My first ever knife was a CRKT Squid. It served me well when I was a teenager and has been my go-to lnife recommendation to people that ask me for a good, but cheap knife. As a big knife enthusiast now, I prefer more premium materials on my knives, so I was super stoked when CRKT was making some special Italian made Squids! The Carbon Fiber Squid is by far my favorite CRKT knife I own today! I absolutely love what CRKT is doing with their new premium line of knives!

I used to be a big fan of CRKT, back when 8cr13mov was considered a good low-end steel, I still own a couple of models, but I've given most away. Still have most of the M16 series just because they are built like tanks, but once I got my hands on blades made of S30V and 154cm, I couldn't bring myself to spend my money on the less premium steels. I know they produce models using the higher end stuff, but you end up spending too much for it. If they manage to start producing more made of better steel for less money I might go back to buying thier products again. 🤔

@WhuDhat

Жыл бұрын

would be nice but don't hold your breath

@jic1

Жыл бұрын

When did 8cr13mov stop being a good low-end stainless steel?

As someone who's knewer to knives, I'd love a video breaking down different steal types used for knife blades. might not be as universal as it could be of an idea, but I think it could be super cool!

Another great video! CRKT has been one of my go-to knife makers for years. I had an M-16 when they first came out. I've never had a ton of money for high end knives. CRKT has let me own quality without a huge price tag.

As others are saying, higher tiers to standard models was all that was required. Same knife with higher PERFORMANCE steel and maybe handle scale material upgrade is the main thing. Then sure, maybe for some models also have this third fancy pants mother of pearl LUXURY option. I'd suggest three distinct tiers 1.ENTRY LEVEL (curiosity/utilitarian), 2. PERFORMANCE (utilitarian/reliability), 3. LUXURY (reliability/curiosity). But 1 and 2 are the most important to offer, don't jump straight to 3rd base (she said). There is the ENTRY LEVEL model to test out an interesting new design (this novelty has been one of CRKT's strong points), so even though money is tight the risk is low so I'm more likely to pull the trigger out of curiosity. If I don't end up liking the design it was not a big investment. This puts the carefree fun into the hobby. Or, turns out I really like it and want to get the same again with better steel and maybe some other higher spec materials to put into a proper loadout kit where performance and reliability are very important to me as my life may now depend on this item, so I get the PERFORMANCE model. This is serious business. I can keep the ENTRY LEVEL as a beater and keep the performance model crispy for that special use. If I really LOVE the design I could then get the LUXURY model to revere and immortalise this object, it would hardly get used and just come out of the display when getting dressed up for a wedding or something a bit nice. I'd suggest a different version of the logo, maybe full name "Columbia River Knife and Tool", as the mark on this LUXURY tier, I wouldn't use the standard CRKT logo that goes on the entry level and utilitarian performance stuff.

I love CRKT, and I appreciate what they do. I do like more premium knives, however, budget knives are great and CRKT does some of the best.

I’m so excited!!!!! I really started embracing carrying knives with Gerber and then with CRKT. Since then as really started collecting and carrying higher end knives, so this is amazing. I’m definitely going to scoop up some premium CRKT knives!

I'll believe it when I see them raise the bar on their materials and QC without a outrageous price increase, and then maintain that level of quality for more than a year or two. They also need to realize they arent a high end company. They need to focus on improving the 50 to 200 price range.

Looking like a lot of great stuff happening in the community, I'm excited to keep learning about it!

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

You and me both!

@Leftyotism

Жыл бұрын

@@zacinthewild You both and me thrith!

Earliest I've ever been, likely picking one of these knives up. Everything I want in a nice edc!

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

They have some great ones!

@Killianova-

Жыл бұрын

@@zacinthewild The Mother of Pearl button is an interesting design choice but it's growing on me.

Love the videos and super super glad you guys are getting sponsors so you can make content, would like to see more videos that aren't primarily ads though, I miss you hitch hiking or house projects or tool work stuff or something. Just my 2 cents they are more fun to watch for me personally. Again appreciate you guys content and glad you guys can make a living doing it

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

Great feedback! We are working on some stuff in that vain. We do sponsored content but never let anyone tell us what to say. I love that other type of content just have to figure out how to get people to watch it😁

@TheN00bWarrior

Жыл бұрын

Didn't think of that, if the product show cases get more views then by all means man, would love to see you use them more when you talk about them at least but you the video boys you know best, thanks for the content man

The top shirt button does not get buttoned without a tie!

In the premium range I am more into the understated designs like the Sebenza or Hermann Knives - but it is good to see CRKT innovating, let's see what else they come up with.

What a great video and subject. Great job guys. Love your channel.

Those are some beautiful knives. I have been asking CRKT to do better for years lol, but unfortunately this is not what I was asking for. What I wanted is just slight improvements in blade steel and (most importantly) serious improvements in *hardware and build quality* while maintaining a reasonable price point. Instead they’re farming out $200-$500+ knives that I’m never gonna buy. They are nice looking knives though, and I wish them luck with this new direction.

@stephenbarone4053

Жыл бұрын

Yep. As usual, CRKT misses the mark.

@jameshaulenbeek5931

Жыл бұрын

This, exactly.

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

Agreed! I’m hoping this is a sign of things to come💪

@General_Kenobi_212

Жыл бұрын

Agreed 💯, no-one with a $200 to $500 budget is gonna buy a CRKT, no matter how nice it is, when there are well known premium manufacturers in that range...... it'd be like Toyota designing a Bugatti, selling it for the same price, and then being shocked that people would rather buy the name brand than the Toyota version 🙄

@jameshaulenbeek5931

Жыл бұрын

@@General_Kenobi_212 that analogy would work better if you used Kia. Toyota is a very well known brand for making high quality products, they have a reputation built on that - including high-end cars (LFA... which I'd take over a Bugatti any day).

What a shocker! Both of those are awesome. I'm leaning towards the fat carbon and mother of pearl though. High time to have a top tier range in the lineup. Now if Victorianox could step up. .. Thanks Zak. ✌ 😃

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

Victorinox would be awesome too!

@0zmose

Жыл бұрын

To bad they couldn't resist vomiting their logo across that beautiful damascus. Nothing screams class and beauty like BOLD BLOCK LETTERING.

Zac, you need to design your own knife! I love to see CRTK do some knives in mid-grade steel (think S35 or 154CM) and titanium handles in the $100 - $150 territory. Also, if they could stop doing a ton of a assisted knives, that would be great.

It's going to be interesting where CRKT go with this. I'd LOVE to see a premium Voxnaes design for sure.

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

For sure!

Carried and M16 as my only knife for almost 10 years. I love premium knives as much as anyone but I put that M16 through a can of Bush’s baked beans in the woods and sawed it open all the way around. I thought I was going to pull it out and the edge look like a house key, but nope. Perfectly fine. 8cr might be super low end but CRKT does it well.

Forget all those, I want that Pete’s Pirate Life’s fixed blade! Hahaha

The thing is, if you are really deep into collecting knives, and you have say 100 knives the knife steel almost doesn’t matter because you’re never gonna even use one particular knife enough that you’re going to even need to sharpen it unless you find one that you really like and you carry day after day after day and you also have to be someone that cuts stuff a lot and most of us let’s face it just open Amazon boxes. Sure if you’re going out in the woods that’s a different story if you’re always going camping and you’re chopping or slicing or whittling wood or whatever. So lotta times it just doesn’t make sense to spend $400 on a knife. If you can afford it and it’s your thing fine but what I usually like personally is when I find a cheap knife that is really good, that gets my heart pattering more than having a really expensive knife with great steel that I am afraid to bang up or lose. I also like unique knives, but I’ve never wanted to spend more than $250 on the knife. I think anything above that is just kind of ridiculous unless you really have a bunch of extra money you can throw around on unnecessary things. But for most people, it’s going to be better to find a less expensive knife, that is really good for the price. Like if you’re not ever using it very much D2 steel is perfectly fine. I’m sure a lot of people aren’t going to think this way but that’s just the way I do.

Crkt squid is the knife that really got me into the knife world .

LMMFAO….”HOT BOY SUMMER”!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

Had to do it🤣

@CA_0341

Жыл бұрын

I don’t know why that s**t was so funny bro…all these badass dude’s names, then …💥… “Hot Boy Summer”!!

Just ordered the Pursue!

Over $400? Thank you! You have just made me feel so much better about my $16 bucks ElitEdge liner lock 420C eagle on blade pocket knife!

Charlie Romeo Kilo Tango - The knives that make blue collars a force to be reckon with. Cowabunga.! So when do we see you & the bike vid.?? Cheers mate.

They need to make a premium overland!

@jbmc638

Жыл бұрын

Yep, let Hogue build it with an ABLE lock. Zac make it happen!

I'd like to see the M16 come out with better blade steel. I have one of the original ones (prior to the lawks). It was my favorite knife to carry around for decades, but the blade steel is so soft that it would not hold an edge for long. I still have it, but haven't carried it in over 8 years now, partly due to that, partly due to the liner lock being less effective after such a long time of regular use. M16 with a better steel and better lock would be a total game changer.

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

Love it! That M16 is a classsic🤘

Interesting, haven't looked at crkt for a long time...maybe it's time to check them out.

Congrats on a 100K subs👍🏼

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Not for nothing, the quality of your videos is 🔥🔥🔥

I grew up collecting CRKT and Kershaw budget knives. Now the market is full of people making budget knives with much better materials than CRKT. It will be cool to see them make some premium knives!

The mother of pearl pivot is the most beautiful thing I think I’ve ever seen on a knife I love it

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

It is sooo beautiful!

I requested a premium minimalist last year, I hope they make it happen!😮

Facet looks good!

Love the Monument. Too broke at the moment to pull the trigger though.

Had a first-run CRKT Folding Razel. It got stolen, and the replacement wasn't quite as good, but man! If they made that thing with some better materials and tighter tolerances... it would fly off the shelves

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

Agreed! I love the razel.

I would love buy an USA made M16 with Titanium or carbon fiber and CPM anything. that would put CRKT back in the top 10 immediately.

I love to see CRKT branching out to high quality knives... But, I hope they are going to be really clear on where things are made. Boker makes a lot of stuff from really cheap (dare I say chincy?) Knives to high quality, American made knives. Boker does have some naming conventions to clarify the differences in quality but it ends up being a mess that is hard to know what you are paying for. I hope CRKT doesn't fall into that pit as well.

@B3N1Oheadas5

Жыл бұрын

Gross

I’m going to assume that “premium” CRKT knives will have a less than premium heat treat until I learn otherwise.

Can you do a video of a good starter knife for me as a up and coming knife collector

Things we've been begging for an the knife industry.... like a Chris Reeves AXIS lock?

@Horde334

Жыл бұрын

Good luck with that cause chris reeves knives have failed to try and innovate look at how they handled their s35vn heat treat they didn't bother trying to fix it they just said screw it and went to s45vn.

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

That would be awesome!

Wooot wooot love me some of the ol pokey poke slicey slice talk

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

I’m more of a slicey slice pokey poke guy🤣🤘

I bought alot of CRKT back in the 90's as the collaborations/ designs were the selling point. But then when you looked into other brands you realised time to move on. The entry level, middle ground and premium is a good idea but DONT PRICE GOUGE US !!!

I just want them to upgrade to s30v s35vn on some of the older models. They don't have to go overboard just better steels.

The Premium Facet is a beautiful knife.

I'd still love to see them build their own old designs in the US in premium steels, rather than outsourcing the manufacturing

I think ima buy myself a Facet when it is available in my region! I just love that blade shape and the "finally I can get one in normal" vibes.

I wish CRKT and LionSteel would make another run of the Ken Onion HiJinx… the premium version. My one true grail knife

I've been hoping for years that CRKT would take hints from SOG and upgrade their standard blade steel to D2 It could still be considered budget, but have a great steel

I’m not really into fancy. I like good user knives that have good to decent steel. Doesn’t have to be a a titanium piece of art.

Hope you're doing well bro

🔥🔥🔥

What the knife show at 1:24? I love it 🤩

Ill always be thankful to crkt for getting me into the knife world. But if i had the same knowledge of the market then that i have now, i highly doubt id have ever bought a single crkt knife. I feel like beyond their cheaper models, their value proposition is off the mark. And because Zac said the word gaudy, it made me think about the fact that to me, about 7/8 of their lineup is very gaudy. Ill still keep my Pilar forever though.

I like CRKT knives. I have several. The fact that they are quality but budget is why I like them. I can’t afford nor am I willing to pay high prices for knives. In fact CRKT is getting pricier than I can afford lately.

I realize everyone rips off bench made, but how are they able to make the 940 without getting in trouble? Or does Warren Osborne own the pattern

Now if only they made them in the USA

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

They do make a good few here in the USA🤘

@Leftyotism

Жыл бұрын

@@zacinthewild When TOPS FDX 66 with new sheath?

It's a pretty cool knife, just wish it had deep carry.

I mean, this isn't really what we've been asking for though. All I wanted was for them to take their existing designs and upgrade the basic steel to something like 154CM, or heck, even D2. What I _did not_ ask for was for a CRKT-produced, custom knife priced, factory production knife that no one will ever buy. They need to build confidence in their brand by making affordable, high value blades before anyone is going to drop $500+ on a CRKT. At this point, every single blade with the CRKT logo on it that looks decent, uses decent materials, and doesn't cost a fortune _isn't actually manufactured by CRKT._

I have LONG been a fan and frequent purchaser of CRKT. My favorite is the Pursue but I wont be purchasing this knife. Just too speedy for my income level. Thank you for your content Zac I truly enjoy listening to you and the great information you provide.

If crkt kept with aus 6/aus 8 and taiwan manufacturing, would they have gotten so much criticism?

I really like the Facet. That being said, I think I'd sooner drop $1,700 on a full custom before I'd support that hideous CRKT billboarding and machine satin finish. They really beat that knife with an ugly stick to save a few bucks.

Glad to see it. I highly dislike CRKT, years ago I purchased an M16 and it was defective...it was replaced by another and the fit and finish was really, really bad. I have owned only one other CRKT and it was a clearance/discontinued design...forgot the name...medium sized but was bulky and crazy heavy for its size...and again fit and finish was sub-par. I really have hoping and pulling for them to pull off some top notch knives...but I will wait and see before pulling the trigger on another CRKT,

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

I think they have some stuff great stuff cooking!

CRKT has some of the best designs out there with the most sub par steels for a higher price. They would make a killing if they upgraded their steels and price moderately. I get they need to pay the designers but their margin is too high.

Gonna be a tough sell based upon their bargain basement reputation. Secondly, I would never have placed the CRKT logo in such a prominent spot on the knives. That, IMO, immediately diminishes the perceived value of the product!

@eachday9538

Жыл бұрын

If I had money to spend I'd be inclined to buy the worst house on the best street rather than the best house on the worst street (these CRKT premium knives being the latter).

@eachday9538

Жыл бұрын

Actually, "worst street" is a bit harsh, but you know what I mean

that brain pivot is creepy

CRKT always make awesomeness design for the future, why people not interested because they keep used budget steel..

LOVE your videos guys!! But i always almost always glaze over your video thumbnails because they are not recognizable as "Zach In The Wild Videos" while scanning/scrolling. Sometimes I miss your videos for a couple of days until I realize they are yours. Hopefully, this is constructive criticism! Stay Blessed and keep making great content!

I love a lot of the designs that CRKT has put out. But they feel like a middle man that makes the knives more expensive than they need to be. When a manufacturer works with a designer the manufacturer needs to get paid and the designer needs to get paid. But with CRKT the manufacturer and designer have to get their cut but so does CRKT. Which drives the price up beyond what would usually be considered competitive. And their premium stuff is often priced far above the competition. You almost have to really want that exact knife to justify it.

Comments+1

Honestly don't like any of them but I'm glad to see crkt step up seems to be a trend

@EverDayBest

Жыл бұрын

this is what most knife collectors spend their time obsessing over. Another 3-3.5" shltbox which have been made in a robust fashion for decades. Cold steel all day

Looks like CRKT isn’t even interested in making premium knives. It seems they are going for the luxury market and gas station market. Why can’t they just make a premium knife with S35VN or K390 in the $100 to $150 price range? Good grief, even Cold Steel is busting out the S35VN and kicking ass doing it. You can get a Recon 1 in S35VN for $100.

How do they get away with not having them marked "made in China" ?

@GarrettsGear

Жыл бұрын

Because that's not legally required or anything lol.

@terryatherton2881

Жыл бұрын

@@dubaibank that is why I have stopped buying all of those brands.

940 knock off but still nice

I have a couple good Crkt knives and a couple trash Crkt. I haven’t bought one in years though. Never say hot boy summer again please 😂

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

🤣👊

Gucci box opener. Save your money.

Ya great idea, take really good looking designs and then instead of making them in-house, have other more capable knife companies make them for you, so the production cost goes up even more, to the point where no one wants to buy a 300$ plus knife with a crkt logo.

If a designer outside of CRKT designed it and another maker beside CRKT manufactured it, then why the hell is CRKTs name on it?

@davidgarrett5671

Жыл бұрын

Because the designer was working with CRKT and CRKT paid for it to be manufactured.

It’s “White boy summer”

CRKT is headed in a better direction. D2 where I live just cuts away 90% of their catalogue for me. I like d2 cutting performance but it just isn't stainless enough to EDC. Going with an Italian mfg. for their higher end stuff is not going to do good for their reputation either. I like Italian knives as far as design but they are notorious for hit and miss QC. and in that 300-400 dollar price range people expect perfection. I bought a CRKT pursue. I like the knife and the materials however it has no lock bar access. Doesn't mean I will throw the knife away or even sell it. Those stupid little details matter on a 400 dollar knife though. Where they might not down in their budget lines and they need to learn that.

Typical CRKT. Customers have wanted an upgrade. Meaning better steels and construction for the same prices everyone else is charging - 20cv or the like between $150 to $200. Not D2 at $120. They took this for, "We need to compete with Sebenza." Well, if I am going to spend $400, 100% of the time, I'm choosing Sebenza.

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

Totally fair. I think this is more of a “look what we can do” and they will be rolling out more high end ‘normal’ stuff soon…or at least I hope😁

Well Damascus steel doesn't mean it's high end to me. It means they used a high carbon steel not stainless in most cases. I'd rather have I don't know powdered metallurgy. Cpm-m4, M390, CPM-20cv, etc.. those steels will shit on Damascus.

1:41 Are you kidding me Sir!? Don't you dare insulting the precious and very good 12C27 on my CRKT M16-03BS! I love that thing! And nobody dare shaming good 12C27!

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

😁

Beyond their entry level stuff, the bang for the buck just isn't there for me. No way I am paying $80-100+ for 1.4116 or 12C27. At that price point I can get 154cm or for a few bucks more, S35VN. I haven't bought a CRKT in years because they just haven't made anything worth my $. Recent Hogue made CRKT stuff has lower tier steel at higher prices than Hogue label. Hogue Deka in Magnacut under $170, CRKT LCBK (made by Hogue) in 154CM $215. Sorry CRKT, wake up...

CRKT does decent work but the materials/cost for overseas manufacturing is a turn off

The pivot screw on the Pursue looks awful. It looks way too big and kinda throws the whole thing out of whack visually. Massive pivot screw and tiny body screws, just no. The overall design is good though.

Roller / ball bearing pocket clips... 🤡World.

Wish the liner lock had never happened.

@IvIidnight

Жыл бұрын

I don't love them either, but I prefer them to frame locks.

@shrknan073

Жыл бұрын

i do everything within my power to avoid the liner lock

@CNYKnifeNut

Жыл бұрын

Certain advancements serve as prerequisites to other advancements. The liner lock is a huge one of them. Kinda like how the overwhelming influx of dumb people into the hobby is why CRKT is now using high end materials. Wonder if there's a correlation between that and your comment...

@IvIidnight

Жыл бұрын

@@CNYKnifeNut Well that was uncalled for.

@IvIidnight

Жыл бұрын

@@CNYKnifeNut "Oh noo...somebody has a differing opinion than me! I better call them dumb so I feel better about myself!"

NOPE! Not impressed nor moved one bit. I'll pass. Thanx for the video my Bladed Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲

Get serious. All they've done is priced themselves out of the business. Think Im wrong? Then just look at all the crkt videos released this year with barely any real or positive comnents. These are knives for posers with too much money and zero sense.

I take the one with the wild "camo" scales please!

@zacinthewild

Жыл бұрын

Been carrying that one a lot😁

@Leftyotism

Жыл бұрын

@@zacinthewild Knew it!

no more 8CR13MKT?

All that and not one mention of Tom Veff serrations... smh. Also, too little - too late - too much CKRT, imo.

Reverse Tanto!

I'm loving it SO SO much when knife makers are also making a regular good materials version in addition to a premium version of the same design! What could you want more?!