SOG Flash II Tiger Stripe FSA-5 vs. CRKT M16

K

Kennyroo

Joined
Nov 10, 2004
Messages
49
Hi,

I had a CRKT M16 Tanto knife (the small version, non serrated) as an EDC with my Leatherman Wave. I really liked it, but unfortunately lost it.

I was looking to replace it with another CRKT M16, however, I noticed this SOG Flash II Tiger Stripe FSA-5 (http://www.sogknives.com/Folding/Flash/FSA-5.htm).

To be honest, I really don't need it (my leatherman will do everything I really need), I just enjoy knives and playing with them.

I really like the looks of it. I've never handled one, but they look nice. What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Kenny
 
Flash IIs are just plain sweet. If you like playing with your knives, you won't be able to put this one down. The assisted opening is addictive. I don't own one myself, but a buddy of mind does and pretty much every time I see him, I say, "Hey, lemmie play with your knife!"
 
Kennyroo, I really like CRKT knives, have several and have bought my sons several.
But, I also have several Flash II knives, and really like them too. They are not anything like the M-16s, mainly because of weight (Zytel model) and the assisted opening.
To be honest, I think I can open the M-16 almost as fast as my Flash II, the only difference would be the time it takes you to get your hand and index finger in position to flip.
The Zytel models of the Flash IIs are very light, you hardly know you have one. I really have a hard time picking between these two knives because I like them both very much. But they are very different knives, so if you want to try a quality assisted opener for a while, get a Flash II. But if you want a good solid quality flipper style, stick with the CRKT.

Robbie Roberson ;)
 
The SOG flash II has assisted opening that is pretty fun to play with. It is not as fast as kershaw's but is still pretty good. The m16 has the flipper, that is also very fun to play with. Flash II has the extra safety that keeps the knife closed. M16 has the extra safety (lawks) that keeps the blade open.

Sog's AUS8 steel is very good, imho, better than crkt's.

Get both :p Both are good knives for the money.
 
How does the Zytel handle of the SOG compare vs. the aluminum handle from the CRKT?

Which one is more durable? Does one collect more debris than the other?
 
I have the M16-12Z ( Zytel ), it is a strong folder excelent size for EDC carry, the flyper is an excelent way to open the knife so quick ( I am lefty so I need to do 1 more step to open it and my draw is quick enough ), it is a great cutter, life warranty, AUS6.

I saw the Flash II in a knive´s store and I like more the CRKT. ( I am sure that with the time the assisted opening will not be the same, a little bit slowly ).

and the fliper it will be the same always.

roloss_valdes
 
Just a reminder that plain edge CRKT M16s in AUS8 are no longer availible. (Only the M16 EDCs are still availible)
 
Was recently given a new M16-14DI from a mate returning from the big sandpit. This knife has everything I dont like, aluminium handles, tanto blade, chisel ground and part serrated - yet I cant help liking this one, it is an exceptionaly well made and solid tool that gives excellent value for money.
 
The only thing I didn't like about my m16 was the chisel edge. However, after a few hours, I was able to reprofile it.
 
Hi Guys,

Thanks for the feedback. Here's some more questions....

1. I've never handled the SOG (I'm not sure who sells them in Canada, I will probably just order it out of the US). Is there any danger in it "flipping open" in your pocket or unexpectantly? With the flipper CRKT, I at least know it's not going to open until I want it to open.

1.5. One other note - I think Canadian M16's don't have the flipper. I think it is illegal here in Canada (I know - it's retarded). I ordered my M16 out of the US last time, but I know looking at M16's in gun/knife shops here in Canada, they didn't have the flipper on them.

2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of a Tanto style blade vs. a spearpoint? My previous M16 had the Tanto style. Just wondering if there was a specific use for each.

3. Are there any other knives you would recommend looking at? I thought the features of the SOG Trident looked nice (I really liked the notch), but I don't like the overall look of the knife as well as the CRKT M16 or SOG Flash II (I know that sounds lame).

4. If anybody knows where SOG's are carried in Canada please let me know. Thanks.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

Kenny
 
1. There's actually less of a danger of the SOG opening in your pocket than the m16. The assisted opening keeps the blade in place and there's an extra safety that prevents release of the blade.

1.5 Sorry, wouldn't know about this one. Ordered my m16 online. House of knives stopped carrying the m16s because an officer was stabbed with one... :(

2. My SOG has the tanto blade, my crkt has the spearpoint. The tanto blade has a stronger tip; it worked very well when I was carving wood. However, the spearpoint is more useful day to day. There isn't really a specific use to each, but the spearpoint is better at things like food prep. The tanto will handle light prying better though.

3. I would personally go with one of the FRN spyderco knives. They might be a little more expensive but you get a much better blade steel (VG10) and better ergonomics (e.g. Native). However, these don't look as cool as the tigerstripe flash II or m16 and they're not as fun to play with.

4. I know some House of Knives carries SOG products. However, I have never seen any assisted opening ones being sold. I was told that SOG's assisted opening is somewhat illegal. Kershaw's aren't because they got a letter of exemption from Canada customs.
 
Thanks for all the great feedback.

After having done further research and reading in the forums, I'm now leaning towards the Benchmade 705.

How does this knife compare? I realize they have been discontinued, but there seems to be a fair number still for sale on the internet.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Kenny
 
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