- Joined
- Dec 24, 2000
- Messages
- 1,055
Hey all-
Another one of those "wow, that's pretty cool for $39.95" posts.
This time it's the CRKT Peter Marzitelli designed Prowler.
First off, we should probably get this little bit out of the way. Yes, it's "only" AUS6 steel. Hey, I'm just as much of a steel snob as the next guy, but I like to think I can also appreciate something for what it is....
This is another one to fill the sort of niche that shootist16 pointed out in the 'Ryan Plan B' thread, and he's right. Maybe you can't pop for much more on a knife than 40 bucks, and if that's the case, well so be it. This one is at least worth a look. So on with it then:
Big, meaty, tank of a folder. Not Model Seven big, but similar in heft. Measuring across the spine you're looking at .585". However, most of that is the spacers. The liners and scales don't appear to be really any thicker than the average folder. The blade stock is a full 0.125 (1/8"), and milled very nicely to emulate Mr. Marz's slot-style opener. (works great, btw) Deep, aggressively milled thumb ramp. Overall, it measures 7.750", the handle being 4.50" of that. Really fills the hand well- again it's pretty thick- and no flex, play, wiggle- nothing. Solid and sturdy is conveyed well.
The action is excellent thanks to the nylon washers. Very smooth, and it's even got a pretty large ball detent for that "custom-ish" feel. Opens with an extremely satisfying "ker-chunk". (huge entertainment factor on this one, especially if you like sitting around annoying your fellow tv watchers while cycling your knives) The liner lock squares up nicely on the far left of the tang, and has passed every spine whack I've given it tonight. No reason to think it would fail. Plus, CRKT has given this one the LAWKS gadget that when engaged prevents the lock from moving all the way off the tang. This feature I could take or leave, but it does work, and they've recessed the top of the lever so it's not in the way.
I *hate* zytel scales. Usually. These are the best imitation of G-10 I've ever handled. Look at the edges of the scales, and you can tell it's zytel a mile a way. But the textured sides kind of look, and really do feel like G-10. In any case, they're plenty grippy. Also nice is the pocket clip; mounted up nice and high for deep carry. Unfortunately, it's not reversible.
Back to the blade steel for a second. Yeah, I wish it were something a little better, too. But it is crazy sharp, and it shouldn't take much to keep it that way. YMMV, of course.
It got me talking about it, so yeah, I do like it overall. It's always a good thing to see a decent, stylish folder at this price point. Honestly, I'd probably kick in another 10 bucks and go for a Camillus EDC if I could only have one knife and it had to be sub-fifty bucks. Yet there is something to be said for style, and I do know some folks will appreciate the big brutish feel of the Prowler.
In the end, another job well done by CRKT.
Firebat
Another one of those "wow, that's pretty cool for $39.95" posts.
This time it's the CRKT Peter Marzitelli designed Prowler.
First off, we should probably get this little bit out of the way. Yes, it's "only" AUS6 steel. Hey, I'm just as much of a steel snob as the next guy, but I like to think I can also appreciate something for what it is....
This is another one to fill the sort of niche that shootist16 pointed out in the 'Ryan Plan B' thread, and he's right. Maybe you can't pop for much more on a knife than 40 bucks, and if that's the case, well so be it. This one is at least worth a look. So on with it then:
Big, meaty, tank of a folder. Not Model Seven big, but similar in heft. Measuring across the spine you're looking at .585". However, most of that is the spacers. The liners and scales don't appear to be really any thicker than the average folder. The blade stock is a full 0.125 (1/8"), and milled very nicely to emulate Mr. Marz's slot-style opener. (works great, btw) Deep, aggressively milled thumb ramp. Overall, it measures 7.750", the handle being 4.50" of that. Really fills the hand well- again it's pretty thick- and no flex, play, wiggle- nothing. Solid and sturdy is conveyed well.
The action is excellent thanks to the nylon washers. Very smooth, and it's even got a pretty large ball detent for that "custom-ish" feel. Opens with an extremely satisfying "ker-chunk". (huge entertainment factor on this one, especially if you like sitting around annoying your fellow tv watchers while cycling your knives) The liner lock squares up nicely on the far left of the tang, and has passed every spine whack I've given it tonight. No reason to think it would fail. Plus, CRKT has given this one the LAWKS gadget that when engaged prevents the lock from moving all the way off the tang. This feature I could take or leave, but it does work, and they've recessed the top of the lever so it's not in the way.
I *hate* zytel scales. Usually. These are the best imitation of G-10 I've ever handled. Look at the edges of the scales, and you can tell it's zytel a mile a way. But the textured sides kind of look, and really do feel like G-10. In any case, they're plenty grippy. Also nice is the pocket clip; mounted up nice and high for deep carry. Unfortunately, it's not reversible.
Back to the blade steel for a second. Yeah, I wish it were something a little better, too. But it is crazy sharp, and it shouldn't take much to keep it that way. YMMV, of course.
It got me talking about it, so yeah, I do like it overall. It's always a good thing to see a decent, stylish folder at this price point. Honestly, I'd probably kick in another 10 bucks and go for a Camillus EDC if I could only have one knife and it had to be sub-fifty bucks. Yet there is something to be said for style, and I do know some folks will appreciate the big brutish feel of the Prowler.
In the end, another job well done by CRKT.
Firebat
