you want to spent $400 on a knife, buy a Strider SnG. Much more bang for the buck.

 

[twid]

In my experience 1 of 4 CRK's I've owned were perfect. I've been carrying a large lefty 21 for 5 months every day. It's great, I like it. Not perfect. Where are these tolerances made? The pivot? Pocket clip? How neatly they tie the lnyrd? The hollow grind on mine is an eighth inch difference towards the tip on one side. So the tolerance must not be in grinding the blade. The washers have edges all around them like leftover plastic when you snap off parts for a model airplane. No I didn't pinch them. I have 2 Sebenzas that came brand new like that. That's not consistent quality. There are other issues I have had but basically the consistent tolerance crap is a bunch of hype.
Anyhow, I still like mine and will buy another insingo but not because I think CRK's are perfect quality. I just like them.

 

[CrimsonTideShooter]

The CRK's looks great but aren't really hard use knives. If you want to spent $400 on a knife, buy a Strider SnG. Much more bang for the buck.

LMAO

Strider and "bang for your buck" in the same sentence is hilarious! Just so you know, I've owned many Striders.

 

[monkeyman666]

LMAO

Strider and "bang for your buck" in the same sentence is hilarious! Just so you know, I've owned many Striders.

Ok, can you explain yourself? What do you mean?

 

[RetiredGuns]

The CRK's looks great but aren't really hard use knives. If you want to spent $400 on a knife, buy a Strider SnG. Much more bang for the buck.

Why are these type of responses always from people with only a handful of posts? We can see from your posting history that everything but Striders are crap.
Ounce for ounce I'd challenger your proclamation and some folks don't like really heavy knives. With a Sebenza there is no loctite needed, no special takedown tool
and no voiding warranty or pissing off the company if taken apart and CRK even provides a hex tool and directions for disassembly. The lifelong service, spa treatments
and warranty really go a long way.

 

[Tim616]

Ok, can you explain yourself? What do you mean?

lol it's funny because you said a CRK is't hard use then said striders give better value.

 

[CWL]

Ok, can you explain yourself? What do you mean?

You really need to explain yourself first, since your broad claims are certainly not based on experience with either knives. By your own posting, you've only owned a Strider for a few weeks.

I doubt you've ever held a CRK in your hands before.

Lot's of useful experience you're passing along...

 

[shqxk]

I ever held both Large and Small Sebenza of my friend which led me to thought it quit overpriced at first sight. But now i had change my mind, CRK would neither be the strongest nor the sharpest which came up with super steel (S35V WTF one-third price cheaper knife used m390 zzz) and sure they arnt the toughest folder out there, compare for the cost. But them definately the most beautiful knife people can ever get for 450$ IMO


Strider are different story. I would never spend 500$ for a knife that came up with bladeplay out of box. I ever held 2 of them and both have some minor bladeplay plus cheap F&F though.

 

[mwhich50]

I handled a Sabenza at my local gun store, and tried to figure out what every one is talking about. I was kind of hesitant that I would see something spectacular in this brand and want to purchase a large and small Sebs in the near future. My wife would be pissed if she found out and probably go on a shopping spree. She was shocked that my Sog Trident cost $50 (rejected:returned to Walmart), lol. I will let her keep thinking that my $50-$100 knives cost $30. Anyhow, after opening the Seb 10 or so times, and inspecting it closely I gave up. Whew, I was kind of relieved that I did not get bit by the Sabenza bug. No doubt about it, is a solid, smooth working knife, but I am not at that point yet where I would be willing to throw out $400 for a single knife. I like variety, new looks and specific knives for specific purposes. I won't say anything bad about Sebs because it is obvious that they are terrific knives, just not for me.

 

[monkeyman666]

You really need to explain yourself first, since your broad claims are certainly not based on experience with either knives. By your own posting, you've only owned a Strider for a few weeks.

I doubt you've ever held a CRK in your hands before.

Lot's of useful experience you're passing along...

Your right about the SnG. I only have that one for a couple of weeks, but I own Striders for a longer period. PT's, and a DB, a WP and a D9 Mod 10.
And I have used them a lot and hard, so I know what I'm talking about.

 

[paper hat]

the difference is the cost, a mora can do anything a cr knife can, some times better!

I have heard much about CRK here, and in other places.

But $400.00+ is an awful lot for a knife!

I would like to know, if anybody here can tell me, what it is about Chris Reeve knives that makes them so special.

Sure, the easy answer is: they just..feel great!

But that's not an answer, if you see what I mean. Chris Reeve starts out with steel and machinery, same as any other maker, and ends up with a product which impresses every person who encounters it.

So what does he do different?

 

[hardheart]

It's been said on this very forum that knives costing much less than a Sebenza can perform 98% of the same tasks.

This analogy failed me when I proclaimed to my Wife that I was faithful 98% of the time!

It's Friday why not...

There are also knives that will do 300% of what a Sebenza will. It is a knife, it cuts stuff. Other knives have more cutting edge, more cutting life, and better handling ergonomics. 98% is only going to be defined by the blade, not by the true flatness of the surface grind of the titanium slabs. And the 30 year old Buck 110s and SAKs still carried and used doesn't say much for having to pay a lot for longevity in the tool.

 

[austinguy23]

CRKs are quality knives, sure. However, modern manufacturing techniques have brought some other mainstream manufacturers to the same level (e.g. Some models of Spyderco).

I'd say it's roughly twice what it would be worth if it had a different company's name attached to it. In other words, half the price is due to hype and marketing. You see this effect in almost every industry; the knife industry is no different.

 

[JNewell]

LMAO

Strider and "bang for your buck" in the same sentence is hilarious! Just so you know, I've owned many Striders.

I have several Striders and like them a lot, but you're so right - Strider is not a "bang for the buck" knife. You pay an awful lot for the design and name, not so much for the materials or manufacturing.

 

[unit]

Ok, can you explain yourself? What do you mean?

I will explain what he means.

The tolerances and fit and finish of a strider are not on par with many other "hard use knives" in a similar price range.
The materials used for Striders are on par with a lot of VERY nice knives that cost 1/2 as much.
The slicing performance of (un-modified) Striders is on par with a knife costing about 1% of the Strider price.
The opening, closing, and locking actuation may range from on par with a knife costing 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a Strider, to MUCH poorer than a knife costing 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a Strider.

Strider may have a great warranty, image (arguable) and toughness...but "bang for the buck" is not a slogan you will likely see them take to market.

 

[JNewell]

That's not true, and Sal Glesser would be the first to confirm that - and has actually posted to that effect. His posts are quoted elsewhere in this thread.

CRKs are quality knives, sure. However, modern manufacturing techniques have brought some other mainstream manufacturers to the same level (e.g. Some models of Spyderco).

I'd say it's roughly twice what it would be worth if it had a different company's name attached to it. In other words, half the price is due to hype and marketing. You see this effect in almost every industry; the knife industry is no different.

 

[Ankerson]

That's not true, and Sal Glesser would be the first to confirm that - and has actually posted to that effect. His posts are quoted elsewhere in this thread.

Exactly. :thumbup:

Sal also Posted awhile back that if Spyderco held the same tolerances as CRK the knives would cost just as much.

 

[unit]

That's not true, and Sal Glesser would be the first to confirm that - and has actually posted to that effect. His posts are quoted elsewhere in this thread.

OTOH, Sal is a classy guy who is wise to not trash (rightfully) respected knife makers. I think there is some truth to the idea that modern methods are closing the gap between some much lower cost production knives (perhaps some Spydercos) and CRKs in terms of tolerances. To your point, Sal will never likely make any such comparison between Spydercos and CRKs. Simply put, Spyderco, CRK, and many other companies make some GREAT knives that are good fits for different buyers. No need to compare them, rather enjoy them, celebrate their differences and buy what suits you.

Worth and value are something that perhaps should be left to the end user/buyer to rule on.

There are people who would (and do) spend MUCH more than USA retail knife prices (CRK, Spyderco, you name it) due to where they live and delivery/exchange rates/customs/etc issues. These people are shining examples of how value is dictated by the end user/buyer.

I would not ignore the fact that the "tolerance" argument is diminishing over time. There will come a day when production knives will have tolerances as tight as CRKs. I would not expect this to diminish the asking price of CRKs though...there is more to it than that, and people have to figure that out for themself.

It is a concept not unlike custom knives. I have several that look like they have been dragged behind a truck because they have been used very hard. They cost a pretty penny, and they were not bough to look nice. I do not attempt to explain their value to others...not because I can not explain it, rather because they can not understand it.

If you find something that works for you that is better than anything else you have ever tried, you might know what I mean.

I can only suggest that people think about some concepts and decide for themselves what sort of value things hold to them. If I look at a piece of art and I like it, I think to myself, "what would I pay to own this?" then I find the asking price. If they are asking lower than the number in my head, I buy.

Knives can be similar in this regard, but they are functional. It is difficult to assess this functionality before buying, and not everyone will enjoy the functionality in the same manner...thus (I believe) we see threads like this were people are polarized for and against some knives.

 

[loglew]

I just bought my first CRK and it was delivered yesterday, an Ummnumzaan. I was nervous about the cost and would it be worth it. All I can say is WOW. I flicked it open the first time and is was really quiet on lock up. My first thought was, "how do they do that?" I have other frame locks and they all have a nice audible snap when the lock is engaged. This knife is really awesome. I have used it several times already and it rocks. I own a Les Baer 1911 and I have to say the CRK Ummnumzaan is to the knife world like the Baer Thunder Ranch is to the 1911 world. Built to be used and last. When I am finished with this knife, my son will get it.......but not for YEARS.
LL