Folks, I am considering buying either a Crawford/Kasper folder or an M16. Likely the CK folder, and primarily for self defense but also for general daily use. I think it's a really nice looking knife, and seems to represent good value. Does anyone out there own one of these? What do you think? Thanks for any help you can offer. Jeff/1911.
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CRKT knives - opinions?
- Thread starter Jeff/1911
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Professor
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Having been a diehard Benchmade fan for years and years, I was skeptical at first about these Taiwanese-manufactured folders. Then I got one; the large Crawford/Kasper with plain edge. Very nice for the $35.00 I paid someone at the For Sale Forum here. Fit and finish is good, and the LAWKS safety is a very nice bonus feature considering liner locks costing twice to three times as much don't have one.
I'd take the Crawford/Kasper over the Carson model for overall defense-first/utility-second. And I still enjoy the premium materials that Benchmade has to offer, but honestly, I think CRKT's are the most bang for the buck on the market right now. Still not sure how I feel about the low cost/market flooding correlation, but nobody else seems to care so why should I?
Professor.
I'd take the Crawford/Kasper over the Carson model for overall defense-first/utility-second. And I still enjoy the premium materials that Benchmade has to offer, but honestly, I think CRKT's are the most bang for the buck on the market right now. Still not sure how I feel about the low cost/market flooding correlation, but nobody else seems to care so why should I?
Professor.
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The Timberline Wortac looks like it might be a viable alternative in the same price range and it has AUS-8 steel instead of AUS-6 like the Columbia River Kasper. It is also a Pat Crawford collaboration.
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Dennis Bible
....Almost here, The Leading Edge....
http://www.theleadingedgeonline.com
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Dennis Bible
....Almost here, The Leading Edge....
http://www.theleadingedgeonline.com
Thanks for the prompt responses, all of you. Durden; I am considering a large C/K folder for purchase. Do you think this knife is too large or heavy for daily carry in a front jeans pocket?
To all of you - I am undecided about whether to select a plain blade or a combination plain/serrated edge blade. My Gerber Gator Serrator has been very useful with it's combo edge, but I wonder whether I really need the serrated part most of the time. Thanks again, Jeff/1911.
To all of you - I am undecided about whether to select a plain blade or a combination plain/serrated edge blade. My Gerber Gator Serrator has been very useful with it's combo edge, but I wonder whether I really need the serrated part most of the time. Thanks again, Jeff/1911.
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Welcome to the Forum Jeff
CRKT knives really give you the most knife for your money. I personally like Point Guard over Kasper (mostly due to its elegant shape and lighter weight) but this is just individual preference. You definitely can't go wrong with either. Please think also about new Steve Ryan Model Seven.
Dennis, I agree about better steel but new Timberline knife doesn't have LAWKS. Kelly Worden Design is clearly written on mine...
CRKT knives really give you the most knife for your money. I personally like Point Guard over Kasper (mostly due to its elegant shape and lighter weight) but this is just individual preference. You definitely can't go wrong with either. Please think also about new Steve Ryan Model Seven.
Dennis, I agree about better steel but new Timberline knife doesn't have LAWKS. Kelly Worden Design is clearly written on mine...
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Jeff-- I carry a large CRKT KFF plain edge in my front right jeans pocket every day. It is a large knife, but I rarely notice that it is there. I have the small combo edge also, but I find myself carrying the large more often. The KFF is a wonderful knife; I don't think you can go wrong with either the large or small, but if you can handle them in person before you purchase, I would recommend it because there is a significant size/weight difference between the two. As for the plain vs. combo issue, check the excellent FAQs on sharpening and plain blade vs. serrated vs. combo. A plain edge can be sharpened in a way that allows it to perform like a serrated blade, and is somewhat easier to sharpen and maintain, though you will probably hear many different opinions on this matter.
--Josh
--Josh
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How tight is the lockup on the Timberline Wortac???
AND for general use I've had the Point Guard, the M16-14military, M16-03, and the KFF, I think the Point Guard is the best general user . . . that said, the M16 flipper IS addictive!
AND for general use I've had the Point Guard, the M16-14military, M16-03, and the KFF, I think the Point Guard is the best general user . . . that said, the M16 flipper IS addictive!
Thanks a lot for your response folks. I may decide to get a plain blade version; I think they look nicer and if they will do the job as well...I am also now thinking that the Point Guard is a pretty slick looking knife. Hell, maybe I should buy one of each. Jeff/1911.
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Jeff/1911. Have both large Kasper, plain blade and M16-14M. Prefer M16 for looks and because the large KFF is just too heavy for me. You can not beat CRKT value for the price! Dick
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The Wortac is a Kelly Worden/Pat Crawford design like the KFF is a Bob Kasper/Pat Crawford design. The custom versions of each are made by Pat Crawford.
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Dennis Bible
....Almost here, The Leading Edge....
http://www.theleadingedgeonline.com
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Jeff -- I own and carry both the large KFF and the M16-14. Both carry easily in front pocket of jeans. The KFF rides a bit lower, so you don't catch and scrape it on as many things as the M16.
I agree that the KFF is more utilitarian than the M16, at least one as big as the M16-14. (The 3" spear point might do you very well tho.) I also like the feeling in the hand of the KFF better than the M16. But, there isn't much comparison how quickly you can get the M16 into action compared to the KFF. The flipper is great! I can flip the blade out faster than I can deploy my Kershaw Whirlwind with Speed Safe.
Though I own almost only CRKT knives, there are a few others I want to try. I've never used one of the Wortacs, but it's on my shorter list to get and try. The handle looks great to me. You might also look at the Magna by Outdoor Edge, in Zytel is also in the same ballpark cost-wise, and has produced good reviews. Back to Timberline, the new Vallotten Discovery, in Zytel, is also in the same price range, and has what may well be a safer lock than the liners, and is also assisted opening.
Hope this helps rather than confuses.
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Asi es la vida
Bugs
[This message has been edited by Bugs3x (edited 03-23-2001).]
I agree that the KFF is more utilitarian than the M16, at least one as big as the M16-14. (The 3" spear point might do you very well tho.) I also like the feeling in the hand of the KFF better than the M16. But, there isn't much comparison how quickly you can get the M16 into action compared to the KFF. The flipper is great! I can flip the blade out faster than I can deploy my Kershaw Whirlwind with Speed Safe.
Though I own almost only CRKT knives, there are a few others I want to try. I've never used one of the Wortacs, but it's on my shorter list to get and try. The handle looks great to me. You might also look at the Magna by Outdoor Edge, in Zytel is also in the same ballpark cost-wise, and has produced good reviews. Back to Timberline, the new Vallotten Discovery, in Zytel, is also in the same price range, and has what may well be a safer lock than the liners, and is also assisted opening.
Hope this helps rather than confuses.
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Asi es la vida
Bugs
[This message has been edited by Bugs3x (edited 03-23-2001).]
I've got a couple of CRKT's: (large) KFF and M16-03Z. (I'm thinking of buying small or medium S2.)
Like them both - like very much. KFF's AUS-6M hasn't disturbed me at all - I've got time (and skill
) to put it back to life if/when it gets dull.
I use both of them (no, not at the same time
). M16's flipper is a wonderful finding!
In fact I'd like to say I dare to use them - in that price range the lost isn't big, if the knife gets lost.
Haven't lost knife ever, but when I carry my LCC D/A I check time after time it's still there - just in case. Somehow thought of throwing (about)$230 away feels a horrible thing...
Like them both - like very much. KFF's AUS-6M hasn't disturbed me at all - I've got time (and skill
I use both of them (no, not at the same time
In fact I'd like to say I dare to use them - in that price range the lost isn't big, if the knife gets lost.
Haven't lost knife ever, but when I carry my LCC D/A I check time after time it's still there - just in case. Somehow thought of throwing (about)$230 away feels a horrible thing...
Thank you all for your counsel, and the benefit of your experience. I am now considering either a plain blade, full sized C/K folder or a large Point Guard; plain blade.
I am interested to hear the general opinion that CRKT knives represent good value, as this was my first thought when having an initial look at them. I am fortunate to live near a well-stocked dealer of CRKT knives, so I can heft various models before I buy one.
I intend to go by this dealer tomorrow to see if they have a "Point guard" in stock, as I'd really like to have a look at one of these before I decide. I think if I were to choose one of these sleek looking beauties, it would have to have a plain blade; you know...so as not to interfere with those smooth lines.
Cheers, and thanks for all of the help. Jeff/1911.
I am interested to hear the general opinion that CRKT knives represent good value, as this was my first thought when having an initial look at them. I am fortunate to live near a well-stocked dealer of CRKT knives, so I can heft various models before I buy one.
I intend to go by this dealer tomorrow to see if they have a "Point guard" in stock, as I'd really like to have a look at one of these before I decide. I think if I were to choose one of these sleek looking beauties, it would have to have a plain blade; you know...so as not to interfere with those smooth lines.
Cheers, and thanks for all of the help. Jeff/1911.
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I've carried a CRKT Urban Shark for about a year now (off and on) and I have never been disappointed. The steels used by CRKT seem to stay sharp at least as long as those that cost more. I haven't had any lock failures, although some have been reported here. I will be adding a Tighe Tac and a Ryan Model 7 to my collection if that helps
(BTW - I think the Stiff KISS is probably one of the best buys on the market today, even if you pay retail!)
The Magician
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I had a point guard and was very impressed with the quality. If I was looking for a carrying knife in that price range, the point guard would be it.
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Brian
The first knife was probably used to cut stuff.
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Brian
The first knife was probably used to cut stuff.
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I can vouch for both the Mirage and the L.U.S. I am especially pleased with the shark.
Both came with excellant (& even) grindlines with super sharp edges. CRKT has developed quite a good reputation regarding these factors.
CRKT is my current "knife gift" of choice.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of their knives if I was interested in it. Even if you aren't "over the top" with it I guarantee you will still find it to be a great user.
--The Raptor--
Both came with excellant (& even) grindlines with super sharp edges. CRKT has developed quite a good reputation regarding these factors.
CRKT is my current "knife gift" of choice.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of their knives if I was interested in it. Even if you aren't "over the top" with it I guarantee you will still find it to be a great user.
--The Raptor--