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

I bought this one when they were first released, what? Ten years ago? I routinely beat the poor thing like a rented mule with almost no maintenance and it still functions smoothly and locks up tight. The edge holds up surprisingly well, and quickly returns to shaving sharp in a few seconds. No complaints here.

M16.jpg
 
The older M-16 series are good , working knives.

I had a zytel handled version for years , gave it to my co-worker who uses it daily on his ranch and here at work , read that 'hard use' on a daily basis.

:)

Tostig
 
I've had a couple M16's over the years (sold one, still have the other), and they were very good knives, particularly for what I paid for them. They were the versions with the aluminum handles. I'd recommend getting one (off an unmentionable auction site) that was made a number of years ago. Probably better quality. JMHO

- Mark
 
devinsdad said:
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.
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Don't worry the M16 is a great knife, we are just super picky bastids that spend all our free time talking about knives.;) The very first knife I ever bought with my own money was a m16-13z and it worked superbly for me for 3 years, no complaints at all. The reason some don't like it is because the steel doesn't hold an edge as long as some of the stuff we're used to around here. However if you don't find that you have to sharpen it more than you like than it will work (and already seems to) just fine for you.

Thanks for doing your part to protect our freedom!:thumbup:
 
I love this site...I can spend hours reading the discussions, and soaking up a lot of excellent knowledge. It seems that knife preference run along the same lines as some of the other great debates...Chevy/Ford.....Windows/Apple....Bills/Dolphins....It's interesting to read all the different preferences, and why.
 
There ALOT of CRKT knock-offs out there that have great packaging and really do look like they are real CRKT knives. Maybe you got a fake.
 
I have a M16 LE (large) with horrible blade play within six months. I think the smaller ones hold up better, my friends bought his the same time as mine and his is still solid. I think the larger blade with the thin liner is not a good combination. It works well on the smaller ones, but they are to uncomfortable in my hands.
 
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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The Storm is a good knife, frame lock with nice recurve blade.
I'm not a fan of CRKT....the use pretty low grade steel.
 
The titanium and aluminum M16's were great, before the LAWKS system was introduced. I was really excited about the CRKT M4's. Until I got to handle one first hand.
 
I like my M16 Zytel spearpoint, maybe not perfect but I like it. Minor complaints are that if I flip it too hard the liner lock can lockup, and, as commented elsewhere, the thumb stud can wear off your skin. It's a pre-AutoLAWKS so I can't comment on that.

Zero blade play, nice in the hand.
 
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