New Chris Reeve finish on titanium handles and standard blades

[BTTLBRN]

I say this as someone who owns, uses and enjoys six CRK's; not as many as some but enough of a sample size to enjoy and demonstrate their capabilities. I have no complaints about any of my own personal examples, the oldest of which dates to 2017 I believe.

While this post may be slightly OT, I think the thread has taken a slight swerve already.

The only nit I think that has some merit is CRK's pricing - titanium frame lock folders with S35VN blades are a dime a dozen now; and for much less than $450 (thanks China?!). With many hobbyists' focus on "fidget factor" ("drop shutty" anyone?) CRK looks a little long in the tooth; couple that with foreign made equivalents to be had for around $150 (titanium and S35VN), I am seeing quite a bit of negative being thrown their way.

I don't plan on giving up any of my own personal examples and will gladly purchase more (once the S45 is readily available); they work excellent for me and what I expect and ask from them.

 

[toker]

The only nit I think that has some merit is CRK's pricing - titanium frame lock folders with S35VN blades are a dime a dozen now; and for much less than $450 (thanks China?!). With many hobbyists' focus on "fidget factor" ("drop shutty" anyone?) CRK looks a little long in the tooth; couple that with foreign made equivalents to be had for around $150 (titanium and S35VN), I am seeing quite a bit of negative being thrown their way.

That are a lot of USA made knives that have titanium frame locks with better steel than S35V for under $450.

 

[BTTLBRN]

That are a lot of USA made knives that have titanium frame locks with better steel than S35V for under $450.

No question about it, you are correct; I used the Chinese examples as the extreme low end of the pricing spectrum.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Yet another whine and moan uncle Randy thread. People have been clamoring for years for the wood inlay knives to have the blasted finish. But leave it to BF to wail to high heaven about it.

The simple truth is that CRK knives are better now than they were when Chris was running it. Better steel, better heat treat, better sharpening, better options, better everything. The only reason not to acknowledge this is the sadly popular attitude of embittered nostalgia. If that's your bag, enjoy the echo chamber. I'll enjoy the superior knives as they continue to be refined.

I have no nostalgic feelings towards CRK, they’re just another fish in a big pond. If you don’t like differing opinions, then don’t participate in a forum

 

[BMCGear]

I say this as someone who owns, uses and enjoys six CRK's; not as many as some but enough of a sample size to enjoy and demonstrate their capabilities. I have no complaints about any of my own personal examples, the oldest of which dates to 2017 I believe.

While this post may be slightly OT, I think the thread has taken a slight swerve already.

The only nit I think that has some merit is CRK's pricing - titanium frame lock folders with S35VN blades are a dime a dozen now; and for much less than $450 (thanks China?!). With many hobbyists' focus on "fidget factor" ("drop shutty" anyone?) CRK looks a little long in the tooth; couple that with foreign made equivalents to be had for around $150 (titanium and S35VN), I am seeing quite a bit of negative being thrown their way.

I don't plan on giving up any of my own personal examples and will gladly purchase more (once the S45 is readily available); they work excellent for me and what I expect and ask from them.

At the same time though have you tried to buy a CRK lately? Even s35vn is hard to come buy especially in the Sebenza and Umnumzaan models on the used models and even the new sell out in minutes. There are less expensive options out there but the execution is usually far from equal (not always). People have to ultimately decide what works for them and their wallet. My CRK's are working well for me.

 

[Easyrider]

That are a lot of USA made knives that have titanium frame locks with better steel than S35V for under $450.

I agree but I love my Mnandi so much that I can't seem to let it go. Will I buy a Sebenza? Not very likely, too many other really great knives for less money. I have had 2 in the past and I sold them both off. I also had a Mnandi that I sold off but unlike either of the Sebenzas I regretted getting rid of the Mnandi so I bought another. The change to blasted handle scales on the inlayed models seems like a way to cut costs.

 

[FL23833]

The only nit I think that has some merit is CRK's pricing - titanium frame lock folders with S35VN blades are a dime a dozen now; and for much less than $450 (thanks China?!). With many hobbyists' focus on "fidget factor" ("drop shutty" anyone?) CRK looks a little long in the tooth; couple that with foreign made equivalents to be had for around $150 (titanium and S35VN), I am seeing quite a bit of negative being thrown their way.

This has nothing to do with the performance of the knife but CRKs are so well put together they don't need screws. I can't say the same for any other knife I've taken apart including Hinderers, Shiros and Koenig. I literally had a battle with both new Umnumzaan and Inkosi to get the handles off for the first time. They were on there firm!

I hope CRK doesn't change and start offering crap for fidgeting. I'd if they came out with something like a flipper or button lock. Keep tight tolerances and use something premium like M390 (M398 or magnacut maybe) for the entire line. That's where I would leave it. They're a legacy brand now and not trend setters.

 

[Ron Sabbagh]

Look at it another way…from a business perspective

no doubt that there has been a price increase in materials across the board (thanks COVID)…

so would you rather CRK raise their prices across the board - or keep them the same and raise prices only for those that want the extras?

it’s a no win situation for CRK but might be the best way to keep costs down to most consumers

 

[brownshoe]

CRK ia not just the Tim&Ann show, some say thay are just the front of the house, but that stuff is confidential info. The dilution of Chris' vision is to be expected, many modern manufacturers do not honor classic products.

 

[KELAMA]

Yet another whine and moan uncle Randy thread. People have been clamoring for years for the wood inlay knives to have the blasted finish. But leave it to BF to wail to high heaven about it.

The simple truth is that CRK knives are better now than they were when Chris was running it. Better steel, better heat treat, better sharpening, better options, better everything. The only reason not to acknowledge this is the sadly popular attitude of embittered nostalgia. If that's your bag, enjoy the echo chamber. I'll enjoy the superior knives as they continue to be refined.

^ When you're right, you're right, HD!!!

IMO, the quality from coming from CRK (both during Chris' involvement & after his departure), has always been exceptional.

 

[Wolverine666]

It's about damn time they listened to the folks buying their products.
I've shied away from the wood inlays for that very reason. I don't like the polished slabs. I mean, who doesn't like to carry a little wood in their pocket to show off later

Same here. The polished titanium is a big turn-off for me. Now that both sides will match with a blasted finish , I’ll have to add a wood insert Sebenza to my collection.