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crazy nicky

crazy nicky

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Jun 14, 2002
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I just got a M16-Z tanto blade for work...now I know that the steel they use sucks but how do you think it will hold up as just a work knife where it will take some abuse but nothing major? Like, I'm not going to be carving holes in Redwoods but I'm going to be using it for opening boxes, cutting wires, ropes and other utility purposes. i would love to know from experts like you guys... thanks!
 
CRKT uses AUS-6 on the Zytel M-16's. There's nothing wrong with it if you're going to use it for general tasks. It's not BG-42 or one of the CPM super-steels, but it's easy to keep sharp. It all depends on your point of view. If you're going to do alot of heavy cutting day in and day out, a higher-end steel may be what your looking for. They'll hold an edge longer than AUS-6, but are harder to sharpen.
 
Heck, you'll be fine. Most probably better than what your accustomed to anyway. I use a CRKT Stiff KISS tanto as my dirty job knife. Cutting insulation board, fiberglass insulation, trimming wood, hell Monday I even used it as a chisel with some light taps on the spine with a hammer to clean out some 90 degree saw cuts. Sure it gets dull, big deal, 5 minutes at the end of the day and it's ready to go again. You might get some rolling of the edge when cutting wire depending on the gauge. The 6A is relatively soft, will usually just bend rather than break at the point. I have put a major kink in the tip of my tanto. Bent right back good as new though.
 
Thanks... Better than what I'm accustomed to? No...lol I was using my SERE for work and I don't want to mess it up anymore so I needed something a little cheaper... The CRKT won my bid...no I'll be using that and my Gerber Gator for the tougher stuff!Thanks you guy are great!
 
You may find that the tanto is not a real utilitarian shape. (or, you might like it!)
 
Originally posted by crazy nicky
Thanks... Better than what I'm accustomed to? No...lol I was using my SERE for work and I don't want to mess it up anymore
Click to expand...

My bad, sorry! I just assumed you were just getting into knives. :footinmou

Don't expect a less expensive version of the SERE, what you will basically get is less knife for less money. Great for work though. Another to consider is the Kershaw Vapor II or the Out door Edge Paragee which uses AUS 8A for steel and is a real sleeper.
 
I own a M16-03Z.
You have to resharpen it often, but since the weak point in folders is usually the lock, not the blade, I am confident that it won´t collapse under normal circumstances. Mine passed the spinewhack test without problems.
 
I know someone who works at a warehouse and all he does is cut ropes and cables. He uses the M16 spear point and it looks like it been through a couple wars. However, he keeps on complementing it that it is one of the best work knifes because its good price and easy to sharpen.
 
While I think its a good value knife for the money...I'm not overly impressed with the design. The biggest thing I don't like about it is the thumb studs...they are too rough and tend to snag in the pocket! Also the clip sucks! That clip is one pain in the ass to clip in your pocket. The blade release to close the knife also sucks...I find it very difficult to close and just a pain to get at. But like I said in my last post I'm going to abusing this knife at work so it will get the job done...
 
So let's get this straight. The steel sucks, the design sucks, the "blade release" sucks, the thumbstud sucks and the clip sucks. Maybe you should trade this knife. I have three CRKT knives and IMHO they are great value for the money.
 
Don't get me wrong...I like the knife for what I will be using it for, but I hate the design. I actually haven't had a problem with the steel yet but we will see...I always need a reason to bitch!!! LOL
 
Originally posted by crazy nicky
I just got a M16-Z tanto blade for work...now I know that the steel they use sucks but how do you think it will hold up as just a work knife where it will take some abuse but nothing major? Like, I'm not going to be carving holes in Redwoods but I'm going to be using it for opening boxes, cutting wires, ropes and other utility purposes. i would love to know from experts like you guys... thanks!
Click to expand...
You'll be more than fine. You probably have to keep it sharpen a bit more often, but nothing major.
Take a stone and try to grind down the checkering on the thumbstuds a bit.
I found that M16 has the hardest lockups. I have ones that locked up so hard I couldn't open it easily... It seems the harder you use it the harder it locks.
Yes... the liner lock release is really rough on the hands, but then it's better than the fine checkering that you can't really use.
Clip has no problems by my terms... in fact it works perfectly with me.
 
Crazy Nicky-- you could probably sand the thumbstuds down a bit with some sandpaper to remove the rough edges. Keep in mind, though, smoother thumbstuds may be more likely to slip off your thumb during opening. As for the clip, you could probably adjust the tension (if that's the reason it's difficult to clip to your pocket) by removing it from the knife, bending it out a bit, and then reattaching it. With any luck, the release will loosen up a bit over time as you use the knife. Have you tried lubing it?
--Josh
 
The M16's thumbstuds are designed to serve as a bladestop, and are not very convient for opening the blade, IMHO. Since the blade is so easily opened using the flipper, so who cares about the thumb studs?
 
10-4! I could almost take the studs off my 03Z except they are needed to stop the blade. The flipper is so cool! I think the design is just fine too.
 
What Frank and JoeSchmoe said about the "Carson Flipper." This is the FUN part of the M-16! Don't use the silly thumbstuds which are indeed too difficult to access well.

I have the M-16 13Z and the 14LE. Don't carry them much due to the clips not being to my liking (plus I prefer tip up). However, these are good knives for the price (especially if you got 'em on sale like I did). :)

Hold the knife with your index fingertip on the flipper and push it in as you swing the blade out to aid opening. When you "get good" you might be able to do it just with your "finger power." The "difficult" liner lock is better than an easy one which might close on your fingers!

And I say that not being a liner lock fan.

Karl
 
Bought one of these as a Christmas present for my nephew a couple of years ago. I liked the knife a great deal, and considered getting another for myself. Figured it could sit in the truck as a beater. As I remember the overall finish was a bit rough, but much more refined than the price would have indicated. For the price point I found it to be a very good knife overall. It has served my nephew very well.
 
Well, I have both a CRKT Ryan Model 7 and a CRKT Polkowski-Kasper Companion. Both use AUS6M Steel and it doesn't suck at all. It sharpens easily, it retains an edge quite well, and they are very well priced. Grant it they wont split a concrete block, but then I don't need to.:D

CRKT is improving in leaps and bounds. I believe the new M18's are worth looking at.
 
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