CRK vs Hinderer quality

I haven't handled a Hinderer first hand, but I would assume CRK's have higher quality since they try.
Would love to have a XM-18 though
 
I've owned both and would say the Hinderer wins hands down.
 
From my experience even a $1,000 custom have a hard time vs CRK at tolerance/quality wise.
 
There's a reason why chris reeve wins the manufacturing excellence award EVERY year at BLADE. That should be sufficient enough to answer your question. If you need more explanation, watch bladehq's shop tour of CRK. Not denying rick hinderer makes a hell of a knife, it's just hard to compete with a Reeve.
 
I own both CRKs & Hinderers and I would say they are equal in quality, fit & finish!
 
From my personal experience, they are equal in the quality department. You just don't see many issues with either of them out of the box. In fact, you probably see more issues out of the box with a CRK but that is only because they produce many more knives than RHK. I have been a believer in CRK quality for a while. My sebenza 25 was the knife that made me not want to carry any other knives... Until I got a Hinderer again. You really can't go wrong with either. The 25 and XM are both very different takes on the "hard use" edc folder design. The CRK is a little "elegant" and the XM is a little more "beefy" but both are very capable and equals in terms of quality.



 
Stoney26 said:
There's a reason why chris reeve wins the manufacturing excellence award EVERY year at BLADE.
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That award is voted and given by the whole group of blade manufacturers...his peers.

And yes, Hinderer makes a fine knife also. I've had two XM-18's, 3" slicer, 3.5" spanto, and sold them within two weeks. TOO OVERBUILT for my casual carry purposes. The larger XM-18 had an exceptionally weak detent...could easily shake out the blade.
I've owned perhaps twenty CRK's...Sebenzas and Zaans. Loved them all. I have perhaps four or five left. They come and they go, but I just carry the one large Regular.
sonnydaze
 
Having held both I can say both are high in quality but if you must pick one for higher quality then it's obviously CRK, not to mention cheaper than hinderer.
 
They are both fantastic knives.
The higher quality knife will be in your pocket!
rolf
 
CRK certainly has higher finish. They most likely have better fit as well--though I haven't measured it with micrometer.
 
Cynic2701 said:
CRK certainly has higher finish. They most likely have better fit as well--though I haven't measured it with micrometer.
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This is what I was thinking to the letter. :thumbup: I own a few from each manufacturer. I love them both equally. I have carried and used both extensively and they both really shine in unique ways.
 
I would say they are neck and neck. They are different styles for sure but both knives from any timespan of either maker are top notch. People will probably bias to who they prefer on this one!

Good to see another Olympian around!
 
Awesome! I actually just scored my first hinderer from the batch of 50 they put up for the Christmas sale! Should have it by Friday and I am PUMPED! And very cool to see a fellow Olympian on the forum! Merry Christmas friend.
 
I purchased a new Hinderer and was overall disappointed with the knife. Weak detent (the knife could swing open), cheap teflon washers, a proprietary pivot and 4 different kinds of tools to take it down (flathead, phillips, hex and proprietary). I would easily give overall quality and innovation to CRK.
 
I'd have to say CRK has better quality. The Hinderers that I've owned cannot have both a silky smooth action, and zero bladeplay. A CRK has both.
 
I've been eying an XM-24 Spanto for a long time. Haven't pulled the trigger yet. One of these days...one of these days. Thanks, all, for the great discussion.
 
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