Please help newbie pick a CRK fixed blade...

T

tyco19

Joined
Apr 14, 2006
Messages
8
Hello--

I'll be honest. I was one of those knife guys who couldn't understand why people would possibly lay out $400+ for a Sebenza when you could get a custom blade for close to the same price. I had a collection of folders that included some top notch customs (Kit Carson, John W Smith, etc) and the Sebenza never looked all that cool or exciting to me.

Long story short: I took the plunge and got my first Sebenza a few months ago. It is the best folding knife I have ever owned. Nothing spectacular exactly--just plain no frills excellence all around.

So now I'm a true believer and I'm looking to purchase my first CRK fixed blade.

I probably want something on the shorter side (4-5 1/2 inch blade). It's for general purpose, some backpacking/camping, and maybe to keep in my car.

I'm looking at the following models--

MK VI
THE MOUNTAINEERS I or II
SABLE IV
SHADOW III or IV
AVIATOR

--But I really don't know how to begin to narrow it down. I don't know all that much about fixed blades, so any opinions or thoughts that people could provide about these models would be very helpful. I've already been searching through the archives--just looking for fresh insights or input.

I also find myself looking at THE SKINNER model as a kind of dark horse choice. Is that ridiculous? I don't hunt, but I just like the look of the blade and sheath.

Sorry this post is so long and rambling. Thanks in advance for any responses and for the wealth of information you have all compiled on this board. It's great stuff.
 
Tyco,

I purchased a CRK Green Beret 5.5" and it is probably the best fixed blade I have ever used. My knives are used HARD and this one has definately proved itself. S30V steel is a dream and sharpening is not too bad, when required. The sheath is a tactical jump sheath, but a black leather sheath is available for purchase. I just contacted CRK about this sheath. It's about $65. The handle is micarta. Just one more thing to think about.

gunslinger14647
 
Well, all I can say is that I have been researching and pondering and drooloing over the once piece line for a long while and I have settled on a Mountaineer II. I think it is the best all around camp knife and I like the single guard and the clip point. Although it is not as sturdy at the tip as the spear points, it is a little more versatile IMO. I think if you wanted pure durability, the Shadows are the best...
 
Gunslinger,

Thanks for the suggestion. I had forgotten that the Green Beret comes in a 5.5" version. It's definitely a contender.

I also live in Los Angeles where most people consider carrying a small Sebenza the same as packing a gun, so I would probably want to opt for a tamer looking leather sheath as well.
 
any of the knives you listed would be perfect , including the G.B. 5.5"
Find a CRK dealer and try each in hand for fit and comfort ability first:thumbup:
good luck!

Jules
 
I just bought a Mountaineer II at a gun show today, it is my first real fixed blade. Comfortable grip, great blade shape, I really like it :thumbup:
 
westllen said:
any of the knives you listed would be perfect , including the G.B. 5.5"
Find a CRK dealer and try each in hand for fit and comfort ability first:thumbup:
good luck!

Jules
Click to expand...

Jules is right -- take a drive down to see Dan at Plaza Cutlery in Costa Mesa. His website shows that he has almost everything you're looking at(and lots of stuff you're not!) in stock.

When I'm out camping, I grab either a NR Warrior, a Sable IV, or a Shadow IV. The NR is the most comfortable of the three, and I like the thumb ramp and the ability to chalk way up on the blade using the finger choil. Even so, I've recently tended to reach for the Shadow IV more often. The Shadow IV is significantly smaller in sheath than the NR (although CRK now sells a leather sheath for the NR, which is shorter than the standard sheath), and I just like the idea of the one piece construction. Bottom line -- you can't go wrong, and probably "need" to get several to provide some variety in your outings . . . :)

All the best in your shopping!
 
Any one of them would be a good choice if the knife feels good in the hand.I personally like the Shadows looks and plan to get one in the coming months. I have a couple smaller Dozier Fixed Blades so I will probably opt for the larger version.

MPE
 
I like the Shadow IV. I have a Neil Roberts and a GB Limited Edition 5.5" with wood handles (I don't use that one). And I would like to get a one piece and the shadow just feels right to me. I was able to handle one at Plaza Cutlery in Costa Mesa and just about bought it but due to other financial obligations I held back. Plus being a city boy I don't have much use for a fixed blade. When I get a little ahead on my bills the Shadow is on the top of my list! The only thing better would be a Shadow IV in camo.:cool: :thumbup: :D
 
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