Why Are CRKT Desert Cruisers Cheap?

C

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Sep 5, 2005
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I've been seeing a lot of CRKT Desert Cruisers on eBay going for only about thirty dollars. Having one of these knives, I wonder why the price is so low. The knives are beefy, seem to be excellent quality, open readily and feel good in the hand. The blade is AUS 8A stainless and seems like a bargain for the price. Anyone have any ideas? Was it overproduced? Is it too large? Too ugly? A combination?

What?

I'm not selling the knife, but I do like mine.

cr-7914DSF.jpg
 
Cheap because they are made "overseas".
I'm not dissing CRKT at all , I own an S2 and Prowler both of which I really like.
It is nice to able to afford a quality knife that doesnt break your bank account.
:thumbup:
 
No, I pretty much keep up with CRKT's knives and thirty bucks is pretty cheap for this sort of knife. It's strong and true, the blade is decent, but not outstanding; still, it's a bit heavy for some. It would serve as a better outdoor knife than an indoor, but it's still interesting that the knife wouldn't bring more, especially considering what many companies are making their blades out of.

I also have an S2 and find that a strange duck as well. All the components were made of very good materials, yet it never had a feel of "greatness" around it. I like it but don't love it...if that makes sense.

The M21-14 is a knife I have a great affinity for, on the other hand. It is one I could easily rely on as an EDC.
 
I consider the CRKTs to be medium quality--good value and nice looking knives, but they are not as well-made as other brands I like better....
 
I just got a Desert Cruiser for $19.00, when I opened the box the blade was marked "Operation Iraqi Freedom Certified" or something like that...

A good deal at $30.00 and a steal at $19.00, it's a very robust knife for the price. I didn't expect it to be such a heavy duty knife when I ordered it.
 
They are $15+ shipping from eknifeworks.com

Just got one, big beefy thing...probably over legal limit without a CCW in most areas.
 
Edited my post...I meant WITHOUT a CCW.

Thanks for the welcome!!!

I live in the US...Northern KY to be exact...luckily I have my CCW on the way, so I can kick it Highlander style assuming I learn the secret of concealing a samurai sword in my tighty whities :)

On a more serious note...

KY Law states that "Any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife" is illegal...and most cops are giong to view a folder that is 8.875 inches open as 'out of the ordinary.'

http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/ky.txt

http://www.thehighroad.org/library/blades/knifelaws.html

Also: "Stout v Commonwealth 33 S.W.3d 531 (2000) held that a 3" locking folder is deadly weapon"

There is no length limit mentioned, which leaves it all subjective. Subjective law is the worst variety.
 
I would have to disagree about that. The knife is not unusually large, and has less than 4" of blade length. It is an ordinary pocket knife. Many CCW permits do not apply to anything but pistols. . . Could be different in your neck of the woods.

But I wouldn't worry about that knife being illegal. (unless you are running around waving it and screaming "jihad") :D
 
Spyderco is one of the really great knife companies in that their knives are made of great steel and they're generally robust. But there are very few of them I like. You get lots of handle and only a fair amount of blade. For cutting they do a great job, but for self defense, I prefer larger folders with longer blades. CRKT offers some very nice knives, but they usually top out with AUS 8A steel blades. Same with Cold Steel. One also pays a lot more for Spyderco than CRKT or Cold Steel.

All things being what they are, I think these knives are remarkable for what one gets. AUS 8A isn't junk by any means, though it's not a premium stainless by any means, either.

Knives also are changing rapidly and I don't believe it will be too long before state legislatures get around to banning or otherwise regulating them. One has to look at what the U.K. is doing. Soon carrying knives may be as unlawful as carrying guns. Until then, I plan to carry my larger knives. Still, I can't believe that a 3-inch would be a deadly weapon. Sheeeesh! I hate to see that, especially in a state I like as much as Kentucky.

Some American Indians thought it was cursed. "It is a dark and bloody land."
 
carrying guns is not unlawful.

Looking at the UK and their idiotic anti-knife/gun antics for an example of things to come is a mistake.
 
The Cruiser has been out for a long time. Perhaps they have a bit of overstock they need to unload.
 
CRKT have many well priced, good quality, functional designs in their catalog. If you are a knife collector please stop reading... but if you are looking for a good cheap knife, of good design, there are a few cool CRKT's.
 
I like the look of that knife. I love the lawks system. It has saved my fingers a few times. I might just order that knife. For $15 how can you go wrong?
 
wicked1 said:
I like the look of that knife. I love the lawks system. It has saved my fingers a few times. I might just order that knife. For $15 how can you go wrong?
Click to expand...

How can you go wrong? If I recall, the cruiser they have on sale at smoky mountain knifeworks is aus4 steel.
 
Maybe the partial serrations are unpopular?

I know I might have bought one with a plain edge.
 
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