CRKT M16 or Apache?

R

RAH

Joined
Nov 3, 1999
Messages
9
I'm looking for a well-built entry-level knife. I intend to use it daily for everything from opening letters to attacking vicious cardboard boxes. I'd also like it to double as a defensive tool. I've narrowed my choices to a CRKT Apache II or a M16. I live in an area without a knifeshop so I haven't been able to handle either. I like the Apache because it looks like it might have better balance but the zytel grip of the M16 seems less slippery. Anyone have suggestions? What's a good reliable online shop that I could order from? Thanks.

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I'm a novice, please be patient.
 
I'd go for one of the aluminum-handled M-16s. The aluminum M-16s and Apaches both have a rough finish that should be at least as grippy as the Zytel M-16s. I think the M-16 series is worlds ahead of the Apaches in production quality and design, with smoother action, better lockup, and overall better proportions and ergonomics. I'd go with an aluminum version because it should be a bit stronger, has a much classier look and feel, and has an AUS-8 blade vs. AUS-6.

-Drew
 
i'd agree with the ALUMINUM M-16. don't bother with the zytel M-16 or the apache. i've handled all of them and that's my opinion FWIW.
 
M16
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~Keith~
"War to the knife and knife to the hilt"

 
Definately the M-16. It is arguably the best made knife in the price group,IMHO.
David

AKTI#150
 
The M16 is far and away the better choice of the two. I had an Apache and traded it away because it is, to put it simply, A POS.
The M16, besides being a very strong and comfortable to hold knife, has the added advantage of the "Carson Flipper" which is quite brilliant in it's own right.
It is an awesome opening aid and a REAL finger protector in the open position.
IMO, this is a near perfect example of an inexpensive, well made, tactical type folder. The blade steel could be better, but the AUS8A works well enough.
I keep mine in the glove box of my car, right next to a left handed BM AFCK. They are my faithful backups in case I forget my primary carry pieces or I have to leave in a big hurry and don't have time to properly equip.
All in all, A pretty good choice for an inexpensive carry piece.

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.


 
misque, what is the purpose of the carson flipper? i have seen it, but i didn't get the point of it and the idiot salesman didn't have a clue.
 
Place the index finger on the "flipper" and push down on it while executing a wrist flick type of blade deployment and the blade flies out at light speed. The action on mine is loose enough now that I can fully deploy the blade simply by rapidly pushing down on the "Carson Flipper" sans wrist flick. It is way cool.
After the blade is deployed, the CF acts as a finger guard and is a damned effective one to boot! (BIG selling point for me. I have limited use of my right index finger from a prior knife accident).
Takes a little practice, but after you get the move down, it flat out pegs the happy meter!

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.


 
Thanks all. Thus far it seems like the M16 wiht aluminum handle has the strongest support. I like the flipper but I'm considering asmaller model than the M16-04. As a newbie would I be better served with a tanto or a drop point blade? The tanto looks cool but I'm not sure how useful it is for daily tasks. Is the M16 a double-sided or one-sided only tanto blade?

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I'm a novice, please be patient.
 
One (slight) advantage the Zytel series has is that the flipper is available on all sizes. Kit made this decision after the aluminum models were released, and I don't know if tehre are plans to similarly change the aluminum models. I'd still go with the aluminum, but figured I should mention it.

I'm one of those folks that feels the tanto blade shape has practically no advantages to offset the massive disadvantage of lacking a curved belly (where most cutting is done). I'd definitely say go with the mid-sized Spearpoint model, though I'm hoping that this blade will be offered in the other sizes as well. I don't know how the tanto M-16s are ground, but I'd be surprised if it was a chisel (on-seided) grind.

-Drew
 
Drew, you are right, they aren't chisel ground.

Misque is also right, the flipper is a great means of opening the knife, and also provides a nice guard once the blade is locked open.

Hey, wanna see the only existing Carson M-16
"Flipper" in all damascus?

Take a look at: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=123592&a=905828

Sorry for bragging, but that knife means a lot to me after receiving it from Kit at the Blade Show this year.
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Blues



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Live Free or Die


 
Blues,

These knives on your website are beautiful. Like I said the tanto looks cool (sorry I've watched maybe too many movies) but the drop point seems more practical.

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I'm a novice, please be patient.
 
the carson flipper is neat!!! i just went down to the local knife store and played with one, it gets addicting. definitely go for a drop point. there is no comparison in my mind. the tanto is great in certain areas, but the drop point is pretty good for anything. i personally like the M16-03, the slim little spear point, but now i wish it had the carson flipper.
 
Yep,
Nearly forgot about the M16-03 with the zytel handles and CF. I've got one and it is a great knife for the really reasonable price CRKT is asking.
One thing I forgot to mention in the prior post is that the linerlocks on both of these knives are solid! I tried to defeat the locks and it is not happening. They lock up and stay locked till you say otherwise. Good knives, great price...that sums up the M16 series in a nutshell.

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If a person with multiple personalities threatens suicide, is that considered a hostage situation?



[This message has been edited by misque (edited 11 November 1999).]
 
Heck, they're cheap enough, get the Al handled model for the superior handle and the Zytel model for the flipper, then just change out the blades.
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Well, maybe not but it is possible - I did it for my dad a couple of weeks ago. The AUS-8 on the regular Al models is a good bit better at holding an edge.

Either way, enjoy the knife.

Jon
 
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