[SLCDave]

I'm not a knife guru by any means. What kind of quality would you expect to see from either of these brands? I've seen some models for very good prices, but I don't know if the quality is as low as the price. Thanks for any help you can give me!

[DigMe]

I'm not a knife guru by any means. What kind of quality would you expect to see from either of these brands? I've seen some models for very good prices, but I don't know if the quality is as low as the price. Thanks for any help you can give me!


I think they're pretty good every day knives. I carry a CRKT Crawford/Kasper folder and it seems to hold an edge well and I like it. Feels great. The only thing is that the very tip of the point got slightly bent but I'm not sure how I did that...I may have done something stupid but I don't remember. You can't beat it though for the $16 I paid for it new-in-box on Ebay.

brad cook

[Carlos]

One of the CRKT M16 models, here. Stays sharp, nice size, opens instantly.

I'd buy another from CRKT.

[MrMurphy]

CRKT: Mass produced good quality models of custom-maker knives that are four to five times as much by the original maker. Licensed copies, of course.

I've had several, still have two of them. Others were donated to knifeless people who needed edged weapons. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.


Kershaw is also very good quality.

[Zackmeister]

I have a Kershaw Vapor and a Bump and I am pleased with both knives. Quality is good especially with the Bump. I also have a CRKT Mt. Whitney that I really like. It has a very smooth action. Just my .02 cents.

[Flashpoint]

I have one of each brand that you have questioned, and have experience with other examples of the companies offerings and have not found a thing wrong with any of them.

Good knives for the money.

Listed from top to bottom.
SOG Sculptura
Kershaw Vapor
CRKT Prowler

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-4/148376/stuff019.JPG

[Penforhire]

I carried a Kershaw Whirlwind for a year (until lost or stolen) and I'd recommend it to anyone for daily tasks. I bought a Benchmade Griptilian and Mini-Grip to replace it. I'm happy but they did cost more.

If you're going to buy an every-day knife I think the choice should be based largely on how they feel in your hand. I don't like the feel on many otherwise recommended knives (e.g. Spyderco's).

[The Undertoad]

Kershaw and CRKT are both good knives for the money. Depending on model they use decent to pretty good steel, and I wouldn't cry if I lost one. I carry a Spyderco when I carry a production knife, but that's just my personal taste. Either Kershaw or CRKT should do ya just fine.

[Dirty Bob]

Just remember that at least some of the Kershaws (such as the Vapors) are now made in China :(

On the other hand, my Vapor II is very flat, has well-rounded handles, and the lock-up when open is SOLID. It was definitely worth what I paid for it.

Dirty Bob

[Mikul]

The Kershaws have really hit the sweet spot between price and quality. It seems that every serious knife/gun guy I know seems to own at least one.

Thank you for the Made in China information. I'll be aware of that.

[priv8ter]

I have a Kershaw Ken Onion Leek, with the partially serrated blade. I bought it at Sportsmans Warehouse for around $50, and I really feel I've gotten my monies worth out of it. I use it mostly to cut herculite and ropes around work. But, with the open assist it has, it would function decently in a defensive situation also.

Plus, the open assist is just plain cool.

greg

[Skofnung]

I have a CRKT "neck knife" that works very well for what it is.

I have two friends that each own a Kershaw Chive. One is ok, the other has problems.

Nobody can sharpen it. I have tried, so have several others. It will take the edge, but it won't hold it long at all.

Looks to me like there may be some QC problems with Kershaw. Could just be a fluke though.

YMMV

[RandyB]

One of the CRKT M16 models, here. Stays sharp, nice size, opens instantly.

I'd buy another from CRKT.


Ditto. Love mine and carry it so much my wife is jealous. :D

[anapex]

I have a Kershaw Ken Onion (can't remember which model from there) with half serrated and the other half straight. The assisted opening works great for me, when it works. I've had two of their torsion bars break on me. The first was the one installed at the factory and lasted 2-3 days of me "playing" with it. The second one was a replacement that they shipped me for free (which was very nice of them great customer service IMHO), it ended up lasting about a week. Right now I have it without a torsion bar and instead of using the assisted opening button on the back I just use the nub on the blade to open it quickly.