How are the Chinese made CRKT brand knives?

GatorFlash1 said:
Thanks for your insights. I really would suggest that you need to learn a little history about Taiwan aka The Peoples Republic of China, with focus on the civil war in China before and after WWII. before you start dissing folks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan
Click to expand...

Not "dissing" folks. Just stating facts. Did you even read the article you provided as evidence? It is quite clear that the two are completely different in almost every way.

Taiwan is aka The Republic of China. Not the people's republic. A one word difference that has huge meaning.

"During the latter half of the 20th century, Taiwan experienced*rapid economic growthand*industrialization*and is now an*advanced industrial economy. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Taiwan evolved into a*multi-party democracy*with universal suffrage. Taiwan is one of the*Four Asian Tigers*and a member of the*WTO*and*APEC. The21st-largest economy*in the world, its*high-tech*industry plays a key role in the global economy. Taiwan is*ranked highly*in terms of freedom of the press, health care,[14]public education, economic freedom, and human development.[d][8][15]"

From the article you quote. Does that sound like China and Taiwan are the same? Nope. Because they aren't. The article goes into even more depth. I would suggest you read it. Quite interesting. :thumbup:
 
DEAD THREAD ALERT

I bring this up off the bottom because after 2+ pages of posts... I don't think anybody that actually owns the knife answered. This is one of my favorite knives.
1. Mine was made in Taiwan, not Mainland Communist China. There is only one model still being produced and don't know where it is made.
2. There are several models based on grinds, blade finishes, and blade length. Roughly they are 5" and 6 3/4" lengths. Plain edge or serrated(both Veff and traditional styles were made). Blade finishes were black or a matte stainless look.

I may get more detailed in another thread, but my opinion is these knives deserve a look for their unique blend of designs combined in this blade. Modified Tanto, almost spear point tip. Belly that hints of Katana. Tapered spine that is dagger like.

The handle is just as unique. Polymer of some sort with a heavy texture that is made to provide traction even when covered in mud, blood, etc. Best handle in those conditions or with gloves hands down. (pun intended). I use a short piece of thin Bike intertube near the blade where my first finger and thumb contact the handle to avoid hot spots when using bare handed. Still feel the texture under it, but it's smoother and more comfortable.

It's lightweight for it's size, sorry I don't have specs handy. I find the longer blade to be balanced, although I have read and can understand the shorter one is a bit handle heavy. The steel wasn't familiar to me. I've seen comments that it was a mid quality stainless along the lines of Aus 8 or good grade 420? I was looking for a high degree of corrosion resistance and willing to accept those compromises. It's sharp.

Bottom line. Great knife and nice tactical sheath with wide, detachable leg strap, molle comp, multiple carry, including drop leg, and attachment options. I don't use this much because I like it so much I'd cry if I lost it or damaged it farting around, and they are getting harder to find at a decent price. That said, if I wanted a lightweight, but strong, long blade as a one knife option, this is it. By comparison, if weight isn't as much of a consideration, I'd take the Becker BK7, or Ontario Night Stalker 4. I know they can take a beating, and at least the BK7 is a current production knife that can be easily replaced.

As I started with, one of my favorite knives. I keep an eye out for a good deal on them in case an opportunity comes up.
 
Great comments. Liked the notes that the company with its name on the knife is the one who can and should control quality. I still have a bunch of CRKT knives...most bought years ago. Became interested in CRKT's innovative opening mechanisms. The seem to have moved away from that. One thought: if I can handle and inspect the knife I am buying regardless of country of origin, buying a flawed knife is less likely. And most purchased via internet knives can be returned.

In the last two years I have sold most of my "China knives". Thanks and keep on giving your opinions.
 
I have 1 CRKT and I have never used or carried it. Not a huge fan of them or their knives.
 
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I'll have my first Chinese made CRKT knife tomorrow. Ordered an LCK which got pretty rave reviews from YT personalities for the price. I'll report back with how it is once I get some time with it.
From what I've been watching on YT and what I've also noticed from reading product descriptions is that CRKT has a lot of well-known designers that submit great designs, however they're always skimping on materials and fit/finish.
Hopefully this LCK is an exception to this, as others have said.
 
Ruger%20LCK%202_zpssf6f5otf.jpg


And here it is. A Chinese made CRKT LCK. It's actually really nice. Action is smooth and is on PB washers. Centering is near perfect, zero blade play. Blade steel is of course 8Cr13MoV, and there is a slight unintentional recurve towards the tip of the sheepsfoot which is visible in the picture. Looks like someone messed up on the grinder. Hair shaving sharp though.

The pocket clip is a bit weak, I would like there to be more pinch against the scale so I could be confident it wouldn't slip out of my pocket if I were to be hung upside down for an extended period of time. Fit and finish I'd give a B. There are a couple spots where the plastic scales slightly bow away from the steel liner, and a couple of the screws look to be slightly damaged from factory assembly.

Overall a great knife with a neat design for $31.
 
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