CRKT First Strike $25 at Big 5

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Dec 10, 2003
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Seems like a good deal. This is for the medium size model in either black or satin finish. Blade steel is 440A. Not sure where it's made but it's probably China. The I checked a few sites and they usually go for $50+. It'll be $69.99 after July 4.

I'm usually not a fan of fixed blades, tantos, cord wrapped handles, or CRKT in general but for 25 bucks I'm going to pick one up anyway. I can probably use it for gardening.

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Purchased the 2705 (satin blade, black cord wrap) yesterday at Big 5. The box says "Product Of Taiwan", and "Taiwan" is also stamped on the blade. The 2705KOD (black blade and OD cord wrap) was labeled "China" on both the box and blade.
 
Be wary of this knife. They are notorious for poor edges. The one I owned was pathetic in this regard.
 
eojk said:
Be wary of this knife. They are notorious for poor edges. The one I owned was pathetic in this regard.

I have to agree. There was a post awhile back that my still be running. The title was something like "what is your least favorite knife?". I own over 100 knives and the CTKT First Strike is my least favorite. I have the large and the small models. Both suck.

The knives are make of AUS-6 steel. A combination of that, the "appleseed" grind and the thickness of the blade make it impossible to get a really good edge. And if one does get one, it won't last long. They can be nice paper weights, that's about all.

I do not buy anything made of AUS-6 anymore. I think 440A is even better steel then AUS-6. Spend your money on something with AUS-8 or better. It will be worth it.
 
Best put toward another knife. Seriously. You will be disappointed with one.
 
The CRKT website and 2006 catalog both state that the blade steel used for the First Strike is 440A, not AUS-6.
 
Inoxophile said:
The CRKT website and 2006 catalog both state that the blade steel used for the First Strike is 440A, not AUS-6.

I bought mine over a year ago. They were AUS-6 when I purchased them. I even had an email exchange with the Rod Bremmer of CRKT about it. Maybe they got so many complaints that they went to 440A. While not great, I think 440A is a step up from AUS-6. I still wouldn't buy one but if it is truely 440A and not some old backstock of AUS-6 (and how will you know?), then is a little better knife, at least.

Good luck
 
I can't believe you guys are saying bad things about CRKT's soon-to-be premium AUS-6 steel. I found that this steel, AUS-4, and my beloved 420j2 keep their edges considerably longer if, after sharpening them, you spray the blades with Scotchguard, a 3M product. I've tested several AUS-6 knives and have found a 43 percent edge retention increase over non-sprayed blades; 420j2 blades fared even better with an edge retention increase rate of 227 percent.

Make sure the blades are clean and dry when you spray them. Oh, and this is important -- try not to actually use the knives after you spray them.

Happy cutting!
 
Confederate said:
I can't believe you guys are saying bad things about CRKT's soon-to-be premium AUS-6 steel. I found that this steel, AUS-4, and my beloved 420j2 keep their edges considerably longer if, after sharpening them, you spray the blades with Scotchguard, a 3M product. I've tested several AUS-6 knives and have found a 43 percent edge retention increase over non-sprayed blades; 420j2 blades fared even better with an edge retention increase rate of 227 percent.

Make sure the blades are clean and dry when you spray them. Oh, and this is important -- try not to actually use the knives after you spray them.

Happy cutting!

And any stains just wipe right off !!!
 
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