Getting a new CRK

[BigBlue99]

New to the forum. Long post...sorry.

Always have an affinity for knives, but was tied up with other hobbies.

Recently while buying a flashlight, the vendor offered a decent discount on a Kershaw Blur Elmax. Was already looking at buying knives so it was perfect timing. Bought that knife. It's a very good folder.

But that just whet my appetite for more. This will be my second "real" knife.

Spent days researching more knives. Narrowed down to Zero Tolerance 300 and CRK. After looking and reading about CRK, there was no going back.

Then spent days going back and forth on which CRK:

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Really wanted the zaan, but most places are sold out of zaan so that decision unfortunately was made for me.

Then between 25 vs 21. Decided to get the classic 21.

Then which blade and handle???

What is my use? Honestly, a box cutter from Home Depot would serve me fine. This is purely a "want", not a need.

Will be using it for cutting up cardboards, camping, tailgating (slicing meat) at football games. I may have to get the ZT 0300 too so I can use the CRK on food and less dirty tasks.

In the end, I ordered the insingo carbon fiber from Knife Art. I think insingo is more practical and carbon fiber just looks sweet and also has some uniqueness / exclusivity to it.

I don't see too many reviews on the carbon fiber one from KA. I hope the carbon fiber is durable.

Anyone here debated between which CRK to buy? Which one did you get?

Anyone has the CF one from KA? Would like to know how it's holding up?

 

[hotbossa]

I like the lock up on 21 better. It is titanium against the blade lug. No ceramic ball to interface with the lug like the umnumzaan or 25. As for blade shape, insingo is my favorite for small, standard blade for large.

 

[cakes072185]

Hello my first CRK should arrive today. I am a big zt guy through. I would just say to check out the 0560/0561 before you grab the 0300. All great knives but so far those are my favorite hands down. If you want comparison pics let me know, pretty much have them all lol. I do feel this Sebenza will take all the pocket time it can. I won't ever take this to work, I do construction and it would get jacked up for sure. But any other time I bet it'll be in there. Oh I can't wait till I get this hope work flies by!

 

[BigBlue99]

That's awesome. Hope work flies by for you today.

You're the second forum member to recommend the 560 series. I'm going to start a thread or search the forum for 300/301 vs 560/561.

Always love to see pics. Thanks.

 

[cakes072185]

That's awesome. Hope work flies by for you today.

You're the second forum member to recommend the 560 series. I'm going to start a thread or search the forum for 300/301 vs 560/561.

Always love to see pics. Thanks.

Don't give me a reason to take pics of my babies lol. I'll try and just link you to an album I just made. From top to bottom they are:
Rick Hinderer Knives XM24 Spanto
Zero Tolerance 0560BW
Zero Tolerance 0561
Zero Tolerance 0566
Zero Tolerance 0300

There are side by sides of the 0300/0560BW and 0561/0566. Personally I prefer the 056x but that's me. The 0300 is beautiful but the recurve is a PITA to sharpen. PS those edges are from a wicked edge, not factory lol. Let me know if it helps brother.
http://imgur.com/a/BK0St

 

[vernSL]

Just bought a Umnumzaan the other day. They are definitely available.

I bought my first CRK a few months ago, a small plain 21. Fast forward to today, I have my small plain 21, large insingo 21, small insingo 21 w/ micarta. And my Umnumzaan will be here tomorrow. I think the small insingo with micarta is my favorite for EDC. The insingo is an awesome blade shape and the micarta make the handle a bit more comfortable and add some grip. Plus I like the micarta because when I set the knife down, the micarta is what touches the surface. I think the surface of the knife will be protected a bit more. I decided against the 25 because of the standard pivot system. Kinda makes the 25 something other than a Sebenza, but that's a long discussion.

I've decided to never buy another CF knife because I just don't like the way they feel. Too light and don't give you that solid, rugged feel that titanium or even G10 gives you. It does look pretty amazing though.

And definitely get the 0560. Amazing ZT knife. I got the 0560BW a few months ago and I absolutely love it. It doesn't see much pocket time because of my CRK, but it's a great knife. The 0801 is another great ZT knife as well.

 

[BigBlue99]

Thanks for the pics Cakes. Awesome ZT collection.

Also congrats on getting the double studded CRK! She's a beaut.

 

[BigBlue99]

Just bought a Umnumzaan the other day. They are definitely available.

I bought my first CRK a few months ago, a small plain 21. Fast forward to today, I have my small plain 21, large insingo 21, small insingo 21 w/ micarta. And my Umnumzaan will be here tomorrow. I think the small insingo with micarta is my favorite for EDC. The insingo is an awesome blade shape and the micarta make the handle a bit more comfortable and add some grip. Plus I like the micarta because when I set the knife down, the micarta is what touches the surface. I think the surface of the knife will be protected a bit more. I decided against the 25 because of the standard pivot system. Kinda makes the 25 something other than a Sebenza, but that's a long discussion.

I've decided to never buy another CF knife because I just don't like the way they feel. Too light and don't give you that solid, rugged feel that titanium or even G10 gives you. It does look pretty amazing though.

And definitely get the 0560. Amazing ZT knife. I got the 0560BW a few months ago and I absolutely love it. It doesn't see much pocket time because of my CRK, but it's a great knife. The 0801 is another great ZT knife as well.

Good find on the Zaan. When I was ready to buy on Wednesday, only one online retailer in the first 4 pages of google search had the Zaan but didn't get a good vibe from the site and the brief phone conversation. I know my credit card protects me from fraud but why bother with the bassle.

I called Knife Art and they just sold out of them earlier in the week. Story of my life.

The lighter weight won't be an issue for me but I can see how some people prefer a little heft. As long as I can hold it in my hand with good grip, I'll be happy.

Seems like many prefer the Hinderer inspired 560 over the 300. It's starting to call my name too.