Colombia Rivers M-18 or M-21: Any thoughts?

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VorpelSword

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Dec 27, 2007
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I am thinking of getting a CRKT m21, large, unseparated and aluminum handle if I can find it.

Any thoughts?
 
What are your applications? My problem with CRKT is the fact that you can get a better knife at the same price. Example: I would take a CS recon 1 ten to one over a CRKT if you are looking for tactical. Waaaayyyy stronger lock, better blade steel, etc.... just my 2cents. Shop around the competition before you buy.
 
The story with me and CRKT is always:

Oh that looks pretty neat!
Buys it
Oh wow, this is a few steps below mediocre
Gives it away

Every.Single.Time

Currently, I'm eyeing the M16 FX....so we're kind of in the same boat. I always wait for them to come up on the secondary or 50%+ off lol...
 
I have a buddy at work whose sole knife collection consists of the CRKT hand-me-downs I gave her lol. She'll be sad she's not gonna get the M16FX!
 
I have the 4" Tonto I bought back on 06-08... Somewhere in there. It was the 1* series and as a mechanic I beat the crap out of that knife for 7 years as my primary oil field work knife. It cut wires up to 10 Guage just fine. Excellent prybar and gasket scraper. I still have it and it still locks up great.
 
I was the unfortunate own of the M16-12Z. While I did abuse the knife a little I admit, it did not hold up well. Back then it was a very soft AUS-6 steel. The lockbar completely failed on it, even with the LAWKS system. Piece of hot garbage.
 
I'd agree the aus6 is a poor option for an abuser knife. Likewise I can't see buying these in anything but a tanto.

Thinking about it now I did buy a used m16 4" tanto a couple years back and it was crap. Lockup was poor. If I'm being honest I think my original tanto is the only crkt I still own that I'd carry.

So yeah if you decide to get a crkt I'd find a place you can hand pick one.
 
The semi serrated is a nice option for the utility aspect. But it comes down to what you want out of it.
 
I have been given a large-ish Spyderco (Christmas) but don't really like it. It hurts the ball of my thumb when opening it. Have relived and beveled the edges, It is a good quality knife, but its still not good for me.

I am attracted to the blade profile of the M21/M18, and the flipper opening. The little lever-lock thing ("LAWKS") seems strong but might be inconvenient to close.

Want the larger blade model. Don't want the separated edge. Don't want the tacti-cool commando double guard.

Application is light duty EDC when traveling as a pedestrian in Houston. I use a cane (bi-lateral hip replacement) so easy one-handed opening is a plus for me.

Would the M18 be a better fit than the M21?

The consensus here seems to be against CRKT in general (well, I DID ask).

Don't like knives with a thumb- hump on the spine of the blade. Do want a flipper type opening.

Wo makes a clone that is better . . .and under $100?
 
VorpelSword said:
I have been given a large-ish Spyderco (Christmas) but don't really like it. It hurts the ball of my thumb when opening it. Have relived and beveled the edges, It is a good quality knife, but its still not good for me.

I am attracted to the blade profile of the M21/M18, and the flipper opening. The little lever-lock thing ("LAWKS") seems strong but might be inconvenient to close.

Want the larger blade model. Don't want the separated edge. Don't want the tacti-cool commando double guard.

Application is light duty EDC when traveling as a pedestrian in Houston. I use a cane (bi-lateral hip replacement) so easy one-handed opening is a plus for me.

Would the M18 be a better fit than the M21?

The consensus here seems to be against CRKT in general (well, I DID ask).

Don't like knives with a thumb- hump on the spine of the blade. Do want a flipper type opening.

Wo makes a clone that is better . . .and under $100?
Click to expand...
The flipper did not work well at all on the one I had and others I've handled. It needed significant wrist flick. Kinda defeats the point of the flipper.

The LAWKS is a pain and doesn't really do anything. Even with it my M16 lock failed.

I think the Civivi Praxis would be a better option. Similar size, lighter, very easy to open and close. Vastly superior fit and finish, and well under $100.
 
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