Funny how things change...

jmclfrsh

jmclfrsh

Joined
Dec 1, 2012
Messages
1,379
Ever look at a CRK model, think it was either ugly or beautiful, then get one and change your mind immediately?

I thought the micarta 25 was butt-ugly when the first pics came out, then I saw one in person at my local knife store they brought back from the Blade Show.

It was so pretty I had to walk out with it and I still consider it arguably my nicest-looking folder.

On the other hand, I always wanted a WC Zaan, the "Startac." I ordered a new-pivot model and was really unimpressed. I sent it back and swapped it out for a spare WC Eagle.

I might add only looks-wise was I unimpressed; the Startac was still impeccably built, of course.

Now those are my impressions, not likely yours.

So have you ever felt the same way about certain CRK models?
 
I remember being really uninterested in the Tilock, but when I was able to hold one at Blade, I ordered one as soon as I got home.
 
YES!! At first I thought the insingo blade shape was the ugliest thing, now I'm searching high and low for a small insingo with micarta inlays. Can't wait to find one and get it in hand.
 
I absolutely love the original WC StarTac with old pivot and no OTS. Had a 25 and really didn't like it. I don't mind the new pivot on a StarTac but really don't like it (visually) on a regular Umnumzaan. I still strongly dislike the Micarta 25 - I truly think it's ugly, and find the pocketclip to be very anti-ergonomic on 25's in general. I find 21 Micarta's and Starbenza's to to be the most aesthetically pleasing users, and of course some of the "showier" inlays are beyond beautiful.
 
For the most part, I'm usually more impressed with a CRK once I can handle it - the exception being the new-pivot Umnumzaan. I'd trade the looks of the old pivot vs. the ease of maintenance of the new pivot any day. Nine times out of ten tho, I like Chris' knives much more when I see one in person. I too hated the micarta 25 in pictures when it first appeared. Then I saw one at a dealer and now it's a whole 'nuther story. :thumbup:
 
YES.......has happened many of times. Or a design that was available for years, then suddenly become discontinued and now you just HAVE to have it. Yep, happens ALL The Time....!!!
 
Used to think the Insingo was ugly, but in the pictures I see of the small micarta Insingo there's something really elegant about that blade, and the silver hardware with the micarta just sets that knife off for me. Eager to see one in person.
 
I was never a big Umnumzaan fan. I've handled about 7 or 8 of them now (new pivot) and the Zaan has really grown on me. I thought it looked uncomfortable to hold and use but I was wrong. In fact, I'd venture so far as to say that the Umnumzaan is more impressive than the Sebenzas I've owned, even though it's still not my preferred model.

Another CRK I was not originally interested in is the Professional Soldier. The more I look at it, the more I am drawn to it.
 
I couldn't agree more. I tried out 4 Plain 25s and 1 Micarta and hated them. Then I finally got a Carbon Fiber 25 and love it. I don't think it will knock the Large Regular out of my pocket any time soon but it is a great blade to carry once and a while and I would recommend it highly out of the 25s so far. I think the weight issue really did it for me. It just feels so perfect in hand. Plus mine has a nice early lockup, dead centered centering, and most of all was super smooth right out of the box. The blade actually dropped a tad bit more than 45 degrees on its own right out of the box which is quite unusual for brand new Sebenzas. I can only imagine how smooth it will be in say 3 months or so. Greatly looking forward to that one.
 
My first was a large 21 Honduran Rosewood. Like I had read, when I got it, it didn't have the wow factor I expected, but they sure do grow on you and you learn to appreciate the workmanship. I thought the Insingo was ugly, now I am impressed with it. On top of that I bought a fixed blade and may get more. Not sure if it is a hobby or a bad habit!
 
There is a LOT of love for the Large Regular Sebenza. Now, don't let this hurt any feelings to the Large Reg lovers out there, but in my CRK journey I have found that I really LIKE the Large Reg, but I don't LOVE the Large Reg! Don't get me wrong, it is a wonderful blade and is a fantastic knife--I have owned a couple over the years, but I have decided that for MY money the SMALL REG is where it's at. I have gone through a number of them looking for the one that is juuuust right. I have finally settled (for now) on this '04 model with S30V, handle spine ridges, and that oh-so-wonderful WIDE jimping--this just checks all the right boxes for me:

 
For me my taste hasn't really changed. When I first got into CRK in2005, I ordered a small regular because I thought the classic was not a flowing and I did not like the engraving. 10 years later, currently own 11 small regulars and still don't have a classic!
 
Yep, same here for the micarta 25, ugly on screen but a beauty in hand.

I really didn't care for the looks of styling of the Sebenza the first couple of times I saw one but after I messed around with them a few times I went out and bought a small Damascus, then a Large Reg damascus, then a Small Crosshairs Reg, etc, etc, etc.
The utilitarian or even Spartan looks of the plain janes won me over. I've had somewhere around 25 different CRK's since it all began and I can't see myself carrying anything different.
 
I had no interest in the Umnumzaan at all. Then I bought one off of the Exchange on a whim. (One too many drinks may have been involved - it was the weekend.) I love it - became my main non-office carry! No regrets at all.
 
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