CRKT M21 or Gerber Air Ranger as xmas gifts

T

Treadwell

Joined
Jan 5, 2006
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I enjoy both giving and receiving knives as Christmas gifts. This year I have ordered a couple of CS Master Hunters in Carbon V to give as gifts to the hunters and fishermen on my list, but I'm really torn between a Gerber Air Ranger, or CRKT M21 to use as gifts for others on my list.

Both appear (on the surface) to be of similar quality, with similar grades of steel, and are similarly priced as well. I have no firsthand experience with either knife, as I'm primarily a fixed blade enthusiast. So my question to those that have experience with both, which would make a better gift?

I'm leaning toward the AR, strictly from appearences, but I'm open to suggestions by those more knowledgeable then myself as to which would be a more appropriate and welcomed gift.
 
I loved the M16 From Crkt and and got a full sized M21 as soon as i saw it. while the knife is great I think the pocket clip on a knife this size should be larger and stouter than that of the smaller m16. this small clip sust doesent seem secure on this lare heavy knife, it aften falls out of my pocket while sitting.

I dont know about the AR but I hope this helps you
 
I would like the CRKT better but thats just personal taste...but you can get the air ranger cheaper at smokey mountain knife works in a few diferent styles for $9.99...So you can buy 2 different Gerbers for the price of 1 CRKT...Just a thought, but go with what you like more, and what your budget can handle...
 
I'd have to go with the crkt m 21. the air ranger's a good knife and a bargain but i myself would definitely prefer to receive the 21. later, ahgar
 
My EDC is a Leek; but when I'm not in my work clothes, I usually carry a Heat in a nylon pouch on my belt. I found the Heat just a "bit too big" for comfortable deep pocket carry, which I prefer while working. The first thing I do with a folder (that comes with a pocket clip), is remove it. I'm now thinking the M21, just might be a bit too big as well, after doing a search, and the AR might be better suited for EDC for the intended recipients. What good is a knife if it isn't carried on a regular basis!

I have come to feel "as naked" without a knife as I now do without a cell phone.......
 
cutlerylover said:
I would like the CRKT better but thats just personal taste...but you can get the air ranger cheaper at smokey mountain knife works in a few diferent styles for $9.99...So you can buy 2 different Gerbers for the price of 1 CRKT...Just a thought, but go with what you like more, and what your budget can handle...
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Now, that's interesting,..I did a search to find the lowest price on a AR, and the best I could find was $38.88! I'll definitely check out Smokey Mt.,..THANKS!:)

Hmm,...SMKW doesn't seem to want to load, I'm using www.eknifeworks.com
 
Yeah, there must be a problem with the site right now I am having the same problem, but I am sure they will fix it soon...

The reason they are so cheap is because of the overstocked models, I believe red and blue handled models, both might be combo edge, thats why, but if that doesn't matter than its a great bargain!
 
Treadwell said:
Now, that's interesting,..I did a search to find the lowest price on a AR, and the best I could find was $38.88! I'll definitely check out Smokey Mt.,..THANKS!:)

Hmm,...SMKW doesn't seem to want to load, I'm using www.eknifeworks.com
Click to expand...
That is the rite address, it didn't work for me either, maybe their website is down, the spanish version worked though, if you can read spanish, it is www.lanavaja.com. I would much rather have the CRKT.
 
Oh I got it through the spanish version...they had the red ahndled one and the black one both combo edge for $14.99 (my mistake I thought they were $9.99) but both are out of stock...So, my post is irrelevant now...sorry...
 
I've owned a Gerber similar to the Air Ranger (the one with aluminum handles with rubber inserts) and I just got an M16 with Zytel handle scales. I think (personally) that though the Air Ranger and other Gerbers can be found for a bit cheaper, and M16s are made of AUS-6 rather than AUS-8 like Gerbers, you can get an M16 (in Zytel) for about the same price as the store-bought Gerbers and in my opinion, M16s are built better (mine just seems sturdier than my Gerber did. Other than the type of steel, it just seems more well-made). Either way the edge is chisel-ground (the Gerber I had was initially) and if you don't like that you're gonna have to put an edge on the other side of the blade. Air Rangers are good knives, though (most Gerber knives are) so if you're planning on buying more than one knife and you have a limited budget you'd do better by buying them rather than M16s or M21s. It's more cost-efficient.
PMZ

EDIT: I've never personally owned an M21, but judging from the reviews of people on this forum, it is really popular due to its blade shape and larger size. However, everywhere I've seen them advertised, they cost at least $10, usually $20 more than the M16. Unless you've got a large chunk of cash set aside for Christmas presents, I'd say go with the Gerbers.
 
I was lucky enough to get two of the Blue combo edged AR's back in March, one I gave my father.

IMO the M21's and the AR's are completely different knives, I would categorize the AR as almost a gentleman's knife. If your friends like larger tough folders than I'd go with any of the aluminum larger M16's or 21's , if you want a smaller easy carry knife than the AR would be a good choice. But unless you can get a deal I wouldn't pay full price for either knife.

Quality wise the AR is very well built, but it is a light weight , light duty
knife ...

If you are looking for larger CRKT at a good price, some of the CRKT Hammond Cruisers are on sale at SMKW. I have a desert cruiser and it's a very well made knife and for $20.00 it's a no brainer( the desert cruisers are sold out).
 
Either way the edge is chisel-ground (the Gerber I had was initially) and if you don't like that you're gonna have to put an edge on the other side of the blade.




EDIT: I've never personally owned an M21, but judging from the reviews of people on this forum, it is really popular due to its blade shape and larger size. However, everywhere I've seen them advertised, they cost at least $10, usually $20 more than the M16. Unless you've got a large chunk of cash set aside for Christmas presents, I'd say go with the Gerbers.[/QUOTE]


I'm a bit confused,... which knife is chisel-ground? To me at least, a knife with a chisel-grind, strikes me as one only half made. I'd not buy one for myself, or even as a gift!
 
I haven't owned or handled the CRKTs mentioned above, but I do own two of the Gerber ARs. I have a blue one and a grey one, both pretty sharp OTB and well built. I used to EDC an AR but switched to FRN Byrd Meadowlarks. I still have the two ARs though, probably will find their way back to EDC status, as they are light and thin. I do not know what steel is used for the ARs, but I understand that there is (was) a Gerber AR line that uses AUS-8A(?). I could be wrong, though. In any case, for the outdoorsman, this would be a nice inexpensive gift that can be had for around $20-25. Here's a link to a decent article on the Gerber Air Ranger, if you need some more info:

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewgerberar.html
 
I have owned both the Gerber Harsey Air Ranger and the CRKT M21. The Gerber is thin and light and the texture of the handle is easy to hold on to. The M21 is very tall from the back of the blade to the handle when it is closed. It just didn't work well for me in a pocket. I do however regularly carry CRKT M-18 and M-16 knives. I carried the Gerber regularly for about a year and had no complaints. I liked the flipper on the CRKT knives so they replaced the Gerber in the everyday carry rotation. I have given away the M-21's that I had bought. I did buy a few of the Gerbers from SMKW to give as Christmas gifts.
 
I'll cast my vote for Gerber. But election was won by a vote of 52 to 48 so it was close.
 
moxie said:
for what it's worth, Doug Ritter recommends the M21 on his equipped to survive website.

http://www.equipped.com/devices11.htm

I don't know your budget, but Smoky Mountain does have, in stock, the Hammond Cruiser for $19.99. I have one and it's a dandy. Great gift at the price. ( I got five and a friend got three.)

http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...der=Default&Submit.x=9&Submit.y=11&SKU=CR7914
Click to expand...

Hey, thanks, .....I just placed a order for three! GOOD DEAL!

BTW, THEY WERE $17.99 EACH!
 
You will find good deals on CRKT knives as well as others like Gerber with smokey mountain knife works, if you don't already get it request a free catalog...
 
The three Hammond Cruisers I ordered were waiting for me when I arrived home from work Friday evening. When I hefted the small box they arrived in, I immediately knew I was in trouble!

Boy, are they ever BIG, much too large for my personal tastes as a EDC knife. I will say however, I was quite impressed with the knives for the money, and I can't remember ever experiencing a more comfortable handle in a folding knife. These knives are Brutes, and appear to be "built like a tank", and although I just might keep one for myself, I don't see myself carrying it often.

At less than twenty dollars a piece, I almost wish I'd ordered a couple more!:)

While it wouldn't be my first choice personally for a EDC knife, it certainly is impressive; and I'm reasonably sure that those receiving them as gifts this Christmas will be similarly impressed!

I do appreciate being made aware of this "steal" for a knife of this caliber, now only two more knives to go, and my Christmas shopping is done!
 
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