My CRK "Dream" Knife

The last thing we need is a turnaround time extended to eight years because now they have to keep up with orders for new flippers too.
 
The dream CRK for me is the Umnumzaan with the original Chris’s Large hollow grind that he made for the original Sebenza 25’s — almost a flat grind. I would also want a backspacer with the lanyard attach slot on the heel of the knife. Glass blasted frame and absolutely no internal milling to reduce weight. Last thing is a captured pivot (flat on sleeve).
 
Wishfulthinker580 said:
Sounds like a ZT 0562 Magnacut & Micarta. A Hinderer design. Also since Chris reeves is originally from the RSA I imagine the names are in Zulu or something. Not Swahili… Some of the things you want seem like they’re not in CRK’s wheelhouse.

You also wanted Randall to do something that they don’t do.. Don’t go to an Italian restaurant, order fajitas and then get upset when they say we don’t do that here sir. Look at makers that actually make what you want.

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Well, the thread title is about a "dream", so wanting the impossible is OK in a dream I think. It may be that flipper aversion is a philosophy thing at CRK, so that is a case of it-is-what-it-is.

Randall makes Good-to-Great knives. My issue with Randall Made as a company stems from a customer service negative interaction with them in the early 2000s. In contrast, my customer service experience with CRK is that they are responsive, positive and timely.

Both of these makers can sell out every knife they make at or above MSRP and still have a solid four or five year backlog of patient loyal customers. . .so their respective business models are robust.
 
I'm surprised at how many variations they can come with so few models, wish we'd get to see new stuff but I imagine they won't compromise on the quality and lead times.

That said, the market has evolved so much and it is much more competitive, if they are going to brainstorm and release something, it will be after a lot of research....
 
VorpelSword said:
For twenty years I have viewed CRK knives as being at the top of their respective class for any given design. Additionally, I have appreciated that the CRK organization has not rested on its reputation as they contimue to innovate forward in search of improved blade steels. This in comparison to well known, traditional or legacy makers who continue to make knives in the same way with the same steels hey did fifty to eighty years ago during WW-II or Viet Nam.

When or son deployed to Iraq in 2004, I gave him a 7" Gren Beret. When he turned 45 last year, I gave him a Larg Sebenza 31. Yet, if I were to spend that kind of money on a knife for myself, I would prefer a slightly different design from the current line up of great folders. I do not like the thumb deployment method required of thumb stud knives . . .that is just me. For this reason, I am not looking to get a CRK folder of my own. For that reason, IK avoid Spiderco knives as well.

What would I like? I really do like the Colombia Rivers M18 or M21 (same blade in a different handle design). But I do not view that knife as a high end knife from a premium maker. At this stage in my life I do want something special but not pocket jewelry from William Henry.

From CRK: I would like to see a drop point or spear point with a "flipper" tab in Magnicut.e, in a hand filling Large Sebenza size, but a little heftier all around. I like the way CRK executes a Titanium frame locking handle too. They can call it anything they want to in Swahili.
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What CRK folding knife do you carry now?
 
^^^
I do not own any CRK knives.

The two mentioned were bought for and gifted to our adult son. One when his USMC unit was "surged" into Iraq in 2004 and the the folder for his birthday last year. I b ought the Green Beret because, at that time, it seemed to be one of the "best combat knifes" available and the Government wouldn't let me buy him a tank, and he wouldn't let me buy him better body armor. Last year I bought him the Sebenza so that he could out show his brothers-in-law with a high end cutter from a premium maker at Christmas (worked too),

My EDC for the last thirty years or so has been some version of Leatherman's Wave multitool.

I have been retired since 2003 and currently have rehabilitation issues from hip surgery. I do not have a pressing need for any new knife for myself. At this time, the Leatherman continues to do what I want and need in an EDC. Right now, CRK doesn't make a folder that really calls to me. That could change, but I am not there yet.
 
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WedgeAntilles said:
If you want a medium flipper on bearings, grab an Arno Bernard iMamba. If you want a larger flipper on bearings in an American made all titanium frame, get a Koenig Arius. The CRK fills a spot in the marketplace that is largely untouched by others.
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CRK has found a market niche or sweet spot. I have seen a knife show video where Tim Reeve mentions that they found that the demand for the Large Debenza 31 in Magnicut is very high ("always a sell-out") particularly if it is the standard plane green handle without embellishment of any kind. I think that the fills a niche where frill free design, quality construction and manageable price point come together for a lot of working men.
 
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