CRKT Pazoda reviews desired

C

cadetdaddy

Joined
Oct 13, 2009
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4
Hey guys:

Looking for a smallish folder for my son. Criteria are 3" or less blade, relatively good steel, relatively sturdy build, and in the 20 to 40 dollar range. I don't want to replace multiple hundreds of dollars when (yes when) he loses it in the bush. A blade lock of some type would probably be a wise option as well.

I checked out the CRKT Pazoda and it seems to fit the bill, but I'm open to suggestions.

He's not Rambo, so I don't forsee any harder use than shortening rope, sharpening of roasting sticks, fuzz stick making, cleaning fish etc etc, so D2 isn't a requirement.
 
cadetdaddy said:
No offense meant, but I loathe Opinels.
Click to expand...

I assume you've owned and used them? It's not everyday you come across someone who dislikes such a tried and tested knife.

If you prefer something modern, I'd suggest the Byrd Robin. It's a great size for younger hands (you didn't specify how old he is), has a nice choil for additional control and safety, and comes in 3 different scale materials. Plus, the steel is very good, it has robust construction, and the price is well within your budget.
 
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The "My First Victorinox" is available in a model with a saw. :)
 
As far as Opinels go, I should have stated that I really loathe the idea of them. I have read many good comments about them, but it's just something about them...

Maybe the taint of a knockoff Coghlans I once held or something, but I just can't bring myself to give them any consideration. Maybe I'll try on in the future. way in the future.

As far as the Byrd Robin, I haven't the access to many Spyderco models. The outlets around here just seem to dwell on tacticool designs, nothing really functional for his needs. From images I see Byrd Robins are very similar to the Pazoda in style and size, so it may be worth a blind internet order.

Thanks for the help all.
 
I'd avoid CRKT unless it's a design you (Er, he) really really likes. Even at their price point, you can get better quality knives.

+1 on a SAK with a saw blade. Or maybe a Sodbuster or other traditional pattern? Learning how to safely use a non-locking slipjoint never hurts. It's easier to go from that to a locking folder than the other way around.
 
I don't have a Pazoda but I have a Drifter on the way which is within the price range. I have many quality folders but I don't discount the fact that there are quality knives that one can get without busting the bank. CRKT produces a few decent models and I ordered the Drifter because there are a few good reviews on them. For under USD20 I think it's up to the job (general cutting and whittling) and definitely replaceable if he loses it. I think it's very wise of you to look for reviews before putting your hard earned money on the line.

A good idea to minimize loss may be to put a brightly coloured lanyard, maybe one in orange so that it'd be easier to find should he drop or misplace it.
 
+1 for the SAK with a saw. The Farmer is a very popular model. Alox scales make it incredibly robust for what it is, and the saw is awesome. Great, sharp little knife. Who knows, your son might just be proud enough of it to not lose it!
 
There have been a fair number of complaints about the lower end CRKTs as far as fit, finish, and secure lockup. I have read no such complaints about the Byrds or the KaBar Doziers. I have both a Byrd and a Dozier, plus have had access to several others. All were great value for the dollar.

An SAK is always a good choice for almost any activity, especially for a first knife.

If you cannot find what you want at the local retail store, a visit to the Dealer Sales section of the Exchange forum will allow you to select from another of excellent online retailers. Only retailers with Dealer memberships are allowed to advertise there, and all have spotless reputations. If you don't see what you want, most have a web site you can visit. Highly recommended.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=749
 
Here are some pics to give you a better idea of the Pazoda. Mine is rock solid with no wobble and a crisp, solid lock. The edge was fair but not great out of the box, but it sharpened up quickly enough. I haven't used it enough yet to decide how the edge holding is going to be.

Pazoda vs. Robin - open
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Pazoda vs. Robin - closed
Note the difference in height relative to the top of the pocket.
orig.jpg


Blade Tech Mouse, Robin, Pazoda, Spyderco Persistence
(The Persistence has a STR custom Ti Low Rider pocket clip).
orig.jpg


The Pazoda is much flatter, slicker and rides lower than the other knives, and really strikes me as more of an office knife than a woods / beater knife. The Persistence is a little more expensive than the other, but is a LOT more knife overall.
 
cadetdaddy you do'nt have to justify your dislike for the opinel. remember it would be a heck of a world if we all liked the same woman. many times i have stirred the guys up with my comments,remember it's your own business if you care to dislike a product or position.the important idea of the forum is the free exchange of opinions,ideas,experience & knowledge.if we all liked the same things this forum would be very boring.do'nt let anyone browbeat you for you own likes or dislikes.opinels are very ugly but in my opinion represent great value for the money,however i would'nt have to depend on making a living selling this product to the average joe.cadetdaddy let them whup up on me for awhile; i say my story & i'm sticking to it .
 
I have a crkt triumph and have found it too be a great knife, it's been used in the kitchen and field, and I like the double lock
 
cadetdaddy

You didn't say whether you wanted a locking blade; that would have been my first question--particularly around the SAK issue. If locks are OK and you went that route, I'd go for something like the One-Hand Trekker.

If an SAK isn't in the card, I'd add a Kershaw into consideration.

If anything "tactical" or locking is going to get your son into trouble (always a concern, these days) go with the recommendation of an SAK Farmer, or even consider a stockman or trapper pattern (Case, Queen, etc.).
 
The Pazoda is the one CRKT knife that appeals to me, but I think a Byrd would be a good choice as well.

I think a kid should start with a locking knife, not a slipjoint. It's too easy for the inexperienced to fold one up on their fingers.
 
As mentioned before, the Byrds (I own a Meadowlark and Cara Cara) and Kabar Doziers (I own two of these as well) are fantastic knives for the money. Another choice would be a Boker Trance.

Btw, you can get a SAK with locking blade too. A One-hand Trekker is under $30.
 
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