Hi all. Here's some pics of the new M18-02 that I just received, $57 from Bayou Lafourche.
And here's a comparison with the M16-03z (medium sized) and M16-02z (small sized) models.
As you can see, the M18 has a somewhat stouter blade, a straighter handle, a larger flipper, no holes in the handle, and a more silvery look, as opposed to the black and gray of the M16. The kraton "inserts" are really just glued (?) on the surface of the handles, and while they are quite grippy, only time will tell if they will last. I have been very fond of the M16 but the M18 seems a distinct improvement in several ways, not only in the blade shape (I'm impressed with the precise grind and the fatter blade) but the over all look and feel of the handle. I'm also delighted that the 18-02 is a happy medium between the 16-03, which, for me, is just a smidge too long, and the 16-02, since I don't care too much for the tanto shape.
Another improvement on the M18 is the addition of the LAWKS safety lock. While I haven't had any problems with the M16's lock up, this feature adds an extra measure of safety.
This shot is a comparison of the M18 and a CRKT Point Guard. You'll notice that the LAWKS lever on the Point Guard sits above the top edge of the handle while the lever on the M18 is inset into the handle. This makes the lever much less apt to be accidentally moved while the knife is being used. It looks a lot better too!
This shot shows the LAWKS in action. The small, right angled strip of metal is pivoted down beside the liner lock, preventing the liner from sliding to the left and letting the blade close. It seems to be a rather thin strip of steel but since the force of the liner would have to literally bend the metal at a right angle, it is difficult to imagine the lock failing. This is a simple yet ingenious safety feature!
One complaint I have about the M18 is the knurling on the flipper.
You'll notice that the flipper on the M18 is higher in the closed position than the M16 and that the knurling, instead of pointing to the side, point straight up. They're also less rounded off than the M16's, which makes the act of flipping something of a callous producer on the right index finger. This is something that could be improved!
However, the M18 is over all, and most decidedly, a great new knife. It's clearly worth the $10 more I paid than the M16, and I think CRKT and Kit Carson deserve to be congratulated for their new knife!
John.
And here's a comparison with the M16-03z (medium sized) and M16-02z (small sized) models.
As you can see, the M18 has a somewhat stouter blade, a straighter handle, a larger flipper, no holes in the handle, and a more silvery look, as opposed to the black and gray of the M16. The kraton "inserts" are really just glued (?) on the surface of the handles, and while they are quite grippy, only time will tell if they will last. I have been very fond of the M16 but the M18 seems a distinct improvement in several ways, not only in the blade shape (I'm impressed with the precise grind and the fatter blade) but the over all look and feel of the handle. I'm also delighted that the 18-02 is a happy medium between the 16-03, which, for me, is just a smidge too long, and the 16-02, since I don't care too much for the tanto shape.
Another improvement on the M18 is the addition of the LAWKS safety lock. While I haven't had any problems with the M16's lock up, this feature adds an extra measure of safety.
This shot is a comparison of the M18 and a CRKT Point Guard. You'll notice that the LAWKS lever on the Point Guard sits above the top edge of the handle while the lever on the M18 is inset into the handle. This makes the lever much less apt to be accidentally moved while the knife is being used. It looks a lot better too!
This shot shows the LAWKS in action. The small, right angled strip of metal is pivoted down beside the liner lock, preventing the liner from sliding to the left and letting the blade close. It seems to be a rather thin strip of steel but since the force of the liner would have to literally bend the metal at a right angle, it is difficult to imagine the lock failing. This is a simple yet ingenious safety feature!
One complaint I have about the M18 is the knurling on the flipper.
You'll notice that the flipper on the M18 is higher in the closed position than the M16 and that the knurling, instead of pointing to the side, point straight up. They're also less rounded off than the M16's, which makes the act of flipping something of a callous producer on the right index finger. This is something that could be improved!
However, the M18 is over all, and most decidedly, a great new knife. It's clearly worth the $10 more I paid than the M16, and I think CRKT and Kit Carson deserve to be congratulated for their new knife!
John.
