Question On Columbia River Knife and Tool

W

winchester73

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Jan 6, 2008
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Does Columbia River make anything in the states as opposed to importing from China or Taiwan? That's not to say that some of their knives aren't good but you'd think they would have a lower price point on Asian imports.
 
If there where a most improved category for knife companies - these folks would own it. I remember handling their original offerings - loose fit - lousy grinds and not much to recommend them. Boy did these folks get it! Within a few years they were hiring a bunch of the most innovative knife designers and doing a way better than fair job of producing production versions of their custom designs.
Have to give CRKT credit - these aren't cheap knives - they're affordable EveryDayUsers.
 
I agree that AUS4 is pretty sad for a knife steel for me. I struggle to put forth my money for butter knife steel when for the same money there's better options that are made in the USA.
 
Aus-4 ?



CRKT uses a large variety of steels ( Aus-6, Aus-8, 8Cr13MoV, SK-5, 3Cr13,
8Cr14MoV , 12C27 Sandvik , 1.4116 , etc.. ) Forum misinformation is your enemy

Alongside a large variety of designers to boot.... IMO some of their desgins are gimmicky but then again so are other brands models here and there.
They have put out some really neat knives over the years that folks tend to forget about , the S-2 , Apache , Ti M series to name a few.

Yea they are made in either Taiwan or China but if that bugs you , it is a whole different arguement.


Tostig
 
A number of their knives have decent midrange to pretty ok steels: 8CR13 (that's what the Tenacious uses), AUS 8, 12C27.
These are largely ok for the more occasional user that the brands seems to target.
But it would be cool fur us maniacs if they offered even just as sprint runs certain models in say S30V.

I do like that they work with many custom designers and thus can bring a true diversity to the market at reasonable prices. For example, The Ichi is a splendid little thing (except for the 420 blade steel), and the only really affordable way to own a Koji Hara design.
 
There were 2 knives by CRKT made in the USA. The Voodoo and Wild Weasel. Both AO and blades were made of 154CM.
 
Ditto Dagon. Their Iraqi Freedom desert cruiser in AUS-8 with Lawks lock is a very solid, usable knife. Should be able to find one on ebay for around $25 including the shipping. At least it's made in Taiwan, and not China. Maybe a small distinction, but for me an important one, none the less.
 
Tostig said:
Aus-4 ?



CRKT uses a large variety of steels ( Aus-6, Aus-8, 8Cr13MoV, SK-5, 3Cr13,
8Cr14MoV , 12C27 Sandvik , 1.4116 , etc.. ) Forum misinformation is your enemy
Click to expand...

Takes only a few seconds to do a search on their website to find examples of AUS-4 in use. You're correct about misinformation.
 
I`ve owned a Crawford-Kasper large tactical folder for around 6 years or so (CRKT, made in Taiwan). The fit & finish is pretty damn good....lockup is rock solid with no discernable play in any direction. I don`t know what the particulars of AUS-6 steel are, but it takes and holds a decent edge. If it didn`t have "Taiwan" etched on the choil, I think people would have a lot more respect for it. In any event, it`s more than adequate for the role of everyday beater work knife.
 
I've owned two m16s, both were HORRIBLE knives. The locking system sucked, the blade steel was horrible and I could not put a great edge on them, and when I got an acceptable edge for a beater knife, it would dull fast. I will never own another CRKT blade.
 
JCavSD said:
Takes only a few seconds to do a search on their website to find examples of AUS-4 in use. You're correct about misinformation.
Click to expand...


I did not say they do not use Aus-4.

The point I made was that not every knife made by them is Aus-4.

People read these posts so quickly that misinformation is like an urban legend , it becomes 'truth' by default , to be honest it is quite annoying and accomplishes nothing...


Tostig
 
I don't mind so much tha some are made in China although I would prefer non communist Taiwan. My orignal issue is the cost for something made in Asian. Think of what the China knives must cost CRKT,low. Rough riders are good knives and low priced because they are made in China. I have a Hammond 7904 Cruiser that orignally went for 50.00 to 70.00. I didn't pay that fior it but even what I paid was high for a Chinese knive. I was told by the seller they were made in Taiwan.
 
I would argue that the CRKT Drifter might be the best inexepensive knife on the market. You can usually pick one up for $10 to $20 on E-bay.

I recently bought 2 to give as gifts. One was great; however, the lockup on the other was a little less certain. This model has a steel frame lock, and the second one tends to make a clicking noise like it is locked, prior to actually being fully locked. If you are not careful, the click can fool you into thinking that the blade is locked.

Even with this small defect, I think these are pretty decent little knives for under $20.

Also had a KISS knife that I gave to my brother. He loves it. I had a hard time opening it due to its smallness.

CRKT has a place in the market, but I would like to see at least some of their line made here in the US.
 
I used to love CRKT,and still have bout 30 that get no pocket time,i have become a snob on knives, if itz not made to top standards, itz not for me...........the china taiwan knives for $75 and up..........:barf:
 
I never said every knife they make is AUS4, but obviously some are, so why you jumped on my case for pointing out my grievance towards them is beyond me.
 
Gaah!! I wasnt jumping anyones case !! :)

Just reading BF over the years I have seen too many assumptions and/or opinions turn into fact , thus turning people that otherwise might like a given knife or brand against.

I also agree that Aus-4 is pretty low on the totem pole if knife steels.


Tostig
 
They don't make anything in the USA anynore, it is either Taiwan Or China.
They do offer different versions of the same models,example is their M-16 and M-21 series.These are available with different blade steels and different handle materials. I have a large M-21 with Aus8 blade and aluminum handles.
It is a good solid knife, locks up tight no play in any direction. If you shop around you can find their knives at some pretty good prices.I have no complaints with my M-21..:cool:
 
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