Tough Choice: Small Folder

Lenny

Lenny

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Oct 15, 1998
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I've been looking at 2 small folders lately and finally got a chance to handle them side by side.
The 2 in question are the CRKT Small Navajo, and the Kershaw Chive.
Please, give me your opinions if you own either of them.
In the Chive's favor: Speed Safe, frame lock, decent steel, very small and easy to carry, rock solid lockup.
In the small Navajo's favor: slightly larger giving better grip, I like the looks better, more useful blade shape.
They're both around the same price too.
Thanks for any help.
Lenny
 
I HIGHLY Recommend that you pick the knife that feels better to you.
You said the Navajo feels better in your hand, so buy that one.
You'll never be sorry with that choice.
 
I'll be the first one of those people throwing around names of knives you never mentioned...Spyderco Navigator. Kicks their butts. Hold one and you'll see why. Amazing ergonomics for a knife that size.
 
I think shmakey is right on this one. I have a large navajo (I like it a lot) and a Scallion (pretty close to the chive and I like it a lot too) but i'd happily trade them both for a navigator. but if you are gonna choose between the two you mentioned you should go back and check them out again and see which one feels the best like Pergatory said. I will say this though you will have hours of fun flicking the speed safe of the chive if you get it. it's pretty addictive.
 
I would take a serious look at the Spyderco Mouse. The Mouse thinks it is a Moose. It cuts like a knife much bigger than it actually is.
 
Good replies gentlemen.
I already have a Spyderco Calypso Jr which is an awesome knife, and I'm sure the Navigator is too. The Mouse is also one I've considered, but, alas, it is much more expensive.
But, I really want to try something from a different maker. As of yet, I don't own anything by either Kershaw or CRKT.
I'll probably end up with both knives eventually.
I do have some specific questions about these 2 though.
I've never heard of the steel used in the Navajo (Z60CDV14)
What the heck is it? Does it hold an edge? Is it easy to sharpen?
How's the liner lock hold up over time? Any blade play?
How does the torsion bar hold up on the Kershaw? Again, any blade play with repeated flicking?
Thanks again,
Lenny
 
CRKT makes some really impressive knives for the prices they charge. I do, however, find that their edges chip out way too easily. Maybe it is just me but that has been MY experience. I recently held the chive and can't stop thinking about it. The knife is awesome! Well made, razor sharp, solid little framelock, and a speed safe!! Come on, if not just for the fun factor alone! I personally would get the chive.
 
Lenny, the Kershaw Chive will overstimulate you constantly. Although I haven't handled the CRKT Navajo and cannot comment on that knife, IMO the Chive is "too cool" to pass up. The Chive can handle most small to normal cutting chores; is "high quality" for the money; and extremely trick. Although the Scallion works similarly and is slightly larger than the Chive, it does not have the same "aura" as the Chive. I have a Navigator (Almite), a Toad, 2 Dragonflies, a SAK Executive, a Buck Prince, and many other small knives; however, right now, the Chive is my favorite tool/toy.
 
I couldn't decide between the 2, so I just ordered them both.
I'll give you my opinions after I've had them for a week or 2.
Lenny
 
I recently bought a Chive, and I think it is a great little knife. The lock is solid, with no play, and the speed safe mechainism works great. I must warn you though that the speed safe opening mechanism is quite addictive. It is good to pass time jsut flicking the knife open. It is also cheap enough that if you loose it buying a new one is no big deal. I highly recommend you buy one.

Erik
 
Having never handled the CRKT I'll only comment on the Chive. A great little knife, but the little plastic safety (keeps blade from popping open and slicing off your best buddy) looks terribly flimsy and cheap. I'm still gonna buy one for my keychain, though. :p

-Al-
 
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