Req: Review of CRKT Cruiser

cds1,

Hmm. You may be right on the G10. I didn't think about that...

Re: Steel
Oh, don't I know it!! It's a sad thing... but they just don't go any better than AUS-8. *sigh* So many good collabs and designs, it's a shame the materials aren't better. Then again, I'd guess that this helps keep the custom market for the design high, unlike in mid-tech implementations where there can be some cannibalization.

Take care,

-jon
 
I too like the LAWKS system. It is so simple, it's genius. AUS-8 is a good steel for my income, but I agree the Vanadium (VG-10, SV-30) steels would be a great option and a great way for CRKT to break into the higher-end knife market. Anyway, great company and great products. Collaborations with people like Jim Hammond only make it better. Oh yeah, the M1 is outstanding! :)
 
I was looking at a Cruiser in the store and was very impressed by it. Flippers are great and this one is the best I've tried. The handle is a little thick, but feels good. One thing I didn't like was that when unclipping it from the front pocket of my jeans, the handle texture hung up on the pocket. Has anyone else noticed this? If it would have been plain edge I would have bought it. I do plan on getting one, though it would be nice if you could get a plain edge with AUS8 steel with the black handle.
 
I for one am very impressed with CRKT knives. The company does try very hard and has come up with great designs in recent years.

Of course, the materials used are not top notch but the price you pay for the knives is way below the higher priced production blades.

All in all, not a bad investment at all. In the end, the difference between an AUS8 and S30V can be marginal under most ordinary circumstances. That's only my opinion.
 
golok said:
In the end, the difference between an AUS8 and S30V can be marginal under most ordinary circumstances. That's only my opinion.
Click to expand...

Well... Personally I find the difference between AUS6 and 154cm/ats-34/bg-42/s30v to be pretty big.

AUS6 gets dull very quickly while cutting cardboard (maybe 7-10 minutes), 154cm dulls in about 20 minutes, and I can't see much difference with S30V.

-j
 
In this thread there's been a lot of discussion of steel choices, serrations, etc. CRKT primarily uses AUS 6M and AUS8 in all their models, though AUS 118 (in line with ATS-34) is included among their choices for use as a premium steel on specific models. 118 is an awesome steel, particularly in the saltwater immersion tests we did on it, but its added costs remain a definite consideration in the company's efforts to provide excellent quality at reasonable prices. But since it's not a household name as far as steels go, other more popular ones may top the list as to a preferred choice. Demand, materials cost, fabrication issues, price point, etc. are all factors to be considered with premium steel choices.

However, never say never when it comes to possibilities for the future on component choices and new product ideas. Having said that, I'd like to hear:

Which premium steel you'd select as your #1 choice that you'd like to see CRKT use in either a new or existing model in the future?

If you bend the ear of the right people, you sometimes get heard. I know what my choice would be, but I'm far more interested in finding out what all of you want. Here's an opportunity to be heard.

Jim
 
Talonite/Stellite.

...

;) Just kidding.

Obviously, S30V would be nice. But in keeping with the "budget"-er and non-US steel philosophy, I'd be thrilled with VG-10 or ATS-34.

Especially in a G10-scaled Cruiser.

;)

-jon
 
S30V no question.

if not, then VG-10 or D2

at the least is 154CM

just looking at these boards, i think it would be safe to assume that there is a market for high end knives. the CRKT collaboration designs are GREAT, not good, GREAT!! they would sell much more imo if better steel/handle choices are available.

"...if you build it, we will buy..." :D
 
I agree with Garage Boy..........

There is definitely a market for CRKTs in AUS 6 or AUS 8 - These are great knives in a price range a lot of buyers can afford - You add $10 to $15 to the price of these knives, and you are going to lose those customers to companies that are producing knives of less quality than CRKT, but which fall into the same price range.

INMHO
 
I would think that AUS8 would be a nice comprimise as a standard steel. I would like to see more AUS8 and less AUS6.

For some of their better custom collaborations (such as the Hammond Cruiser) I would also like to see at least limited runs produced in a top-of-the line steel, such as S30V, VG10, or D2.

I've spent many hundreds of dollars on well designed knives made with top of the line steel by other makers. There is no reason that I wouldn't spend the extra money on a CRKT if I really liked the design.

Regards,
cds1
 
theoldawg said:
I agree with Garage Boy..........
There is definitely a market for CRKTs in AUS 6 or AUS 8 - These are great knives in a price range a lot of buyers can afford - You add $10 to $15 to the price of these knives, and you are going to lose those customers to companies that are producing knives of less quality than CRKT, but which fall into the same price range.
Click to expand...


I think the compromise would be to do "higher tier" or limited-run editions of the same model in higher grade steels, such as the Buck Strider in BG-42.

I doubt CRKT would go and replace existing lines or introduce new lines with only the higher steel; their market is in well-made but affordable collaborations.

Personally, I'd like the option to have a production G10-handled, VG-10 steeled CRKT Hammond/Cruiser at the $100-125 price point, but I have no problem with having the current model at its current price point.

----

As for steels... I've found that 440C is really as low as I'm happy going. The AUS-6 in my Cruiser gets dull VERY quickly. Admittedly, it's on cardboard, which does a number on 154cm and S30V alike, but... I'm not using my knives to cut tomatoes and Jello. ;)

I haven't been able to compare AUS6 and AUS8, so I don't know how much better the '8 is.

According to Joe T's FAQ, 440C is equivalent to AUS10 (which I have never seen on a knife yet...)

-jon
 
I have CRKT Point Guard in AUS6 (for about 2 years already, and started shave with it everyday for about two months now. Although i only have minimum amount of hair to shave off, it has endured quite well. The most i do to maintain the edge is stropping with plain belt leather (from old broken dress belt, not grinding belt). Sometimes the blade would see apple, or honeydew as its target, but mainly it is used to cut paper, aluminium foil (such as those instant coffee packaging), and shaving.

I consider myself average user and am quite happy with the steel performance. Having had a Cold Steel in AUS8, though i feel it last a bit longer (would requre stropping less often). So i would say i prefer to have AUS8 as standard of CRKT lines.
 
I recently purchased a Cruiser and am very happy with it. It is indeed a very easy knife to grip, and the scales are very eye catching as well. Additionally, I like the way the blade meets the handle when the knife is open, in that they do not come together at a lateral angle, but instead leave more of the edge side of the blade exposed than the spine side.

Nice job. :)
 
I'm in agreement with the others in that VG-10 is a very good steel for an "upper tier" knife for those of us that appreciate higher quality steel. I wouldn't mind seeing some 440-c either. 440-c is a very good steel and I'm well pleased with it's performance.

I went to buy a Desert Cruiser and was told they didn't come in a plain edge. :( Very dissapointed at this I reached deeper in my wallet and took home a Chinook II instead. This is one amazing knife. I still want a Desert Cruiser when and if they come out in plain edge. I simply cannot tolerate a combo edge.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this particular model. The one I held at the store was pretty impressive and capable looking.


All the best,
Mike U.
 
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