hmm, I was unaware of any M16's made of AUS4 as listed on Cheaper than Dirt. Can anybody confirm the accuracy of this? I wouldn't mind picking up a nice HD folder for work (well, when its that time of year again).
CRKT M16 at Cheaper Than Dirt
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I believe that's accurate. I have that knife and I got it for the same price ($30) at Walmart, so I didn't have to pay for shipping. I don't know if they still carry them -- I imagine they do.
Not a bad knife I must say. It's done everything I've needed it to do, and it's tough for sure. Edge holding is decent.
I imagine AUS4 is probably about on a par with 420HC. Don't tear my head off if I'm wrong -- I'm no expert and that's just basically a guess.
Not a bad knife I must say. It's done everything I've needed it to do, and it's tough for sure. Edge holding is decent.
I imagine AUS4 is probably about on a par with 420HC. Don't tear my head off if I'm wrong -- I'm no expert and that's just basically a guess.
Well I've heard it said that AUS6/8/10 roughly compares to 440A/B/C respectively so AUS4 comparing to 420HC would be logical. I'd be much happier with a AUS8 version, as I've had a few AUS8 blades and found them to be a very good balance between toughness and edge holdiing for a work knife.
There was a previous thread re: CRKT's decision to switch to AUS4 on some of their model lines.
I've never used AUS4, but I have a few of CRKT's knives made of AUS6 :barf: . In my experience, I've found AUS6 takes a crappy edge (especially compared to 154CM, AUS8, 440C or ATS34).
The CRKT website should have the final word as to what the M16 is made of.
I've never used AUS4, but I have a few of CRKT's knives made of AUS6 :barf: . In my experience, I've found AUS6 takes a crappy edge (especially compared to 154CM, AUS8, 440C or ATS34).
The CRKT website should have the final word as to what the M16 is made of.
Correct. The Zytel M-16s feature AUS-4 which, in addition to the scale material, is likely responsible for their less expensive selling price compared with the rest of the M-16 line.
I don't really think it's disappointing. per se. AUS-8 isn't exotic, but it's costlier than AUS-4. In addition, AUS-4 works just fine for many people's needs, presumably those who are buying the low-end M-16s. It is also more corrosion-resistant, which can be an important attribute in an EDC knife for a lot of people. I see it simply as a way to further differentiate the various M-16 models, but in price and features.
Again, Kershaw has utilised what many consider low-end steel (440A) on its knives, and I have seen very little criticism regarding that. The fact is that many people buying less expensive knives aren't all that concerned with the blade steel.
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Self defense blades don't need great edge retention.
In the end I must agree, go with the AUS8 version. It holds its edge fairly well but was pretty resistant to chipping...my AUS8 was only 40 dollars in the mall, so ten dollars more...you can come up with.
In the end I must agree, go with the AUS8 version. It holds its edge fairly well but was pretty resistant to chipping...my AUS8 was only 40 dollars in the mall, so ten dollars more...you can come up with.
Padawan, Kershaw's use of 440A was one of a couple primary reasons I shied away from the Blur, which I really like the style and feel of. As for AUS4 being a good compramise between price and quality for a low-cost knife, I had a $25 Junglee which used AUS8 and it was an excellent work/utility knife. I don't really know why I dont pick another up for a work knife, I guess because I like to try out new things.
Fair enough. I own knives in all sorts of steels, and I appreciate the properties of each of them. Personally, I've found even the 420J2 of my CRKT Point Guard to be sufficient for EDC/work usage, where its toughness and corrosion resistance are nice attributes. It certainly doesn't hold an edge as long as other steels, but it holds one at least until the end of the day, when I can get it back to shaving sharp rather easily and quickly.
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Good answer.
I don't have a problem with a company using AUS4 steel. But I kinda find it confusing when some models of a design come in steel with good edge retension and some come in steel without. It means you have to be really careful when you order, or else you get a rude shock when the knife arrives.
That is why I don't order knives and such online. I won't buy a lot of things sight unseen. I've found that most good Army/Navy and knife shops will order anything I want. And if it isn't exactly what I want, they will deal with it. Yeah, I have to pay a little more, but I think its worth it.
stdlrf11
What I think is an exceptional deal is the M16 in AUS-8 on sale at
knifecenter.com.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CRM1603
Personally would not buy an AUS-4 bladed
knife, it just loses its sharpness too quickly for my taste.
Another thing about AUS-8 which is not mentioned that often
is that it can achieve a really, really sharp edge. And it's easy
to maintain, too.
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I own quite a few CRKT knives , after reading various threads either praising them or condemning them I have to sympathize with some of the complaints.
I do not sympathize though with the smug-assed snobbery that is rampant on some areas of this forum... :thumbdn:
I think one of the things CRKT needs to focus on (and some other knife companies as well) is consistancy.
I do not sympathize though with the smug-assed snobbery that is rampant on some areas of this forum... :thumbdn:
I think one of the things CRKT needs to focus on (and some other knife companies as well) is consistancy.