CRKT Desert Cruiser v. M21SF

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RGL01

Joined
Apr 23, 2009
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Just received a CRKT Desert Cruiser. Really like the way the handle fills my hand. But it is a thick grip. Harder to conceal than my AFCK (good knife). See it's made in Taiwan.
Here's my questions:
How is the quality of CRKT knives compared to Benchmade? How does the M21SF compare to the Desert Cruiser. It looks flatter. I assume the grip will not fill my hand as well. Any comments or advice would be appreciated as I am sort of new to knives (previously just owned the AFCK and a KaBar). Thanks. ;)
 
RGL01 said:
How is the quality of CRKT knives compared to Benchmade?;)
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It's best to feel them for yourself, but both vary in quality between models (e.g., the imported Red Class Benchmade knives are cheaper and have prices closer to CRKT). In general Benchmade uses better materials, has tighter tolerances, and just feels more precise. I've got some CRKT knives too, and would like them if I hadn't compared them to more expensive brands. I tend to buy Spyderco and Benchmade these days (they hit the sweet spot of quality and price), but could live with a lot of others too.
 
the BM AFCK has better steel, and a lot better liner lock than most any CRKT, CRKT's are more entry level knives and dont exhibit the materials, F&F, or quality of BM, or spyderco, then again they are cheaper too so......ya get what ya pay for?.

the CRKT's are "ok" though, a lot seem to have liner lock issues, i have had 3 myself which did, they also have a lot of good designs from well known 'smiths, imho they are just trying to hit a lower price point vs BM/spyderoc and when ya cut corners on material and labor quality does suffer.

so, no a CRKT is not going to be as good as BM.

they do have a few higher end models but ya pay for it, the ti M16 is pretty good, and the carbon fibre M16 too, i have had both and they both had better F&F and material, probably almost equal to BM/spydie, of course they both cost a bit more than the std run of the mill CRKT too.
 
Thanks SIFU1A & GenericJohn, those were very helpful posts. The Desert Cruiser fits my hand much better than my BM AFCK, and that's important. Liner lock issues! Well that's something to keep an eye out for. I guess I'll enjoy my Desert Cruiser and pass on the M21SF, and start looking more closely for another high end Benchmade.

Just went through the past year realizing that there's a reason Springfield Armory 1911s are less expensive than Colt 1911s, as IMO my SA GI is not on par with my Colt stainless 1991. Live and learn (:D), but the addage "you get what you pay for" seems to me more and more true with every passing year. Thanks again! ;)
 
RGL01 said:
Thanks SIFU1A & GenericJohn, those were very helpful posts. The Desert Cruiser fits my hand much better than my BM AFCK, and that's important. Liner lock issues! Well that's something to keep an eye out for. I guess I'll enjoy my Desert Cruiser and pass on the M21SF, and start looking more closely for another high end Benchmade.

Just went through the past year realizing that there's a reason Springfield Armory 1911s are less expensive than Colt 1911s, as IMO my SA GI is not on par with my Colt stainless 1991. Live and learn (:D), but the addage "you get what you pay for" seems to me more and more true with every passing year. Thanks again! ;)
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IMO , The Desert Cruiser is one of their better designs. The larger M16's in aluminum or titanium are good too. I also like the Lightfoot M1 , another good design. It has a handle with a similar texture as the Desert Cruiser ( but it's a little smaller).
 
RGL01 said:
Have you run into any technical problems with them?
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No , but I haven't really used them other than flipping them open and closed. But the lock / liner on the Desert Cruiser seems to be a little thicker than the average.

I will say that the fit and finish of every CRKT product I've ever bought is pretty good.

The only problem with CRKT is that on some of their lower end knives they use sub-standard steel. So you have to read the specs carefully on any potential purchase.
 
CRKT appear to be addressing the gap between their range and BM / Spyserco. Their latest releases - Summa, Tuition, Natural, Horus etc seem to be better built with better materials (AUS8 bladesteel - they used to use AUS6 as a standard before). Of course the prices are higher, but that's to be expected.
Years back when I lived in South Africa imported knives were hard to find and expensive. I used to carry and use a couple of the CRKT models as they were affordable. I used the Crawford/Kasper, Point Guard, Ryan 7, M16, M21, M4 and all gave excellent service. I never had any lockup problems and the steels cut just fine.
 
JPD1998 said:
No , but I haven't really used them other than flipping them open and closed. But the lock / liner on the Desert Cruiser seems to be a little thicker than the average.

I will say that the fit and finish of every CRKT product I've ever bought is pretty good.

The only problem with CRKT is that on some of their lower end knives they use sub-standard steel. So you have to read the specs carefully on any potential purchase.
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Lazydog1 said:
CRKT appear to be addressing the gap between their range and BM / Spyserco. Their latest releases - Summa, Tuition, Natural, Horus etc seem to be better built with better materials (AUS8 bladesteel - they used to use AUS6 as a standard before). Of course the prices are higher, but that's to be expected.
Years back when I lived in South Africa imported knives were hard to find and expensive. I used to carry and use a couple of the CRKT models as they were affordable. I used the Crawford/Kasper, Point Guard, Ryan 7, M16, M21, M4 and all gave excellent service. I never had any lockup problems and the steels cut just fine.
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Thanks guys, thats' good to hear. I'll be honest. I compared my Desert Cruiser to my AFCK upon receiving it yesterday. It seemed pretty darned good, and since it's discontinued I went to my computer and quickly placed an order for a second one! :eek:

~$90 total (ie. including shipping) for the two.

I tend to baby all of my gear, so I think they should hold up pretty well for my ever shrinking lifetime! :cool:
 
I would also take a look at some of the Kershaws that fall in that price range or a little higher. The JYDII with sandvik steel, G-10, and .070" thick steel liners can be had for around ~$50.00, and best of all is that it is USA made and has super quality.:thumbup:

Also, welcome to Bladeforums!! Don't worry about what knives too buy for the next few months. Just come here and tell us how much you have to spend and we'll do the rest!!:eek::eek:;)
 
cutter17 said:
I would also take a look at some of the Kershaws that fall in that price range or a little higher. The JYDII with sandvik steel, G-10, and .070" thick steel liners can be had for around ~$50.00, and best of all is that it is USA made and has super quality.:thumbup:

Also, welcome to Bladeforums!! Don't worry about what knives too buy for the next few months. Just come here and tell us how much you have to spend and we'll do the rest!!:eek::eek:;)
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Thanks, I'll check the Kershaws out. At least this is a more affordable habit than my firearms addiction. :cool:
 
RGL01 said:
Thanks, I'll check the Kershaws out. At least this is a more affordable habit than my firearms addiction. :cool:
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I used to think that too until I started buying Striders and Brian Tighe customs. But then you rebound back to guns and ....well you have to hide you CC statement ( unless your single) . :)
 
The Desert Cruiser is a decent knife, a strong knife (with LAWKS), but it's got a chisel-grind blade, ground on the left side. This makes things like cutting wood difficult unless you're left handed. Still, for other cutting chores it's good enough and for self defense is exceptional. I also don't care for the bumpy serrations on the CRKTs. They don't seem to be good for much except sawing through wood.

I prefer the Cold Steel Voyagers and also the Benchmades. A 5-inch blade is awfully nice and that's what I routinely carry.
 
JPD1998 said:
I used to think that too until I started buying Striders and Brian Tighe customs. But then you rebound back to guns and ....well you have to hide you CC statement ( unless your single) . :)
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Not single. Wife and two tiny ones. My life is not my own anymore! :grumpy:
 
Confederate said:
The Desert Cruiser is a decent knife, a strong knife (with LAWKS), but it's got a chisel-grind blade, ground on the left side. This makes things like cutting wood difficult unless you're left handed. Still, for other cutting chores it's good enough and for self defense is exceptional. I also don't care for the bumpy serrations on the CRKTs. They don't seem to be good for much except sawing through wood.

I prefer the Cold Steel Voyagers and also the Benchmades. A 5-inch blade is awfully nice and that's what I routinely carry.
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Thanks for the post. Continuing education for me. I'm pretty unknowledgable about knives. Where can I read about types of edges, materials, and serrations? Here on this site somewhere? ;)

Also, my understanding is that it's safer to stay under 4" for blade length in NYS, although the laws seem awful confusing to me.
 
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