Two reviews for one: MOD CQD Mk1 and CRKT Hissatsu

H

Hammer27

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Sep 17, 2006
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I just recieved a MOD CQD Mk1 and CRKT Hissatsu as gifts and am really quite happy:D

CQD Mk1
The MOD is just about all it says it is. It's rather large but is great with gloves and the cutter works perfectly. The "side hilts" are an ingenious design IMHO and work just as advertised but the increase the opening arc, thus slowing the opening. The glass breaker hasn't seen any use but when this wine bottle is finished it'll meet the full force of that carbide tip:p. I like the button lock a lot, its secure and the secondary (more or less the LAWKS of CRKT) does the job well. It comes with a sheath that fits it perfectly (thankfully as I doubt it'd be easy finding on for this size knife; 5.75 closed) and is for horizontal or vertical carry. The clip is for tip down only, left or right with three extra screws. I won't see much pocket time as it is too large for most pants, the clip will be used in conjunction with a sheath or tucked into a belt. Fit and finish is perfect of course and the jimping and "wing walk" inserts are well done and do their job well. The 154CM blade is razor sharp but the wide and thick blade make slicing a bit more difficult than others IMHO. Made in the USA too, what more can you ask for?? I'd love to see this put head-to-head with a ZT...;)






Hissatsu
The Hissatsu, is HARD to open but getting easier. I added a few drops of Rem Oil to the pivot which is helping to loosen things up. I think time and use will get it into proper order but right now I can't give it the openings as my thumb is raw:grumpy: However, the "outburst" AO is FAST! I'm very impressed with that feature. Lockup on the Hissatsu is perfect and solid, I'll try to get a clear picture of that up soon. The "auto LAWKS" is great, I think it's one of the best features I've seen in a while and is easy to operate. Also, it feels right in the hand, very comfortable and agile whether open or closed. Razor sharp blade that stabs and slashes excellently...which I would hope as that's the purpose of this knife! IMHO I think a flipper would be a great addition to this knife.





I think I've covered about all of it but if I can answer any questions just let me know I'll get back ASAP.:thumbup:
 
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Just got a Hissatsu myself and agree with all the above. This is a mans knife when it comes to opening but once started it's like an auto!
 
This is a mans knife when it comes to opening but once started it's like an auto!

I agree, and I like mine as well. I`m not sure why it was made so hard to open, though. I have good strong workin' man's hands, and I still have trouble opening it from time to time. It's not really an inconvenience for me, since I think A/O is a novelty in most theatres, but what about someone who uses the knife as it was intended? I mean, the knife was designed as a weapon, and which makes the better weapon? The one that works when you need it to, or the one that only works when you really mean it?
I suppose the upside would be that if a baddie got ahold of your knife at the start of an altercation, he`d probably have enough trouble with it that you would retain some measure of a tactical advantage.

But I dunno if that`s worth making a knife less functional...
 
I really think that put in a stressfull situation we tend to use more force than needed and it would pop open real quick. I kinda like it hard to open because there is NO way this knife could ever be considered a gravity knife. I also use the pad of the thumb right above the crease line as it is tougher ( on me at least ) than the center pad of the thumb.
 
I'd prefer the Hissatsu to be easier to open. I'm currently trying to work it in in order to loosen it up and have lubricated it.

Here's a comparison shot of the two:
 
I'm not sure lubrication is the issue; the resistance comes from the torsion bar grinding against the tang, which wears off the coating on the bar to create an abrasive deppression. So the knife has to be broken in every time you move the torsion bar even slightly. I've tried lubricants, and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

You could just take the Torsion bar out, but that would cost the knife a few cool points.
 
missin_hobo said:
I'm not sure lubrication is the issue; the resistance comes from the torsion bar grinding against the tang, which wears off the coating on the bar to create an abrasive deppression. So the knife has to be broken in every time you move the torsion bar even slightly. I've tried lubricants, and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

You could just take the Torsion bar out, but that would cost the knife a few cool points.
Click to expand...

Funny you mention this, I just did that.:cool:...but I put it back in right after:D
The opening was defintely smoother but the ball detent on this knife is a little extreme too. Unforunately, it seems to be like a lot of CRKT's knives:great design and idea but average execution.
Off topic a bit, but does anyone besides me think this knife looks a bit like the Emerson Persian?
http://i.pbase.com/g6/26/425426/2/77506724.xPgH3nxQ.jpg
 
Off topic a bit, but does anyone besides me think this knife looks a bit like the Emerson Persian?

A little bit; they're both dedicated fighting knives, and that pattern of blade is ideal for piercing and slashing. I like the Hissatsu better; more plebian, easier to snatch out of the pocket, and probably just as tough.

BY THE WAY, I tried a new lube on the deppression that's worn into the torsion bar, CRK flourinated grease, and this one actually seems to make a difference. In the past I had tried White Lightning and a few others, but they didn't seem to make much difference. Now the blade pops out rather comfortably; it's still stiffer than most of my knives, but at least there won't be any more callouses.
The only problem is that it wears off on the tang, so there's an exposed, greasy surface to collect dust and lint when the knife is closed. Good thing I've got clean pockets.
 
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Is that the new 2008 version of the CQD Mark I with the "improved geometry" and "hardened internal stop pin?"
 
I think so as the blade markings are different than the older version I've seen (less of them, which is a big upside IMHO). Honestly, I'm not 100% sure.
Regarding the geometry (by which I presume you mean the blade's), its very good for its intended purpose. It doesn't slice very easily on the cardboard I've tested (550 cord was too easy however), but the width and thickness is a big part of that too. For a sturdy blade meant for combat and general use on occasion it is perfect.
 
I just got my Hissatsu and I'm impressed! Very sturdy, no bladeplay,
awesome Auto Lawks, wicked looking blade. If anyone has
reservations about CRKT, don't have any about this Hissatsu. Fit
and finish are outstanding! I like the fact that you can remove the
torsion bar without dissasembling the knife if you want it to be a manual opener. It's worth every penny I paid ($50 shipped).
I just wish they would make a lighter g-10 version...

:thumbup:
 
yerscattergun said:
I just got my Hissatsu and I'm impressed! Very sturdy, no bladeplay,
awesome Auto Lawks, wicked looking blade. If anyone has
reservations about CRKT, don't have any about this Hissatsu. Fit
and finish are outstanding! I like the fact that you can remove the
torsion bar without dissasembling the knife if you want it to be a manual opener. It's worth every penny I paid ($50 shipped).
I just wish they would make a lighter g-10 version...

:thumbup:
Click to expand...

I'm glad to hear you like it! It stabs like nothing else too.

Last night I took the MOD CQD Mk1 to an empty jar and the glass breaker performed flawlessly, shattering it with one quick strike. I have to say, everything on this knife is well designed and works just as advertised.:thumbup:
 
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