New to CRK

D

dl1340

Joined
Feb 11, 2015
Messages
17
I have couple benchmades, spyderco PM2 and domino. Just ordered a Strider SNG CC a few weeks ago. My next purchase will be a CRK. Trying to decide between 25, Umnumzaan and now saw the knife art CF 25. Leaning towards a 25 right now but the CF 25 looks nice. I like the 21 with micarta inlay. I wish I had enough money to buy them all, but one at the time.
 
Welcome to the hobby:) They're all great knives, so which ever you choose, know that you made a good decision! Like everyone says, you'll end up having them all anyway!
 
Do you like smooth sided titanium handled folders? If not, definitely go with the inlay, for me it really completes the knife.

I've recently tried out a Strider SnG, Umnumzaan, Sebenza 21 Micarta and Sebenza 25 Micarta. The micarta inlaid 21 and 25 will never, EVER, be sold and I've been carrying and using the 25 daily since testing the others. I cannot recommend the micarta inlaid 25 highly enough.
 
All are good folders, and you should choose the one that appeals to you. My choose would be the Micarta inlay 21, but that is just what I like.
 
Everyone should have a 21 for their first CRK. The ease of maintenance on the 21(bushing system) is far better than the 25 or Umnumzaan. Likewise, I'm a big fan of the micarta inlay. Go for the 21 in micarta, you will be extremely pleased with it.
 
I thought I had to have a 21 as my first CRK. I had to find a dealer and handle them before I could justify dropping the coin on it. I handled a 21, then a 25. I left with the 25. I have not owned or handled a CRK with the inlays.
 
The CF 25.
Impressive knife, pretty light, fantastic cutter.
I prefer the 21, since I'm so used to the opening action, day - night, summer - winter.
Please let us know how you deceide.
red mag
 
The 21. You must experience the blade bushing. A knife that can be taken apart countless times and fit back together perfectly with no need for adjustments or locktite... Perfect!
 
Anyone had trouble with the Inlays on the 21 coming loose. I dealer I bought from before in Alabama, said the inlays on his personal 21 have came loose at least once and he had to send it back to CRK to repair
 
My experience with inlays is positive.
Large classic, small classic both with micarta and I used them.
They do show wear, but the inlays are not moving.
I also carry a large 21 with bocote inlays and from regular use and carry no problems at all.
hope this helps.

red mag

PS: Sometimes I wish the inlays would come off, so that I had a reason to change the inlays.;)
 
dl1340 said:
Anyone had trouble with the Inlays on the 21 coming loose. I dealer I bought from before in Alabama, said the inlays on his personal 21 have came loose at least once and he had to send it back to CRK to repair
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Temperature and humidity changes cause natural materials to swell and shrink. Lots of nice fixed blades have had wood or bone handles pop off, even though they were bolted and permanently epoxied (seriously, you have to grind the handles off, they don't come loose) to the tang. I believe that CRK uses two sided tape, instead of epoxy, to hold down their inlays so they should hold up quite a bit better to movement due to the tape's ability to move slightly.

If you're really worried about it, get a CRK folder with synthetic materials like carbon fiber or micarta.

I wouldn't worry about it though, if your wood handles come loose you still have a useable knife until you can take the time to send it back to the factory.
 
After seeing the pics of the CF 25, I think that is the one I am leaning towards right now.
 
MatthewSB said:
Temperature and humidity changes cause natural materials to swell and shrink. Lots of nice fixed blades have had wood or bone handles pop off, even though they were bolted and permanently epoxied (seriously, you have to grind the handles off, they don't come loose) to the tang. I believe that CRK uses two sided tape, instead of epoxy, to hold down their inlays so they should hold up quite a bit better to movement due to the tape's ability to move slightly.

If you're really worried about it, get a CRK folder with synthetic materials like carbon fiber or micarta.

I wouldn't worry about it though, if your wood handles come loose you still have a useable knife until you can take the time to send it back to the factory.
Click to expand...

If he's that worried, buy plain Ti slabs!
 
MatthewSB said:
Temperature and humidity changes cause natural materials to swell and shrink. Lots of nice fixed blades have had wood or bone handles pop off, even though they were bolted and permanently epoxied (seriously, you have to grind the handles off, they don't come loose) to the tang. I believe that CRK uses two sided tape, instead of epoxy, to hold down their inlays so they should hold up quite a bit better to movement due to the tape's ability to move slightly.

If you're really worried about it, get a CRK folder with synthetic materials like carbon fiber or micarta.

I wouldn't worry about it though, if your wood handles come loose you still have a useable knife until you can take the time to send it back to the factory.
Click to expand...

Many of the CRK inlays are stabilized, especially the wood..Meaning that they have had a plastic forced into them with alot of pressure. It does a pretty good job of mitigating moisture absorption. This shouldn't be much of a concern.
 
I took plunge and ordered CF from Knife Art. Stay home today as Fed Ex website says it will be delivered today. Well it's almost 3pm EST and still no package. Hopefully it will come by end of day
 
dl1340 said:
I took plunge and ordered CF from Knife Art. Stay home today as Fed Ex website says it will be delivered today. Well it's almost 3pm EST and still no package. Hopefully it will come by end of day
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Congrats! Be sure to let us know what you think. And pics.... Post pics! :)
 
​You will get one of each, eventually. Just pick the one you want to start with first.
 
Finally got my CF sebenza25. It was suppose to be delivered on Thursday but arrived on Saturday, got to love FedEX. This is my first CRK, first impression is fit and finish is top notch. Love the CF, feels very good in hand. I got #79. Will be tough for couple of my spyderco's to get any pocket time for a while.
 
dl1340 said:
Finally got my CF sebenza25. It was suppose to be delivered on Thursday but arrived on Saturday, got to love FedEX. This is my first CRK, first impression is fit and finish is top notch. Love the CF, feels very good in hand. I got #79. Will be tough for couple of my spyderco's to get any pocket time for a while.
Click to expand...

Pics, gotta have pics to show it off.
That's the same steps I followed as far as rotating knives. I like Spyderco products, still have a few, just don't carry them anymore.
 
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