CRK vs. Randall

[Doctorbowie]

Given the choice between a Project 1 CRK or Model 18 Randall, both with 7.5" blades, which would you take?

 

[crossada]

never tried either one i'm afraid so my opinion probably means little to you but if i had to choose i would go with the reeve as i feel it has better steel (A2?) and better construction.

i am a little turned off by both of these blades not by the hollow handle but by the hollow ground blades. i think a high flat grind is the way to go on a survival knife. i feel a hollow grind is too ineffective for chopping and other hard use i do with my survival knife.

 

[Gossman Knives]

I've never handled the RMK 18 but it's track record over the years would give it a high mark. The CRK Project 1 would be an ok choice only I don't care for a thin hollow grind on a survival knife. The CRK Shadow that I have is quite a thin hollow grind for a knife of it's purpose. I feel convex is the way to go but then again that's just me.
Scott

 

[Booger]

Well since I have both of the knives in question I'll give you my take on it. The Project I is as close to indestructable as they come. I have put mine through the ringers. Heavy chopping and splitting,food prep in camp, general camp chores. Never worried about the P-I failing in any way. Now for the Randall #18, this is one of my favorite knives of all time. I have carried mine and used it for light camping chores but no heavy chopping. Would it handle it? Probably, but since it is not made from a solid bar of steel like the P-I there is the joint with the blade and handle. I am sure it is quite strong but for what they cost and availability I am not willing to push it to its limit. I also do not like the saw tooth because it henders the ability to use a baton to split wood. I am sure either would serve you well but you can always get the P-I alot cheaper. But I do love the look and feel of the #18, I guess thats why I hang onto mine.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

I have used a Project and a couple of Randall's, stainless and carbon, the #1 and #5. The Project is much stronger, there is more steel in the blade and the points, thus if really heavy prying is a factor the choice is pretty clear.

While the Project is one piece, I don't think that is a real factor, mt main concern would be the tip, it is really robust on the Project, not so much on Randall's which are made more to cut and penetrate than pry.

In regards to the steels, Reeve runs his A2 soft, but Randall runs their steels even softer, both I used could be easily filed. This limits chipping damage but the edge will dent/roll easier.

For general wilderness/survival use I would pick neither and in that class of blade, instead go with somthing similar to a Becker CU/7.

-Cliff

 

[Quy4n8]

Cliff, why would you choose the CU/7? Not that there is anything wrong with this choice, just very different from the two knives in question. From your experience, what advantage does the Becker have over these, or other knives in this genre? Also, what is the difference between the CU/7 and the BK/7? Thanks.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Cliff, why would you choose the CU/7?

It has a higher flat grind and a harder steel, which is stronger and more resistance to edge impacts. I would also be concerned about hard batoning on the tang/handle structure of the Randall.

Plus it is way cheaper and holds its own performance wise and is actually superior in several respects. The handle throws some people, but the blade generally gets good feedback.

Also, what is the difference between the CU/7 and the BK/7? Thanks.

Same knife.

-Cliff