Recommendation? Sell Me On A Crooked River

[BP_]

This would be my first Benchmade. For some reason, the full size CR is just calling out to me.

I’m experienced with larger folders, in fact my Military is one of my favorite modern folders. The things I don’t like about it, I feel the CR covers. There is just something about dropping that kind of coin on an “unknown to me” knife.

I do love the Bowie style blade. I do love the warranty, and ability to replace the blade for (in my opinion) incredibly cheap.

I guess what I’m asking is, what’s the allure? Is there any reason I shouldn’t get one? How are the ergos? Is it a “stout” and durable folder? What are it’s drawbacks, in comparison to like sized modern folders?

Thanks in advance. I’m looking forward to some discussion on this one. I read through a “CR vs Military” thread, but I’m not asking which one I should pick over the other, so it didn’t really scratch my itch.

 

[cashville]

They military would be lighter and carry slimmer, but if carrying a Military is no problem then you probably won't have trouble with a CR. Very slight blade play is pretty common in Benchmades, but the Crooked River and Presidio II are probably the two models that I've experienced the least amount of blade play (none basically).
If you like big knives and want to try out a Benchmade, this is a real good bet. I think I liked the Presidio II design a little better, but that thing is humungous. I think the Crooked River carries better. If anyone ever needs a stronger folder than either of these two, they should buy a fixed blade IMO.

 

[BP_]

Thank you for your opinion. I wasn’t aware of the blade play issue, so thank you, it’s something to keep an eye on.

I checked out the Presidio II, but I think the CR would fit me a little better. There is just something about it.

Now, if I can only find one for a good, relatively inexpensive price..

 

[BMCGear]

The appeal of the Crooked River is that it's a modern take on a classic design and Benchmade executed it really well. I have owned a few of them and blade play hasn't been an issue. One of my favorite folders.

 

[BP_]

That is good to hear. I certainly lean more toward the traditional side of things when it comes to knives, which I believe is one of the things that draws me to this particular knife/pattern. I think I may like to try one, and have a feeling I’d enjoy it.

I don’t see many up for sale, or owners willing to let them go. That has to indicate a certain popularity amongst owners/users. Second hand purchasing may requiare a bit of a search, some luck, and patience.

 

[Pilsner]

No blade play on mine whatsoever. Absolutely one of my favourite folders. I don’t have a bad word to say to about it.

 

[Murphjd25]

Been absolutely loving my Mini Crooked River, so much so that I think I’m going to pick up it’s big brother next weekend.

 

[sharp_edge]

So what of the Military you dont like? That might help folks to tell you if CR addresses these Military issues.

 

[Cscotttsss]

It's by far my favorite large folder I own, I was originally drawn to it for it's classic looks with the modern look of the axis lock, plus I'm a sucker for orange. After I held one I was immediately sold, the action is amazing, no blade play, and carries like a much smaller knife in the pocket.

I can't wait to pick up a mini CR as I don't carry the full size to work because of it's size.

 

[BP_]

So what of the Military you dont like? That might help folks to tell you if CR addresses these Military issues.

Good question. Something I should have addressed more specifically. I think first and foremost, is the tip. I think this could be more mental than anything (not sure), but I am always afraid to snap that beautiful tip off. I’ve never attempted to just use it without thinking, because that thought always creeps it’s way into my mind. I do not pry with my knives (Leatherman on my belt, and “the right tool for the job” on anything bigger than “Leatherman sized” prying), yet I still worry.

I believe the next biggest thing is the warranty. I’m not bashing, and do not want to get into a warranty debate. It is not about that, and I have no complaints about Spyderco warranty. I just feel the slight edge goes to BM for the $30 blade replacement, over Spyderco charging to attempt to grind your original tip back to life.

I think those are the things that creep into my mind when using, which I loathe because I love the Military as much as I do. I know it is not a fragile knife, by any means. I just do not want to have to “think” about it when I pull my knife to cut something. I don’t have those thoughts with my traditionals.

 

[Pilsner]

Interesting fact: the Rocky Fork in Crooked River, Ray County - Missouri, was where ‘Bloody Bill’ Anderson’s gang of bushwhackers, including Frank & Jesse James, were caught napping and forced to run for it, on October 20th 1864.

 

[BP_]

Interesting fact: the Rocky Fork in Crooked River, Ray County - Missouri, was where ‘Bloody Bill’ Anderson’s gang of bushwhackers, including Frank & Jesse James, were caught napping and forced to run for it, on October 20th 1864.

Interesting you bring that up. A co worker and I were just talking about that. We live/work very close to that location, and were chatting about an article he was reading referencing Crooked River and Jesse James (can’t remember which article).

 

[sharp_edge]

Good question. Something I should have addressed more specifically. I think first and foremost, is the tip. I think this could be more mental than anything (not sure), but I am always afraid to snap that beautiful tip off. I’ve never attempted to just use it without thinking, because that thought always creeps it’s way into my mind. I do not pry with my knives (Leatherman on my belt, and “the right tool for the job” on anything bigger than “Leatherman sized” prying), yet I still worry.

I believe the next biggest thing is the warranty. I’m not bashing, and do not want to get into a warranty debate. It is not about that, and I have no complaints about Spyderco warranty. I just feel the slight edge goes to BM for the $30 blade replacement, over Spyderco charging to attempt to grind your original tip back to life.

I think those are the things that creep into my mind when using, which I loathe because I love the Military as much as I do. I know it is not a fragile knife, by any means. I just do not want to have to “think” about it when I pull my knife to cut something. I don’t have those thoughts with my traditionals.

Fair enough and both are legit concerns that I agree with you on. I also agree that CR excels in these two aspects.

 

[Pilsner]

Interesting you bring that up. A co worker and I were just talking about that. We live/work very close to that location, and were chatting about an article he was reading referencing Crooked River and Jesse James (can’t remember which article).

Excellent! I’m sitting in London, thousands of miles away, reading a biography of Jesse James by T.J. Stiles, and just read an account of that event.

 

[BP_]

Excellent! I’m sitting in London, thousands of miles away, reading a biography of Jesse James by T.J. Stiles, and just read an account of that event.

That’s just too cool

Yet another reason I enjoy the forums as much as I do.

 

[Cursum Perficio]

OP I posted more or less the same question here myself a while back.
After some BF input I got a CR, and I've not regretted it at all. Strong, very carryable and usable large folder. Mine came with no blade play, very smooth action and well centered, and it's stayed like that.
I find it comfortable in hand, would be in pretty much any size hand I would think, the Axis lock fits the design so well and aesthetically the CR is just outright cool looking.
Buy one. You will have no trouble selling it again in the highly unlikely event you find it's not for you.

 

[Winch]

I just received my CR a few days ago. Yeah it's large, but I have large hands so it works for me. It fits well in my pocket too.
No blade play on mine. It's a tad stiff but I've oiled it and it's loosening up nicely. Craftsmanship is very nice (hey it is a $200 knife!!). It's my EDC now. I'm making a lanyard for it today. I got the one with wood scales. I'm very pleased with it.

 

[BP_]

Update. Picked one up today, and am very pleased. Now, to find a good deal on the mini. I’m very impressed with my first Benchmade

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Glad you decided to get one, I had one a while back but found it was too large so off she went, as do most knives I buy, I just rent them it seems here is a shot of the one I had, excellent lines on this folder, I'm sorely tempted to also find a good deal on a mini as that looks great as well...

CR_Open by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

CR_partial by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

G2

 

[Winch]

Glad you like the CR. Pretty impressive folder IMO. It’s the modern day Buck 110, which was my long time fav.