Spyderco or Columbia River folder

CAP1 · September 30, 2002, 07:13 PM

Been needing to pick another knife lately. I had my eye on a new Spyderco but I have seen a couple of new Columbia River Knife and Tool adds for a sweet looking tonto point folder.
Which one and why? I own a 1/2 dozen Spyderco knives, all top quality.
Do I need some variety?

What other folding knives do you like? I know I have seen some great pics on TFL.

Thanks,

nascarnhlnra · September 30, 2002, 07:47 PM

I haven't owned any Spyderco knives only handled a few at a gun show. I recently purchased a CRKT large Kasper Pro folder and it is a great knife. It is light for it's size opens rather quickly not the thickest piece of steel though and it's chisel grind.CRKT is probably the only Tawain stuff I will buy. I also purchased an Emerson mini commander and am very impressed with this knife for a folder. It has a titanium liner, VERY thick piece of steel, opens faster than any knife I have ever owned due to the wave feature. I will be buying a full size commander in the near future. On the fixed blade side of things I picked up a Buck Nighthawk from AG Russell and this is another tough knife this one is even thicker than my Next Generation K-Bar.

What Spyderco would you recommend for me to expand my stuff?

krept · October 1, 2002, 04:33 PM

Just wanted to chime in that I had an Endura for a couple years and abused the hell out of it. Eventually, the blade became chipped up and the lock failed. Sent it back for a little work and a couple weeks later a brand new Endura was in my hand.

I'll always recommend a company with good customer service or a solid warranty. Not sure about CRKT!

I personally like Microtech folders (autos) - Emerson and Benchmade are IMO right up there as well.

The IMO best folder is the Strider AR or GB... spearpoint/tanto respectively.

Shodan · October 1, 2002, 05:28 PM

I abuse my Benchmade daily at work and really like it. I don't recall the model, but it only cost around $65.

The brass inserts in the handle that the clip screws to came out once and they replaced the knife. They offer lifetime sharpening, but I havn't taken advantage of it yet.

Judging by the quality of my entry-level Benchmade, I'm sure you would be happy with one of their high end models.

Shodan

sniper1az · October 5, 2002, 05:27 PM

Do a Benchmaid ! And get one with the AXIS locking assembly. It is an industrictable folder !

Erik · October 6, 2002, 09:31 PM

CRKT has some fine offerings at competitive prices.

That said, I recommend sticking with Spyderco. They are a cut above. (Groan... Pun unintended.)

OkieCruffler · October 7, 2002, 05:06 AM

I've never cared for the Spiderco knives, them thangs be butt ugly, but I have 2 CRKT's, a M16 and a Mirage. I carry the Mirage every day and really like it. Holds an edge forever. I have heard that their customer service is abit annoying, but that's only hearsay, I've never had any problem with either knife. Now I'm looking seriously at the CRTK Wasp. Now that's a purdy blade.

killjoy · October 7, 2002, 05:57 AM

I cast my vote for Spyderco. I have an Endura and couldn't be happier.

old_yout · October 7, 2002, 05:11 PM

I'd say CRKT just based on the liner lock, which I prefer. Unless you get a Spyderco with a liner lock.

W. F. McElhany · October 9, 2002, 05:18 AM

I have a Endura that I carry in my left front pocket and a CRKT Crawford/Kasper folder(small) that I carry in my right. If limited to one I would carry the Spyderco, it is slimmer and more comfortable in the pocket. That being said, the safety lock on the linerlock of the CRKT is just plain neat.

OF · October 9, 2002, 10:48 AM

While the CRKT's I have a great knives for the money (the best super-cheap knives available, IMO), they are no Spydies.

The Spyderco's are tighter, use better steel, almost always have better ergonomics and come with a customer service/refurb policy that is hard to believe. They have better utilitarian designs in the line, and there a few Spydie designs that enjoy rightfully deserved fame as some of the best value tools available for their uses: like the Calypso Jr, Rescue, Delica and Military - for just a few. Some of them are real works of art. I've sent a Spydie back to the factory that I had literally just abused the tip right off of, and they sent it back completely re-furbished with a letter explaining what they had done...for free.

That said, if you have a bunch of Spydie's and are looking for some variety - CRKT has some cool stuff. I like their super-cheap stuff the best. It's always great to get a knife you find yourself using regularly for less than $20. I use their Stiff KISS as a dive knife, have used the PECK for a money clip and occasionally carry the Kasper folder if I want to backup my Benchmade 710 for some reason...like extreme paranoia or something.

The M-16's are cool, but bulky and hard to pocket carry discreetly with the clip mounted so far down that the knife rides up out of the pocket a bit.

- Gabe

m16a2223 · October 9, 2002, 06:02 PM

I have two CRKTs. An M16 and one of the new medium Point Guards. The Point Guard seem to be a great knife.....I really like the tang lock! The M16 is slimmer, carries well with clip or in the pocket and I love a spear point blade. The only thing I dont like about the M16 is the chisel edge blade....I wish they would change that

m16

Guyon · October 10, 2002, 10:29 PM

CRKTs are great for the money--especially at closeout prices. Spydercos are worth their price, and they're like potato chips. Hard to buy just one. Benchmades are really nice production knives. If you want variety, I recommend that you splurge and spend the bucks on a nice Axis Lock Benchmade. You won't regret it.

That CRKT Apache is a nice little knife. Discontinued, but you can still pick them up for a steal. Nice aircraft-grade aluminum handles and ATS-34 steel. Got mine for $20 at SMKW.

Shmackey · October 13, 2002, 10:25 PM

I've owned multiple knives from probably every production company there is. I know a heck of a lot more about knives than I know about most other things.

So. Spyderco makes better knives than CRKT. Yes, that's a blanket statement but it's true almost across the board--unless you compare Spydie's price-point models to CRKT's top-notch (so to speak) models. Then there is still the fact that Spyderco has the best customer service of any company anywhere.

CRKT knives have their place--I still have a Point Guard in my car somewhere for breaking down recycled cardboard and whatnot. I don't care what happens to it. I sold my other CRKTs. It takes a lot to get a linerlock folder right; take that for what it's worth.

Those folks are right about Benchmade being very good too--specifically the ones with an Axis lock. The Benchmade 710 is probably the single best production folder available unless you want to spend $400.

eap · October 15, 2002, 05:53 PM

get the bm 710, looking for one myself.

OkieCruffler · October 16, 2002, 12:41 AM

I was looking to replace my CRKT Mirage, but after looking at 100's of knives, I can't find one that is that much better unless I'm willing to spend a few bills for one. Even tho' I have to admit those Kit Carson's are awfully purdy, I've decided to stay with the CRKT. But I still need a change, so now I'm carrying the M16.

September 30, 2002, 07:13 PM	#1
CAP1 Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2002 Posts: 205	Spyderco or Columbia River folder Been needing to pick another knife lately. I had my eye on a new Spyderco but I have seen a couple of new Columbia River Knife and Tool adds for a sweet looking tonto point folder. Which one and why? I own a 1/2 dozen Spyderco knives, all top quality. Do I need some variety? What other folding knives do you like? I know I have seen some great pics on TFL. Thanks,

September 30, 2002, 07:47 PM	#2
nascarnhlnra Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2002 Location: THE DEEP SOUTH USA Posts: 531	I haven't owned any Spyderco knives only handled a few at a gun show. I recently purchased a CRKT large Kasper Pro folder and it is a great knife. It is light for it's size opens rather quickly not the thickest piece of steel though and it's chisel grind.CRKT is probably the only Tawain stuff I will buy. I also purchased an Emerson mini commander and am very impressed with this knife for a folder. It has a titanium liner, VERY thick piece of steel, opens faster than any knife I have ever owned due to the wave feature. I will be buying a full size commander in the near future. On the fixed blade side of things I picked up a Buck Nighthawk from AG Russell and this is another tough knife this one is even thicker than my Next Generation K-Bar.What Spyderco would you recommend for me to expand my stuff? __________________ The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house faster than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !

October 1, 2002, 04:33 PM	#3
krept Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2000 Location: AZ Posts: 1,363	Just wanted to chime in that I had an Endura for a couple years and abused the hell out of it. Eventually, the blade became chipped up and the lock failed. Sent it back for a little work and a couple weeks later a brand new Endura was in my hand. I'll always recommend a company with good customer service or a solid warranty. Not sure about CRKT! I personally like Microtech folders (autos) - Emerson and Benchmade are IMO right up there as well. The IMO best folder is the Strider AR or GB... spearpoint/tanto respectively. __________________ the tallest blade of grass is the first to greet the lawnmower blade

October 1, 2002, 05:28 PM	#4
Shodan Member Join Date: June 15, 2002 Posts: 38	Benchmade I abuse my Benchmade daily at work and really like it. I don't recall the model, but it only cost around $65. The brass inserts in the handle that the clip screws to came out once and they replaced the knife. They offer lifetime sharpening, but I havn't taken advantage of it yet. Judging by the quality of my entry-level Benchmade, I'm sure you would be happy with one of their high end models. Shodan

October 5, 2002, 05:27 PM	#5
sniper1az Member Join Date: July 28, 2002 Location: Phoenix ,Arizona Posts: 27	Do a Benchmaid ! And get one with the AXIS locking assembly. It is an industrictable folder ! __________________ Never bring a boxcutter to Jihad , you might get more than you asked for ...

October 6, 2002, 09:31 PM	#6
Erik Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: America Posts: 3,479	CRKT has some fine offerings at competitive prices. That said, I recommend sticking with Spyderco. They are a cut above. (Groan... Pun unintended.) __________________ Meriam Webster's: Main Entry: ci·vil·ian Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvil-yən also -ˈvi-yən\, Function: noun, Date: 14th century, 1: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law, 2 a: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b: outsider 1, — civilian adjective

October 7, 2002, 05:06 AM	#7
OkieCruffler Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2001 Location: Denison Texas on the banks of Texhoma Posts: 1,556	I've never cared for the Spiderco knives, them thangs be butt ugly, but I have 2 CRKT's, a M16 and a Mirage. I carry the Mirage every day and really like it. Holds an edge forever. I have heard that their customer service is abit annoying, but that's only hearsay, I've never had any problem with either knife. Now I'm looking seriously at the CRTK Wasp. Now that's a purdy blade. __________________ John A. Monroe, Never Forgive, Never Forget, Blood Pays Blood

October 7, 2002, 05:57 AM	#8
killjoy Member Join Date: August 31, 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 70	I cast my vote for Spyderco. I have an Endura and couldn't be happier.

October 7, 2002, 05:11 PM	#9
old_yout Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2000 Location: somewhere in the sunny southeast Posts: 349	I'd say CRKT just based on the liner lock, which I prefer. Unless you get a Spyderco with a liner lock. __________________ You can't unring a bell. __________________ Smile, darn ya, smile

October 9, 2002, 05:18 AM	#10
W. F. McElhany Member Join Date: May 5, 2000 Location: Morganton, NC Posts: 54	I have a Endura that I carry in my left front pocket and a CRKT Crawford/Kasper folder(small) that I carry in my right. If limited to one I would carry the Spyderco, it is slimmer and more comfortable in the pocket. That being said, the safety lock on the linerlock of the CRKT is just plain neat. __________________ WFM Life NRA, LLEA, Quail Unlimited,Ducks Unlimited

October 9, 2002, 10:48 AM	#11
OF Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2000 Posts: 2,239	While the CRKT's I have a great knives for the money (the best super-cheap knives available, IMO), they are no Spydies. The Spyderco's are tighter, use better steel, almost always have better ergonomics and come with a customer service/refurb policy that is hard to believe. They have better utilitarian designs in the line, and there a few Spydie designs that enjoy rightfully deserved fame as some of the best value tools available for their uses: like the Calypso Jr, Rescue, Delica and Military - for just a few. Some of them are real works of art. I've sent a Spydie back to the factory that I had literally just abused the tip right off of, and they sent it back completely re-furbished with a letter explaining what they had done...for free. That said, if you have a bunch of Spydie's and are looking for some variety - CRKT has some cool stuff. I like their super-cheap stuff the best. It's always great to get a knife you find yourself using regularly for less than $20. I use their Stiff KISS as a dive knife, have used the PECK for a money clip and occasionally carry the Kasper folder if I want to backup my Benchmade 710 for some reason...like extreme paranoia or something. The M-16's are cool, but bulky and hard to pocket carry discreetly with the clip mounted so far down that the knife rides up out of the pocket a bit. - Gabe

October 9, 2002, 06:02 PM	#12
m16a2223 Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 1999 Location: Alabama Posts: 128	I have two CRKTs. An M16 and one of the new medium Point Guards. The Point Guard seem to be a great knife.....I really like the tang lock! The M16 is slimmer, carries well with clip or in the pocket and I love a spear point blade. The only thing I dont like about the M16 is the chisel edge blade....I wish they would change that m16

October 10, 2002, 10:29 PM	#13
Guyon Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2000 Location: Over the Hills and Through the Woods, Tennessee Posts: 1,207	CRKTs are great for the money--especially at closeout prices. Spydercos are worth their price, and they're like potato chips. Hard to buy just one. Benchmades are really nice production knives. If you want variety, I recommend that you splurge and spend the bucks on a nice Axis Lock Benchmade. You won't regret it. That CRKT Apache is a nice little knife. Discontinued, but you can still pick them up for a steal. Nice aircraft-grade aluminum handles and ATS-34 steel. Got mine for $20 at SMKW. __________________ Gun control should just be about hitting your target.

October 13, 2002, 10:25 PM	#14
Shmackey Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,117	I've owned multiple knives from probably every production company there is. I know a heck of a lot more about knives than I know about most other things. So. Spyderco makes better knives than CRKT. Yes, that's a blanket statement but it's true almost across the board--unless you compare Spydie's price-point models to CRKT's top-notch (so to speak) models. Then there is still the fact that Spyderco has the best customer service of any company anywhere. CRKT knives have their place--I still have a Point Guard in my car somewhere for breaking down recycled cardboard and whatnot. I don't care what happens to it. I sold my other CRKTs. It takes a lot to get a linerlock folder right; take that for what it's worth. Those folks are right about Benchmade being very good too--specifically the ones with an Axis lock. The Benchmade 710 is probably the single best production folder available unless you want to spend $400. __________________ "Kid, watch out for the 'conservative' who decries big government and then tells you what you can put in your body, when you should pray, and where you can put your johnson. And kid, follow the money."

October 15, 2002, 05:53 PM	#15
eap Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2002 Posts: 129	get the bm 710, looking for one myself.

October 16, 2002, 12:41 AM	#16
OkieCruffler Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2001 Location: Denison Texas on the banks of Texhoma Posts: 1,556	I was looking to replace my CRKT Mirage, but after looking at 100's of knives, I can't find one that is that much better unless I'm willing to spend a few bills for one. Even tho' I have to admit those Kit Carson's are awfully purdy, I've decided to stay with the CRKT. But I still need a change, so now I'm carrying the M16. __________________ John A. Monroe, Never Forgive, Never Forget, Blood Pays Blood

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