CRKT M16-13FDZ Review

For complete (constantly updated) glossaries of technical terms used in this review, please click here. 

Fresh from my CRKT M16-14ZER review, i could not resist but to show case this limited edition-no longer in production knife i acquired via a friend. This item perhaps numbered in the thousands and could possibly still be found on some online stores, but they are getting harder to find and you might already starting to pay above the recommended pricing for it.

M16-13FDZ.

The knife i am talking about is the M16-13FDZ made by CRKT. Custom knife maker Kit Carson has designed this special M16 for the Fire Department to meet the very tough and stringent requirement of those serving in the Search & Rescue operations.

Less than the length of your typical pen

FD stands for Fire Department and Z for Zytel (handle). This M16 uses the InterFrame build with 420J2 stainless steel liners - an indication of where this EDC will usually go where other knives might not - into the unknown.

The handle are injection-molded Fire Engine Red Zytel which is a tough, strong composite of fiberglass and nylon designed to handle the worst abuse. The scale ensure a sure-grip in any situation wet or dry and that is important in time of rushed emergency and organised rescue.

Smaller flipper

 One hand opening and closing is silky smooth and all it takes is an assuring flick to open the EDC.

Opened. LAWKS-ed.

The CRKT AutoLAWKS turns the EDC to a fixed blades. It lend confidence to use it under immediate and extreme pressure condition during emergency response like to cut away belts or rope confidently without worrying that the blade will fold back and take your fingers away.

AutoLAWKS mechanism and the 4-position clips. Ambidextrous thumb studs with checkered surface provides instant access in any circumstances.

The blade is AUS8 coated with Titanium coated Nitride for maximum corrosion resistance and comes as usual, razor sharp. With triple serration on the spear-point (with fake upper hollow), it ensures an almost resistant free cutting or slicing.

Feels at home in your hand

One-Ass-To-Risk
What make this EDC special? Apart from it being specially made for the Fire Department, it is the inclusive use of the 1* Shield logo on the knife.

One-Ass-To-Risk. Protects it!

People take risk everyday in life. The decision to cross the street. The decision to start smoking. The ever mundane decision that we make everyday. The men (and women) that patrol the streets to ensure safety for all sometimes will get too bold. The more experienced they are, the less significant the risk (deem dangerous by normal people) they will take. The message is clear - You got only One-Ass-To-Risk; and it is yours.

Gary Paul Johnston collaborating with Kit Carson and CRKT.

 Get out alive and make sure you take your buddy out as well.

Awesome.

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CRKT M16-14ZER Review

For complete (constantly updated) glossaries of technical terms used in this review, please click here.

Been sometime since i did any review on EDCs. My collection of these metal cutting objects has stopped for the time being due to budget and also re-prioritizing of the collection. To refresh everyone memory, I've done review on the Drifter, the M21-12G and the Hissatsu Folder. Today, i am re-starting the review on metals again with a collection of Big Dogs.

Comes standard with AutoLAWKS to turn a foldie into fixed blade

Today, i will provide a short review of the CRKT M16-14ZER. Designed by Kit Carson, a retired army personnel, this EDC is designed for the Emergency Services due to the request/demand from them after the very successful M16-14SFG range (long overdue review of these beautiful Big Dogs)

Slightly shorter than a normal pen.

The bright orange handles have scales of glass fiber filled nylon. At worse, it felt like holding a 0000 grade sand paper, which is like almost smooth with some resistance. In the hand (such as mine), the EDC sits nicely and allow a very confident grip when flipped open.

Anyone need a poke?

AUS 8 steel with hardness index of 58 has been chosen to withstand abuse. The blade is polished finish to resist corrosion and giving it a really nice sheen.

Razor Sharp

As usual, the knife comes razor sharp and nicely hollowed to withstand real life usage. As this was my EDC of the week, it has cut the usual paper (works like a blade), ropes, cardboard and even tested it on a leather belt. The belt cutter that doubled as the flipper cuts through whatever that are wedged against it (like paper, rope, cardboard and leather) like the blade itself.

One handed usage to cut through jammed safety belt in emergency without deploying main blade

THe M16-14ZER lives up to the M16 family name of being "purposed built". Residing at the butt is a tungsten carbide window breaker. I have not tried it yet on any automobile side windows, but it is claimed that it will "shatter with one quick whack from the butt of the knife". 

Perhaps can be used to help move come pesky cars that double park?

This hefty 6.2-ounce knife has a large 3.75"-long Triple-Point Combination Serrated Tanto blade that is able to tackle virtually any task, emergency or otherwise. While i am known as a "fruit cutter", i have no doubt that this will double up very nicely as a steak knife as well.

Triple Point-Combo Serration

The Tanto edges looked menacing even when opened slightly - threatening to even cut through your pants if you are not careful enough while carrying it around. The 4-position clips complete the whole package and allow for a versatile left-right-hand usage with option to carry the EDC blade point down or upwards.

Just don't carry it this way, a bloodied finger or torn pants scares people.

Priced at USD89.99 at CRKT online store, expect this knife to cost 50% more being sold in Malaysia by people that brings it in. This EDC is a keeper (much like all the CRKT i have) and must be used with full responsibilities and not in a careless manner.

Precision tools.

Next: Other Big Dogs

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CRKT Drifter Review

Every once and then, you will come across an EDC that you would want to use it as an EDC everyday. An EDC should be small enough, but not sacrifice cutting ergonomics or prying ability, and still hold it's edge well for that ever ready ability to slice or cut things up. I have been collecting CRKT knives for the past months and the collection just got bigger with the inclusion of the ever popular Drifter series.

From CRKT website here

I have read and seen this knife around on the internet and also on CRKT facebook and fan page. I have the impression that the knife is big, something that might not be too handy to carry around without the next person thinking that you will be robbing him of his life savings. Rest assured, the knife collecting hobby is not a lethal one. It is in appreciation of well made knives, in this case, production knives. Very rarely you will get something as reliable, or with good QC control - and the danger is not to know your knife well and end up with an imitation that might hurt you more than a plastic spoon.

Beauty

To start the review, this baby is a handy 6.5 inches opened and only 3.6inches closed. It is high hollow grind which gives you a very sharp cutting edge suitable even to skin or to slice like a sushi knife. With blade material made from 8Cr14MoV which offers an AUS-8 characteristic, will give a high performance tip to compensate for the high hollow grind. The hardness was rated at HRC58-59, which is good actually. So, the worry that the edge would not hold well, might not be that true to an extend.
The handle is made from stainless steel with a single position clip attached to it. The finishing is grey and it gives a very casual look of this serious knife.

Fans of flipper on their EDC will have to be contented with the tried and tested thumb knob for opening. Not really an issue unless you wear thick gloves and can't feel the knob that is close to the handle body. The opening is positive with a nudge from the tip of the thumb to open the blade to 30 degrees and a wrist flick will ensure the blade to be fully opened and locked.

Unlike the other two CRKT that i have reviewed, the Drifter does not come with a secondary lock to turn the knife into a fixed blade. The blade locks out with a liner derived from the knife body which is sufficient as  this EDC are not meant for heavy duty prying or cutting with the sub-3 inches blade.

Body blade lock

The Drifter weigh only 90grams or 3.2ounces. Light enough to be left unnoticed in the pocket and ready when you needed it. For this review, i had the pleasure of two durians (King of Fruits) to be opened with just the Drifter. Traditionalist has been able to open the durians with just a spoon or a kitchen knife. That however, will take skills and understanding of the fruit to be able to find the grooves to be opened. For the uninitiated, you do not open a durian like the photo below.

How Not To Open A Durian Here

The Drifter was put through it's pace by myself, having the chance to use it for penetrating, cutting and prying the fruit's thorny skin open.

Goes in really easy 

And deep without much effort

Impressive feel to the small EDC that allowed me with very little effort to penetrate the weakest point of the durian. Mind you, i have previously used screwdriver and even a larger knife just to get the groove opened. Drifter definitely made the task way easier. Though the knife is small and shorter than the other knife i have, the ergonomic was well thought off. The knife sits pretty comfortably in my palm as the thumb groove at the top and the index finger recesses allow me to provide leverage to the prying action.

Sits nicely in the hand

In less than 2 minutes, i managed to pry open the Ang He variety of Durian and with a bit more of brute muscle force with both hands, the fruit was successfully opened and to be enjoyed. As the knife is stainless steel, washing it was not an issue and a quick shake to rid of excess water and a wipe down to reveal the shine of the blade returns the knife to it's original glean.

A piece of mass produced art, nevertheless

The Durian did not stand a chance - both with the Drifter, or my tummy. The fruits was eaten and polished off the seeds. Bring on the next fruit to be opened. The Drifter awaits the pleasure of prying it open again.

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CRKT Hissatsu Folder Review

For complete (constantly updated) glossaries of technical terms used in this review, please click here.

My last review on tactical knife was for the CRKT M21-12G. Some of you that collect knife or venturing to do so will now have a rough beginner's idea what responsible knife ownership meant. A knife - be it a kitchen knife, a paring knife, a parang, a modified from hacksaw knife (as they are high carbon steel), a key and even a Swiss Army Knife (SAK) is a weapon that can hurt and maimed if used abusively and for the wrong reason.
On the contrary, if the ownership of the knife is for everyday usage - like for example, you need a cutting tool to open a box of tightly sealed chocolate (lets just assume), having an EDC handy is a lifesaving decision.
Today, i will be reviewing the CRKT Hissatsu Folder.

Image from CRKT website. I love my Hissatsu too much to let it penetrate a 1 inch board.

The decision to review this beauty was because i wanted to eat an orange today. Not just any orange, but the South African Navel Orange. They are sweet and delicious.
Then, i could not find a knife in the office pantry.
I don't peel my orange and i like them cut horizontally so when i pull the skin down, the saps will all be exposed for my teeth to sink in.

No orange is safe

As i do carry an EDC in my bag and the Hissatsu has been the "week's choice", i could not find anything more apt to have the honour of drawing the "first juice".
CRKT Hissatsu Folder is the smaller baby of the fixed Hissatsu that will be almost impossible to be bought and sent into our country Malaysia. Perhaps, it will not go pass the Custom and will end up at home - just not mine.

Hissatsu Fixed Blade Tactical from CRKT Website.

Per the glossary, Hissatsu simply meant a short dagger, but with a lot of Japanese influence. The knife has a tanto like appearance (by the way, Tanto is also a Japanese knife) that mimics the full Katana sword - only smaller. Being designed this way, the knife are designed to stab, poke and slice - in one movement. It is possible to stab using this knife and slice it in one go. Think hara-kiri (or honor suicide) and you will get the idea what this knife can do.
Hissatsu Folder is designed by James Williams, a former US Army officer with about 45years of experience. He is also an international trainer for special forces and a master in a few martial art. While Hissatsu is not something "new", what he did was to incorporate the ancient design with modern materials. The AUS8 blade withstand abuse while keeping the cutting edge - something important to maintain the knife's intention of slashing. The rating of HRC58-59 ensure that the knife stays tough under demanding circumstances.
The blade come in at 3.875 inches with the fully opened knife at 8.75inches. It weight about 160grams or 5.8ounces. Light enough to be carried everyday and heavy enough for you to know it's there. Folded, it fits into a G2000 pants pocket pretty nicely (as these pants are notorious for shallow pockets). The invention of this folder was not to replace the fixed Hissatsu. As some military operations might require more covert movement, carrying a fixed 12 inch Hissatsu will only give your cover away. However, the equation changes if you can slip the unassuming 5inches plastic "ruler" in your pocket. Who would had guessed i took out a knife to cut an orange?

Subtle. Ruler to measure the orange diameter. a Medium sized orange gives about 64kcal.

The Zytel handle were chosen for weight management. Some may say that it's cheap but i say it suits it's purpose. Zytel are widely used as a custom sheath for some fixed knife due to the ease to form/deform the material under exposure to heat. No issues here. The knife has the CRKT AutoLAWKS that virtually turn the folder into a fixed knife upon full deployment. Folding back of the knife is a one hand operation that you can learn and master after a few minutes.

AutoLAWKS in tactical black. Almost invisible.

Unlike the M21 that comes with a Carson Flipper for fast deployment, Hissatsu Folder comes with OUTBURST. It is basically assisted opening (spring) that can be disabled by removing a screw and taking out the mechanism. Assisted opening can be illegal in some countries due to the possibility of "automatic" opening. Rest assured that this baby, though assisted, will not spring open unless you want it to.

Here is a video of the impressive OutBurst. Listen to the very sweet "click" of the knife springing open and locking in one move. Now you can open the knife in one swift move under distress and under pressure and no flicking of the wrist needed!

The OutBurst is patented under U.S. Patents 5,596,808 7,437,822, 5,596,808.
The blade is covered with black non-reflective teflon for that "tactical" look. Sure bring out the boy in you. The blade comes sharp and ready to be used. Like i said, luckily i had this with me, else i will not be having my orange.

Clean cut. Not a drop of orange juice lost. Minimal effort.

 The knife comes with a two position clip very much like M21. Which is more than enough. In fact, i never clip my knife unless i take them for running. THe two position allows for ambidextrous usage and the knife is ever ready to be deployed for right hander and left hander alike.
Retailing at USD99.99 in US of A, this knife has the option of unassisted (non-OutBurst) version that will also cost the same.
Own and Use Knife Responsibly. You are what you cut!

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CRKT M21-12G Review

For complete (constantly updated) glossaries of technical terms used in this review, please click here.

The M21-12G is a folder EDC. Designed by Kit Carson, a retired professional soldier and has been making knives for the past 30 years. That is almost as long as some of you readers been alive. He is famed for the M16 range of CRKT knives (stay tuned for the review soon) and M21 is just one of the many that he has designed for CRKT.
To start with, this EDC is 7.25inches long opened with a 3inches long blade. It weight about 107grams or 3.8ounces. That is a bout the 40% lighter than an iPhone4, if you want to compare. The folded length is 4.25inches and it fits nicely and securely in an average depth pocket, even jeans pocket.
Made from 8Cr14MoV with a HRC value of 58-59, this knife falls under "very hard steel" corresponding to a very high quality knife.

The M21 i have comes with a spear point deep belly blade. It has a Veff serration that i have put through cutting uPVC pipes and cutting nylon ropes. The uPVC pipe need a bit of work and it was just a little harder to accomplished it compared to a full-function hacksaw. With the limited 1.5inches Veff serration, i was suprised that cutting through the 1inch pipe was much easier than i actually anticipated. Cutting through a 8mm nylon rope was as i will say...a "cut in the park" (I gotta trademark this phrase!)

Nothing much you can do when the pups decided to have fun with the rope.

The blade comes sharp and ready to be used. The friend that introduced this to me used it extensively to open Durian. The fruits stood no chances against the M21-12G.

Durian? Easy peasy!

I always a believe a sharp knife is less dangerous than a blunt knife. When you are dealing with a blunt knife, you need to use more energy to cut through something and that is when things could go wrong. With a sharp edge, the cutting will be way easier - provided care are taken (as much as possible) on using both.
The M21-12G comes with the G10 handle. I have tried wetting my hand AND the knife (washed it to clear it off the dust, as i use it to scrape...PAINT!) and surprisingly, the grip stayed positive. There wasn't any time that i would think it will slip off my hand. Nice.
As safety, the knife comes with a locking liner. For extra Kiasu (an adopted local Singapore slang, with Hokkien dialect origin meaning "scared to lose". Usually used for someone highly competitive or another way to say "I am better than you") factor, the M21 comes with AutoLAWKs. This effectively turn the folder into a virtual fixed knife. No worries about the knife folding back and slicing your hands off accidentally!

AutoLAWKS is the red dot in the photo above. Clearly shown is the Kit Carson flipper directly opposite the red dot.

One of the most impressive feature on the knife is the Carson flipper. What it allows you to do is to flip the knife open with one finger in one deadly swift move. These flippers are patented as U.S. Patents 5,596,808 7,437,822. Don't blink your eyes.

Of course to aid this movement you will need strong fingers and great set of super smooth washer that just need a lil oiling from time to time (depending on usage and exposure to the outdoor/washing) to maintain the silky smooth movement.
Lastly, the clip that comes with the knife can be positioned in two different places. As shown in the photo, it's placed at the top, near the pivot point. Another position is directly 180 below it, with the clip pointing upwards. That could be a better position if you want to always have the knife in a "ready to draw" position, assuming that you clip the knife down with the blade flipping open at the bottom.
CRKT defined M21-12G as a "Christmas present" when it was launched late last year. It has the best value for money packed in the small package. At USD49.99, it's easy to see why it went "out of stock".
Delivery to Malaysia is with risk of it being confiscated by the Custom department - not because they are illegal (well to a certain extend), but because this knife is a like Cinderella; you can get it to do all the dirty work and she still looked pretty. Buy at your own risk ;-)

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Know Your Tactical Knives

*This is a "live" glossary for knife. Will be updated as they are encountered in future review
I am not very much a collector of knives but i am appreciative of a well made purpose-built cutter. When we were growing up in the 80's with shows such as MacGyver, A-Team and Airwolf; together with heroic cartoon such as Thundercats and Dungeon & Dragon, it is a little wonder that most of them my age could not outlive these series.

Owning a knife is just one of them. Before i continue, let me put it in writing that this interest of collecting knives is just like collecting other collectibles - they are harmless. At best, the features that "sing song" about the knife is akin to a geek talking about his supercomputer that he just built.

Today, I will start off by reviewing one of the knife i have. Here is some glossary to help some of you along. I will continue to update the glossary as i use them in the future articles.

Common Glossary

CRKT - Columbia River Knife & Tools. A knife maker. Most of the knifes i have are from this company.

EDC - Every Day Carry. Meaning they are meant for everyday use.

Folder - foldable knife

Foldie - see Folder
Fixed - well, not a foldie.
LAWKS - Lake And Walker Knife Safety system. This system convert a foldie into a virtual fixed. So, when you go on a stabbing spree (like to tenderize that piece of 1kg beef for barbeque-ing), the foldie won't fold into your hands and add your blood as marinate). One need to manually LAWKS the blade via a toggle on the foldie.
AutoLAWKS - Just like LAWKS, but automatically locks the blade.
VEFF Serration - An unique serration invented by Tom Veff that cuts through virtually anything. For deboning, you still need a cleaver. Should it be attempted, will just take more time (on bone).
Flipper - No reference to Willy the Whale. This is a tang or extension that allows a blade to be flipped open with one finger operation in one swift motion. Don't hesitate here. Just.Flip.It.
Hissatsu - Think Japanese Samurai sword. Only smaller.
Tanto -  Not to be mistaken for the local thugs. This blade is unlike the conventional Spearhead where there is two distinct angled cutting edge
Spearhead - As the name implies. It is spear-like.
Clip - a metal thingy that attaches to the knife body that allows you to clip it in your belt, shoes, socks, underwear or wherever that is comfortable for you.
Locking liner - basically a simple mechanism to lock the knife in place. One would need to press it down, usually with the thumb to a foldie back. Works well with the LAWKS and AutoLAWKS.
OutBurst - Assisted opening by CRKT. You flip the knife 30 degree and it spring into action. No Viagra needed.
High Hollow Grind - Refers to the sharpening technique that provides a very sharp cutting edge very suitable for skinning and slicing purposes. It does not refer to anyone grinding on your body at high places.

Handle material

G10 - Not referring to some rap posse that called themselves G-Unit. Unlike the rappers, G-10 refers to a process where glass fiber (fiberglass) are bonded by high pressure. They do not absorb water and are not conductive to electricity. They are usually used on knife handle and are textured. They are used extensively in tactical weapons as they are cooler to grip in hot weather and warmer to grip in cold weather.  Now you don't need to worry that the knife will leave your hand if you swing it around - even if your hands are wet. (disclaimer : you are supposed to grip the knife handle firmly for it not to leave your hand)
Zytel - High Strength, abrasion resistant and impact resistant material. They are light and strong. Used by Ben Johnson in his spike shoe when he created the world record (100m). Shoe is 30grams only.

Blade material
8Cr14MoV - a stainless steel originated from China with same characteristic as an AUS-8 steel. It offer best cut for the buck, so to say. Making knives build with this material to have lower cost with same performance of the more expensive material.
AUS-8 - Japanese made stainless steel with medium carbon content with high chromium that provide good balance of toughness, edge sharpness and corrossion resistance
HRC - Not Hard Rock Cafe but refers to the Rockwell hardness index (HR). The C behind denotes that the indention test used a 120degrees angled diamond cone at 150kilogram force (kgf). The harder the steel, the higher the number. However, there got to be balance as the harder steel would be more brittle. As comparison, an average Axe has HRC 40-45.
Deep Belly - Refers directly to the unmistaken bulge at the front tip to mid blade that resemble a "belly". Now you can tell the girls you drink with on Friday afterwork that your Deep Belly are good for cutting.

*This is a "live" glossary for knife. Will be updated as they are encountered in future review.

Upcoming Review : CRKT M21-12G, CRKT Hissatsu Folder

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