CRK one piece knives - user feedback

Toyz

Toyz

Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
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I came across a nib Project 1 today and jumped - its in my collection now. I missed out on getting one of these as they were discontinued once I really got into CR knives.

Can anyone share any real use feedback on these one piece A2 one piece knives - any model?

I'm debating on whether to keep and use or flip - I am thinking general yard use, camping, hiking.

Nothing extreme planned.

Any feedback appreciated.
 
I have only lightly used my Shadow, but I can say it came with an excellent and durable edge, absolutely divine geometry, a great sheath, and nice jimping. Too good not to use.

About the only downsides: all steel so perhaps uncomfortable in the cold, and the smallest Shadow could do with a longer grip to fill the hand.
 
Haze, nyfemaker, and i believe pitermore(sp?) have all had great threads and info on the OPK's. Try diving around some of the older threads and search. It's really a shame they stopped producing these.
 
I took a OPK for a quick hike with one of its buddies the other weekend there. :p:thumbup:

I have been using the OPKs for a while now and have found them to be some of my favorite knives. As mentioned the full metal construction makes the knife strong but some find them uncomfortable, oddly weighted and cold in hand. A bit of thin inner tube from a bike tyre can help a lot though. ;) I have had reservations about the seemigly rather low Rc on these knives but having now had that reservation for years, and never actually having anything in the way of problems, probably makes that reservation an unfounded one. That and perhaps a titanium butt cap, although quite unnecessary, are the only points or changes I can think of worth mentioning. All in all great knives IMO and knives I have and will continue to use and enjoy. :):thumbup:

The knife in this picture is a "scout", they were never made by CRK and those that do have them ground them out of a skinner. For those of you that don't recognise the model. :)
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They're great knives but I ended up selling both of mine because they were the smaller models and the handles were just a bit too short for my liking, not a knife flaw, just a preference issue. I did use an aviator to field dress a deer and found it very capable, though a bit big for the job.
Unfortunately I never bought a larger model before the production ceased and the price skyrocketed, one day I'll get another when funds allow.
They do get a bit cold and the upper guard is sometimes in the way of my grip but nothing you can't overcome. The inner tube trick is something I'll definitely try on my next one. There were models that were made without the upper guard as well as it being a special order on others, I'd recommend one like that if you find it.
 
1AbominAble1 said:
They're great knives but I ended up selling both of mine because they were the smaller models and the handles were just a bit too short for my liking, not a knife flaw, just a preference issue. I did use an aviator to field dress a deer and found it very capable, though a bit big for the job.
Unfortunately I never bought a larger model before the production ceased and the price skyrocketed, one day I'll get another when funds allow.
They do get a bit cold and the upper guard is sometimes in the way of my grip but nothing you can't overcome. The inner tube trick is something I'll definitely try on my next one. There were models that were made without the upper guard as well as it being a special order on others, I'd recommend one like that if you find it.
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I would agree with this, the single guard knives make for the best all round users, no doubt. The MountaineerII, Skinner and Sable are good examples to look out for. If you have the need for a double guard then fair play but for general EDC, outdoors or bushcraft type work they are not exactly a help.
 
I have the Project 1 - so it has the double guard. The handle is over 5" so it doesn't present a problem for me.

It's a monster - and I am going to use it.
 
Sounds like a great idea.
Please get back to all of us CRK junkies after you have given that blade some field time and let us all know what you think of it.

The closest I've come to using one of the "full sized" one piece knives would be the knock off Schrade SCHF1 and it's a great woods knife, throws really well too ;D not something I'd do with the CRK version due to hiw hard and expensive it'd be to replace but the Schrade gets no love.

Haze mentions the Sable and I have to say that it's outstanding! My good friend Blackend recently bought a mint version off if Fooj and it's my new favorite one piece design. I hope to eventually get my hands on a Mountaineer as well.

Enjoy that sweet knife.
 
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