Non LAWKS CRKT M16s?

I can't really say when the older non-LAWKS versions were replaced, but I can say that they're fairly uncommon, unless you know a guy with old stock lying around. Most CRKT knives are used, and used hard, so I don't think there's a huge secondary market supply, either. I can tell you, however, that the old models' liners were about the same thickness as the equivalent LAWKS-equipped current models. There are quite a few newer models that don't have the LAWKS system, though - the Tighe Tac, for example, and some of the smaller M16 variations.
 
I actually prefer the non-LAWKS models - since the LAWKS system rides where the washers are, CRKT uses this crummy little washer (think a little thicker than Spyderco's washers, but softer and much less resistant to deforming/tearing) on that side. I've taken some CRKTs apart to find that the LAWKS side washer is already starting to tear or is alarmingly deformed. Not only that, the system is absolutely useless if you keep your knife "NYC tight" - you just can't get enough leverage to engage the LAWKS switch.
 
GarageBoy said:
How common are they and when did LAWKS start appearing? Also, do they have thicker liners?
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I have one of the non lawks knives, The spearpoint blade with the aluminum scales. I think it wasn't till after the second year they made the m-16 knives that they used the lawks.CRKT changed the blade grind at that time also. I think the lawks is a waste on most of the blades it is on. CRKT's liners are beefy enough and they lock up tight and secure. They should spend the money they spend on the lawks system and re-engineering knives to use the lawks system to upgrade their steel and get rid of that damn zytel that they use on everything.


Drew
 
They should spend the money on using AUS8 (keeps prices reasonable) and stop making things in Combo Edge only
 
IIRC the carbon fibre handle M16s dont have lawks, my small one doesnt anyway- after thinking a moment, does CRKT still even offer the CF handle 16's? havent heard anything about them in a while...........
 
Yes, you can remove the LAWKS assembly and install a new washer in its place. Just make sure you have your dimensions properly measured - you'll want a micrometer for that. It's just that you'll have a nasty looking cutout in the scale when you're done.
 
knife saber said:
Yes, you can remove the LAWKS assembly and install a new washer in its place. Just make sure you have your dimensions properly measured - you'll want a micrometer for that. It's just that you'll have a nasty looking cutout in the scale when you're done.
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The washer sounds like a good idea. I have the smaller and older M16-12Z with out and I would rather the larger did not have it. Never had a lock fail and the lawks (insert 2 cents) would not stop this. If it bends what is the lawks going to do?
 
LAWKS will keep the liner from disengaging all the way. I had a KFF that was used hard and failed the spine whack with the LAWKS off. With it on, it kept the knife from closing
 
The problem I have with the LAWKS system (functionally speaking, that is) is that, in any case where enough violent force is applied to disengage the liner lock, it's very likely that that same violent force will warp the LAWKS bar into uselessness. Once, just for kicks, I took a hammer handle to the spine of my Point Guard. I failed the lock (rather too easily, actually), but what surprised me was the extent of the damage to the LAWKS insert. The metal foldover that's supposed to support the liner in the locked position just flattened. Not only that, but the liner actually managed to force itself halfway closed, mutilating the LAWKS bar in the process. I had to remove the LAWKS unit and bend it back into shape with a pair of pliers afterwards. So, long story short, I don't really trust the LAWKS system to do anything but fail in a situation where I apply enough force to break the lock.
 
I just reinspected my full sized CRKT m-16 and I can't see the LAWKS failing under abusive conditions unless you attack it directly with some sort of impact or leverage tool...

However, if you're talking about the compact sized point guard, the lawks is a little thin and might fail under extreme conditions. Sometimes, one asks too much from a tool...
 
Well, it was the full-size Point Guard. And I expect that whacking the spine with a hickory hammer handle constitutes a direct attack with "some sort of impact or leverage tool." The point was, if the liner-lock is well constructed, the type of force you're most likely to encounter that would disengage the lock is a relatively violent, unexpected force applied to the back of the blade - and that, given that scenario, the LAWKS may not be of much use. GarageBoy described his KFF as failing the spine-whack test, but passing it when the LAWKS was engaged. What this signifies to me is that the LAWKS can create the illusion of a functioning lock, when what's actually happening is that your knife is being held open by a 1/32" tab of sheet metal, instead of the 1/16" locking bar that's supposed to do so. Of course, take all this with a grain of salt - I can't provide any personal examples of non-provoked LAWKS failures, so all this is just conjecture.

All that said, my "go-to" folder for abusive work is my CRKT Prowler. And no, I never use the LAWKS feature.
 
Of course, no safety is fail-safe... For many months, I was fooled into thinking my CRKT m-1 was functioning properly because of the LAWKS. As soon as I used the lock without the lawks, I found out that any slight pressure on the spine would cause it to fail.

You're right, the lock should not fail. The LAWKS will give a false sense of security to those knives with a failing liner lock. However, it is still one of the most reliable systems out there...
 
How many knives are gonna survive when you smack them with a hammer? To me LAWKS is a poor excuse to make less than superb liners, but it works ok as a fail safe
 
For the things that I used to do to my knives I am sure that the CRKT m16 is going to do it well with the LAWKS or with out it.

But if you remember activate the LAWKS it is a little bit better than hasn´t it.

I have with the m16 a few days so I am knowing the knife as soon as I test it I am going to tell you what I think about it.


roloss_valdes
 
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