opinions on the CRKT M16-13Z

GarageBoy said:
Get the aluminum one if you want a M16. The plastic ones use not so nice AUS4 steel
Click to expand...

I was under the impression it was AUS-6M. Still nothing to crow about -- comparable to 440A.

I think the M16-13Z (which I believe is the Zytel handle version) is a great knife design. It's very rugged and is a nice size for pocket carry. The handle really fills the hand, and the LAWKS safety mechanism gives you fantastic confidence in the lock strength. It also has nice thick liners and I was unable to get mine to fail with spine whacks with the safety disengaged. Also, with the Carson Flipper, after a little practice it deploys as easily as a full auto/switchblade.

If you get the aluminum handled version it will come with AUS 8 steel which is a little better. However, it will be heavier as well.

In short I think it's a great knife, especially for $30 which is the price at Walmart. I do wish the Zytel version came with a little better blade steel but what can you do. I think it would make an extremely suitable self defense knife due to the strong construction, reliable lock and rapid deployability. If you're going to use it as a work knife I'd probably go for the aluminum handle version with the better blade steel.

I'd probably compare it to a Kershaw Leek (another great knife design) in terms of great ergos, deployabilty, and blade steel quality. The leek uses 440A, is a liner lock, and uses a flipper mechanism to open the blade. Differences are, the M16-13Z is a little bigger, and the blade is not spring assisted like the Leek. So, while the Leek is a LITTLE easier to open, the M16 I believe would be legal in more jurisdications because it doesn't have a spring loaded blade launching system and therefore can't be classified a switchblade. The M16-13Z is also cheaper than the Leek, and has a much stronger and more reliable lock especially with the safety engaged. My Kershaw Scallion (same lock as the Leek) will fail with moderate spine whacks.
 
to heck with the alum or FRN handles, get the ti if ya can. if not the alum is "ok".

my thoughts on the M16 series is like all CRKTs, when ya buy it dont pay anywhere near MSRP, get a deal.
 
For 20-30 bucks, the M16-13Z is a great knife. CRKT isn't a top-quality company, but they make good stuff for the money. The 13Z is a good size for EDC, and I like the ergonomics of the knife.
 
For the money the M16-13 (aluminum handle) is a good deal. I would go that route as you geth the AUS8 steel. IMHO titanium is overkill for a knife in this price point.
 
I have the M16 -14 with the alum handle. Very high quality for the price, the 13 is definitely a better size for EDC. They're fun to open too.
 
for $200 -$300, what folding tactical knife would you recommend, and why. I have several gerbers, kershaws but was interested in something more tactical. The blade would be primarily for personal use. Do you recommend spending that much on something that will not be used for what it was designed for? I really like the look of the m16-13Z but would prefer a better quality blade. Any recommendations?

thanks in advance
 
Well, you can have a better quality blade if you go with a nicer M16 model (with aluminum handles). They use AUS8.

There's a million reviews of this knife and 99% of people feel it's a classic, I don't feel uncomfortable saying. This is THE CRKT knife.

I would also recommend the minigriptilians and the paramilitary here. But CRKT has a superior price (if not much else). I also think it's a beautiful design. It's really one of my favorite EDCs.

Its goodness established, do you have any specific questions about the M16 line?
 
If you're about to spend 300 bucks for a tactical folder, you might want to start looking for a Kit Carson custom M16 or M18, for a couple hundred more.
 
what are your thoughts on microtech ? Their knives are a bit pricesy.... Are they really worth that much? what other brands compare with Microtech for quality and cost? What brands should I concentrate on for a very high quality blade and do I really need to spend 200-300 to get a good quality knife? I have purchased several kershaws ken onions in the past and have been very happy with them. I was given the crtk knife as a gift but opinions on it have been mixed....
 
yup, if you really like the design, call up Carson. BUT if you DO spend that much money, make sure you LIKE the design first
 
Microtechs are pricey, but worth it, though their customer service is a bit lacking. No need to spend 200-300, look into various Spydercos and Kershaws and Benchmades and Emersons
 
fahusmc said:
for $200 - $300, what tactical folding knife would you recommend and why?

thanks
Click to expand...
Benchmade Skirmish. S30V steel, titanium frame with a frame lock. Big, beefy, and scary, but still very elegant and beautiful. $160.

630%20Skirmish.jpg


Spyderco Manix. Built like a tank. S30V steel with G10 scales. Feels great in the hand. Lockback. $130.

Spyderco-Manix-13.jpg


Al Mar SERE 2000. An awesome bargain. G10 scales, VG-10 steel, and a great liner lock. $120.

S2K-sere-2000.jpg


Strider SMF. One of the beefiest folding knives. Titanium frame lock with a G10 scale on the other side. It is a tank with a sharp edge. $400+

tacticalsteel%20004.JPG


Airkat Tripwire. I've never handled one, and don't know the price (400-500 I think), but it is supposed to be comparable to the SMF in terms of tank-ness.

DC8123.jpg


Chris Reeve Sebenza. A little classy to be tactical, but definitly a high performance folder. S30V, titanium frame lock, and near custom quality. $385.

121370_CRsebenza1.jpg
 
Don't forget balisongs...unconventional, but my 41MC is much, MUCH tougher than I could ever ask.

Again, don't forget the paramilitary...that knife is pretty amazing

That airkat is so beautiful....made out of solid unobtanium.
 
I have carried an M16-13Z (the AUS 6 version) as my edc blade for over a year now, and I have no complaints. It sharpens up easily, and it holds an edge reasonably well. The lock has never failed, and it deploys so easily that I find myself looking less and less at folders without a Carson-style flipper.

Detractors: Regular maintenance is necessary, not just in terms of sharpening, but cleaning out the pivot mechanism and the exposed bits of metal liner visible through the zytel handle scales. I use my everyday carry blade(s) quite a bit, and I find that these parts of the M16 tend to gather gunk easily (bits of fluff from cardboard, dust, and so on). Moisture (from use around water, or outdoor activities) adds to the issue. Don't get me wrong - I don't think this detracts from the performance of the blade in any way, but it does mean that you have to work a bit harder to get this knife in top shape than is the case with something like a Delica. For me, it gives me a regular excuse to 'tune up' my knife, which never hurts.

In general, I think it's a great blade for the price, and it's affordable enough that you won't be afraid to put it through the paces.

All the best,

- Mike
 
fahusmc said:
for $200 -$300, what folding tactical knife would you recommend, and why. I have several gerbers, kershaws but was interested in something more tactical. The blade would be primarily for personal use. Do you recommend spending that much on something that will not be used for what it was designed for? I really like the look of the m16-13Z but would prefer a better quality blade. Any recommendations?

thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Did you say the main purpose of the knife will be "tactical" i.e. self defense, fighting, etc? If so I don't think the marginal blade steel quality of the M16-13Z is a drawback, and it's an excellent "tactical" design in my opinion.

If you plan to cut cardboard boxes all day or take it camping or hunting, that's another matter and blade steel is an issue.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top