Which CRKT folder should I purchase first?

[fsatsil]

IMO the best CRKT knives were from back in the 90s when they were using high quality materials like ats34 and titanium. If you don't mind hunting them down you can find some really good deals. Here's three of my favorites the Apache, S2 and Mirage Titanium. They come in a variety of different sizes and none of them cost me more then $50. If your looking for a current model then I'd go for the Ripple which is well made or the Swindle which looks interesting but I don't own one so I have no idea on the quality.

 

[starspawn]

Ive heard good things about the My Tighe.

 

[fsatsil]

Just had the same problem with a Heiho that I recently bought. I contacted customer service and they told me to send it in and they'd either repair or replace it. Really hope all goes well, I've never had to send any other knife back.

I had the same sticky lock problem with a CRKT Veile, the lock would get so stuck that I couldn't close the knife without using a screwdriver to pry it. I polished the lock face and the tang and it helped but didn't completely fix the problem. If you search the forum you'll see that CRKT has a history of lock issues.

 

[Cereal_killer]

I had the same sticky lock problem with a CRKT Veile, the lock would get so stuck that I couldn't close the knife without using a screwdriver to pry it. I polished the lock face and the tang and it helped but didn't completely fix the problem. If you search the forum you'll see that CRKT has a history of this exact lock issue.

they may have other lock issues as well but this specific issue is very wide spread.

 

[Will Power]

I freely admit I don't have a lot of expertise in Modern knives, I'm a Traditional fan mainly. But I've been VERY pleased with the basic Ripple. Nicely put together, inexpensive and effective, a fine start in my opinion.

 

[xGraffx]

My friends and I are huge fans of the M16 series.

I recently purchased an M16Z tanto tip and am VERY satisfied with what I got for $53 shipped. 4 inches of halfway decent steel, a VERY solid locking mechanism (but don't act like its a fixed blade, solid construction, and the "snap-click" of a good blade deployment is quite audible. That last bit is very important.

Its also a good selling point that even closed, this knife can be used quite nicely as a yawara stick.

The purchase was not for a "utility" knife, it was for a knife that will puncture anything from a car tire to a bulletproof vest while comfortably fitting in my pocket for EDC. You'll probably want to change the position of the clip. If you're looking for a "utility blade" this probably isn't the knife for you. The "thumb stud" is NOT a thumb stud, its a finger flipper that turns into a guard when the blade is deployed. You'll need to practice opening/closing the knife one handed, but after a day or two of playing with it you'll be able to whip the bastard out faster than most folks can even see that you've taken something out of your pocket. Its not classified as an "assisted" opener, if legality is a concern for you.

I opted not to get a spear tip, serrations, or the "EMT" style of knife because like I said... this wasn't a "utility" purchase. I put a bit more of an edge on it once I took it out of the box, but the tip is razor sharp from the factory.

Very happy with my purchase, and would buy a CRKT karambit fixed blade if they offered one. But they don't.

 

[xGraffx]

Personally I hate the M16 series, reason being I had 3 (1 and had it replaced 2x) that has a sticky lock, you literally couldn't apply enough force to disengauged it, you had to pry it wih a key or even screwdriver (yes I was operating the auto-lawks, I've read numerous reports of this)

Hmm, bummed to hear this. Was it the "safety" switch auto-lawks portion or the actual frame lock itself that stuck? I noticed that the knife can be disassembled with a T8 torx bit and a flathead screwdriver, wondering if I'd be able to fix it myself were this to happen.

 

[Jason B.]

My first CRKT was the Otanashi Noh Ken, can't say much if any bad about it except it had a thick blade grind. Steel seems to have a good HT, it locks up tight and after a visit to a 2x72 grinder it cuts much better

 

[KSDeputy]

The first one I bought was the Hissatsu. I carried it for many months. Then I bought the Heiho, smaller, but I carried it sometimes. I am looking at the newest one Otanashi noh Ken. After I check the reviews on it, I may buy it. I did buy an M16 model, but the screws started coming loose, the safety stopped working due to a loose screw, so I returned it. I am still looking at the Titanium M 16 model, as I really want a titanium knife.

 

[Cereal_killer]

Hmm, bummed to hear this. Was it the "safety" switch auto-lawks portion or the actual frame lock itself that stuck? I noticed that the knife can be disassembled with a T8 torx bit and a flathead screwdriver, wondering if I'd be able to fix it myself were this to happen.

The actual liner lock, not the safety "auto-lawks".

 

[fsatsil]

they may have other lock issues as well but this specific issue is very wide spread.

They may have gotten better but I know a few years ago there were lots of lock issues with their knives. The S2 had problems as well. The lock bar wouldn't even touch the tang and it would slide all the way to the opposite side.

 

[Bushido185]

Went ahead and pulled the trigger on a Ripple, and glad I did. It could be the beginning of a new addiction...

 

[GatorFlash1]

Spend a little extra and buy a CRKT framelock 7503-S2, often called a "Poor Mans Sebenza" with Titanium handle and a 3.5" ATS-34 Japanese steel blade.

 

[IronhideDraco]

I have the Shenanigan and I think it's a really nice knife. It has a ball bearing that sort of locks the blade closed, making it difficult to flip open at times, but otherwise not bad. I'd have to say I like the Ripple more, though.

 

[Bushido185]

Spend a little extra and buy a CRKT framelock 7503-S2, often called a "Poor Mans Sebenza" with Titanium handle and a 3.5" ATS-34 Japanese steel blade.

Nice, just added it to my list.

 

[fsatsil]

Nice, just added it to my list.

I have the large S2 and its a pretty nice knife but an even nicer titanium framelock CRKT is the Mirage Ti. Both are getting pretty hard to find since they have been discontinued for so long but if you find one for under $50 or so they are worth picking up. One thing that was nice about these CRKTs is that they made them in small, medium, and large sizes , something I wish more companies would do.

 

[Kwon Kwang]

Get the Ripple! It's an awesome knife! Cuts super well, looks super good!

 

[jjoanty01]

Anyone ever used the Anubis? It caught my eye recently. The only CRKT I have is a Marzitelli Prowler. The prowler is a really nice knife.

 

[belmares]

Judging by your "handle" Bushido I assume you go by the "Code Of The Samurai". In my opinion there are no good quality stainless steel knives in existence. SS never holds a sharp edge for very long under rigorous or even semi-consistent use. I bought a CRKT Mirage thinking that it might be an OK quality knife since it got fairly good ratings but it turned out to be the equivalent of a "wall hanger" SS Katana. Junk!
I have to admit that I am not a knife collector but I am a martial artist with a collection of katanas all of which are carbon steel. My live blades are of various grades of carbon steel from 1045 up through T10 tool steel. Stainless steel is ok for veggies and meat prep but for durability I suggest get the best. Carbon or nothing. K-Bars are great and battle proven and I'd put mine against any stainless steel out there. Sure scalpels are SS but they're not used like an everyday knife. If anyone out there doesn't want to deal with carbon steel because of rust then stick with pretty display knives.

 

[EZ Bake]

The De-assisted Heiho is one of my favorite knives. When it was assisted, it was terrible, but it is now one of the smoothest opening/closing folders I own.

Most CRKTs I've owned have developed some lock-rock and I absolutely despise the Auto-Lawks system, but I still love a bunch of their designs so I occasionally still snag one just because they're pretty cool.