Just a quick overview of the CRKT Minimalist I posted to Amazon, figured it would make sense to post here as well.
I had never considered wearing a neck knife until I saw this little knife. What I desired if I got a neck knife would be: Minimal weight, great purchase in the hands, and a not too big but big enough cutting edge. A 2 inch blade is a perfect size for a neck knife for what I needed. It's small enough to not notice it while wearing, yet big enough to do all of the jobs you could ask of it. I decided to go with the CRKT Minimalist with a Wharncliffe blade, first of all because I do not have a knife like this yet, nor with this blade style and wanted to check it out. Also, while their are three types of blade styles in this knife family, this is the lightest version of them all. 1.1oz vs 1.6oz for the bowie and tanto version. The handle on the others is also very slightly thicker than this version. After using it for a while I can say that I really like the Wharncliffe blade on this one.
The grip in the hands is solid with no chance of this slipping due to the excellent finger grooves. It's a full tang design with micarta scales. Another huge plus is the scales are removable with a standard torx bit. The attention to detail is quite amazing when you consider that it costs less than $20. The build quality on mine is almost to that of a mini custom. The scales fit perfectly with zero gaps and have a very cool green and black coloration. The blade came very sharp straight from the factory and has a very pleasing bead blasted finish. The lanyard on the knife is also hugely functional (unlike many) and allows your pinky to get a firm grip and adds to the excellent fit in the hand as well as something to grip when removing it from its holster. Also, the holster is spot on perfect in my book. It holds the knife very firmly yet allows you easy access and release when removing. It also holds the tip of the handle like it should and not the blade, so there should be no potential to scratch it. The weight is less than two ounces (1.6oz) with the knife AND holster, meaning you don't really notice that you have the knife on your person. The paracord necklace is also great and easily adjustable to the length that you want. The only con I can find is the cutting edge bevel isn't 100% straight. However, due to the fact that this blade steel 5Cr15MoV is easy to resharpen, it's not much of an issue, especially at it's price point.
Mr. Alan Folts did an absolute astounding job when designing this knife and we all have him to thank for allowing CRKT to make a production version of it. For those that enjoy this knife be sure to check out his customs, he has an excellent selection of blades with very high-end steel construction. CRKT did an impressive job of turning his design into a production knife.
If you have either ever considered a neck knife, have a different model, or even if you haven't, I HIGHLY recommend you check this knife out. It might just become your favorite and could potentially help you out of a sticky situation.
CRKT also has a Bowie version as well as a Tanto version of this knife if your not a fan of the Warncliffe.
If you do like the Warncliffe style blade, but like folders better, I would definitely recommend checking out a Spyderco Kiwi. It has a similar style with 2 big finger grooves and feels great in hand as well. It is a slip-joint, though you can probably find an older model one that were lock backs.
CRKT also makes a larger 3 inch version called the S.P.E.W. also designed by Folts, which is very nice looking knife as well.
I had never considered wearing a neck knife until I saw this little knife. What I desired if I got a neck knife would be: Minimal weight, great purchase in the hands, and a not too big but big enough cutting edge. A 2 inch blade is a perfect size for a neck knife for what I needed. It's small enough to not notice it while wearing, yet big enough to do all of the jobs you could ask of it. I decided to go with the CRKT Minimalist with a Wharncliffe blade, first of all because I do not have a knife like this yet, nor with this blade style and wanted to check it out. Also, while their are three types of blade styles in this knife family, this is the lightest version of them all. 1.1oz vs 1.6oz for the bowie and tanto version. The handle on the others is also very slightly thicker than this version. After using it for a while I can say that I really like the Wharncliffe blade on this one.
The grip in the hands is solid with no chance of this slipping due to the excellent finger grooves. It's a full tang design with micarta scales. Another huge plus is the scales are removable with a standard torx bit. The attention to detail is quite amazing when you consider that it costs less than $20. The build quality on mine is almost to that of a mini custom. The scales fit perfectly with zero gaps and have a very cool green and black coloration. The blade came very sharp straight from the factory and has a very pleasing bead blasted finish. The lanyard on the knife is also hugely functional (unlike many) and allows your pinky to get a firm grip and adds to the excellent fit in the hand as well as something to grip when removing it from its holster. Also, the holster is spot on perfect in my book. It holds the knife very firmly yet allows you easy access and release when removing. It also holds the tip of the handle like it should and not the blade, so there should be no potential to scratch it. The weight is less than two ounces (1.6oz) with the knife AND holster, meaning you don't really notice that you have the knife on your person. The paracord necklace is also great and easily adjustable to the length that you want. The only con I can find is the cutting edge bevel isn't 100% straight. However, due to the fact that this blade steel 5Cr15MoV is easy to resharpen, it's not much of an issue, especially at it's price point.
Mr. Alan Folts did an absolute astounding job when designing this knife and we all have him to thank for allowing CRKT to make a production version of it. For those that enjoy this knife be sure to check out his customs, he has an excellent selection of blades with very high-end steel construction. CRKT did an impressive job of turning his design into a production knife.
If you have either ever considered a neck knife, have a different model, or even if you haven't, I HIGHLY recommend you check this knife out. It might just become your favorite and could potentially help you out of a sticky situation.
CRKT also has a Bowie version as well as a Tanto version of this knife if your not a fan of the Warncliffe.
If you do like the Warncliffe style blade, but like folders better, I would definitely recommend checking out a Spyderco Kiwi. It has a similar style with 2 big finger grooves and feels great in hand as well. It is a slip-joint, though you can probably find an older model one that were lock backs.
CRKT also makes a larger 3 inch version called the S.P.E.W. also designed by Folts, which is very nice looking knife as well.
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