Pleasantly Surprised... CRKT Ripple Aluminum

[Geektechnica]

So I picked up a CRKT Ripple K415KXP on a whim Saturday morning while doing some grocery shopping. I liked the idea of a cheap flipper so I could spare my ZT 0350 from my nervous habit of repeatedly flipping it open.

When I got home and opened it up, I was actually very surprised, as it was much better quality than I had expected. The blade was dead centered, and VERY sharp, sharper than my ZT was out of the box, and has a needle point. It opens very smoothly, almost seems like an assisted knife actually, so there is definitely something to be said for the IKBS. I decided to see how it held up with various tasks over the weekend, and put aside the 350 for a bit. Since it was Mother's day weekend, it didn't see any heavy use, just opened a few packages, broke down a cardboard box from a delivery and cut some rose stems. The 8CR14MoV held its edge much better than expected, with no noticeable dulling.

I do wish more manufacturers would provide a deep carry pocket clip, as while the clip on the Ripple is well built, it does ride higher than I usually like. As a result I've been carrying it loose in my pocket, which could be worse since it is so damn LIGHT.

Overall, I think for the price it is a good value. It isn't a knife I'd take out into the woods with me, but it would make a great lite-duty EDC for opening packages and the like, or for leaving in your desk drawer.

 

[00ChevyScott]

I've seen quite a few of them and while it may be a good knife, the finish on the handles leaves a lot to be desired IMO.

 

[Geektechnica]

Are you referring to the intentionally "pocket-worn" finish or something else? I will say that I would have preferred they let it get "pocket-worn" on its own rather than doing it for me.

 

[flash900]

This is an absolutely terrific Ken Onion design that's very well-executed by CRKT.

The twice-as-expensive stainless steel version is discontinued and out-of-stock nearly everywhere. This aluminum version -- initially dubbed the Wal-Mart model -- now is sold everywhere. It comes in two sizes. The smaller 2.7-inch blade is just now making its way into stores.

In either size, the aluminum Ripple is an absolute steal at the under $40 price. I'd call it the best-buy of the year in pocket-folders.

The flipper is addictive. You simply won't believe how smoothly the Ripple opens and closes. Some users find it so fast they think it's assisted opening. It's not -- it's completely manual.

I have Spydercos, Benchmades, Kershaws, a couple of Sebenzas and a few customs. This is the only knife that I have ten of. Technically, that is. I just ordered numbers nine and ten.

 

[MassMatt]

I have the smaller in steel, I like it but find that while it's fast the flipper doesn't always open all the way, I noticed the same thing with my Skyline which also has a pretty small/light blade. I am wondering whether larger blades work better w/ the flipper--I rarely have this trouble w/ my large JYD or ZT. Maybe I need to adjust my technique. Or just get the bigger one!

Are the washers/bearings different on this iteration? I do like the design, even in steel it's way thin and light.

 

[Geektechnica]

I have the smaller in steel, I like it but find that while it's fast the flipper doesn't always open all the way, I noticed the same thing with my Skyline which also has a pretty small/light blade. I am wondering whether larger blades work better w/ the flipper--I rarely have this trouble w/ my large JYD or ZT. Maybe I need to adjust my technique. Or just get the bigger one!

Are the washers/bearings different on this iteration? I do like the design, even in steel it's way thin and light.

I would imagine that the larger/longer blade has more inertia and leverage, and that likely makes it easier to flip. I have not had any "failed flips" so far with the Ripple, all have been smooth and fast.

 

[RevDevil]

I'd love to have this as a custom from Ken Onion.

 

[flash900]

I'd love to have this as a custom from Ken Onion.

If you do a search, you'll find that he makes or has made what he calls a "Mid-Tech" version of the Ripple. It appears to be a semi-custom at $350. As far as I could find, it isn't available.

 

[RevDevil]

If you do a search, you'll find that he makes or has made what he calls a "Mid-Tech" version of the Ripple. It appears to be a semi-custom at $350. As far as I could find, it isn't available.

I remember someone posted pictures of the Eros, mid-tech version. Very nice knife indeed. Reminds me of the Kershaw Leek shot into space and reworked by aliens.

 

[Alann45]

Couple of recent threads about the Ripple(s):

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/951671-CRKT-Ripple-feedback

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/948241-CRKT-Ripple-(Aluminum)-Specs-Impressions-Issues-amp-Fix

I've seen quite a few of them and while it may be a good knife, the finish on the handles leaves a lot to be desired IMO.

Are you referring to the intentionally "pocket-worn" finish or something else? I will say that I would have preferred they let it get "pocket-worn" on its own rather than doing it for me.

I've got mixed feelings on the "pocket-worn" finish. It is a little "different", which was the point, and CRKT did a fair job of implementing it.

The black finish comes out a bit better on the stainless steel version.

The blue SS is VERY good looking.

If you do a search, you'll find that he makes or has made what he calls a "Mid-Tech" version of the Ripple. It appears to be a semi-custom at $350. As far as I could find, it isn't available.

It looked like that one was done by Ken rather than CRKT, which would be a good thing. The way CRKT does Ti is a bit iffy.
Definitely would like to see one.

The twice-as-expensive stainless steel version is discontinued and out-of-stock nearly everywhere.

I don't think the SS has been officially discontinued yet, though my guess would be it soon will be.
They definitely are getting harder to find, especially the blue SS, but AG Russell seems to be still getting some.

I'd love to have this as a custom from Ken Onion.

Me too!
CRKT did a pretty good job, but one actually made by Ken would be NICE.

 

[flash900]

The black finish comes out a bit better on the stainless steel version.


I don't think the SS has been officially discontinued yet, though my guess would be it soon will be.
They definitely are getting harder to find, especially the blue SS, but AG Russell seems to be still getting some.

The stainless steel version is more of a dark charcoal; the aluminum is black.

As to A.G. Russell, look closer and you will see "temporarily unavailable" on most of the SS Ripples. The few exceptions are low in stock.

That means you won't see them again.

The dealers may not know that yet. But two CRKT customer reps say there will be no more of the stainless models for "factory issues."

It's a shame but the aluminum version is quite good and a bargain to boot.

 

[Alann45]

The stainless steel version is more of a dark charcoal; the aluminum is black.

Mine both look like the same black to me....maybe there are variations?
I've only got one example of each to compare and your eyes could be better than my old weak ones.

I just noticed the handle of the SS is described as having "titanium coating", so a slight difference in color is logical.

Depending on the light, the difference in detail might also make them appear different.

The "pocket worn" look is way more pronounced on the AL.

As to A.G. Russell, look closer and you will see "temporarily unavailable" on most of the SS Ripples. The few exceptions are low in stock.

That means you won't see them again.

The blue SS was showing unavailable a couple of months ago but AG got some more in, but they vanished quickly.

The dealers may not know that yet. But two CRKT customer reps say there will be no more of the stainless models for "factory issues."

That was what I thought was happening. Glad I managed to pick up the blue and black SS.

It's a shame but the aluminum version is quite good and a bargain to boot.

It is a shame, but the SS had a pretty lengthy run so most folks who wanted one had already gotten it.
Once the AL version came out at half the price, I assumed the death of the SS was soon to follow.

The AL is reasonably priced and I would be hard pressed to argue that the SS is/was worth twice the price of the AL.

Except maybe for the blue SS. It might to worth the higher price to some based solely on appearance. It was to me anyway.

 

[flash900]

Since I have both the aluminum and the stainless steel Ripples, I have an opinion as to which is the better value.

They both are.

The steel handle Ripple -- maybe we should stop calling it the ss -- is slightly thinner but just a bit heavier, has a frame lock, open pillar construction, and, of course, better materials.

It came in charcoal and the even more popular blue.

The aluminum is just slightly wider but a bit lighter in weight and has a liner lock.

You can have any color you want, as long as it's black.

Both are smooth openers and the IKBS is addictive -- so much so that I wrote CRKT suggesting that Ken Onion design more IKBS manual folders.

I doubt the steel Ripples became as popular as they deserved before CRKT discontinued them. If they had, they'd probably still be manufactured, despite whatever "factory issues" there were in Taiwan or China.

Yes, the aluminum Ripples are a bigger bargain than their steel sisters. At half the street price, you get maybe 80 percent of the steel version. They deserve to be a huge hit for CRKT.

That said, the steel Ripples were nicer in every way but price and those who got them should consider themselves lucky.

 

[Geektechnica]

Yes, the aluminum Ripples are a bigger bargain than their steel sisters. At half the street price, you get maybe 80 percent of the steel version. They deserve to be a huge hit for CRKT.
.

I'm quite satisfied with my aluminum Ripple, far better than anything I expected to come out of Wal-Mart, that's for sure.

 

[Alann45]

That said, the steel Ripples were nicer in every way but price and those who got them should consider themselves lucky.

:thumbup:
Nothing I can really argue with in that whole post.

I'm quite satisfied with my aluminum Ripple, far better than anything I expected to come out of Wal-Mart, that's for sure.

Like Amazon, Walmart has some great prices now and then on really decent items. You just have to keep checking them out.
I hardly ever go to Walmart and I'm sure I've missed some good deals.

 

[flash900]

Fyi -- the aluminum Ripples originally carried in Wal-Mart can now be bought anywhere CRKT products are sold.

 

[Groove]

My only issue with the aluminum Ripple is the thin liner lock.

 

[flash900]

My only issue with the aluminum Ripple is the thin liner lock.

Have you had problems with the knife?

 

[AF]

I recently got one at Walmart. I don't like it. The liner is very flimsy. When it's engaged it easily moves when I press inward, in the direction of the blade spine. Also the handle is either flimsy or the screw holes are inexact because when I'm cutting something, if I apply a lot of pressure, the liner moves all the way over to the right side. I've seen that behavior before on low quality liner locks.
I paid $30 for the folder and at that price I think it's a bad deal.
We are living in an age of low priced and decent quality Chinese-made folders. I bought a couple Enlan knives and an Inron direct from China for about $20 each including shipping. They are far better quality.
The Spyderco Tenacious, Persistence and the rest are better quality.
Kershaw makes a bunch of folders in China that are better than the CRKT Ripple.
Also about a year ago I bought a Buck Vantage Paperstone at Walmart - made in USA - for $20. Much better quality. Not sure if that's still available.

 

[Alann45]

I recently got one at Walmart. I don't like it. The liner is very flimsy. When it's engaged it easily moves when I press inward, in the direction of the blade spine. Also the handle is either flimsy or the screw holes are inexact because when I'm cutting something, if I apply a lot of pressure, the liner moves all the way over to the right side.

Just rechecked mine and it shows neither of those problems.
Sure its just a $30 knife and I consider it basically light duty, but still...
Were it me, next time I was in Wallyworld I would swap it out it for another one.

The Spyderco Tenacious, Persistence and the rest are better quality.

No argument with that. I think the Tenacious is one of the true bargains in a good EDC.
I still remember when I got mine, I was bowled over by the quality for the price.

Kershaw makes a bunch of folders in China that are better than the CRKT Ripple.

:thumbup:I've got a bunch of Kershaws from inexpensive to ZTs and every one has seemed a good value.

CRKT is such a mixed bag. They have a lot of interesting designs, but frequently the designs are not implemented very well. I've bought quite a few of them. I've held onto the tools since I sort of collect those, but most of the knives have gotten traded off.