CRKT M16 series: have questions and seek opinion

[stockae92]

knief newbie here

i am looking for the line up of CRKT M16, what's the opinion on the M16 series?

i am a little confused about the difference between each model (01, 10, 11, etc), is there a systemic way to look at what those number represent?

 

[stockae92]

how's the M16 10k and M16 Fire Department?

 

[e2x2e]

I don't know a whole lot about them, but I do own an M16-12LE, and I like it . Real easy and smooth mechanism.

 

[DaFABRICATA]

I have several CRKT knives. The M16-02 is my most recent EDC. Excellent action, nice edge, durable, and nicely priced:twothumbs

 

[Beamhead]

I have a few m16's and they are imho perfect for my needs, easy and fast to deploy. And they can be had at good prices.

 

[mossyoak]

good price, but the blade steel isnt that great, i had the zytel handled tanto model it got dull easy, CRKT has been using cheaper and cheaper steel over the past few years.

 

[lightinsky]

The M21-14 is available at Sports Authority for just shy of $60 dollars. I almost got one but have heard on some of the forums including on CPF that the liner locks are too thin on the CRKT knives including the M16 series. Just keep that in mind when thinking about getting a liner lock knife.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I have an M16-03Z and as others have mentioned the steel isn't great.

The Carson Flipper :rock:

 

[Lee1959]

Like otherws have said, steel is middle of the road at best, price is good, the overall design is comfortable and has very decent utility. I believe they have the LAWKS (Lake Walker lock safety) which I would never buy any liner lock without. Especially one that may be remotely used with the left hand as holding a knife in the saber grip (in the left hand)places the fingers over the liner in an unlocking motion when grasped. And they DO and WILL unlock, I have had several Benchmades and other brands do so and have heard of others, including some top notch customs.

Micheal Walker invented the Walker lock, liner lock, and also helped develop the safety when issues started to arise on them. Make sure it has one before buying...

 

[NeonLights]

They are average at best, but if you can get a good enough deal and are good at sharpening knives, they may work for you. I've seen one of the lower models at Walmart for around $30 IIRC. I have the titanium handled M16-01T and it is a decent enough knife overall, but it the blade steel doesn't seem to be that great, and the auxiliary locking feature takes some getting used to.

 

[stockae92]

thanks for everybody's advise

i got a CRKT M16-10KZ incoming

its my first knief (multi tool doesn't count ), so i'll see how that goes

 

[stockae92]

ok, fine, i also bought a CRKT 12FDZ M16 FIRE DEPARTMENT ... might as well

 

[stockae92]

more question about the CRKT M16 when the blade is closed (or almost closed), is the held in the handle by magnet? or a spring? or a device activited by spring?

btw, i just got my 12FDZ, after a little practice (per the instruction), now i can open and close the blade with one hand. the AutoLAWKS is a great peace of mind (any other manufacturer has secondary lock like that?). i just need to make sure i get my fingers out of the way when closing the blade.

 

[louie]

When closed, the locking lever has a little tit on it that fits into a little dimple on the side of the blade, near the pivot hole. No magnet.

 

[nobita]

M16-01K

pro:
sleek design
fast opening/easy to operate
cool mechanism (secondary safety if you will)

con:
blade steel average at best, it won't hold after a while (small nicks)
blade play, not a whole lot but noticeable
dust collector
loose pocket clip over time
blade catches anything it cuts through (i had to wipe it down after each use)

I won't be buying another M16