CRK or TAD?

B

Barabus

Joined
Jun 15, 2013
Messages
398
These might not seem very close but let me explain. Trying to decide between a Chris Reeves Large Carbon Fiber Insigno or a TAD mk3. Both have a similar price point. Both are TI on the lock side and CF or G10 on the presentation side. The blades are very different.

Never owned a knife with one side of the pivot in something less than steel or TI. What are some of your thought about these two? BTW, EDC duty. Basic EDC usage. Nothing extreme.

Thanks for the advice.
 
"Never owned a knife with one side of the pivot in something less than steel or TI."

Not to worry, friend. I love mine. The G10 slab is 0.175" thick. The other scale, titanium, is 0.150". The blade is 0.140" thick...same as the CRK Umnumzaan and the new model 25 Sebenza. The TAD is as solid a folder as I have owned.
I have had lots of CRK's and have loved every one. Before this arrived, I was carrying either my Zaan or a large Sebbie...for years.
I am now carrying my TAD mk 3 to check this out. Yes, the TAD is only a $300 knife MSRP, if and when you can find one. The model with both slabs in titanium is $400. Of course, when we buy on the secondary market, we pay extra for the privilege of ownership.
One BIG difference that I've discovered...is the choil on the blade of the TAD. Great for close-up work, but when I cut some boxes, I had my hand back on the grip, and the choil was a PIA. HOWEVER, if you've used a Strider SMF or Sng, then this will NOT be a big adjustment. I have owned quite a few Striders and several Hinderers, so I know the obvious quality of all of these folders. I didn't EDC a Strider or Hinderer for any extended period of time, however.
The TAD is different than a Zaan or Sebenza, however, with that choil, and you need to realize this "going in." (Which I had forgotten, BTW) :)
I have no plans to sell the TAD or any of my CRK's; they are great folders. I think you really will need BOTH.

Here is a link to my thread on my new TAD Dauntless...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...lder-good-stuff-in-G10-Ti?highlight=Dauntless
 
Last edited:
Barabus said:
That is a whole separate problem. Just watching the knife exchange. I am patient.
Click to expand...

There might be some problems mathematically speaking. Don't hold your breath too long to snag one at cost, or even a little above cost. people like to multiply each fuller by $150-$200. Crazy I know.
 
RevDevil said:
There might be some problems mathematically speaking. Don't hold your breath too long to snag one at cost, or even a little above cost. people like to multiply each fuller by $150-$200. Crazy I know.
Click to expand...

Okay. So both would be about $450. The TAD mk3 was $300 at release plus the premium that RedDevil mention.

Seems that the G10 would hold the pivot in a more "structural" way. The CF seems susceptible of fracture? Not really sure. This is one reason for posting and asking for advice.
 
Barabus said:
Yeah, each knife either uses Carbon Fiber or G10 for the presentation slab, with no liner material.
Click to expand...

Carbon Fiber is strong enough to be used in stealth jets and other aerospace stuff. It's safe to say that it's just fine for a folder.
 
TAD, no doubt. I've been carrying my MK2 (beadblast) since last summer :)

I've had some CRK (still have an Umnumzaan) and none have given me the enjoyment that the Dauntless does :thumbup:
 
Sonnydaze said:
"Never owned a knife with one side of the pivot in something less than steel or TI."

Not to worry, friend. I love mine. The G10 slab is 0.175" thick. The other scale, titanium, is 0.150". The blade is 0.140" thick...same as the CRK Umnumzaan and the new model 25 Sebenza. The TAD is as solid a folder as I have owned.
I have had lots of CRK's and have loved every one. Before this arrived, I was carrying either my Zaan or a large Sebbie...for years.
I am now carrying my TAD mk 3 to check this out. Yes, the TAD is only a $300 knife MSRP, if and when you can find one. The model with both slabs in titanium is $400. Of course, when we buy on the secondary market, we pay extra for the privilege of ownership.
One BIG difference that I've discovered...is the choil on the blade of the TAD. Great for close-up work, but when I cut some boxes, I had my hand back on the grip, and the choil was a PIA. HOWEVER, if you've used a Strider SMF or Sng, then this will NOT be a big adjustment. I have owned quite a few Striders and several Hinderers, so I know the obvious quality of all of these folders. I didn't EDC a Strider or Hinderer for any extended period of time, however.
The TAD is different than a Zaan or Sebenza, however, with that choil, and you need to realize this "going in." (Which I had forgotten, BTW) :)
I have no plans to sell the TAD or any of my CRK's; they are great folders. I think you really will need BOTH.

Here is a link to my thread on my new TAD Dauntless...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...lder-good-stuff-in-G10-Ti?highlight=Dauntless
Click to expand...

Wow, good point about the choil. Looks great but seems like you would need to use it or it might become an issue- just like you mentioned. I could see that catching on stuff if you are gripped back. Not sure if I would want to have a dedicated choked up grip.

Still that TAD mk 3 just looks badass.
 
Yeah, I just bought Seb 25 but now I'm kinda digging the TAD. There was a 2nd gen Dauntless on the sales forum earlier today but I can't find it now.
 
I just picked up a Mk3 Dauntless on the last drop - the knife is super high quality. I have not held a CRK, yet, but I cant imagine a knife feeling much more solid than this thing does.
 
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