Why Buy a CRK?

NapalmCheese said:
Not at all. I do not like framelocks. I do not like thumbstuds. I do not like metal handled knives.
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To the people who do like those three, are you telling them CRKs are not excellent knives?

That seems to be the issue here. I don't really like framelocks and CRKs are beyond my price limit for a "non-custom"....but I'm not going to say they are lesser knives due to not meeting my preferences.
 
Hackenslash said:
For a very long time a CRK was the gold standard in tolerance, fit and finish. With the recent advent of CNC technology for production knives, the CRK lead on the rest of the industry has diminished. There are lots of companies out the making knives with great tolerance, fit and finish. But...there's more to CRK than that.

CRK also embody a great design, particularly the Sebenza. There's a beautiful simplicity in a high precision tool that functions perfectly. Not all the CNC shops can match that functionality, in fact many of the new precision CNC knives seem to LACK functionality.

CRKs also bring longevity. Because of the precise fit, they're a knife that you can use for 10 years then pass on with another 10 years of life in it. The CRK shop provides the kind of support needed to enable a lifetime of use.

Now...a couple of caveats. There are some folks for whom a CRK just doesn't work. If that happens to be you, it's not your fault and it's not he knife's fault. We all have different hands and brains and the same tool will never perform optimally for each person.

The other caveat...the Umnamzaan is fairly unique and has it's own learning curve. The opening action is distinct to it and it performs like a much larger knife than it really is. I have a Zaan and love it but I think I still prefer the small Sebenza 21 or the large Inkosi.

Precision, fit, finish, design, functionality, durability, simplicity and excellent support. CRK covers a lot of bases in terms of needs/expectations of a knife user.

Good luck and welcome to the dysfunctional, enabling neighborhood!
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I was a little unsure when trading for the Umnumzaan but I really like the overall look of it and appreciate a larger knife. I will probably pick up a Sebenza or Inkosi at some point. Otherwise, thank you for all your insight and I really hope I do enjoy the knife as much as so many other folks here do!
 
NapalmCheese said:
Not at all. I do not like framelocks. I do not like thumbstuds. I do not like metal handled knives.

As I have noticed, you seem to be a bit of a traditionalist in the knife world, and that is fine, there's nothing wrong with that. I love framelocks, I don't mind thumbstuds, and damn do I love me some titanium knife scales.
So you can show everyone that you're a serious knife person and that you obviously care about quality unlike those peasants who don't like CRK knives.
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We all know that there are plenty of other quality knives out there, I think that people swear by CRK for many reasons and I was simply curious in finding out what those reasons are. Like them, I now find myself swearing by Koenig knives, another American brand. Their knives are out of this world and I hope that they become a gold standard for many like CRK is. With all that being said, people love the brand even though some don't, and call me crazy, but I want to be one of those that at least appreciate them, if not enjoy them.
 
marcinek said:
To the people who do like those three, are you telling them CRKs are not excellent knives?

That seems to be the issue here. I don't really like framelocks and CRKs are beyond my price limit for a "non-custom"....but I'm not going to say they are lesser knives due to not meeting my preferences.
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This absolutely, I feel the same way, just because you don't like it doesn't mean it isn't good. Tons and tons of people swear by something like the Spyderco Spydiechef and I just found it wasn't for me, it doesn't mean that it isn't a great knife.
 
Peter Hartwig said:
They are top notch quality(and have the awards to go with it), without a lot of bells and whistles and CS is great . I prefer the Sebenza, and it is extremely easy to maintain To me they are what a knife was intended to be and make a great EDC-carry well, not too heavy, durable , but blades not too thick as to be pry bars. That said there is a lot of Hype surrounding them as with all the top makers. I think they are well worth giving them a try( and I suggest a good try), but only you will be able to say if they are the knife for you. They are still only a knife and it won't be a life changing experience.
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Thanks for this! I do kind of enjoy the bells and whistles, so I could see some of the fun in at least customizing them if I decide to keep them. I will definitely give them a good try, as I do hope that I'll enjoy the Umnumzaan that I'm receiving.
 
Reitwagen said:
I have handled CRKs, but never owned one, so I don't have as much experience as others who have commented. I picked it up, thought about it, looked at the price tag and returned it to the clerk. In my view, CRKs surpass the point of diminishing marginal returns. Then yesterday I ordered yet another knife that I need like a size 12 boot in the ass. Don't listen to me.
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I feel you on so many levels man. Many of us are going farther along the curve of diminishing returns and it just is what it is. I bought like 3 knives this week and traded another for this Umnumzaan, don't listen to me either.
 
Everyone likes different stuff and CRK definitely is not for me.

I think they are wildly overpriced. Yet, I like my Shirogorovs which other people think are wildly overpriced. I'll concede that due to the distribution that Shiros go for about 300-350 more than they should (and do in the rest of the world) but you'll never see a CRK fanboy admit those knives are not worth north of $300.
 
If I was into the hobby ten years ago, I’d have a CRK. I can’t justify the price nowadays.
 
marcinek said:
To the people who do like those three, are you telling them CRKs are not excellent knives?

That seems to be the issue here. I don't really like framelocks and CRKs are beyond my price limit for a "non-custom"....but I'm not going to say they are lesser knives due to not meeting my preferences.
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They seem to be great knives. From the one I've handled and from what I hear from people who own them they are quite excellent.

They just hold zero appeal for me.

And since the question asked was "To you, are they the golden standard and why, and if they are not, also why?" I gave my two cents on why they are not the gold standard to me.
 
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falar said:
Everyone likes different stuff and CRK definitely is not for me.

I think they are wildly overpriced. Yet, I like my Shirogorovs which other people think are wildly overpriced. I'll concede that due to the distribution that Shiros go for about 300-350 more than they should (and do in the rest of the world) but you'll never see a CRK fanboy admit those knives are not worth north of $300.
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Mhmm, I see where you're coming from. I've heard Shirogorovs are awesome knives but they do seem a bit overpriced for what they are. They are a little too vanilla at those kind of price points. I guess when I go north of $400, I expect some real nice looking frills/bells and whistles, and perhaps CRK may not scratch that itch for me.
 
sfknifeguy said:
Thank you for this, I really appreciate all of the insight! It seems so strange to me that CRK is either loved or hated in the knife community.
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I would say there is far far more love than hatred for CRK. I get why some people don't like them or maybe feel they are overpriced. That's fine. Everyone has a right to their opinion. I'm not a fan of the look of the Keonig Arius but I will agree it's a fine example of how a knife should be made in terms of quality. Just not my taste. But, I'm not going to bash them.

CRK tends to elicit a lot of fierce negative reaction from some people and you will hear some use the term "CRK Fanboys" a lot. Some people seem to just go out of their way to make their negative feelings toward CRK known. While I agree there are a lot of CRK Fans out there and they can be vocal, overall you will rarely see them negatively bashing other knives. You will see them support and defend CRK while comparing them to others, but it's rare to see them outright bash another maker.

Again, to each is own. People love and appreciate their knives and certain brands over others. That's great and we're lucky to have some many high quality knives available to us. Buy what you like and who cares what others say.

Sincerely,

"CRK Fanboy"
 
aleforme said:
I would say there is far far more love than hatred for CRK. I get why some people don't like them or maybe feel they are overpriced. That's fine. Everyone has a right to their opinion. I'm not a fan of the look of the Keonig Arius but I will agree it's a fine example of how a knife should be made in terms of quality. Just not my taste. But, I'm not going to bash them.

CRK tends to elicit a lot of fierce negative reaction from some people and you will here some use the term "CRK Fanboys" a lot. Some people seem to just go out of their way to make their negative feelings toward CRK known. While I agree there are a lot of CRK Fans out there and they can be vocal, overall you will rarely see them negatively bashing other knives. You will see them support and defend CRK while comparing them to others, but it's rare to see them outright bash another maker.

Again, to each is own. People love and appreciate their knives and certain brands over others. That's great and we're lucky to have some many high quality knives available to us. Buy what you like and who cares what others say.

Sincerely,

"CRK Fanboy"
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I was hoping they were more loved in the community. Honestly, in regards to the Arius, that's totally fine and I understand that entirely. The style and aesthetic is truly not for all tastes. I have seen a lot of hate thrown directly at CRK. You are right, I have never seen CRK lovers outright bashing other high end name brands, or at least not that I've seen.

We are quite lucky to have so many brands that are making such high quality knives and it only strengthens our love for the hobby. We shall buy what we enjoy!
 
sfknifeguy said:
Mhmm, I see where you're coming from. I've heard Shirogorovs are awesome knives but they do seem a bit overpriced for what they are. They are a little too vanilla at those kind of price points. I guess when I go north of $400, I expect some real nice looking frills/bells and whistles, and perhaps CRK may not scratch that itch for me.
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I don't think it will frills/bells and whistles aren't what CRK is about
 
sfknifeguy said:
Well, I suppose I am alright with something that's a bit flashy, yet still classy and aesthetically pleasing.
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Then look at Reate in the $400 dollar range. Either their in-house stuff or some of their collaborations (like Liong Mah).
 
sfknifeguy said:
Also, some of the Sebenzas with the inlays are pretty flashy looking imho.
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They definitely can be IMO.

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I think you have pretty much hit the nail on the head with this ...

sfknifeguy said:
Thank you for this, I really appreciate all of the insight! It seems so strange to me that CRK is either loved or hated in the knife community.
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I for many years did not see the visual appeal and thought that is a pile of cash for a knife. Well as many do as I tried other knives I kept reading about CRKs and I finally handled one at a gun show ...

And I can say it seems most either love them or put them down for being too simple ... too expensive ... some say the thumbstuds cause extreme pain ... or many other reasons that they don't like CRKs ...

but handling one got me impressed enough to buy one and they are simple but extremely well thought out and designed ... they are easy to disassemble and clean and reassemble ... and after the first I have bought several and they just simply work for me ...

the Umnumzaan is one of my favorites ... but as some mention it does have a bit different motion to open and seems to take a bit of a break in period ... but it doesn't take long and it's a great knife IMHO ...

so if you like them try them ... I know it changed my mind rather quickly.

They aren't flippers (not to say that you can't flip them ... but there are better options for flipping) ... or for people that want that fidget type knife ... they are not inexpensive ... and aren't for everyone ...

but the tolerances ... ease of cleaning ... simplist beauty that grows with each new snail trail ... and the option of the spa treatment to bring them back to like new ... those are all big draws to me.

-JJ
 
Really one the best options for a "one and only" knife. Very versatile and it will stand the test of time in design, performance, and durability. Also, CRK warranty and service is very hard to beat and will only ensure the longevity of the knives. I love my Umnumzaan, considering getting a large 21 with inlays at some point. They also hold their value well too, great knives for sure.
 
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