Just plunked for an Eros. No Columbia River Knife & Tool Forum?

[freewheeling]

I just ordered the Ken Onion CRKT Eros based on a video review, and was looking for some feedback about it. I've been buying Kershaws like crazy, but after the first couple of Blurs sort of cooled on the Ken Onion designs. That was mostly because of the recurves and lack of a finger choil, but I still like those knives a lot. I love the Speedform II although it's a little finicky to keep centered, and I also just received a ZT 561 that I love. Another consideration is that I work in Washington, DC which has very strict knife laws. The laws on assisted openers are vague enough that it's not clear where a Speedsafe would be strictly legal or not, and there seems to be a 3 inch blade limit, but again that's a little vague. Anyway, I'd just as soon stick to the 3 inch limit on my commute/work knife without assisted opening, and to that end bought 2 Zing blems with tanto blades and another Zing Tanto special edition. I also have the Leek, and just ordered a Skyline LE, but I thought I'd like to get a second "premium" knife for the work/commute EDC. I don't want to spend the money on a Sibenza but was pretty impressed with the reviews of the Eros.

How does the Eros stack up as a "premium" production knife, compared to the ZTs. I don't mean in characteristics so much as quality, design, workmanship etc.. I know the ZTs are tactical knives for military, police, and rescue. Also I don't know much about this Japanese steel used in the blade, or the bearing system compared to the one in the 561. (Metal on metal vs metal on polymer?) BTW, I found the Eros for about $100 below suggested retail and it looks like that price isn't totally unique even on Amazon. (Got it from Thompson Tools.)

So, have I made a good purchase here? I know it'll probably outperform the Zings, but by how much?

Update: Oh yeah, is that pocket clip as flimsy as it looks?

 

[TotalDbag]

Eros 2, or 1? Acuto+ steel is comparable to VG-10. It's a decent little knife. The clip is funky, but works. You'll enjoy it. Have you thought about the Ripple, or Shenanigan since you said you liked Ken Onion?

 

[freewheeling]

Eros 2, or 1? Acuto+ steel is comparable to VG-10. It's a decent little knife. The clip is funky, but works. You'll enjoy it. Have you thought about the Ripple, or Shenanigan since you said you liked Ken Onion?

I only saw one on CRKT's site, but did hear one of the reviewers mention the II. Is the II the bigger one? I'm getting this for my 3 inch limit carry so I didn't want the bigger one. The model number is K455TXP. (Update, apparently the II is the smaller one, only a 2 inch blade, so I got the larger one.)

I may take a rest from buying knives for awhile in case I need to eat or somethin'.

 

[TotalDbag]

Number 2 is a 2" blade.

 

[BladeChick777]

I think you did good on picking up the Eros. I've heard great things about it. It's a little ti frame lock with a great shape and feel with decent steel.

I think you also did well by picking up the Eros 1. It's the 3 inch blade and that's the large one lol. The small one has a two inch blade and may be too small for you.

 

[freewheeling]

I think you did good on picking up the Eros. I've heard great things about it. It's a little ti frame lock with a great shape and feel with decent steel.

I think you also did well by picking up the Eros 1. It's the 3 inch blade and that's the large one lol. The small one has a two inch blade and may be too small for you.

Thanks for all the help. I decided to exercise a little self control on this and donate the money to my church. I'd still love to buy this knife eventually, if for no other reason than that CRKT is a "home town" industry, since I grew up in the Gorge. But I'll wait. I've bought a slew of knives over the past couple of months and I'll just concentrate on finding a use for them. As for the DC laws, it's not clear that the 3-inch rule holds any longer. It appears that the only restrictions have to do with "intent" and the only kind of knife, including size, that is outright banned is the switchblade. I think even Basilongs are legal in the District if you can prove you use it for everyday tasks. I'm pretty sure there's a 4 inch rule in Virginia, which is where I live, but all of my knives are under 4 inches anyway. Of course the laws in federal buildings are different, and the best option there is to carry a Hinderer pen or something like that. I'll probably have to get one of those at some point, and they're crazy nice pens to boot.

 

[glockman99]

I've been trying to talk Joel B. (marketing director at CRKT) to open a CRKT forum here at BF, but so far, it's not a go...I am still working on it. However, if you have Facebook, CRKT has a very good, active Facebook page.

 

[freewheeling]

Seems I can't cancel the order. Oh well, I tried... LOL. Now my conscience is clear.

The only thing I've seen in the reviews that I'm not thrilled about, besides that really spindly looking pocket clip, is the fact that it's only tip-down carry. That's kind of a bummer because I carry tip up and don't want to remember two manual of arms. That's also why I always carry double-action rather than cocked and locked. Not sure there's a workaround, so I may just have to grin and bear it. I don't want to carry loose for fear of losing it while I'm sitting someplace.

 

[woodysone]

You are right that the pocket clip is spindly. Bent mine about two weeks into using it and have been waiting for two months now for a replacement. It is a very light knife with a thin frame lock but is solid when locked, no where near a hard use knife like a 560/1. I would classify it as a gentleman's knife. Holds a good edge and is made out of high end materials. You should enjoy it as long as you are careful with the clip.

 

[freewheeling]

You are right that the pocket clip is spindly. Bent mine about two weeks into using it and have been waiting for two months now for a replacement. It is a very light knife with a thin frame lock but is solid when locked, no where near a hard use knife like a 560/1. I would classify it as a gentleman's knife. Holds a good edge and is made out of high end materials. You should enjoy it as long as you are careful with the clip.

I may see if I can figure out something with a lanyard/clip combo. That is, do flat a weave using a cobra knot and see if I can attach a clip directly to the lanyard. Have to think about it, but the clip isn't in the right place for me anyway.

My current favorite "gentleman's folder" right now is the Kershaw Speedform II. That also has a squirrely clip, though at least you can orient it for tip up.

 

[Alann45]

Seems I can't cancel the order. Oh well, I tried... LOL. Now my conscience is clear.

Likely will one of those you decided you didn't want and wound up loving. It's a nice little knife.
I consider it more a "gentleman's folder" and really wouldn't compare it to a ZT, but I think you will be surprised how well it handle's tasks. It's one of CRKTs better items.
Folks have mentioned the Ripple, and its one you might like too, but still in the non-heavy duty area. There is an aluminum Ripple and a more expensive SS version. The AL version is a pretty good bargain at sub $40 price and the SS version is being discontinued (to be replaced by another Ripple supposedly this year). My personal favorite is the BLUE SS version, very attractive.

The only thing I've seen in the reviews that I'm not thrilled about, besides that really spindly looking pocket clip, is the fact that it's only tip-down carry.

Personal taste really. I prefer tip-down and one gentleman with decades of knife carry and design experience has stated its the only safe way to carry.

 

[freewheeling]

Likely will one of those you decided you didn't want and wound up loving. It's a nice little knife.
I consider it more a "gentleman's folder" and really wouldn't compare it to a ZT, but I think you will be surprised how well it handle's tasks. It's one of CRKTs better items.
Folks have mentioned the Ripple, and its one you might like too, but still in the non-heavy duty area. There is an aluminum Ripple and a more expensive SS version. The AL version is a pretty good bargain at sub $40 price and the SS version is being discontinued (to be replaced by another Ripple supposedly this year). My personal favorite is the BLUE SS version, very attractive.



Personal taste really. I prefer tip-down and one gentleman with decades of knife carry and design experience has stated its the only safe way to carry.

Thanks. The majority like tip up because it's easier to open in one motion, and because the blade is closed against the back seam of the pocket. The main thing for me is that I don't really want to remember how to deal with 2 orientations in an emergency trying to remember which knife uses which method. Some flat-knotted lanyard with a tension clip might be interesting. Maybe a little celtic knotted tab. It would be unique anyway.

 

[freewheeling]

Have had the Eros for a few days. Initially I noticed that the detente was *very* strong and that the lock bar often over-engaged to around 90% and would stick making it very difficult to both open the knife and close it once open. I used the trick of dabbing a sharpie on the tang where the lock bar engages and that seems to have helped the sticking, but it's still very hard to get past the detente. That's sort of a mixed blessing. If I can get past it the blade snaps completely open all the time, but there were times when I just couldn't evercome the detente with one hand. That seems to be getting better with time, though.

Finally, the silhouette of this knife is almost *exactly* the same as the Leek although the blade shape is quite different. Anyway, the common points of design are obvious.

Oh yes, just to add... be very careful if you get this knife and want to disassemble to clean or lube. The infinitesimal bearings are only held in the race with grease so it's very easy to lose them. Should disassemble on a plate with a napkin there to catch any bearings that get loose and a pair of tweezers to put them back in the race, and count the bearings before you put back together to make sure you haven't lost one.

 

[freewheeling]

The detente is just too strong on this! About half the time I pull it out I can't even open it. Just push against the flipper and it pushes back. I keep expecting the detente to get a bit softer with use but it doesn't. Tried leaving it open overnight several times and even wedged the lock bar up. The bar usually locks at 100% which I suppose would be OK if it opened reliably. At least it stays open, LOL.

 

[Daddyo16]

When I was up in Maine last June, I had a chance to pick up an Eros along with a blue Ripple 2, both with the Acuto steel, at the Eddie Bauer outlet store. I bought the Ripple and I wish now I had bought the Eros as well. They were both good deals.

 

[freewheeling]

When I was up in Maine last June, I had a chance to pick up an Eros along with a blur Ripple 2, both with the Acuto steel, at the Eddie Bauer outlet store. I bought the Ripple and I wish now I had bought the Eros as well. They were both good deals.

I get the impression that it's very high quality materials but my finger is sore from trying to open it and there's a sinking feeling when you practice a fast open and it just stays stuck. I have two Zing Tantos that are both blems that I bought for $25 and they have perfect detentes, very smooth pivots, and open every time. I also have a Leek that has almost the same profile is the Eros and it zips open without the slightest problem. Sometimes I wonder what I'm paying for in these high end knives. I've heard the Ripple is quite good, but don't think I need to sink any more in that size knife.

 

[Alann45]

The detente is just too strong on this! About half the time I pull it out I can't even open it. Just push against the flipper and it pushes back. I keep expecting the detente to get a bit softer with use but it doesn't. Tried leaving it open overnight several times and even wedged the lock bar up. The bar usually locks at 100% which I suppose would be OK if it opened reliably. At least it stays open, LOL.

It's possible what's happening is you are inadvertently putting pressure on the frame-lock when you try to open it. This is very common with frame-locks and more so with the small thinner ones like the EROS. IIRC I had the same issue when I first got mine.
Easy to verify, just be aware where you fingers are gripping when you try to open it. Or just try the flipper when you're sure there is no finger contact at all with the lock.

 

[evilgreg]

The detente is just too strong on this! About half the time I pull it out I can't even open it. Just push against the flipper and it pushes back. I keep expecting the detente to get a bit softer with use but it doesn't. Tried leaving it open overnight several times and even wedged the lock bar up. The bar usually locks at 100% which I suppose would be OK if it opened reliably. At least it stays open, LOL.

I have, for whatever reason, a bunch of these knives (I'm counting the Ripple flavors and Eros together, they're so similar) and I've had to ever so slightly bend back the frame or liner lock on most of them to make them flip reliably. Once the lock is eased up a bit, these things are too much fun to flip. I flip them open so often when I carry them that I'm pretty sure my wife would punch Ken Onion in the nuts if she had the chance.

This is less annoying incidentally than having to sand down the sharp spots on the flipper and nearby jimping. I do this to all of mine, and it makes them way more pleasant to play with (out of the box I've had them cut up my finger on the flipper, even when using my nail to catch the flipper).

 

[Alann45]

This is less annoying incidentally than having to sand down the sharp spots on the flipper and nearby jimping. I do this to all of mine, and it makes them way more pleasant to play with (out of the box I've had them cut up my finger on the flipper, even when using my nail to catch the flipper).

Very true on the Ripples. More so on the SS than the AL ones from what I've observed. They can definitely have several sharp or hot spots requiring a bit of stoning or sanding. The f&f on the Ripples seems to vary quite a lot. For some odd reason I have managed to accumulate several and no two of them look alike .
IMHO the blue Stainless Steel is the most attractive, and mine had the best f&f of the lot.

 

[evilgreg]

Very true on the Ripples. More so on the SS than the AL ones from what I've observed. They can definitely have several sharp or hot spots requiring a bit of stoning or sanding. The f&f on the Ripples seems to vary quite a lot. For some odd reason I have managed to accumulate several and no two of them look alike .
IMHO the blue Stainless Steel is the most attractive, and mine had the best f&f of the lot.

Yup, I love these, but the F&F is a bit on the spotty side. I agree with you about the blue coated stainless one, that's the one I happen to be carrying today