CRKT knives

Love my CRKT knives, all of the mare fantastic. currently my personal favorite is the Snap Lock just because it is a different kind of knife, out of my collection CRKT knives are probably the only brand that hasn't failed on me, both in appeals or mechanically.

If you are looking at one BUY IT!! its worth the money
 
I have two - SS Drifter and Ripple 2 with blue TiNi coated handles and Acuto + blade steel. Very happy with them both.

CRKT makes some good stuff for the price.
 
I have several versions of their M16 and M21 series. I use them fairly often as an "extra" knife for various things. Hiking, camping, etc. Only real complaint is their edge holding ability at times. No lock failures or other major quality complaints here. I think they're fine for the price point.
 
I bought my first one, a ripple "2" in the smaller version. It has a great blade and even better frame. Very sharp from the factory. Attached a pic.

_DSC6652-2-faw-L.jpg
 
I've got two, and like both quite a bit. I have the blue Ripple and the Endorser with the black/brown G10 handle. I have my eye on the Ken Onion Redemption and the Eros with both of them on my wish list. I also like the blue Ripple enough that I may buy another while they are still available since that color has been discontinued.

I would not have given CRKT a second thought in the past, but the Ripple changed my mind to some extent. I think that some are decent knives for the price point. I think that the company is improving.

[Edit: And BladePics is right. Both of mine came razor sharp from the factory.]
 
I have a liner lock ripple that I liked well enough, but it has fallen out of my EDC rotation. No particular reason, just moved on.
 
They manufacture folders with IKBS, and that IMO, is one attribute that sets them apart from competition. Smooth as glass, and the Ripple's, that sport Acuto, have more than serviceable blade steel, I really dig that stuff. Kinda a notch above 440C, but not quite 154CM, I might go as far as to say one of the sharpest edges I put on a knife was my Acuto Ripple. All in all an Acuto Ripple, is a great production folder, that'll compete well.
 
I've got around 15 CRKT knives. I like that they do a LOT of collaborations with custom knife manufacturers. Many of their knives are very innovative in their deployment and locking mechanisms (Although I HATE AUTOLAWKS). Some like the Ken Onion Gentleman's line are just slick little knives.

On the downside, They really need to step up their game in terms of materials if they want to ever really be respected by the knife community. As far as I know, their "Premium" steel is what's called Acuto+, which is a Japanese flavor of 440. Most of their knives use some kind of Chinese steel like 8Cr13MOV or Sandvic 12C27. Good enough for an EDC, but far from "Super Steel". Plus, I think virtually all of their manufacturing is in Asia, mostly China. They should at least develop a couple of US made premium lines that would appeal to the knife community.
 
I only have a couple of their folders and one of their fixed blades, and they're all nice for their pricepoint. The Ripple in particular is definitely worth owning.
 
I have a few of them and I like them, although in my mind I know they are cheap and I have a hard time respecting them as much as a much more expensive Benchmade or Spyderco. I look at their models and if there is a model that really grabs me then I will buy it.
 
Love my Nirk Tighe 2, beautiful knife collab from a custom maker.

Also have my eye on the Ripple, Swindle, Foresight, and the new Enticer. I will likely be picking up some of these soon.
 
Was in TN last week; stopped in to SMKW for a look. Could not help but notice the Swindle, bought the grooved handle model with the better of the two steels offered. I haven't been able to put it down since.

I'm guilty of looking down my nose at CRKT in the past, and I've only owned a handful over the many years I've been collecting knives. I have to agree though, they have been stepping up their game recently. Seems like since the Ripple maybe.

Anyway, I absolutely love the Swindle. I honestly haven't enjoyed a new knife from ANY manufacturer this much in a long time. I was and am really surprised at how much I like it. It's bumped some much more well regarded and high-spec knives right out of my pocket.

(I also bought a Carajas while I was there. I like the Swindle better, but the Carajas is also commendably solid and way cool.)
 
Just picked up a gently used Natural 2 for my dad and it is well made, sharp, and looks great. The second hand prices for CRKT's are pretty good, I do wish they used a slightly better steel.
 
Just to put any silliness aside that the CRKT knives aren't "tough enough" to take punishment, check out this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfVBSW7tO9k

This guy intentionally sets out to test the limits of the knife (he has a series of these videos where he tests several knives with the same system) until they completely fail. The CRKT is one of the toughest of the knives he tests.

The Auto Lawks fails, but remember, that is is a backup to the liner lock. The knife continues to work and perform quite well after getting the snot completely beat out of it.

The only part of the knife that didn't hold up were their unusual VEFF serrations. But even then, if you were going to use this knife with some common sense and use the serrated portion to cut cordage, rope, straps, etc., the serrations would be fine.

There are also many glowing reviews of the M16's big brother, the M21. Two heavy duty winners.

There are plenty of good review videos about CRKT on YouTube, and they seem to be solid performers. I have used my Drifter for about 4 years now, and it is as solid as the day I bought it. It is about 4 1/2" of knife packed into 3" and will out work just about anything in its class.

Robert
 
midnight flyer said:
Just to put any silliness aside that the CRKT knives aren't "tough enough" to take punishment, check out this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfVBSW7tO9k

This guy intentionally sets out to test the limits of the knife (he has a series of these videos where he tests several knives with the same system) until they completely fail. The CRKT is one of the toughest of the knives he tests.

The Auto Lawks fails, but remember, that is is a backup to the liner lock. The knife continues to work and perform quite well after getting the snot completely beat out of it.

The only part of the knife that didn't hold up were their unusual VEFF serrations. But even then, if you were going to use this knife with some common sense and use the serrated portion to cut cordage, rope, straps, etc., the serrations would be fine.

There are also many glowing reviews of the M16's big brother, the M21. Two heavy duty winners.

There are plenty of good review videos about CRKT on YouTube, and they seem to be solid performers. I have used my Drifter for about 4 years now, and it is as solid as the day I bought it. It is about 4 1/2" of knife packed into 3" and will out work just about anything in its class.

Robert
Click to expand...

The knife failed the second spine whack in that video.
 
I love CRKT actually. That being said, I am aware that they do not use the absolute best steel, but they make good knives. Not the most high end knife company but nowhere near the bottom. I am also a huge fan of James Williams and all the knives he designs for CRKT. Really want to handle a Ripple because I have heard so many great things about it in person and on this forum. Plan to purchase a hissatsu folder soon.
 
I have two and I EDC both of them regularly. Great knives for the price and the AUS-8 on my M16-04Z is pretty stout and holds a nice, hair popping edge.
 
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