CRKT or Ka-Bar?

M

mr.trooper

Joined
Dec 5, 2005
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What do you think is the better EDC? A CRKT M16-13M or a Ka-Bar Mule?

Bolth are AUS-8, but the Ka-bar is hardened a little more, and the M16 is a little more expensive.
 
From what I have seen the Kabar Mule has the better edge and is sharper out of the box.
 
Have you held either of these? Sorry, but aside from the blade steel, this seems like and apples v. oranges debate. It will come down to which carries better and which feels nicer in the hand.
The Mule, by Ka-bar, will likely hold the better edge. However this is a very big knife for a folder. It fits well for people with large hands. It has no clip. Instead it comes with a nylon belt sheath. It opens slowly compared to most folders. I would consider it a two handed opener/closer, almost.
The M-16 is much lighter and carries very nicely in the pocket. If you haven't got huge mitts, I would recomend this one.
Both knives are manufactured in Taiwan. The Mule will have a stronger lock, but the M-16 holds up just fine for edc use, especially with the LAWKS system. Unless you do a lot of very demanding work with your blade, you would likely be happier with the CRKT. If you would like the best of both worlds, I would recomend the M1 by CRKT. Opens easier than the M-16. Heavier than the M-16 but lighter than the Mule. And it fits better in larger hands.
 
From what I have seen come through the shop recently and the CRKT's I have tested I could not recommend CRKt's to anyone over the Kabar knives esp., when the Mule is cheaper and IMO a far better product.
 
Yeah, I've had bad luck with CRKTs, but they were lower end models I guess you could say. Most kabars are made in america, so buying a kabar supports american business.
 
I bought a KA-BAR Mule and have loved it!, Its a true workhorse as expected from a KA-BAR. It is not my EDC, because of the weight and my profsession, However it stays in my trunk bag along with my KAB-BAR Warthog fixed. My Mule has proven itself in the feild over and over and is an all around great blade.IMO..I personally love it...However My EDC'S are a S.O.G Blink and a Kershaw Blackout....But I love Knowing that my Mule is handy!
 
if you can get the M16 old one witht eh better steel (like I have) then its worth it.

The steels they use now are no good. Its a real pity because I personally think the design is great.
 
I handled an M-16 at wal-mart and didn't like it much, too thick IMHO, also the studs were too clost to the handle. The flipper was a little stiff too and I couldn't get the blade out with the flipper. I don't know what steel it was in or where it was made.
 
I've got an M16-sf it's a decent defender in AUS 8.
Fun to flip & easily adjustable with the torx wrench that comes with it.
Comes with 2 clips which you can mount to the handle to thicken it too.
 
I have the Mule. It is one solid, sharp and ergonomic knife, you can't go wrong with it, especially for $40. True, it had no clip till 2006, but I read somewhere, that the new version is upgraded with one.
 
I have a M16 13 Law Enforcement in AUS8 and really like it. Light, easy in the pocket, great texture in the handle (blue anodized), nices flipper and the drop point is one of the most useful I have tried. The liner lock is just ok for me but I haven't done any real force test with it.
 
I have a Ka-Bar Mule and small hands and it works perfectly for me, I love the feel of such a solid knife when a big task comes up. Be aware, though, the sheath is without a doubt the most impractical I have ever laid eyes on, it's terribly unsuited for vertical carry and if you go for horizontal it sticks out a good two inches. But hey, I don't mind a big knife in my pocket, so it all works out.
 
the only crkt i would recomend is the crawford kasper folder.... i love it but i wouldnt put an m16 in my pocket ever....
 
valleytinworks said:
the only crkt i would recomend is the crawford kasper folder.... i love it but i wouldnt put an m16 in my pocket ever....
Click to expand...

That's silly. The Crawford Kasper Folder uses CRKT's worst steel. The M-16/21 series holds up great. What don't you like about the M-16?
 
I have always switched back and forth with my "large" EDC..a Kershaw Blackout...a Kershaw Tactical Blur...A Gerber Rex Applegate...etc...and loved them all...but recently someone gave me a CRKT M-16 13Z...and it has become my FAVORITE!...It is sturdy..smooth..and has an excellent design...It is my first CRKT...but not my last!...I want ALL of the M-16 series. This one reminds me of a great Benchmade I once had...but better. IMO...the CRKT M-16...like its 223 spitting namesake...is a winner.
 
The best CRKT knife to me is the large Apache with ATS-34 steel.I think it is out of production.Solid lock-up and carries great in my hand.Snag one up if you can find it.
 
CRKT's, the M16 in particular, are mentioned quite a bit in this thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395173

Personally I think you should look at some other knives ..... both the Benchmade Pika and KaBar Dozier folders are in the $20 range and appear to be much better knives overall than the M16. Better yet, spend a little more and get into an axis lock Benchmade, or maybe a Spyderco.
 
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