CRKT fans?

H

Hypoxic_Gopher

Joined
Apr 2, 2016
Messages
6
I'm new here, so forgive and correct me if there has already been a post about CRKT. My everyday carry blade is a CRKT M21-12G. I own a multitude of blades, including a Spyderco Delica 4, but I always keep coming back to the M21. I just love the sturdiness and ease of sharpening. It's not too high quality of steel (8CR14MoV), but it handles every task I throw at it. I beat the crap out of it and it stays in great condition! what do you think of CRKT?
 
Welcome! The ones I have had, I found the steel too soft and the fit "loose"... but that doesn't mean you shouldn't like yours! :thumbup: Enjoy.
 
Crkt is a geat staring point into folders, they have unique designs and descent materials. The m16 line is comfortable , cool looking and purposeful. The original Hissatsu folder is still one of my favorites. Once you start to yearn for usa made knives and superior steels, though you will prob move on from crkt. I also group kershaws in with crkts
 
I like their fixed blades quite a bit - a CK Dragon is on my belt as I type this - but their folders often leave me wanting, either for better quality in the construction or better value for the materials used.
 
I want to like them. I really, really do. They collaborate with fantastic designers, they're not at all afraid to innovate and take risks and they make some aesthetically gorgeous knives that are a stark departure from the sea of black G10.

But I just don't feel the quality and materials are up to snuff.

I wish and hope that the Hi Jinx is a sign of things to come. Of a high end line, maybe even a subcompany like Zero Tolerance, where they let those designers go a little wild. Until then, they have some great budget knives and a ton of fun designs, but the QC issues I've encountered generally keep me from buying or recommending them.
 
Hypoxic_Gopher said:
I'm new here, so forgive and correct me if there has already been a post about CRKT. My everyday carry blade is a CRKT M21-12G. I own a multitude of blades, including a Spyderco Delica 4, but I always keep coming back to the M21. I just love the sturdiness and ease of sharpening. It's not too high quality of steel (8CR14MoV), but it handles every task I throw at it. I beat the crap out of it and it stays in great condition! what do you think of CRKT?
Click to expand...

Hey bud!
Welcome!
My everyday carry is an M21-14SFG, it's always with me.
Dual guards are a big deal for me.
I worked at a meat place, and saw some terrible accidents where the hand slid over the blade, called stubbing.
For what we do, it's an overbuilt, cool looking, easy to open, safe to carry knife!
It has a guard to protect you, a kind of birds head type pommel so you can grip pulling the knife out of whatever...
Quality brand, for great prices...
It's been quite a few years since I be been to the SHOT show, but at hat time, CRKT had been in business for 8 years & already had over 30% of the knife market. Sporting, outdoor type market I'm guessing.
I rely on mine. I have several, but here in Alberta, we can't carry a handgun... But my day to day useful CRKT, I depend on it for security as well.
I also carry a Boker Jim Wagner, after a lesson from an instructor about having a second option.
I was selling knives at a Gun Show in Fort McCmurry Alberta years ago.
The M21-14SFG had just come out, with Veff serrations. A young welder asked me for my opinion, and I told him.
Except we didn't have anM21-14SFG with us...
But Fort Mac is a long way up...
So I sold him mine for what I paid for it.
It was easy for me to get another...
Anyway, again, welcome!
 
I've never had any of their folders, but I have a few CRKT fixed blades that I like.
 
6850 said:
Hey bud!
Welcome!
My everyday carry is an M21-14SFG, it's always with me.
Dual guards are a big deal for me.
I worked at a meat place, and saw some terrible accidents where the hand slid over the blade, called stubbing.
For what we do, it's an overbuilt, cool looking, easy to open, safe to carry knife!
It has a guard to protect you, a kind of birds head type pommel so you can grip pulling the knife out of whatever...
Quality brand, for great prices...
It's been quite a few years since I be been to the SHOT show, but at hat time, CRKT had been in business for 8 years & already had over 30% of the knife market. Sporting, outdoor type market I'm guessing.
I rely on mine. I have several, but here in Alberta, we can't carry a handgun... But my day to day useful CRKT, I depend on it for security as well.
I also carry a Boker Jim Wagner, after a lesson from an instructor about having a second option.
I was selling knives at a Gun Show in Fort McCmurry Alberta years ago.
The M21-14SFG had just come out, with Veff serrations. A young welder asked me for my opinion, and I told him.
Except we didn't have anM21-14SFG with us...
But Fort Mac is a long way up...
So I sold him mine for what I paid for it.
It was easy for me to get another...
Anyway, again, welcome!
Click to expand...
Thanks to you all for the welcome! I know CRKTs aren't the highest quality out there, but I believe they are the best value for the money. I prefer not to buy a knife over $50, due to the field I am about to enter (EMT). Ambulances and scenes are very well known for consuming personal items.. I own 3 CRKTs (M21, M16-10KSF, Minimalist Bowie), and all of them work to my expectations!
 
Take a look at the Ontario RAT2, and Kabar Dozier Foldng hunter. Great low priced knives, I LOVE my Kabar Doizier, and I have heard nothing but raves about the Ontario.
 
I'm actually pretty happy you brought this up. I feel the same way about my Ken Onion designed Shenanigan. Not that I'm doing serious work with it, but it's handled anything from cardboard to opening bottles. And it actually has 8CR13MoV, which, on a technical standpoint, doesn't compare with some of the steels on the other blades I have. Also, what I've experienced that I haven't seen mentioned a whole lot, is my Shenanigan has an amazing action. At least for my taste, I like a pretty hard detent. Interestingly enough, I bought a M16-10KZ a few years back for really cheap, which was my first CRKT knife. It ended up pretty much falling apart on me, without much work into it at all. The scales came off because the screws stripped the lining, action was awful, etc. So I've had my ups and downs with the company, but couldn't be happier with my Shenanigan.

Edit: It actually has AUS-8, not 8CR13MoV. Sorry for the confusion.
 
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BlueSpartan007 said:
I'm actually pretty happy you brought this up. I feel the same way about my Ken Onion designed Shenanigan. Not that I'm doing serious work with it, but it's handled anything from cardboard to opening bottles. And it actually has 8CR13MoV, which, on a technical standpoint, doesn't compare with some of the steels on the other blades I have. Also, what I've experienced that I haven't seen mentioned a whole lot, is my Shenanigan has an amazing action. At least for my taste, I like a pretty hard detent. Interestingly enough, I bought a M16-10KZ a few years back for really cheap, which was my first CRKT knife. It ended up pretty much falling apart on me, without much work into it at all. The scales came off because the screws stripped the lining, action was awful, etc. So I've had my ups and downs with the company, but couldn't be happier with my Shenanigan.
Click to expand...
I've heard many great things about the shenanigan! It seems like a great blade. My M16-10KSF has actually lasted me awhile. I would carry it more, but I'm not a fan of the chisel grind on the blade. It's easy to sharpen, but doesn't offer the same cutting ability as my dual-grind knives. I am considering buying a M16-13DSFG for my next blade. I am in the minority that actually loves tantos. Especially for the like of work I put them through!!
 
Hello...
I guess I've been lucky, I haven't had any trouble except for a hunting folder from a different company.
My CKRTs have all held up well... The one I carry everyday has had no issues...
I have & like my Kershaws, and OKCs& Ka-bars but have only owned fixed blade versions.
Good luck with your Career bud!
That's a valiant occupation. I wish you the best!
Two EMT's saved my life back in 1998, I would still be dead if not for them.
Take care eh!
 
I've several CRKTs and like them all. Currently carrying a Vertex (out of production), have a couple other models including two M4's (wood and stag). All take and hold a good edge (I don't sharpen them razor sharp since I don't shave with a knife). I don't think you can go wrong with a CRKT and their customer service is excellent. The screw on my Vertex safety lock came out and I couldn't find it, so wrote to them and they sent me a replacement, no charge. I also have the CRKT Lake 111Z which is a nice flat, pocket friendly lockback (it's so thin, that I removed the pocket clip and just pocket carry it). Enjoy you CRKTs.
Rich
 
I have 2 crkt knives. One is an old m16 pre flipper pre lawks from 96 or 97 i think that i keep in my truck only now as its aus8 steel is too soft for more than a cut or 3 on pretty much anything without completely losing all sharpness. It has held together very well over the years ie solid lockup, no loose screws etc.

The other is a drifter i got back 5 or 6 years ago which stays in my tackle box. The 8cr13mov steel has a better heat treat.

If they would properly harden thier aus8 steel(55-57 rockwell isnt enough), and stop using junky aus4 or aus6, i may eventually buy another but right now no.
 
I have given CRKT knives as gifts, and they have been well received. The only example I ever bought for myself was an M21-14SFG. After the new toy effect wore off, and I had figured out how to close it one-handed, I never used it much at all. I think it's ugly and pretty much useless, except for the one coconut it got me into.

Not too long ago, my junky stepson stole it, I assume to buy smack. I don't even miss it. If he hadn't stolen it, I probably would have given it to him. It's about his speed.

However, I would like him to replace the new Mini Barrage he took at the same time. I have to chill on this one, though, as it is the cause of endless tsuris for my wife.
 
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Some people don't like crkt. but I've personally never owned one that wasn't awesome. It'd be cool to get super steels, but the designs I've handled are incredible. I particularly like the otonashi noh ken, such an awesome folder. Lockup is early, zero blade play, blade is sharp, and the grinds are basically flawless.

Its also the smoothest opening knife I've ever handled, which is bittersweet to admit because I have some expensive folders, but I've gotta give crkt credit. They NAILED it on the otonashi.

Now if they released a ti otonashi in s35v, or d2. Id pay some gooooood money for that :)
 
Yeah, could be knife to knife, or the one I'd bought had previous problems. The Shenanigan was actually gifted to me, and if I'm being completely honest, it wasn't all that visually appealing to me at first sight. But after a few days using it and playing with it, it's seen A LOT of pocket time. I'd recommend it for a budget blade ($40 range). (It has AUS-8 steel, not 8CR13MoV steel as I had mistaken it for having.) Or you could upgrade to the aluminum handle version, which seems a lot better. I've got a love hate relationship with the tantos I have or have handled, but they've been pretty useful as far as I'm concerned. Really depends on the task at hand.
 
I am a fan of some of their stuff. Off the top of my head, some knives I've had and enjoyed by them include the Squid, Eros, Swindle, Ripple, Carajas, Outrage, Wrinkle, No Time Off, Hootenany, and Eraser. They've got a lot of designs that I have absolutely no interest in, and I do wish they used more higher end steels, but for the most part I have been impressed with them. I've been much more impressed with them that I have been with Kershaw's similarly priced options. Here are a few I've had:

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