CRKT Praise...

fedaykincmndr

fedaykincmndr

Joined
Aug 3, 2004
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I don't know if a thread like this has ever been started, but I would just like to say a few things and hear some feedback. So, here goes...

I've had a CRKT M-16O2Z for years and have cut, hammered, pried, and hacked just about everything you can think of. I've dropped it open and closed right on the tip and blade and not even seen a scratch. I've thrown it at countless objects and even tried to break it yet still it's as sturdy and good lookin as it was the day I got it. I would just like to say BIG FAT pat on the back to CRKT for a wonderful production knife.

Now if anyone feels so inclined please; anyone feel the same or even different? Thanks in advance.
:)



p.s. I also just bought a Polkowski/Kasper Companion that I hope lives up to the expectations I had of the M-16. Anyone have any experience with this blade in particular? Thanks AGAIN. :D
 
i've been using an M16-12z at work for 1.5+ years, and it's been a real workhorse. i use it on just about everything from shaving wood and cutting construction flagging, to ripping thru branches and cleaning mud outta my boots (eep!). it's taken a lickin' and kept on tickin'.

i also have an M16-01k, and it's a fun knife. i don't really carry it that much but the shape, lockup, and carry are fantastic. super-lightweight, it pretty much disappears in the pocket.

CRKT makes some good stuff. they're just cursed with the same affliction as Kershaw: too many awesome knives that are just begging for a better steel and higher grade materials. this isn't a knock against their current lines: they have lots of great hard-users and EDCs. they would really do well to beef-up their top sellers and begin a high-end line for those willing to pay a premium (and yes, i'm aware of a few using "super" steels, but they're few and far between and WAY up there in price).

abe m.
 
allyourblood said:
CRKT makes some good stuff. they're just cursed with the same affliction as Kershaw: too many awesome knives that are just begging for a better steel and higher grade materials. this isn't a knock against their current lines: they have lots of great hard-users and EDCs. they would really do well to beef-up their top sellers and begin a high-end line for those willing to pay a premium (and yes, i'm aware of a few using "super" steels, but they're few and far between and WAY up there in price).

abe m.
Click to expand...

I totally agree. I have their Kasper Crawford, its the best "Taiwan" knife I've ever had. But y'know, AUS-6 and Zytel...

If they made that in something like D-2, or even S30V, and then had a G-10 handle, they could sell it for $140 all week long. The original Crawford is a $600-$900 knife!

How about a dupe of the original, make it titanium slabs. If you can get a Skirmish for $140 on the web with titanium frame lock and S30V, why not a Kasper? Why not any of their knives?

I guess they're making out well with their current methods and materials but an upgraded line would be so great...
 
I have to agree completely. I have bought several CRKT products and they have all been flawless perfection. My fave is the CRKT Mike Franklin designed Serengeti Hunter. Great great 3 knife in one heavy duty folding hunter. Much more than I expected for the money.

If interested I wrote a long and detailed review about it here.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=328077
 
I agree that I would like to see CRKT upgrade to some nicer stuff. But you know what? I am a knife-nut! I do buy Benchmades and Spyderco's and knives that typically cost $100+! But CRKT doesn't make knives for me. They know that even if they upped the materials, we would still lean towards the American made BMs. They make knives for the worker. They make knives to tear open bags of concrete and get tossed into a tool box. They make knives for people what will not spend $100 on a knife. And even if we don't like it, you HAVE to give them props for knowing their demographic and catering to it well.
-KC
 
fedaykincmndr said:
I've had a CRKT M-16O2Z for years and have cut, hammered, pried, and hacked just about everything you can think of. I've dropped it open and closed right on the tip and blade and not even seen a scratch. I've thrown it at countless objects and even tried to break it yet still it's as sturdy and good lookin as it was the day I got it. I would just like to say BIG FAT pat on the back to CRKT for a wonderful production knife.
Click to expand...
If you think THAT's tough, try the Big Dog version (-04 or 0-14). I have one with aluminum scales, and it's damn near indestructible. Blade is around 3/16" thick, and the chisel grind can take a lot of abuse. Just the thing for, say, filleting a Buick. ;) Honestly, it's prolly the only knife I have that I'd feel comfortable using as a crowbar.

I also have one of the drop-point ones (-03), and it's nice for EDC. 3-1/2" blade, weighs very little. The handles look uncomfortable, but feel amazingly good in the hand; that's what really sold me.

fedaykincmndr said:
p.s. I also just bought a Polkowski/Kasper Companion that I hope lives up to the expectations I had of the M-16. Anyone have any experience with this blade in particular? Thanks AGAIN. :D
Click to expand...
Got one of those, too. ;)

I like it, it's sharp and built like a tank; but it's a tad heavy, and the balance point really should be further forward. One of these days I'm gonna take the scales off and drill some 1/2" holes in the tang, and see if that helps.
 
Thanks Gryffin I get mine on Monday...CAN'T wait!!! :D

Just a little side note, I don't mind weight. To me it feels as though it's tougher and more solid. Anyone agree?

KC that's the friggin truth idn't it? I completely agree. Personally, if I spent upwards of say 80-90 smackers on a knife, my wife would have my heart on a plate!! So CRKT definately fits the bill for a rugged VERY affordable knife. :cool:
 
im getting the m16-14d big dog and the cascade tactical on monday via mail

and on wednesday Im getting the spyderco civilian

and i just bought a kershaw chive 1600 today

i think im addicted to these knives already......lol
 
its not a crawford companion its a polawaski companion, by al polkawski, i have one, and its not a $600 knife (though i'll sell mine for that anytime lol) they run IIRC about $250 or so.

that saidf i own a CRKT companion also, and barring the crummy sheaths (why have 2 crummy sheaths vs one decent sheath, and dont say price 'cuz cammilus arc lite is less and has a decent sheath) it is one of the best edc fixed blades around imho, i bought mine for like $25 and added a saestre sheath ($20 or so) and had an excellent fixed blade i carried a lot for several yrs, inspired me to get the polkawski version also. and if i hadnt known i would never have guessed it was "just" AUS6......always worked fine.

imho all the CRKT is good for the $$, they are not however a BM/spyderco/etc, and are not up to that level of quality by any means. but they are cheaper, imho the CRKT kasper folder is another good one, had one of those too and ended up w/a custom crawford or 2 also.

but all in all a pretty decent line of stuff imho, for the $$, certainly better than cold steel (folders) imho.
 
If I remember correct, CRKT did have different quality versions of some knives. The KISS, for instance, is made in Tawain and is a good knife for the money. There was a Japanese-made KISS also that sold at a higher price and was supposedly better quality. As I recall, the Japanese KISS was distinguishable by red lettering.

It's been a while since I've seen the advertisments, and I don't know if the Japanese knives are still available.

I have a KISS, a Mirage, and a Stiff KISS. Darn nice for the money.

-Bob
 
I think I own 5 CRKTs at this moment including an M16-03Z I carried every day for about three years and have probably owned another 15-20 that I've sold, traded or given away. I've only been disappointed by one but for the most part, they are a very nice lineup, considering the price. The M16s in particular have left me impressed. I have three (all the smaller versions) that I'm not likely to sell anytime soon. I bought most of mine at very, very good pricing but at the prices the M16 sell for on eBay or eknifeworks.com, I think they are a very solid choice.

Having said that, I don't think it would kill them to do limited runs of the better selling knives using more choice materials. I've seen the titanium scaled knives and they are just too pricey for the quality in my opinion but I'd consider pickuping up an M16-02 (3" tanto blade with aluminum scales) in D2 or S30V or even ATS34 or VG10 - just something better than AUS8.
 
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