which CRK

lagarto

lagarto

Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
1,438
I have been thinking about getting a Chris Reeve knife for a while now, and am considering purchasing one within the next 2 weeks. My question is this: My main area of interest are survival/outdoor knives, and it will probably see some hard use. Hence my attraction to the one piece line. I'm also looking at a ceiling of about $250 max. So far I think either the Mark VI, Shadow IV, Moutaineer II and Aviator all look like good choices. I lean towards the aviator because of its lower price and saw back. However, the slightly larger blades of the other three also appeal to me, as does the spear point of the Shadow IV. I really like the hollow handle idea, but that applies to all 4 and not just the aviator, correct? If anyone could help me narrow it down further I would appreciate the advice. Thanks guys.
Lagarto
 
The "saw back" on the Aviator is not a general purpose saw, so I don't think it will satisfy that need. Plus, it is very small anyway.

All of the smaller knives - Aviator, Mountaineer 1 and Shadow III grips are just too small for me.

The 5.5 inch blades have a grip of adequate length. I am not a big spearpoint fan, so that ruled out the Shadow for me. If you choose between the Mark VI and Mountaineer II, it all depends on whether you want the double guard on the Mark VI.

Look at the sheaths, as the M II comes with a pouch sheath, and the Mark VI comes with a snap sheath. If you don't want to spend extra $$ on another sheath, that is an important consideration.

The one you didn't mention in that size range was the Sable IV. If you are looking for more of a CRK "camp knife", I would highly recommend it. It comes with a pouch sheath.

If you aren't set on a hollow-handle knife, I would also consider others. I just bought (and am now waiting for) a Busse Natural Outlaw.
 
If you haven't handled the CRK One Piece line, you need to consider 5 1/2 inch knives because the diameter of the 4 inch models is smaller so you are apt to be surprised at that. This means less room to store stuff and, you are getting a lightweight blade of limited length.

That being said, there is nothing wrong with those smaller 4 inch models but, I don't think they will serve you well based on what I read in your post. I sent a CRK Shadow IV to a Military Aviator after he told me how great his Taiwanese knock off hollow handle was. I had him grab the blade with his fingers and wiggle the handle. I think I convinced it would not remain water tight. Then I asked if he thought it would really stand up to some real use. When I saw him, I pulled out the CRK Shadow IV and bet him he couldn't do the same. I then sent him outside to wedge it in a door frame, tree or, whatever he could find and told him to do chinups on it. He then proceeded to put it in his kit and go the Central America where he became the envy of his peers. He used that knife to split logs by using rocks or other chunks of wood to force the knife through. After a few weeks of this he returned. I expected the knife to look like hell but, was surprised at just how little damage was apparent, especially after he proceed to spark a fire to life using the cutting edge of that A2. It sure made a lot of sparks but, sort of made me cringe to see him do that. Several years later, that knife is still serving him better then anything else he has run across.

My advice, get the 5 1/2 inch model. The Spearpoints work well but, the clip points are available too for those who want them. In a knife built like this, I don't see the utility offered by the clip point. In a thinner and smaller knife sure, in a CRK One Piece style :confused:
 
Thanks for the information so far guys, I guess I had pretty much reached the same conclusions about the smaller knives, just wanted to see what some of you more experienced people thought, thanks for the ideas. Just for the sake of argument what do you think about the Project I's, better or worse than the other 4 mentioned for what I want. Certainly more expensive, but I may find a way to come up with the extra $$ if they are better. Thanks again.
Lagarto
 
With regards to 5 1/2 or 7 inch blade, what size knives do you already have? Do you want to double up on one size class? Is the extra length an incoveniece for your normal use?

For normal outdoor use, I almost always grab a knife in the 5 inch range. Why? Convenience over larger blades but, it still has the heft and length to tackle tough jobs. In your own use, if you have a several fixed blades sitting in a drawer or tool box and, you reach for one for no specific preplanned purpose, which one is it?
 
Sid,
Good point, I guess the 5.5 is probably about the right length, I know that my A.F. survival knife is about that size and it feels about right in my hand. I guess I just like the look of the Project I and the fact that it has a semi-serrated blade. On the other hand are the longer blades better for chopping with, since I am looking for a tough overall camp knife that is one of the chores it will probably be used to perform. Thanks
Lagarto
 
I think you have answered your own question. The 7 inch blade would be the better choice of the two since it doesn't duplicate what you already have, and you need the extra blade mass and length for more severe duty.

While I think the 7inch blade is what you need, you should also know that CRK makes a 9inch model :)
 
The Shadow III is a very small blade which does seriously limit it to what it can achieve. The Shadow IV is a great all purpose knife and for most out door stuff it is all you really need. The Projects are about as good as you can get for all round survival type use whilst remaining a sensible carry size. The extra length and weight give it a real advantage over its fellow stable mates as it can do just that little bit more. You said you wanted a survival knife, well this one you might even have with you if you were to find yourself in a real survival situation.

Though there are larger CR fixed blades there is not a lot to gain and the carry disadvantages discount any further advantage. If you need more you may as well go the full hog and get something 14 inch plus, but then you probably wouldn't have it with you when you needed it.

The Shadow IV you might use more as the Project can be a little too much; but the extra length is worth it if you don't mind a more dedicated tool.

Tell us what you get.
 
I have found the P-IIs tip more useful (finer point) yet still very strong. It's my favorite 1-piece CRK.

just my 0.02

here's a link to a thread I started a while ago that's related to your question...here's another...
 
Good move buying a CRK. I agree with all who said the 4" knives are probably too small.

I like the Mountaineer II because it does not have a double guard. This suits my tastes because I like to choke up on the handle a little sometimes and rest my thumb on the spine of the knife for controlled cutting.

All CRK one pieces can be sharpened relatively easily and are capable of being wickedly sharp - as you will see.

Have fun.
 
I recently bought a CRK Aviator, new for a price close to half its list prices. I might never have got off the dime otherwise. Its really quite a neat little knife. I also have the CRK Project 1, and Shadow IV. But you dont always need or want to carry larger knives. I see the saw back not so much for sawing but for cutting grooves into branchs etc, to allow you to tie them together with less chance of the tie slipping along the limb. The rope can fit right into the groove and be tightened down. I have no doubt they would work for other materials though. But building a survival shelter or other structure, using that technique is certainly one use. I first thought the handles a little small, but later changed my mind. Only negative is the sheath is a little big for the knife. But CRK does offer a sheath like those with the shadow IV in the smaller size for the Aviator. If I had a kydex sheath made, it would disappear IWB when carrying it. Great little 4 inch bladed knife.
 
Thanks for all the advice folks, I just submitted an order for the project I. It seemed best fitted to my needs although I might try one of the mid - size ones further down the road if I'm satisfied with this one. Also have to allow the bank account to rebuild a bit. I'll let you know what I think when it finally gets here. I ordered direct from the factory, so there should be about a 2 week wait.
Lagarto
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top