neck knife: CRKT Bear Claw or S&W HRT ?

M

MamBo

Joined
Feb 10, 2002
Messages
223
Hello !

I'm in the market for some neck knife, and almost made my mind on
either
Smith & Wesson® H.R.T.™ Badge Knife
or
Columbia River® Bear Claw™

The style is quit similar, as much as I can tell from the picture, and I like S&W 440C steel better

So, I really appreciate your input of carry comfort, usefulness or just your personal opinion on any of them or any neck knife in 50$ price range.

Thanks !
 
I would take the CRKT over the S&W........but then, I would take the Emerson La Griffe over the CRKT.
Matt
 
CRKT is a knife company, in the business of making and selling knives and serving knife consumers. S&W is (was) a respected gun company that sold out to Clinton, and now licenses the name to every Tom, Dick & Taylor that comes along wanting to smacl the S&w name on some piece of junk, in the hopes that the public will be duped into thinking it's quality. Want to know what I really think?
 
I also would take the Columbia River over S&W. But, as mentioned above I would take the LaGriffe over both.
 
While I agree with the above about CRKT is a better company than S&W, after handling both at a knife show, side-by-side,I bought the black serated S&W as I wanted it to be rust resistant for a life vest knife.
 
I would go with the CRKT any-day!!
S&W (A.) Sold out American gun owners... no if's, and's or but's about it... and even under new ownership continue to do so, and wont get any of my money (B.) S&W is not the maker of the knives under their name.... Taylor cutlery is, Taylor makes CRAP!
The S&W (Smut and Weasel) is a DIRECT UNABASHED KNOCK OFF of the Perrin La Griffe (which is available in a production model from Emerson Knife Company.)

The Bear Claw from CRKT is similar, however it is a licensed production model of another custom makers design. Some say its a knock off of the La Griffe.... but I disagree, its just a hawk bill with a finger hole... there's only so much you can do with knife designs folks.

However, Instead of pinching pennies, I would buy the Emerson Knife Company's version of the La Griffe.... better steel, stainless, black coated, and bar none the original (production at least. Fred P.'s custom La Griffe's are the original), and its also backed up by a hell of a company, that makes great knives, and stands behind is products all the way.

Get a La Griffe... or get a CRKT if you must.... but you really should get a La Griffe.
 
CRKT!!:D

By far the best for the buck. S&W knives are just not up to standard. If you wait a little longer (around 6 months) switch over to the Spyderco Ronin. It is a production collaboration of Mike Snody's Ronin fixed blade neck knife.

Mike and Michael Janich collaborated on it's design and it's great. Just bought Mike's Ronin at the Blade Show and it's awesome! Also got to see the Spyderco Ronin prototype. Mike's is chisel ground and the Spyderco is flat/V ground. It will definately be a great seller.

I plan on getting at least 2 or 3.

These are awesome little knives.:cool:

Ed
 
I'd forgo both pieces of irrefutable garbage and get a Camillus Arclite (which I have) or save a little extra for a MicroTech, Emerson, or Benchmade neckie.

If I had to settle for though, i'd take the CRKT in a heartbeat.

S&W shoulda stuck with guns, they're putting their knives to one of the worst companies out there.
 
If you prefer 440C, get the S&W. If you prefer AUS-6M and fit and finish, get the CRKT. If you wanna get into politics, get the CRKT. If you want a large cut above for not much more, get the La Griffe.

Regardless, both of your original choices are irrefutably good low-end knives.

Zero
 
Zero,

since S&W is now american owned again and both sides of the infamous HUD deal are falling apart, I have no problem with S&W politically.
I just happen to know that the products are mediocre and the company WILL NOT treat you right based on various testimonials from friends & custom knifemakers I trust.
 
:D hands down emerson griff first, secound crkt bearclaw. I own both am pleased with both .Emerson is just an awsome design by Fred Perrin put into lighweight,thin, mean, the buck stops here. defense blade! Read the artical by Don Rearic about this knife .DON REARIC.COM. The bearclaw is also a good design though a little heavy for neck carry its wicked but the sheath defenately sucks.it does have a removeable clip and handle scales. Sorry for rambling but i jut love hawk bill blades.
 
I did a review of the S&W not long ago. I can't find it now.
Anyway, I like it. I am very happy with it for the $16 I paid. In fact it is my main defense carry, and I am not without choices.

BTW, the blade and box are marked "440" only. I have heard they are 440C, but I suspect at the low price, they are going to be 440A. Of course for a weapon, this matters not.
 
I have the Magnesium handled folder and had the Badge Knife before having it stolen out of my glovebox. I was happy with both; good fit and finish and the folder was smooth. Granted I never had to contact the company (and rarely have to with factory knives) so I can't testify to their service.

But, to each his own. YC, your point was taken and understood. Thanks...

Zero
 
I have the black, serrated edge S&W Badge knife also. It's worth the (under) 20 bucks I paid, but no more. It'll hold me until I receive my Livesay neck knives. Someday I will get a LaGriffe...
-SB
 
I have the S&W Badge Knife. It isn't bad for an inexpensive knife, but I doubt the claim about 440C steel. Also, it rattles just a bit inside the sheath.

I haven't owned the CRKT Bear Claw, but I have read comments about it being too thick and too heavy.

The Emerson La Griffe is no doubt much better quality, but I think the S&W has a longer cutting edge. It seems to me that would give it a significant advantage over the Emerson knife in a self-defense senario.
 
Old, old thread that I'm bumping, but I was curious about the sheaths offered with these two knives (Bear Claw and HRT). Has anyone handled both and can opine as to which sheath more securely grips the knife? I was planning to mount it somewhere where sheath adhesion to the knife would be important (so it wouldn't fall out under various loads).

I'm leaning towards the Bear Claw just because it looks like it'd be a bit better, but I've heard bad things about both sheaths.
 
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