CRKT M16 - just bought one, checked it out, and returned it

scotchleaf said:
When I opened it (in the store) I found the blade to be loose and the locking mechanizm to seem flimsey.
Not impressed. Any thoughts?
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I am not impressed by any knife that requires a secondary lock to be considered safe. Although, if my old CRKT had the LAWKs system, I wouldn't have nerve damage in my right index finger. So I'm biased. But even then, there's plenty of other knives (Kershaws, Spydercos, Byrds) that are better for equal money.
 
I have several M-16's and there is a huge difference in quality between the cheaper zytels and the LE and titanium models (haven't managed to get a miltary yet) and will eventually get versions of each of the better ones for my collection because I like the way they look and feel. Never used any of them for cutting so can't comment on blade performance but the M16 did make it to the top 5 tactical in Knives Illustrated.

I don't mind the Auto-lawks as some linerlock designs can accidentally unlock - I think it's more important that the knife opens quickly and locks up safely than that it close too easily. With a bit of practice, closing an AutoLawks is fast enough for me

Things I don't like - the pivot pin adjustment feature that relies on an O-ring to maintain its position is a potential source of weakness - I adjust them up till they will just lock open when using the flipper. Don't like the teflon bearings either (teflon flows under pressure when cold) and would have preferred phospor bronze but this does add to cost
 
Buhbuhbonky said:
I've always thought of CRKT as the highest of the low-end manufacturers. For their price, the design is fairly good but the materials are substandard IMHO.
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Fair statement, I think. Even so, I like the M21-04. It appears to be a strong knife, a bit too heavy for EDC, double-edge grind and AUS8 (whatever that's worth). Some people say the steel is a bit "soft," but I've never seen it documented, nor would I disbelieve it nor be surprised if it were the case. They advertise the blade RC to be 58-60. I would love to see some sample knives actually tested. Another thing that frustrated many users is that CRKT activated the clause in their catalog stating that specifications may change without notice. Dropping the M16-13Z from AUS6 to AUS4 was a cheap shot in itself. I don't expect much from AUS6, but I do expect AUS4 to be just one step up from pot metal. It's good for nothing but liner lock material.

It is not without its uses, however. The M16-13Z makes a great steak knife and is worth carrying if you frequent Asian restaurants that only hand out forks and spoons. It gets dull to a certain extent, then it doesn't get any duller; and it's difficult to rust or corrode. The AUS6 model I have is one step up from the AUS4, but at that point they're almost only good as weapons. I supposed you could slip one into your boot if you needed to. Still, the AUS6 model did get some fair reviews from reviewers who are into self defense. CRKT should have stamped the blades, though, since many knives were sold in the interim between mediocre and crap.
 
I still have my M16-04 that I bought about 10 years ago when they first came out. It has aluminum handles, tanto point & two-side (not chisel) grind. I snapped up the first one I laid eyes on at a local gun show. I showed it to a friend who was a Navy Corpsman (medic) for Marines in Vietnam and he pronounced it the best folder he'd ever seen. He liked the flipper guard, which at that time was still quite the novelty.

Later I bought the smaller M16-03Z w 3.5" spearpoint blade. I still carry that sometimes when I have concerns that my knife might be stolen (i.e. confiscated by 'authorities') because it's a great functional design, yet expendable. My normal EDC cost me $600 and I would not want to ever lose it, but is in fact just an upgraded variation of that M-16 03z (it's a Darrel Ralph 'Trigger').
 
I used to buy alot of CRKT's stuff but the damn blade steel is so soft it wont hold a working edge long enough to get me through the workday. I find little difference in edge holding ability between AUS 6 and AUS 8 although they do sharpen up nicely. So in the end they have all ended up in the junk drawer with an M-1 and M21-12 occasionally making it into the EDC rotation. I doubt if I'll ever purchase CRKT's again. It's pretty bad to see a supposedly "good" knife totally outclassed by a Meyerco.:eek:
 
made4blade said:
The problem was that you got the one from Wal Mart. They are made in China. All others that I know of are made in Taiwan, and are much better quality. I have two of the M16-02's with aluminum handles, one M16-13Z, and one M16-14LE. All of these are great. I also have the M16-14T, which I think is Awesome! (Titaniun Handles). They are all AUS-8, except for the 13Z, which is AUS-6. Just stay away from the ones made in China, and you will be fine.
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made4blade's comment here is entirely correct. I have had my M16-13M (green handles for military) with aluminum scales and AUS-8 for about three years now. It has seen some tough times with the Army abuse I've put it through. It keeps on going... I would order one online and make sure it's the aluminum-handled, AUS-8, made in Taiwan model.

The flipper is fantastic...
-RC
 
yobbos1 said:
I used to buy alot of CRKT's stuff but the damn blade steel is so soft it wont hold a working edge long enough to get me through the workday. I find little difference in edge holding ability between AUS 6 and AUS 8 although they do sharpen up nicely. So in the end they have all ended up in the junk drawer with an M-1 and M21-12 occasionally making it into the EDC rotation. I doubt if I'll ever purchase CRKT's again. It's pretty bad to see a supposedly "good" knife totally outclassed by a Meyerco.:eek:
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I agree with your assessment of CRKT's soft steel, but I have several AUS-8 blades that are great edge-holders. Dozier-KaBars and AGRussell Featherlite, both in AUS-8 and great knives. I think it must (at least partially) be CRKT's heat treatment...but I won't buy anything from anyone in AUS-4 or 6.
 
Before you run to Big 5 to buy a Columbia River knife for an incredibly low price be aware that the CRKT knives sold by Big 5 are specially made by CRKT for Big 5 from different (less expensive?) materials than CRKT's regular knives. CRKT is very honest and upfront about this and will send anyone the specifications of their knives sold by Big 5. The model numbers are the same but there is usually a different letter designation. So the CRKT CR-8012 at Big 5 is the 8012CM, its dimensions are the same but there is no titanium in the handle, the inserts are of a different material, and the blade is of 8CR14Mov steel. The knife is made in China as are probably all of their Big 5 knives. I have purchased some CRKT knives at Big 5 and they're fine but the supposed retail price listed on the box is clearly mythological. Again its caveat emptor as usual.
 
I just got my first CRKT. The M16-14T. Straight out of the box it looks great! But after playing with it for a couple of days i found that the blade could wobble side to side because the main screw/bolt/hinge was not tight enough even tho it was fully tightened.

So i took it apart and ground down the threaded side just a little to allow it to tighten the extra mm or 2 need to secure the blade correctly. Perfect!

The next thing i was disappointed with was the inner lining not having the same holes drilled out in it as the titanium handle. So i marked them out and drilled the back 3 large holes. Now when the knife is open you can see straight through the handle holes. Looks much better! It dose not affect the strength of the handle at all either.


The steel on the inner lining itself is very hard and if you wish to do the same i recommend that you carefully center punch where you wish to drill and use a drill press! Also start out with a very small drill bit to make a pilot hole. Drilling this kind of steel can cause the bit to wander resulting in an off center hole which you really dont want on this knife.

Now im extremely pleased with the result and look ford to carrying it around for a long time to come!
 
scotchleaf said:
Probably should have picked up the Kershaw Vapor (also about $20) or the Storm ($30) but I was ready to go by that point.
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IMHO, the Vapor is as bad as the M16. In fact, it is the worst Kershaw made. The Storm isn't bad, though - especially for the price. (I've owned all three.)
 
scotchleaf said:
I just went to WalMart with my son, and on a whim, bought the CRKT M16. When I opened it (in the store) I found the blade to be loose and the locking mechanizm to seem flimsey. Promptly returned it (with no problems - except a long wait). Did I get a lemon, or is this typical of CRKT?

Probably should have picked up the Kershaw Vapor (also about $20) or the Storm ($30) but I was ready to go by that point.

Not impressed. Any thoughts?
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I bought my first knife with ZERO research into pocket knives. It happened to be a CRKT M16-13Z. I still have it, and I've developed a hate for it. The thumbstuds are impossible to use, the liner lock is very thing (Albeit solid), and the blade is extremely dull and soft AUS4. Don't buy it, that model at least.
 
I have anM16-03Z and it seems very well made. Marked taiwan. It does have a hard plastic/resin type grip with a liner lock-lock device(which I never use.) It stays sharp, used mostly for cutting boxes, have touched it up on a ceramic rod with no troubles. Shaving sharp and blade has no wobble. I just tighten it enough to make it able to flip out easily and leave it at that setting. BTW-mine was from BIG5 about 8-10 yrs ago. Do not know what steel it is, but it has been about as good as my spyderco delica vg-10 as far as performance goes.
 
I have the M21 in G10 and after removing the auto-lawks system from it, it's
good and tight.
 
I've got a double handful of CRKT M16's, none of the 'small' versions, but zytel, aluminium, and titanium handles and 3.5" spear point blades, combo or PE.

After owning several for several years, I'm still buying 'em, used and unloved, all orphan M16-03's and M16-13's welcome here.

And I've got plenty other knives if I didn't like 'em. Disposables fo' cheep, and I can get
'em sharp right quicklike. I wouldn't own 8 of 'em if I couldn't.

Repeat, anybody knowing the whereabouts of unloved M16s, tell 'em dinners ready, come home.
 
I had and M16-12Z and M16-01Z and they had a thicker liner lock than the one I handled at walmart. THe one at walmart seemed a little bit smaller than the ones I had.
 
I too did not know these were manufactured in different locations. Just checked my m16-01kz - made in Taiwan. I've only had it for about a month. The lock up is rock solid and it came sharp as a razor. Like some others, I really like the flipper and the auto lawks I'm finding kind of cool too.

But...I really haven't put any substantial use on this yet and honestly, for 20 bucks I'm not expecting this to be a heavy use option.
 
I have a M16-13T since CRKT put them on the market. I've taken it around the world (courtesy of the Air Force) and it's been the most reliable knife I have ever owned. In reading thru this thread, I either have one of the good ones, or very low standards in what makes up a good knife. It takes and holds an edge, blade opens/closes smoothly, has no side to side, fore/aft or up/down play when opened, and well centered in handle. Admittedly, I'm a novice in knives, I have a few, but this site is a wealth of knowledge. Is there something else I'm missing in judging quality? To me, it's outstanding but now I'm thinking I'm not looking at it correctly.
 
sure it wasnt a gerber,i went to wal-mart and wanted to look at what i thought was a m-16 but when they handed it to me i noticed it had terrible construction and then realized it was a gerber,it looked identical to the m-16 though:(
 
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