CRK&T M21-04, PE Question

[MetalXdotORG]

I was going to pick up a CRK&T M21-04, PE and was wondering if anyone here has one or has heard anything about them and would like to inform me as to why I would or would not want to buy it.

I'll mainly be using it for cutting boxes open at work and other things of that sort. I'd like something that will stay sharp and when it finally does dull will be easy to sharpen.

Link:
http://newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4091

Thanks

 

[flip]

I bought one several months ago to carry at work. It was just too big for me so I ended up selling it. I have several CRKT's with the same blade material and the do fairly well holding an edge. I like the M18 better than the M21. They have the same general blade shape but the M18 is shorter from the back of the blade to the back of the handle when closed. The M18 has less of a military look to it than the M21 so it doesn't seem to bother the "sheep" as much when they see it. There are some places that have them in the $30 range. I have been rotating an M18-12, M16-13T, Mcusta and Browning Ice Storm knives as my main carry knives.

 

[Confederate]

I've got a 21-04 and it's a good knife. CRKT has some quality issues at the moment, but as long as you get AUS 8 blade, you're good. Don't get anything else. Many advertise the old specs and you'll get short sheeted if you buy from eBay.

 

[ahgar]

I've got one now and it's a nice knife. aus 8 blade and i like the spear point design. I would suggest, unless your daily work requires killing elephants, you get the smaller size. this is a BIG knife and I mean big. later, ahgar

 

[Gryffin]

I would suggest, unless your daily work requires killing elephants, you get the smaller size. this is a BIG knife and I mean big.

What he said. It's a moose of a knife.

Also, unless you have a Sharpmaker or similar, the recurve blade would be tough to sharpen; if all you have is a flat stone, you might wanna look at something else.

 

[gunmike1]

I also say look at the M-18. It has basically the same blade, but with a different handle with G-10 inserts. You can get them for under $25 at Dallas Tactical Supplies, in fact I got 4 for $12.85 before that color sold out. They have been sharper than my Spyderco Endura and Native out of the box, though they don't hold an edge as well as the spyderco's. The AUS 8 does retain it's edge well though, and for under $25 you can't lose. Also, I agree with the last post about having the sharpmaker or something similar for sharpening the recurve blade. My lansky system and a benchstone didn't work well, but the sharpmaker works great on it.

 

[Deadhead Archer]

I've got one now and it's a nice knife. aus 8 blade and i like the spear point design. I would suggest, unless your daily work requires killing elephants, you get the smaller size. this is a BIG knife and I mean big.

I agree with all points, it is a good knife. It is BIG. For work, I'd recommend the smaller version. It also looks tactical, mostly because of the frame; and the blade size will scare sheeple.

I've found that for the blade shape, the AUS8 works best for me without a fine polish. It is great with a little toothiness to it. It would be perfect for slicing boxes in this regard.