Dilemma: I like a crap knife

C_Becker

C_Becker

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Oct 7, 2012
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So for some reason my inner Mall Ninja likes the CRKT Crawford N.E.C.K. Yes, you can laugh if you want. But it like the design for some reason, and from what I've seen, it has good ergos (its a Crawford design after all). But the steel -3Cr13- from what I can gather is basically the chinese version of 420J2 :foot:
Still, if I find it for cheap somewhere I guess I'll have to buy it - yeah I'm nutty :stupid:

Did you ever find yourself in such a situation - liking a knife that you know is kinda low quality - and did you buy it ?
And does anyone here have experience with that particular knife ?

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C_Becker said:
So for some reason my inner Mall Ninja likes the CRKT Crawford N.E.C.K. Yes, you can laugh if you want. But it like the design for some reason, and from what I've seen, it has good ergos (its a Crawford design after all). But the steel -3Cr13- from what I can gather is basically the chinese version of 420J2 :foot:
Still, if I find it for cheap somewhere I guess I'll have to buy it - yeah I'm nutty :stupid:

Did you ever find yourself in such a situation - liking a knife that you know is kinda low quality - and did you buy it ?
And does anyone here have experience with that particular knife ?
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Not an expert but I looked at a lot of neck knives once upon a time, that sort of steel seems pretty par for the course when it comes to production neckers. But that's just me. So I wouldn't say it's a crap knife, just average for what it is.
 
Different people will have different opinions of what is "crap" or "low quality". I judge the quality of a knife in a very simple way- 1. Does it perform the tasks I need/want it to perform. 2. Does it perform these tasks without being damaged. 3. Will it last long enough for me to get my money's worth and be worth the purchase.

Most of my knives range in price from $100 to $300, and some of the steels are more modern than others, but I don't judge the quality of a knife purely by how much it costs or the steel it's made of, I judge it by how it performs.

Inexpensive knives with less-than-super steels often perform quite well and serve their owners throughout their lifetime. My 30+ year old Buck 110 is still one of my favorite knives (and users) and it's made of 420 steel and cost a mere $25. 30+ years and still going strong.

I say, never be ashamed of what you like, and to hell with anyone who would criticize you for what you like.
 
Yep. I like the Cold Steel Spike series. I don't much care for the steel used, Kruup 4116 kinda does nothing for me. If it were BD1 or AUS8 then it would be different. I'm also seeing that the Spike series is solely designed as a "get off me" self defense, last ditch effort knife. Maybe so, but I see a lot of utility function in the blade my self.
 
I have a few inexpensive knives that I have been very happy with--opinel, mora, and cold steel in particular. So it might need to be sharpened a bit more often; as a knife knut, it is your responsibility to be able to sharpen a knife! I say go for it. :)
 
killgar said:
Different people will have different opinions of what is "crap" or "low quality". I judge the quality of a knife in a very simple way- 1. Does it perform the tasks I need/want it to perform. 2. Does it perform these tasks without being damaged. 3. Will it last long enough for me to get my money's worth and be worth the purchase.

Most of my knives range in price from $100 to $300, and some of the steels are more modern than others, but I don't judge the quality of a knife purely by how much it costs or the steel it's made of, I judge it by how it performs.

Inexpensive knives with less-than-super steels often perform quite well and serve their owners throughout their lifetime. My 30+ year old Buck 110 is still one of my favorite knives (and users) and it's made of 420 steel and cost a mere $25. 30+ years and still going strong.

I say, never be ashamed of what you like, and to hell with anyone who would criticize you for what you like.
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Good post, I agree. Its not like I'll use this knife for anything more daunting than cutting cardboard. And I'm not ashamed, maybe a little astonished at myself. Its like my inner voice says to me : "Dude WTF, you've paid >200€ for knives without blinking an eye and now you want to buy THIS ???11!!" :D

And I thought this could be a fun thread, where we can confess our love for knives that make others go :rolleyes:
So, don't take this to seriously, share your secret love for cheapo knives :D
 
On the bright side you can save a lot of money being drawn to lower end knives.
 
If you like the knife, buy it. I have less expensive knives such as the Cold Steel Kudu and Pocket Bushman (Krupp 4116), that I enjoy using far beyond what would seem practical.
 
Most of the knives in my EDC rotation were $25 or less, and most are made of 7Cr/8Cr/440C/AUS8 steel. My defensive "after hours" EDC is no exception. I've been extremely impressed by the Ganzo 716 and Coast FX350. The knives I've used around the house or office were each under $10.

We like what we like.
 
There is a place for a cheap blade, but not a crap blade. If you always equate price to quality you'll miss out on some nice sharp objects.

Try it out, and let us know how it worked.
 
A.P.F. said:
If you like the knife, buy it. I have less expensive knives such as the Cold Steel Kudu and Pocket Bushman (Krupp 4116), that I enjoy using far beyond what would seem practical.
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The Kudu is a really awesome, cheap knife, a great inexpensive beater.
 
What's supposed to be wrong with the Crawford?

The Wildsteer WX and RatWorx MRX tanto.
 
Inexpensive, not crap. Buy it and be merry. :thumbup:

I have knives that I won't use to the extent of their ability because I wouldn't want or can't replace them should it become necessary. No worries about that with a knife like this one!
 
RevDevil said:
Yep. I like the Cold Steel Spike series. I don't much care for the steel used, Kruup 4116 kinda does nothing for me. If it were BD1 or AUS8 then it would be different. I'm also seeing that the Spike series is solely designed as a "get off me" self defense, last ditch effort knife. Maybe so, but I see a lot of utility function in the blade my self.
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I've always wanted to try out one of the spikes, but haven't done it yet. Glad to know I'm not alone!

They're so cheap I should just give it a shot.
 
A.P.F. said:
If you like the knife, buy it. I have less expensive knives such as the Cold Steel Kudu and Pocket Bushman (Krupp 4116), that I enjoy using far beyond what would seem practical.
Click to expand...

I own both of these, and while I mostly bought the kudu for the novelty, I've carried and used the bushman extensively with excellent performance and heartily recommend them.

Most of my EDC rotation cost me <$40 us, and I have some really decent usable blades. Spyderco Ambitious, ESEE Zancudo, CRKT Minimalist, Buck Packlite Caper, CRKT VASP, opinel slim #9, etc. No shame.
 
This crap knifes has been making my hidden inner mall ninja itch. I was hoping it was a direct knock off being Mtech, but I haven't found anything.

 
Buy what you like and what works for you., You certainly don't need validation from the general discussion denizens. Most are posers anyways.
 
A knife is just a tool. If what you have does what you need. Mission accomplished. I'm a big fan of carbon steel, others like to pay $100 plus for "super steel". There is no right or wrong. There is just what's best for your needs.
 
C_Becker said:
So for some reason my inner Mall Ninja likes the CRKT Crawford ?..like the design for some reason, ...

2030CW_xlarge_48.jpg
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By chance, I handled an example in a store.
I did find the price attractive.
The size, about right.
The handle, comfortable enough.
The blade decorative details, slightly odd ball.
The steel type, shocking!
The sheath, meh.
Overall, I chose to decline purchase because
It just didn't scream out as an overly "attractive buy".
Though, I don't doubt for a second
As to it's primarily intended use
as an edged "personal safety device".
I am sure it has merits enough to have ardent followers.
 
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