Info on CRKT Knives

[Sunyata]

That is a very valid point.

I agree. CRKT could use the hijinx as a jumping off point. Start focusing on QC, F&F and do a smaller number models well instead of puking a trillion crappy models. They could turn their rep around. IT's really hard to make a large number of items well. Cold steel kinda does it. They make a ton of stuff and it's all OK. Not great but it's good. I have a hard time taking the company serious with their videos and legal shennanigans but they turn out an OK product (the upgrade to CTS XHP helps. Paying that for AUS 8 is kinda meh. Spyderco is another company that has a wide portfolio but pulls it off but they make it work, I think it has to do with spreading it out between Taiwan (my next spydie will be from there), Seki City and Golden Co, USA, Earth.

 

[POCEH KOCEB]

I agree. CRKT could use the hijinx as a jumping off point. Start focusing on QC, F&F and do a smaller number models well instead of puking a trillion crappy models...

Looking at what people are posting as newly purchased knives, I think, most are looking for some consistency. Consistency in recognizable details, besides the obvious quality and F&F. I would compromise with F&F and wouldn't mind lower end materials if CRKT had a recognizable line of products, besides KO models for instance... You look at Spyderco, Sebenza, ZT, Hinderer or CRK and without even knowing what you're looking at, you can guess fairly well if the knife is made by one of those companies.<br>Looking at most of the CRKT models at least to me is like looking at M-Tech catalog... A hand grenade looking like handle with ergonomics and blade geometry that is good for cracking open walnuts.. I mean, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but some of those knives just don't make sense to me. This is what I look before I even get to the F&F and QC.

 

[Bill_Brasky]

Despite their QC issues, I think the best first step CRKT can take is improved materials. Take for example the James' Williams designed knives. Unique designs that are purpose-built and well thought out. Yet when it comes to actually producing the knife for consumers we get shitty stainless steel liner locks, and "not as sharp as they could be" AUS8 blades. I would gladly pay $150+ for a CRKT Heiho in VG-10 or S30V that was thoughtfully and carefully constructed. Nothing frustrates me more than wasting great knife designs (and make no mistake, CRKT is the number one offender in this category) on cheap materials and budget production.

I would pay so, so, so much money for a Heiho in a higher quality steel and no stupid kanji, and/or a Shizuka Noh Ken with G10 or Micarta handles and better blade steel. Seriously, I would empty my all my bank accounts for those two knives if CRKT ever came to their senses and put them into production.

 

[GronK]

Back in the day when all CRKT were Taiwan made I had a few that kind of started my knife accumulating career, a Crawford Kasper, a Polkowski Kasper, a Nealy Pesh-Kabz and a Viele Wasp. I grew into Benchmade, Spyderco, then CRKs but there was nothing wrong with those CRKT's of the day. I still own all but the Viele. I wasn't aware of the change to China made and spotted a Wasp and a Crawford for very low prices a few years ago. I bought one of each and was shocked. The quality and materials were not in the same ball park. I was recently gifted another modern China made CRKT that is not only poor of material and build but has a silly name as well, "Endorser".

 

[Sunyata]

Looking at what people are posting as newly purchased knives, I think, most are looking for some consistency. Consistency in recognizable details, besides the obvious quality and F&F. I would compromise with F&F and wouldn't mind lower end materials if CRKT had a recognizable line of products, besides KO models for instance... You look at Spyderco, Sebenza, ZT, Hinderer or CRK and without even knowing what you're looking at, you can guess fairly well if the knife is made by one of those companies.<br>Looking at most of the CRKT models at least to me is like looking at M-Tech catalog... A hand grenade looking like handle with ergonomics and blade geometry that is good for cracking open walnuts.. I mean, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but some of those knives just don't make sense to me. This is what I look before I even get to the F&F and QC.

Agreed. I had no idea what the Hijinx was until I looked into it, same with the GSD.