CRKT Mossback Bird and Trout - initial impressions.

[CanadaKnifeGuy]

This little 6.6" knife with a 2.81" blade is a great little EDC fixed blade.

It's SK5 carbon steel and only 2.3 mm thick, with a high, hollow grind and super thin edge with a fine, pointy tip make it a super performer. Like an EDC scalpel.

It even has a swedge, which will further improve sliciness!

It's a Tom Krein design and a super inexpensive way to try out his ergos and design.

I'm using it in a KSF pocket sheath.

It's super light and also thin, so it dissapears in the pocket. You can also just use the stock sheath in your pocket as well, next to your wallet and it's right at home and dissapears as well.

Came decently sharp, with a good grind on it, but after a baker's dozen passes per side on a strop with green compound made a significant improvement. Carbon steel sharpens up so easily.

I normally pocket carry a BK14, which I consider to be a pocket survival knife.

I wanted something sub-3" for travel purposes (where there was a length limit) and also something just a bit shorter, for better fit in short pockets.

I was craving the ESEE CR2.5, but the 2 things I didn't find ideal were that it was only 2.5" and wanted a bit more length.

Also, the CR2.5 is a bit thick, for such a small FFG blade (too wedge'y).

The mossback B&T addresses both of these issues.

It's no where near as robust as a BK14, but it's an amazing B&T style blade that's light and slicey for EDC or B&T uses.

Cool piece! Nice G10 handles.

 

[dirc]

I can appreciate the idea & execution, bravo on crkt for going thin and minimal when most everything else is going the other way

really need this in 3v imho ; ) or other steels which excel at these geometries

 

[CanadaKnifeGuy]

I can appreciate the idea & execution, bravo on crkt for going thin and minimal when most everything else is going the other way

really need this in 3v imho ; ) or other steels which excel at these geometries

CRKT is making these at a low price point. I've seen them for like $24 USD!?

I like carbon steel for many things... But if you want 3v or a premium stainless, best to contact Tom Krein, as he makes some BEAUTIFUL customs in the same pattern, with sexy handles.

 

[dirc]

my solution for this was the mora 090 for under $20 ; p - stainless sandvik is great stuff, esp at .05" thickness (my wife prefers this in the kitchen as an all around paring knife, as do I) we only pull out the 7" santoku for really big jobs

 

[Top's Custom Kydex]

I just found this little Cricket. I own a Krein Ultimate Caper and this version shares his design benefits at an awesome price point. I made a minimalist fold over Kydex sheath that works well in both the pocket and the waistband. Awesome combo!

 

[CanadaKnifeGuy]

View attachment 1667285

I just found this little Cricket. I own a Krein Ultimate Caper and this version shares his design benefits at an awesome price point. I made a minimalist fold over Kydex sheath that works well in both the pocket and the waistband. Awesome combo!

Great looking sheath!!

This knife is SOOOooooo underappreciated

An upgraded sheath option would make it more usable for most people, I'm sure.

Would even work great for neck carry or crossdraw.

 

[Top's Custom Kydex]

Thanks for your comments. The first step in making a great sheath is picking the right knife. Tom Krein makes awesome knives and great Kydex so I knew any knife that he designed would be made for Kydex.

I agree that this would be a good neck knife but I was thinking inside the waistband and pocket fixed blade when I made it.

I ordered a handful of these under appreciated knives. I think I might be stripping the coating off of at least one. Then I'll carry it for a while and decide what to do with the rest.

 

[Top's Custom Kydex]

my solution for this was the mora 090 for under $20 ; p - stainless sandvik is great stuff, esp at .05" thickness (my wife prefers this in the kitchen as an all around paring knife, as do I) we only pull out the 7" santoku for really big jobs

I'm a Mora fan as well. The Mora 511 the original version is my all time favorite. I've got some stashed away with Kydex sheaths already made.

The original 511 with the bright red handles and slightly thicker blades have a special place in my heart. I routinely carry one that I've modified slightly that is a fantastic blade.

I carry this beast inside the waistband on my left front using a simple piece of paracord.



The dark red handled 511 with the thinner blades are amazing slicers. It is amazing what a little steel give or take can do for a knife's performance.