CRKT Graham Razel

[LawofThirds]

I just picked up a new CRKT Graham Razel as my first fixed blade and I gotta say, I'm really impressed, especially at a ~50 dollar pricetag. The edge wasn't exactly great from the factory but a careful job with my DMT hones put a nice shaving edge on the long side and a more blunt chisel edge on the front end.

However, I'm not exactly thrilled with the kydex sheath. It's a great blade retainer but I'd really like something that has a belt loop vs the little clip on it. I've looked through CRKT's catalog and their website and I didn't see any options on sheaths and I wondered if anyone could point me in the direction of a sheath that offers a bit more secure attachment.

 

[The Tourist]

I own the CRKT Ringed Razel and I just finished polishing a CRKT Stubby for a client. I am also very impressed. I do wish the handles were finished a little better.

I also own both models of the original Graham knives. My CRKT fits perfectly into the Graham sheath. And while I'm not overwhelmed with the CRKT kydex sheath, I have to admit that it would be my choice for wilderness camping, work in snow, or on the water.

I'm not really too familiar with the alloy that CRKT uses on their Razel series. All they say is that it is "like 440C." Well, it doesn't sharpen like 440C, as it is nowhere near as "gummy" on the stone. It also got very sharp, akin to a high carbon, low chromium alloy.

As for edge retention, it is too soon to tell. I haven't owned mine long enough.

 

[LawofThirds]

What did you polish it with? and are you referring to an edge polish or the rest of the blade?

I cut a good sized cardboard box apart with mine and it's still sharp enough to shave with after ~25 12" cuts, which is better than what my kershaws will do.

 

[hso]

He's talking about polishing the edge.

Being a polymer the sheath is dead easy to modify with a hand drill. Make 4 holes and run paracord through to form a belt loop. Want something "fancier"? Go to http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=41_56 and order all the parts to mount it any way your heart desires.

Alternately, have Mike Sastre make a sheath for you.

 

[The Tourist]

are you referring to an edge polish or the rest of the blade?

Yes, hso is indeed correct in my choice of terms. As a tinker, my main focus is on the edge of the knife--both in repair and sharpening. I choose to put a mirror finish on knives unless the client requests otherwise. I have also found that titanium knives need a coarse edge due to their construction.

But the job of a tinker is also to repair small items. I might fix a pot handle, or repair a the clasp on a necklace.

In that regard, a client might ask me to polish off the patina on the decorative portion of the knife, or fix rusted areas.

In the course of that repair, yes, I will "polish" as part of the service.

However, unless otherwise depicted, a tinker's use of the word "polish" simply refers to his honing of the edge in the course of sharpening.

 

[JShirley]

Sheath options:

Member Mike Sastre;

Member Tom Krein;

Eric at On/Scene Tactical.

I have sheaths from Tom and Eric, and hso has good things to say about Mike.

John

 

[tomh1426]

I ordered a CRKT ringed razel today, I cant wait for it to get hear!

 

[hso]

hso has good things to say about Mike.

Welllll, let's be clear about that. I have good things to say about Mike's sheaths.

 

[JShirley]

Heh-heh-heh.

 

[DeTerminator]

Hi tomh1426,

You will be very happy with your ringed Razel!

I don't have the ringed version, but I think you will be very happy with it!

I have the non-ringed Razel coming my way tomorrow from the Tourist after some surgery ( I kinda screwed it up sharpening it).

P.S. Think twice about sharpening it, unless you're already good at sharpening! Send it to a pro...

Later, Kerry

 

[The Tourist]

Send it to a pro...

The polished surfaces of a knife can scratch rather easily, and common carriers often pile package upon package in trucks and trains.

Yes, you can insulate a knife in shipping peanuts or bubble wrap, but as a professional, I believe strips of "rag stock" are the best.

The only commercial use of rag stock I can think of is used in the printing of twenty and one hundred dollar bills. Love to have your business.

 

[DeTerminator]

Hi Tourist,

I think that you need to hop on that mad motor scooter and ride!

Go for it!

Kerry

 

[CynicallyOptimistic]

where is the cheapest place to buy a razel? Gun show? At this point I'm just curious and don't actually have the money.

 

[Coyote3855]

Gun shows are usually not the cheapest place to buy anything. Google razel and compare prices.