CRKT knife quality on the rise?

[bmoore]

So a while ago when I was a brand new 19 year old EMT in 2001 a popular knife to carry was the CRKT M16. I handled a couple and never really thought that much about them. As an EMT basic I carried a Bucklite 442 and then transitioned to Benchmade's and Spyderco's as a Firefighter/Paramedic (pay raise!!). I have gotten into folding knives in the past few years and decided that I should give CRKT a look for a beater. I started with an M21-02G and was really impressed how well it was made. I quickly picked up an M16-03z and an M16-02z. All 3 of these knives are rock solid in lock up with dead nuts blade centering. I was really shocked at how nice the knives are for the money. From what i remember the CRKT's that I held years ago were kind of rattle traps, they may have been the made in China framelock versions though. Has anyone carried CRKT's for years? Have you noticed any difference in quality? I really am impressed with these, the M16-03z is my favorite out of the bunch.

 

[Rich S]

I've carried/used several models of CRKTs over the years and have always found them quite good (both thumbstud and AOs).
Rich

 

[craytab]

I have carried CRKTs for years. Some will say their quality is improving but that has not been my experience. For most of their new stuff I will never know if the quality has improved because the are over priced compared to other offerings IMO. They also have some funky designs with ugly clips that are not repositionable or tip down.

So until CRKT gets serious about competing with other brands true knife enthusiasts respect by offering a great product at a competitive price I will continue to base my opinion of their knives on their recent history of poor quality control and poor design execution. My money is valuable to me so taking a risk on CRKT is not something I can afford anymore. I will buy some of their older stuff though, back when they had most of their knives made in Taiwan. I carried a Mirage Grey Ghost yesterday. Fantastic Knife!

 

[eschwebach]

I quite like this Taiwanese made CRKT. A good value IMO.

 

[canoevic77]

So a while ago when I was a brand new 19 year old EMT in 2001 a popular knife to carry was the CRKT M16. I handled a couple and never really thought that much about them. As an EMT basic I carried a Bucklite 442 and then transitioned to Benchmade's and Spyderco's as a Firefighter/Paramedic (pay raise!!). I have gotten into folding knives in the past few years and decided that I should give CRKT a look for a beater. I started with an M21-02G and was really impressed how well it was made. I quickly picked up an M16-03z and an M16-02z. All 3 of these knives are rock solid in lock up with dead nuts blade centering. I was really shocked at how nice the knives are for the money. From what i remember the CRKT's that I held years ago were kind of rattle traps, they may have been the made in China framelock versions though. Has anyone carried CRKT's for years? Have you noticed any difference in quality? I really am impressed with these, the M16-03z is my favorite out of the bunch.

These are three CRKT knives that I own. The Vertex on the top is about 4 years old now. The BONE handled blade in the center is an M4-02, very nice. The one on the bottom is a recent purchase. It's an Onion designed Hootenany. I'm really fond of all three, as well as the assortment of Benchmades etc., but I believe that it's the only one that is not made in China might be the Vertex. I bought that knife in 2011. In any case the quality is very good on all three. The Hootenany has been fun to use since I received it last week.

I quite like this Taiwanese made CRKT. A good value IMO.

 

[Inazone]

I just received an email from Ruger, announcing that CRKT will be producing a line of Ruger-branded knives. Some of them look very interesting, but the prices are a bit steep and the steel is not specified, at least not yet. My experiences have been similar to that of other folks, some positive but generally unimpressive considering the price tags involved. I do have some CRKT fixed blades that I really like, but the folders have been a mixed bag.

 

[idaho]

I just received an email from Ruger, announcing that CRKT will be producing a line of Ruger-branded knives. Some of them look very interesting, but the prices are a bit steep and the steel is not specified, at least not yet. My experiences have been similar to that of other folks, some positive but generally unimpressive considering the price tags involved. I do have some CRKT fixed blades that I really like, but the folders have been a mixed bag.

I've seen those.
They are absolutely horrible!!!
One of worst china acid-stonewashed crap i've seen.

But aluminum handle m21/16, and onions, and other models - are great value and excellent designs.

 

[bmoore]

I have carried CRKTs for years. Some will say their quality is improving but that has not been my experience. For most of their new stuff I will never know if the quality has improved because the are over priced compared to other offerings IMO. They also have some funky designs with ugly clips that are not repositionable or tip down.

So until CRKT gets serious about competing with other brands true knife enthusiasts respect by offering a great product at a competitive price I will continue to base my opinion of their knives on their recent history of poor quality control and poor design execution. My money is valuable to me so taking a risk on CRKT is not something I can afford anymore. I will buy some of their older stuff though, back when they had most of their knives made in Taiwan. I carried a Mirage Grey Ghost yesterday. Fantastic Knife!

I would completely agree with you about weird designs. I do not plan on venturing away from the M16/21 design. Actually I have Crawford Kasper that I like for 18 bucks. The M16's and M21 that I bought were all around 32 to 37 dollars on amazon with free 2 day shipping with the Prime membership. I still think they are a great value for 35 bucks. My Benchmade Stryker is awesome but awesome or not it was 130 bucks, that's a lot of frog skins. Spyderco PM2 may possibly be the most knife for the money on the market, IMHO.

EDIT--- I just googled the CRKT/Ruger knives, horrendous.

 

[craytab]

EDIT--- I just googled the CRKT/Ruger knives, horrendous.

No kidding. A company not known for knives contracts with a company that contracts to have their knives produced in China. That ruger-crkt drifter looks like it is going for $45. Same knife under the chinese brand goes for $17. Makes no sense. This move does nothing but negative for CRKT. They truly don't get it.

 

[brancron]

Their quality has definitely improved. Most people who say otherwise will acknowledge when pressed that they haven't even handled CRKT's recent offerings.

 

[craytab]

Their quality has definitely improved. Most people who say otherwise will acknowledge when pressed that they haven't even handled CRKT's recent offerings.

....because they cost too much for what you get in comparison to well established quality brands that do not have the crap reputation CRKT does.

Old argument man. And it never goes your way. Shall we do it again or leave it at that?

 

[brancron]

....because they cost too much for what you get in comparison to well established quality brands that do not have the crap reputation CRKT does.

Old argument man. And it never goes your way. Shall we do it again or leave it at that?

You have nothing to contribute to this thread. The OP is asking whether the quality has improved, and being that you haven't handled their recent offerings, you are unable to answer that question. I, on the other hand, have, and can tell the OP that their quality has definitely improved.

 

[craytab]

You have nothing to contribute to this thread. The OP is asking whether the quality has improved, and being that you haven't handled their recent offerings, you are unable to answer that question. I, on the other hand, have, and can tell the OP that their quality has definitely improved.

Well thanks for telling me I have nothing to contribute. Same old argument :thumbup:

Even if the quality has improved CRKTs offerings are more expensive than what their competitors are selling with a far better reputation to go along. It is more of a RISK to buy a CRKT than other more reputable brands. Your opinion is just that and you are welcome to it; as I am to my opinion.

 

[K.O.D.]

I disagree. In the last ten years QC has been consistent, even with new designs. Ken Onion and Brian Tighe should be ashamed to put their names on such crap.

IF CRKT upped their QC and used better steels, as well as less wacky designs, I would be more than thrilled to pick up one of the Tighe series. However, CRKT seems content spewing forth excrement day in and day out.

The hamster is dead but the wheel is still spinning.

 

[bmoore]

Well thanks for telling me I have nothing to contribute. Same old argument :thumbup:

Even if the quality has improved CRKTs offerings are more expensive than what their competitors are selling with a far better reputation to go along. It is more of a RISK to buy a CRKT than other more reputable brands. Your opinion is just that and you are welcome to it; as I am to my opinion.

I would be interested to know what you would buy in the 36 dollar SHIPPED price range. I have Byrds, Ontario RAT 1, Utilitac, Buck vantages and these Aus8 CRKT's blow those away IMO. It would be hard to argue with save 20 more dollars and get a Delica or Endura but lets just go with this for now......what would be your choice in the 30-40 dollar range, shipping included. And no I am not being a smartass, I really am interested to know what you would get.

 

[brancron]

I disagree. In the last ten years QC has been consistent, even with new designs. Ken Onion and Brian Tighe should be ashamed to put their names on such crap.

IF CRKT upped their QC and used better steels, as well as less wacky designs, I would be more than thrilled to pick up one of the Tighe series. However, CRKT seems content spewing forth excrement day in and day out.

The hamster is dead but the wheel is still spinning.

In a previous thread you said it's been a long time since you owned or handled a CRKT. If that's true, how are you able to speak to whether or not their quality has improved?

 

[craytab]

IF CRKT upped their QC and used better steels

Upping the QC is a must. Using better steels is a personal preference. I would just like their prices to reflect the steels they are using. All the other major brands do it (perhaps except SOG), why can't CRKT?

 

[Quiet]

I've examined multiple recent CRKT products and all but the BT-70 just seemed so...flea-market level as far as products go. For me, it's just a case of "Why would I buy a CRKT knife when there are so many other great knives for the money?". Is what it is.

 

[Quiet]

I would be interested to know what you would buy in the 36 dollar SHIPPED price range. I have Byrds, Ontario RAT 1, Utilitac, Buck vantages and these Aus8 CRKT's blow those away IMO. It would be hard to argue with save 20 more dollars and get a Delica or Endura but lets just go with this for now......what would be your choice in the 30-40 dollar range, shipping included. And no I am not being a smartass, I really am interested to know what you would get.

I would buy one of the Cold Steel products before I'd buy a CRKT. One of the older AUS-8 knives could be had for comparable prices, and it'd be a sturdier product all around.

 

[K.O.D.]

In a previous thread you said it's been a long time since you owned or handled a CRKT. If that's true, how are you able to speak to whether or not their quality has improved?

Your reading comprehension must be low. I stated that I haven't owned one in many years, but that I had just been at Cabela's three days before and found nothing had changed, even in their more expensive offerings.

CRKT is the darling of the Brick and Mortar store. Sold to the uneducated masses at an inflated price, just because they can.