If slicey-ness is a priority, perhaps consider some thinner blade options. Depending on how much you'd be willing to increase your budget, three I'd highly recommend would be Grimsmo Rask, SPK Lamia, and Oz Rosie. All have very thin slicey blades. At a lower price point, Quiet Carry Drift is a nice slicey blade. The CRK hollow grind does help with slicey-ness, go with a Sebby rather than an Inkosi if you want the thinner blade, Inkosi blade is a tad thicker.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
CRK vs Others in 2024
- Thread starter CHuynh22
- Start date
- Status
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2013
- Messages
- 21,707
I am going to go back and read through the thread, but will add my opinion first. These days, CRKs are one company, with two or three models that are just a drop in the bucket for choices for high quality titanium folding knives. Also, speaking of 2024, in 2024 they still aren't the company to turn to if you like things like flippers, bearings, or locks other than the venerable framelock. They do one thing, and yes, they do it exceptionally well, but there are plenty of companies out there with beautiful designs and durable, well made knives these days. It's actually pretty difficult to find knives that are outright crap, it's far easier to purchase a knife that is going to have great tolerances, blades of a great steel (pick one!), and locks, scale materials, and features of your choice.
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2000
- Messages
- 10,894
Tsujigiri
Gold Member
- Joined
- May 25, 2009
- Messages
- 3,026
Are you looking for something with a similar level of fit any finish and design ethos as the Sebenza, or just something slicy that fits in a small rectangle?
The Arno Bernard iMamba is the closest to the Sebenza in all quality and design aspects, I'd even say higher in a few. In the current market conditions where CRK runs high and AB can be had at a discount, I'd go that route.
You could also look at the Spyderco Swayback, it's discontinued and on clearance in a lot of places. The feel of the action and general quality are as close to the Sebenza as I've seen at the current market rate of half the price. It's also extremely slicey, someone measured bte on his Spydie collection and the Swayback was the thinnest. You'll have to get used to push cutting in a reverse grip, though.
If you just want slicy and pocketable, the TRM Atom and Spyderco Gayle Bradley 2 are pretty popular for that.
gentleman_edc
Basic Member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2021
- Messages
- 570
I have a swayback, and it is nice, but too heavy to drop into the pocket. I am looking for something less than 3 oz., preferably significantly less.
I carry a chaparral lw attached regularly, but it looks a bit utilitarian.
I carry a chaparral lw attached regularly, but it looks a bit utilitarian.
norcalAF
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2023
- Messages
- 5,356
Small SHF is a great all Ti option. I like mine a heck of a lot more than I thought I would
gentleman_edc
Basic Member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2021
- Messages
- 570
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2015
- Messages
- 70
Especially when you buys dozens
I have an Insingo Inkosi and a drop point 31, the 31 is noticeably thinner behind the edge but both cut incredibly well with the 31 being an absolute laser. If you do go for the 31 I recommend some sort of inlay version as it is a thinner knife than the Inkosi in every regard and may feel a bit small. If you're going for the smaller versions, the small 31 is larger than the small Inkosi, the small Inkosi is tiny.
Chronovore
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2019
- Messages
- 11,373
The North Arm Skaha II in MagnaCut is an awesome knife. The blade thickness is 0.1" (2.5mm) at the spine and it slices beautifully. It's a full-sized but light-weight liner-lock with good ergonomics. Here is mine. I got plain ol' G-10 but you can get it with different handle materials.
On the topic question, I've long admired the CRK knives but I don't own one. With arthritis creeping in, I no longer enjoy rolling out from a thumb stud or spydie hole. I need a knife that flicks out with a more linear thumb motion (or a flipper tab). I also prefer bearings. While I have seen some expensive solutions in the modding community, I'm not interested in dumping hundreds in mods on a knife that expensive in the first place. So I'll just be waiting for them to do a knife on bearings, whether with cushy studs or a flipper. (If it never happens, I'll just continue to not own one.)
That said and thinking about some of the other alternatives mentioned previously, if Arno Bernard ever decides to use MagnaCut, S45VN, or another fun modern stainless; I could be persuaded to join that party. Emailing with them about that, they did express interest in trying MagnaCut. I think they just need more arm-twisting from the people here.
Leo Greer
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2021
- Messages
- 868
I’m going to throw a rogue suggestion in here, the Shirogorov Neon and variants. There’s not many lighter, thinner, more gentlemanly knives, albeit at a high price tag.
But on the topic of the thread, I think CRK is vastly overrated. Here’s my full thoughts.
I like CRK’s commitment to quality, their customer service, their simple and useful profiles, and proven legacy.
However, they’re not innovative or competitive. They’re not because they don’t need to be, and that’s not wrong, just not attractive to me. Their knives have changed shape slightly, and the steels have changed, but overall they are the same knives as 15 years ago (which is a plus to some people).
I’m not going to throw myself in on every new trend, as knife fashion blows almost as fast as clothing fashion, but there are lots of new products that do things better than CRK and that CRK could learn from and produce a (I hesitate to say better product, but nicer for sure).
Arno Bernard makes a nicer product that, even though they use 154CM, feels much more premium, by an order of magnitude. And they’re cheaper.
CMF makes the Print that’s WAY cheaper, similar in form, and has usable thumb studs.
Real Steel makes the Evolution, which also runs on PB washers, and has better action as well as being a great user. And way cheaper. And has usable thumb studs.
Piratech makes the Kraken, which is basically a Chinese inkosi insingo with an axis lock and… usable thumb studs.
But CRK is made in the USA in smaller batches… True, but AB is still cheaper. LG is cheaper. Hinderer is cheaper. The China made alternatives are less than half the price.
But CRKs are practical… true. However, are they any more practical than any other well made frame lock with a usable profile? No, if anything they’re less, especially if you don’t have thumbs like cast bronze molds of the CRK thumbstud profile.
And, I should mention, practicality is an added bonus for most in the knife world, not a make or break. Personally, I prefer to only have practical folders, as I carry and use all of mine, but many will not.
And, we’re in 2024. If CRK made a slightly prettier Sebenza with a button operated frame lock for 75-80% of the price, I’d be very interested. Anyways, just my thoughts. This entire hobby is totally subjective anyways.
But on the topic of the thread, I think CRK is vastly overrated. Here’s my full thoughts.
I like CRK’s commitment to quality, their customer service, their simple and useful profiles, and proven legacy.
However, they’re not innovative or competitive. They’re not because they don’t need to be, and that’s not wrong, just not attractive to me. Their knives have changed shape slightly, and the steels have changed, but overall they are the same knives as 15 years ago (which is a plus to some people).
I’m not going to throw myself in on every new trend, as knife fashion blows almost as fast as clothing fashion, but there are lots of new products that do things better than CRK and that CRK could learn from and produce a (I hesitate to say better product, but nicer for sure).
Arno Bernard makes a nicer product that, even though they use 154CM, feels much more premium, by an order of magnitude. And they’re cheaper.
CMF makes the Print that’s WAY cheaper, similar in form, and has usable thumb studs.
Real Steel makes the Evolution, which also runs on PB washers, and has better action as well as being a great user. And way cheaper. And has usable thumb studs.
Piratech makes the Kraken, which is basically a Chinese inkosi insingo with an axis lock and… usable thumb studs.
But CRK is made in the USA in smaller batches… True, but AB is still cheaper. LG is cheaper. Hinderer is cheaper. The China made alternatives are less than half the price.
But CRKs are practical… true. However, are they any more practical than any other well made frame lock with a usable profile? No, if anything they’re less, especially if you don’t have thumbs like cast bronze molds of the CRK thumbstud profile.
And, I should mention, practicality is an added bonus for most in the knife world, not a make or break. Personally, I prefer to only have practical folders, as I carry and use all of mine, but many will not.
And, we’re in 2024. If CRK made a slightly prettier Sebenza with a button operated frame lock for 75-80% of the price, I’d be very interested. Anyways, just my thoughts. This entire hobby is totally subjective anyways.
Tsujigiri
Gold Member
- Joined
- May 25, 2009
- Messages
- 3,026
I agree that Arno Bernard is slept on, but I very much disagree that CRK isn't innovative. In fact, I'd say they're one of the most innovative out there. Just because the design is minimalist and it takes a more in-depth look to appreciate what they do doesn't mean they haven't innovated. The other brands you mentioned, and most brands in general, just mix and match features that are already out there. CRK actually comes up with new ways of doing things, many of which were such good ideas that they've become commonplace. To say that they don't do anything groundbreaking is kind of like saying Shakespeare's plays are full of cliches.
On a side note, you might want to switch up your opening technique. CRK thumstuds are just as easy to slow roll open or flick open if you're doing it right.
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2009
- Messages
- 6,642
I’m a big fan of CRK. But other companies seem to be matching their once untouchable quality and tolerances. For example , the Reate made Chaves Redencion Street has the tightest lock bar cutout I’ve ever seen. Amazing they can be so precise.
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2023
- Messages
- 357
I think you can get many knives that have the same quality or better than CRK. I only carry CRK nowadays. The blade stock on CRK are also fairly thick and not super slicey. The main draw for me is that I can pretty much maintain the knife forever. They are also super easy to disassemble and reassemble, with parts available to buy from their shop if you lose a screw.
Their warranty is also a great bonus, if you really screw up. Or if you want to refresh your scales. The chamfering and designs of CRK really appeal to me, especially anything with an Insingo blade. They certainly are time tested designs as well, with many people using them for decades now.
CRK is really like the Apple of the knife world. There might be better options, but their designs are well refined. There are going to be better preforming companies, but they are a safe bet for a long lasting tool.
Their warranty is also a great bonus, if you really screw up. Or if you want to refresh your scales. The chamfering and designs of CRK really appeal to me, especially anything with an Insingo blade. They certainly are time tested designs as well, with many people using them for decades now.
CRK is really like the Apple of the knife world. There might be better options, but their designs are well refined. There are going to be better preforming companies, but they are a safe bet for a long lasting tool.
Leo Greer
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2021
- Messages
- 868
The frame lock is a remix of the liner lock, which was created by Michael Walker. Crucible created S30V (Dick Barber) and CRK merely tested and gave feedback. What did they innovate? The frame lock was invented in the 80s and S30V was 2001.
Ultimately, every knife is just a copy of the last one, with some improvements and some things done differently. And Chris Reeve is no different. Shakespeare didn’t create anything new either, he put existing concepts in memorable terms.
My opening technique could probably be better, but intuitive use counts in my opinion.
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2012
- Messages
- 28,912
If I don't have a fixed blade, I have my inkosi. There's a combination of complete corrosion resistance due to materials and design, simplicity combined with durability and cutting ability and overall refinement that come together in a package that still currently in 2024 stands out from other knives.
It's boring in the sense it's simple and reliable. For those who prefer the simplicity and function over the next aesthetically striking hotness, crk is gorgeous. I find I randomly look at my inkosi and kind of marvel at it. How has such plain knife captivated me? There's a hidden beauty for those who prefer the traits the inkosi offers.
I have drawers filled with knives and have had who knows how many through the years, the inkosi is a keeper and crk continues to not just be relevant but a notch above. Let's not overlook at their sky high sales that persists for decades, either.
It's boring in the sense it's simple and reliable. For those who prefer the simplicity and function over the next aesthetically striking hotness, crk is gorgeous. I find I randomly look at my inkosi and kind of marvel at it. How has such plain knife captivated me? There's a hidden beauty for those who prefer the traits the inkosi offers.
I have drawers filled with knives and have had who knows how many through the years, the inkosi is a keeper and crk continues to not just be relevant but a notch above. Let's not overlook at their sky high sales that persists for decades, either.
sgt1372
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2018
- Messages
- 7,939
I recently started to look at CRKs.
While they are attractive & well made, they use thumb studs (small ones) which I don't like because I can't open knives using thumb studs well and they use blades that are a bit smaller than I like. The prices are also on the high side which I can deal with but not if they do not satisfy my other preferences.
So, like similarly sized & designed knives, they are a pass for me but there's something for everyone in the knife industry.
For comparison, other Ti knives that I own & prefer include (but are not limited to) the:
Hinderer XM-18 3.5
LionSteel ROK
Olamic Rainmaker & Swish
Real Steel Megalodon
Shirogorov Quantum Ursus NL
Spyderco Advocate, Drunken, K2, Military Ti variations, Nirvana, Slysz Bowie, SpydieChef & Swayback
Strider SNG 8Line Fatty
Zero Tolerance 0452, 0456 0600, 0801 & 0920
If you like CRKs, it's all good to me. Nothing "wrong" with them. They just aren't for me.
While they are attractive & well made, they use thumb studs (small ones) which I don't like because I can't open knives using thumb studs well and they use blades that are a bit smaller than I like. The prices are also on the high side which I can deal with but not if they do not satisfy my other preferences.
So, like similarly sized & designed knives, they are a pass for me but there's something for everyone in the knife industry.
For comparison, other Ti knives that I own & prefer include (but are not limited to) the:
Hinderer XM-18 3.5
LionSteel ROK
Olamic Rainmaker & Swish
Real Steel Megalodon
Shirogorov Quantum Ursus NL
Spyderco Advocate, Drunken, K2, Military Ti variations, Nirvana, Slysz Bowie, SpydieChef & Swayback
Strider SNG 8Line Fatty
Zero Tolerance 0452, 0456 0600, 0801 & 0920
If you like CRKs, it's all good to me. Nothing "wrong" with them. They just aren't for me.
Last edited:
Tsujigiri
Gold Member
- Joined
- May 25, 2009
- Messages
- 3,026
So let me get this straight. You claimed that CRK is falling behind because they aren't innovating as much as their competitors. I pointed out that they do innovate and have in fact been one of the most influential manufacturers out there, to the point that many of the unusual design choices they've pioneered have become ubiquitous. And your response is that there's no such thing as innovation because every new development is iterative? If you don't see the logical fallacy there, I don't think reasoning with you is possible...
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 43,997
He doth protest too much, methinks.
Some arguments are not worth having.
- Status