CRKT M16 - What's the Scoop?

Firefighter880

Firefighter880

Joined
Nov 17, 2006
Messages
595
Hi All,

This is my first thread here. I've been haunting the archives for awhile, but never really found it necessary to start a thread. However, now I am curious....

I usually stick to Spyderco, but I have been thinking about purchasing the CRKT M21 as an outdoors kick-around work knife. It seems like a whole lot of knife at a reasonable price. The thing is, I know that it is closely related to the M16 model, and I have read manys posts on how people dislike the M16, especially on the recent "Worst Purchase" (don't know what the exact title was?) thread. I haven't been able to find anything to really back this up, though. All I have seen is just the standard "bad knife" or "gave mine away fast" or "hated it" kind of thing.

Just wondering what the reasoning behind these feelings are. I've briefly used an M16 before and didn't find it to be all that bad, but I thought I would ask for some more experienced opinions from people who have owned one. Is it bad ergos? or poor quality materials and craftsmanship? or does the knife just simply not perform and hold up?

Any comments would be appreciated.
 
The M-16 line is a mish-mash off different styles and different steels. From the compact to the 4". From mostly AUS-6M to a couple with AUS-8A. From some with a "hilt" (if one can call it that) to most that don't.

Everyone has an opinion about everything. That's part of what makes this interesting but also confusing. The M-21 line is more straight forward. All are AUS-8A and there are only to sizes and one basic style (except for the M-21 Special Forces..don't get that one, VERY uncomfortable whenever you stick your hand in your pocket because of the wierd "hilt") with different blade options. Stick with these for a camp/work knife in the M-21 line: http://www.crkt.com/M21.html

I have had several M-21's (with a 4" plain spear point on order at present). They are an excellant "outdoors kick-around work knife" (as you put it). On the new models, the LAWKS lock automatically engages when the knife if opened. A plus, I think.

In the end, it's up to you. But is you get the M-21 spearpoint (I prefer the plain blade), I don't think you will be disappointed for what you want it for. It's a big, strong, knife that's easy to clean and sharpen. I'm not afraid to say I like them.

Some are going to agree with my post and some won't. But you have to choose.

Also, if this helps any, I've bought many knives that I didn't like after I had them awhile. So I sold them. No problem. Over the years I've been able to put together a collection of knives that are "keepers". Mostly high end production with a few customs. But I still like and use my "beaters" and the CRKT M-21 in spearpoint is one of my favorite in that catagory. Don't be afraid to experiment.

Side note: On mine, I smoothed some of the rough surfaces a little on the pivot screw, flipper, etc. with a Dremel. Much nicer to carry. But only do this if you really intend to keep it (assuming you even buy one).

Good luck
 
I have several M16s with carbon fiber handles and a few with titanium and some with aluminum handles and I like them very well, especially the compact models. These all have AUS 8 or AUS 118 blades. The models that end with a "Z" have have Zytel handles and either AUS 6 or for the newer ones, AUS 4 blades. The flipper makes it very easy to open with either hand. If you like the look of the M16s, I would suggest you try one with an aluminum handle. Those should be the cheapest version that has an AUS 8 blade. I like to carry one of the compact M16s in my shirt pocket at work. I must admit that I don't care much for the tactical look of the knives but the smaller ones don't seem to bother the non-knife people that I encounter.
 
like bladeprice said, the M-16 line is very broad. There are a lot of different models and materials in that general line of knives.

I have owned two and I got to say that I was not dissapointed in either of them. I didn't expect much from them since I only paid about $25 each (used). They did the job. I think they make a good all around work knife that you wouldn't be afraid to lose or damage.

A few cons:
1. The steel seemed brittle. I guess they tried to get the best edge retention out of the steel they use. I broke the tip on both of them and I am not a tip breaker normally. I haven't broken more than a couple of Spyderco tips and they seem to have very thin and pointy tips.

2. On one of my M-16s, the liner lock would fail if you didn't use the LAWKs locks as well. Not a big deal. If you thought you needed more lock strength, you engaged the LAWKs. If you were just cutting a bag open, no need. My LAWKs was manual not spring loaded like some I have seen. You could just get into the habit of using the LAWKs all the time.

3. Clip seems to come loose all the time. Can be tightened but I wish it would stay tight. I have had BMs and Spydercos that did this too so it is not a huge con.

Pros:
1. Good value. It is not a Spyderco but it is not junk either. It is priced somewhere in between top shelf knives and flea market crap but preforms well.

2. Ergos. I like the ergos.

3. Wide range of materials and styles. If you want a spear point blade that is half serrated with an aluminum handle, you can get it. If you can pretty much have it your way with this knife. It comes in several sizes as well. If you basically like the design but don't like the Tanto blade or the plastic handles, there is always an option.

I wouldn't as pay as much for one as I would for a nice Spyderco but then you shouldn't have to. Check E-bay and I am sure you will find a few of them for sale at pretty good prices.
 
When the M-16 was first introduced I picked up the 14 model. It was okay. The action wasn't overly smooth. The fit and finish was pretty good. It locked up great.

I am one of those that gave mine away fairly quickly. I had been spoiled by my Spyderco knives and was never really satisfied with the M-16. However, for the money I would say that it is a decent knife.
 
bladeprince said:
The M-16 line is a mish-mash off different styles and different steels. From the compact to the 4". From mostly AUS-6M to a couple with AUS-8A. From some with a "hilt" (if one can call it that) to most that don't.

Everyone has an opinion about everything. That's part of what makes this interesting but also confusing. The M-21 line is more straight forward. All are AUS-8A and there are only to sizes and one basic style (except for the M-21 Special Forces..don't get that one, VERY uncomfortable whenever you stick your hand in your pocket because of the wierd "hilt") with different blade options. Stick with these for a camp/work knife in the M-21 line: http://www.crkt.com/M21.html

I have had several M-21's (with a 4" plain spear point on order at present). They are an excellant "outdoors kick-around work knife" (as you put it). On the new models, the LAWKS lock automatically engages when the knife if opened. A plus, I think.

In the end, it's up to you. But is you get the M-21 spearpoint (I prefer the plain blade), I don't think you will be disappointed for what you want it for. It's a big, strong, knife that's easy to clean and sharpen. I not afraid to say I like them.

Some are going to agree with my post and some won't. But you have to choose.

Also, if this helps any, I've bought many knives that I didn't like after I had them awhile. So I sold them. No problem. Over the years I've been able to put together a collection of knives that are "keepers". Mostly high end production with a few customes. But I still like and use my "beaters" and the CRKT M-21 in spearpoint is one of my favorite in that catagory. Don't be afraid to experiment.

Side note: On mine, I smoothed some of the rough surfaces a little on the pivot screw, flipper, etc. with a Dremel. Much nicer to carry. But only do this if you really intend to keep it (assuming you even buy one).

Good luck
Click to expand...


I own the large size, and I concer with everything bladeprince says. I think a good evaluation of a knife is to ask one's self : "would I buy this knife again, or give it as a gift ?" I can answer "YES" to both questions !

-Best regards
 
Wasn't paying attention. Posted to wrong thread. However, I do have a reply to this thread above.

Isn't there a way to just delete a post if we own it?
 
I have the M21 small w/ serrations. It is a good little knife. Two things I would do differently is I would buy the larger one and would go w/ a plain edge. Definately PE if you go with the small. Something else I would change is I would make the pocket clip reversible and I would make it ride a little deeper in the pocket. This is a minor issue I find my Native and other knives. I wouldn't call it a con just a preference. The pocket clip on mine broke and I was carrying it around loose for a while and that wasn't bad either.
 
I bought the M16-13 [aus8, aluminum] as a last minute add on to a small knife order. I wasn't expecting much, but was curious about CRKT in general, since all my folders are Spyderco and BM. I figured I could sell it to a co-worker if it was what I thought it might be. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised, not a bad knife for the $$, a work beater that I really beat, not a useless piece of junk, although not on par with Spydie or BM either. It feels quite good in the hand, doesn't look like it would be, opens very easily with the flipper and I have yet to need the LAWKS. I am keeping this one.
 
I have a M16-13z, that I purchased at walmart for like $28. I've used it as my at work knife for 3 months and I've hammered with it, cut cardboard, wood, rubber, and even done some light prying (wood, big staples, nails, screws). Then last week while working on my girlfriends muffler I used it to scrape the burr off some muffler pipe that I had cut up, then to pry an old hanger loose. Now all this is gross abuse, but for $28 I don't care and so far it's held up just fine, besides needing to be sharpened a lot (mostly due to how much use it gets). So there ya go, one mans review. :thumbup:

When [if] I break this one, I will most likely buy another.
 
I've had an M16-04 for about 5 or 6 years now and I've been really impressed with it. Mine has the aluminum handle and plain tanto blade in aus 8. I've used it for everything and it still locks up tight and holds an edge pretty well. I like it that I can get this knife good and sharp without too much effort. I'm always impressed with it and it always seems to be the knife I carry.
Mine was made before the LAWKS came out. I don't find that I care for the LAWKS since I feel it is just an added piece of unnecessary equipment. Sort of like the firing pin block on series 80 Colts. I had a CRKT M1 with it and I took it out becuse it got in the way. If a liner lock is properly made and fitted I don't think they are useful. An auto LAWK might be ok. I have'nt used one of those but I think I will like them about as much as the older LAWKS.
 
I'd reccomend holding back on any CRK&T purchase until they phase the "Auto-LAWKS" into their entire series. That's the only reason I don't have M-21 now...
 
Hammer27 said:
I'd reccomend holding back on any CRK&T purchase until they phase the "Auto-LAWKS" into their entire series. That's the only reason I don't have M-21 now...
Click to expand...

I've bought 2 M-21's from this site recently (I buy a lot of knives from this site). They both had the auto-LAWKS. You don't have "wait" for anything, just call the dealer and ask if they have it on the model you want.
 
bladeprince said:
I've bought 2 M-21's from this site recently (I buy a lot of knives from this site). They both had the auto-LAWKS. You don't have "wait" for anything, just call the dealer and ask if they have it on the model you want.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot I'm gonna get right on that!:D :D
 
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