CRKT M16 EDC or... something else.

N

nsfw

Joined
Jan 2, 2007
Messages
7
Hello all,

new to the forum and I'm hoping I can get some recommendations for an EDC utility knife.

Right now I'm looking mostly at http://www.crkt.com/catalog.html and the M16/M21 lineup. I'm actually getting a headache trying to figure out all the differences between the classic M16 and M16 EDC, M16Z and M21 lineups, and then of course all the professional series of them which it appears I can also order in Canada.

It would appear that the EDC are simply scaled down in blade length and handle size, but I'm not certain if that makes these simply easier to use or is admittance to the fact that the M16/M21 lineup may be too large for an EDC.

Does anyone have any experiences with these knives? I'm looking for a 3-4" bladed folder, no serrations and most likely spearpoint and these seem to be really good knives from what I have read. The thumb studs/Carson Flipper and the locking mechanisms all sound really nice for a folder. But I am a knife newb, so I could be completely wrong about CRKT.

Alternatively, are there any other knife recommendations that pops into anyone's head considering the type of knife that I'm looking for? I am looking into a fairly similar price range as the M16 series, but would go anywhere from 50-150 if the price is worth the quality difference.

Thanks for your help,

James
 
I like my M16-14SF - I am sending it back in for warranty work because the grind on the tang was too flat and made my liner lock max out on the far side of the liner - they said they'd fix or replace it though. other than that issue, I do like that knife. I've checked out the EDC's and I don't like them at all - they just feel cheap in the hand, whereas the full size seems like a pretty durable knife and is quite solid - and sharp.
 
I've got both the M16-FD (full size) and the M21. I like em both. I've heard a lot of people on this forum say that they don't like the M16 for one reason or another, but I've never had any problem with mine. To me, the M16 and M21 seem very similar.

The M16 I have is a tanto point, and the M21 is a spear (I think that's what they call it) point. I really like both of them. They are great knives for the money. They both have rock-solid lock up, and have no blade play whatsoever. Another feature I like is the LAWKS system that automatically engages on the M21, thus preventing the liner lock from failing. Either the M21 or M16 would be great choices from CRKT.

If you decide to opt for a different brand, Spyderco has some great products. Most of my knives are Spydercos. You should head over to www.spyderco.com and check their forums for info. Go to "search"... "advanced search"... change the option to "title only" and look up the knives below. I know you said you wanted a good knife for $50-150 and with a 3-4" blade.... some of the Spydercos I would recommend would be:

More expensive:
Military or para-military
Manix or Mini-manix

Less expensive:
Endura or Delica

They are all within your $50-150 price range and 3-4" blade length range. The M16 and M21 are solid, heavy duty knives in the $50-75 range and I own and like both of them, but Spyderco is my favorite brand. The Military and Manix are both heavy duty knives in the $100 price range. The paramilitary and minimanix are their little sisters. The Endura and Delica are lighter weight and less expensive, but are still excellent knives. My first "real knife" was a Spyderco Endura.

Right now I EDC either my Manix or Military, but when I'm working in the yard or something like that, I carry my M21 or M16.

Good luck with your decision. PM me if you have any other questions.

:D
 
if ya like the '16 get the ti version, the CRKT M16 Ti, the handles are ti vs aluminum or FRN and the F&F on the thing is a lot better too imho, they are disco'd so ya will have to look but it would be well worth it imho.

i have had a couple of Ti M16s, they were pretty good for CRKT imho.

the std '16 is 'ok" for the $$ is suppose.

any of them are fine for edc they arent too big at all.
 
I like the EDC size ones...I loved my old one, but a friend lost it and since buying it I've moved onto bigger and better knives, but for the money, it was an excellent and very tough knife.
 
The CRKT website clarifies the differences in the M16 line. There are basically 3 different sizes.

I love my M16 01 (3" spear point) EDC with Zytel scales. Solid, very light, unobtrusive to carry. Deploys rapidly, can be folded one-handed.

All for $26.
 
I just bought a 13Z and I am kicking myself for not buying one sooner , I like this knife a lot. :)
 
For what your needs are I would go with the spyderco manix its tough as a tank and takes an extremely sharp edge.
 
Thanks for all the info... after looking through them all again and looking through this site, I think it's down to the M16-01k and the M21-02. Still working on that part :)
 
I agree that the M16 line is confusing with all the variations. I have a 13Z and like it. It's a little too long for me to comfortably carry in my pocket. Also the edges on the thumb studs and flipper are sharp and tend to catch when I try to pull it from my pocket or belt. Not a bad knife for $25 but if you have a $50 to $150 budget you can find something a bit better.
 
If you're willing to spend $50-$150, get a Benchmade with an axis lock.
To get you started:
BM551
BM556
BM520
BM942
BM610
BM615
...and buy from newgraham or gpknives, unless you have another etailer that you trust. Nevermind BM's msrp.

It's not that CRKT is bad, it's just that you may as well start with something a little bit better quality if you can afford it. My Crawford Kasper was just fine (other than lousy steel) until I could afford a nice knife.
 
Hi from Calgary!! Noticed you are in Mississauga, which means an M16 EDC will probably be in that $60-100 CDN range, give or take. I have the M16-03K, which is the EDC/Aluminum handle with AUS8/spearpoint. Back when I got mine, I think mine ran about $90 CDN. I have a bunch of CRKT's in my collection and found that they are pretty good for the money. My experience has only been with the AUS6/AUS8 for the most part and they more than served me well, and still do when I do use them. I can't be of much help in the newer stuff - I haven't bought CRKT in a while now - mostly Spyderco and BM over the last year. I think I have 20 or so CRKT's in my collection. I guess it basically depends on what you are planning to do - in that type of price range, you do have a lot of options and it's personal preference that will probably drive it more than anything. As mentioned, Spydies especially in the Delica/Endura line are going to be pretty hard to beat from a price/performance standpoint. You should be able to pick up a Delica or Endura out there in the $60 to $80 CDN range from someone like leBaron, etc. Benchmandes in the Mini-Grip/Griptillian lines might be just a tad more but still in that range. They also have their red class line, and if IIRC, should all be under $100 CDN. Spyderco has their Bryd line and I've seen the Meadowlark for under $30 out your way:) I picked up a G-10 Meadowlark for about $40'ish online, and it's still a good bargain:D Kershaw also as some stuff in that range that's pretty nice as well. Wal-marts up here have the Storm for $40'ish - I just bought one before Xmas and despite it only being a righty, it's a nice buy at that price. I'm not that big of Kershaw fan, but this one is defintely a bargain at that price. The other one I got recently was the Splinter - one of the online dealers was advertising a Snap-On tools overrun at $69.99 in silver and a blue'ish purple color and despite the fact that it's probably closer to gentleman's style knife, is a really nice buy. The Whirlwind should also fit into that price category.

Hope this helps and have fun hunting - gord
 
nsfw said:
Thanks for all the info... after looking through them all again and looking through this site, I think it's down to the M16-01k and the M21-02. Still working on that part :)
Click to expand...
You might want to actually handle the models you're considering before buying, looks alone can be deceiving.
 
diversionmary said:
If you're willing to spend $50-$150, get a Benchmade with an axis lock.
To get you started:
BM551
BM556
BM520
BM942
BM610
BM615
...and buy from newgraham or gpknives, unless you have another etailer that you trust. Nevermind BM's msrp.

It's not that CRKT is bad, it's just that you may as well start with something a little bit better quality if you can afford it. My Crawford Kasper was just fine (other than lousy steel) until I could afford a nice knife.
Click to expand...

I'm actually looking into those now as well... I see your point. Through Canadian dealers the M16 is almost 100 bucks, and the Benchmade's on newgraham are half the MSRP listed on Benchmade's site - and the MSRP is originally why I didn't bother looking at these.

gordonk: good suggestions! You've given me a bunch of other options I can look into now, knowing their prices. I'll be checking them all out tonight anyway, too sick to do anything else.

Also good advice speed, I need to find a local place that will carry these kinds of knives if possible though. I think there's a LeBaron not too far that may have some offerings of Buck and Spyderco, but I'm not sure what else.
 
I live in Mississauga also, go to Woodbine mall and check out S&R knives you can
check out the M16 and others. The guys there are great and will cut a deal with you if you ask (no pun intended)...

TS:)
 
If you go to LeBaron U will see the Byrds...Boy oh boy they are great. Got 1 gotta have more, and only $25sh CAN.
 
I love my M16-03 aluminum handled(older model, the 03 is zytel now). It is my favorite and most used knife of my collection. Ive had it about 2 years now and it has never left my side unless i felt like changing it up, but within a couple days im back to the m16. I'm looking for another, but it just wont be the same. People on here complain about the m16 a lot, but i love mine. My vote is for the m16.
 
I have both the M-16 regular and EDC in Zytel. They are both well made in fit and finish, but the EDC liner is awfully thin in my opinion. I bought the EDC model on line (being pleased with the regular model) and was a little surprised at the thinness of the liner.

I would handle the knife before you buy it.

Just my 2 cents.

Mike
 
Well, I just wanted to thank everyone for their input. It was much appreciated!!

Here's what came in the mail today (I had to include the free gift, as I found it hilarious)

knife.jpg


I know, I don't think I even mentioned this. But after a lot of research, and actually I found multiple people in the same situation as myself, I came to the conclusion that an Endura would be my best option.

There seems to be a general consensus that there's nothing WRONG with CRKT M16/21's, they're great knives, it's just that the Spydercos are that much better. I originally couldn't get over the look of them, but now I love the style. It's also exactly what I was looking for in terms of blade length and style, and feels great in my hand.

Anyway, thanks again all, this is an awesome board and it was a very good first experience for me :) Now all I need to do is figure out how to loosen it a bit to make it easier to unfold...
 
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