Please help me choose...

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h22bluelude

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Oct 23, 2005
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Hello all and welcome to my first post!

I'm trying to decide between two knives and I'd appreciate any opinions. The city in which I live is getting increasingly more dangerous so I am looking for a compact folder which may see some light utility usage. I am mainly concerned with ease of one-handed opening and a secure lock, and would like to spend around $40-$50 or so.

I've done some searches and read other threads, and right now I am looking at two CRKT knives, the 6772 Crawford Kasper and the M16 Black Tanto.

I am drawn to the 6772 because of the grip, particularly the ridged "scoop" on top for the thumb (sorry, not up on all the lingo yet :) ). I like the scallop leading to the thumb stud as well. From what I have read, this is a good knife in previous incarnations but this 420J2 steel is of poor quality.

As for the M16, these in general seem to be very well liked. This one does not have the "scoop" on top, but since pretty much all of the other knives I've seen do not, I guess the grip is just fine. And this one has AUS8 which I gather is considerably better than the 6772.

So, which one would you choose? I am guessing the M16 will win out, but I would like to know your thoughts. I'm also open to suggestions! Other knives I've been looking at are the Point Guard and the Benchmade Pika.

From what I have read, this is a great community to be a part of and I'm looking forward to learning more. Thanks for reading.
 
Welcome!
Of those two Knives, the Clear choice is the M16.
Vastly Superior Steel and ease of opening. 420J2 is the stuff of flea market and frost cutlery knives. You will love the carson flipper on the M16, or flick it open with a snap of the wrist.
 
You might consider a FRN Spyderco Endura or Delica, both are in your pricerange.
yhst-37315173526266_1868_9001772

yhst-37315173526266_1868_9614923
 
Thanks Rat! :thumbup: I'll have to read up on those Spydercos.
 
The Benchmade 10300 Monochrome would also be a good choice in your price range.
 
I'ved owned both of those models. If your primary concern is a defensive weapon, The Kasper is the way to go. I would recommend the larger size though. The M16 is also a great knife, so which ever one you you pick will serve you well. The best way to judge though would be to find a shop that has them and buy the one that fits your mit. If you find something you like better along the way - good on ya.
Don't worry so much about getting a model with ubber steel. Just Get the one you like, keep it sharp, and get some training.
 
Yeah, if you are really carrying it for defense and only light use, go with the kasper, probably. I would advise against the pika, though. These take a very long time to wear in, and they don't get all that fast. An Endura or Delica would be much better.
Also, take a look at the M1 from CRKT. If you like the grip of the Kasper, you will very likely like this one as well. Then it has the better steel that comes with most M-16s.
Good luck.
 
Go with the M16. It's a fantastic knife and you'll wind up using it alot more than you think. Also, it can be opened extremely quickly and easily.
 
Just FYI, I had a CRK Kkasper folder open up on me twice in my pocket. I got rid of it.
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
You might consider a FRN Spyderco Endura or Delica, both are in your pricerange.
Click to expand...
Spydercos definately have a lot going for them, but those models don't have one-handed closing, if that's important to you.
 
Walking Man said:
Spydercos definately have a lot going for them, but those models don't have one-handed closing, if that's important to you.
Click to expand...

I beg to differ, it's extremely easy to close my endura one handed, and unlike a liner lock, I can do it from virtually any grip position.
 
Rat Finkenstein said:
I beg to differ, it's extremely easy to close my endura one handed, and unlike a liner lock, I can do it from virtually any grip position.
Click to expand...
You still have to push the back of the blade with something besides the hand that is holding the lock, therefore it is generally not considered a true one-handed closer. You may be an exception, but I just tried it with my Cal. jr, and no way can I use just one hand to close it.
 
I will be the devil on your shoulder and tell you to spend $10 more and get a Spyderco Native.
 
Walking Man said:
You still have to push the back of the blade with something besides the hand that is holding the lock, therefore it is generally not considered a true one-handed closer. You may be an exception, but I just tried it with my Cal. jr, and no way can I use just one hand to close it.
Click to expand...

I close the blade with my index finger while pressing the lock with either the middle or ring finger.(or thumb) I dont have the knife with me right now, but I could take a pic later tonight.
 
You might consider one of the Kershaw/Ken Onion Speed Safe models. They are a bit pricey on Kershaw's site, but if you use Froogle you can find them for around your price. It's hard to get anything faster than an assisted opener :)

Btw, here is Kershaw's website.
 
rev_jch said:
Ive owned both, the m16 is a "nicer" carry knife.

You do know also, that you can buy a crkt kasper folder, the "professional" with an aus-8A blade and T6 handles?

Same knife, but with better materials, in the handle and blade:

http://smkw.com/webapp/eCommerce/product.jsp?Mode=Text&SearchText=kasper&SKU=CR7783

http://smkw.com/webapp/eCommerce/product.jsp?Mode=Text&SearchText=kasper&SKU=CR7773
Click to expand...

But I'd rather you to hurry up because CRKT Crawford/Kasper Professional is no longer in production

Personally I would take the CRKT M21 (big or small) over M16 or M1 everytime. IMHO it is the best CRKT folder. Or save up for the Benchmade 550 Griptilian. Just few bucks more.
 
I'd grab the M21 or M16 or a Spydie Endura/Delica for that price range. I loved the KFF pro, though
 
My vote would be for a SOG Flash II. Very fast opening knife and moderate steel with the AUS-8. Very good grip as well :)
 
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