flipper

CRKT Swindle Review

I have been on a bit of a high value folder kick recently, focusing especially on the $30-40 segment. I’ve neglected this part of the market over the past year or two, favoring fixed blades and higher end folders, but a good deal of interesting stuff has come out in the $30-40 arena, hence the recent reviews of the Ontario Rat II and ESEE Zancudo, and I have a few more in the works.

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While the knives I have handled at this price point are solid and very functional, they are somewhat formulaic, and have a heavy emphasis on being tools rather than design objects. There is nothing wrong with that, as many seeking out a $35 folder want a good tool knife, but something has to be said for interesting design.

That is definitely not the case with today’s knife, the CRKT Swindle. Designed by Ken Onion, the Swindle pays homage to the classic swayback jack pattern, but features many modern touches like 3-d machined handles, a flipper, IKBS, a framelock, and a very interesting pocket clip. Ken and CRKT have definitely pushed the envelope in what is possible with a $30 folding knife, and we are all the better for it.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Swindle has an overall length of 7.5″, has a 3.2″ blade, and weighs 3.3 ounces. The long thin design really stretches out the blade and the end result is a practical gentlemanly type folder that works well for EDC, but also stretches into dress knife territory as well.

The full steel handles (gun metal gray with a matte texture to look like titanium) give the knife some extra heft, but it is still very carryable. And while it isn’t a “tactical” knife by any means, the long narrow blade comes to a very fine tip. It’s plenty stabby and I wouldn’t want to be on the business end of it.

The blade is an elegant modified wharncliffe design. Again, it’s a throwback to the swayback jack pattern of yore, with a high hollow grind, neatly applied edge, subtle belly and needle fine tip. Out of the box the Swindle came screaming sharp and ready for work. The narrow blade is plenty capable when put up against cardboard, and it makes for an ideal letter opener at the office. I also used the knife with some success when breaking down a chicken carcass. The upswept tip requires some extra flexibility, but it is fine for detail work. I really like that CRKT went ahead and rounded the spine. That’s a high end finish that I really like. I also like how they went for a satin finish over a cheaper bead blast. It shows off the nice even grinds and is more resistant to rust.

CRKT offers the Swindle in 2 blade steels: 8Cr14MoV on this model with the plain handle scales, and 12C27 Sandvik on the more expensive grooved version. I’d prefer 12C27 on the plain handled version honestly, but this 8Cr14MoV isn’t bad for the price. Similar to AUS8, this is a proven steel found on other budget folders like the Spyderco Tenacious. It’s a softer steel but it sharpens easily, takes a nice satin finish, and holds a reasonable edge. At this price point it’s hard to find much else, and I do like how they give you the option of 12C27 if you want to spend a little more money.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle is plain stainless steel finished gunmetal gray to resemble titanium. I love how the handles are 3D machined, and I am impressed with how well made this knife is. CRKT has all their product manufactured in Taiwan, and the Taiwanese manufacturers really have their act together. 3 screws hold the handle together: one for the pivot, one for the pocket clip, and one for the backspacer. The end result is very elegant. Even the lockbar cutout arcs gracefully, and when the knife is closed the blade tucks completely inside the handle. This kind of stuff you just don’t find on $30 folding knives. Compared to my clunky Tenacious, Ken Onion and CRKT have thrust the value folder into rarefied air.

From an ergonomic perspective the Swindle works very well for an EDC knife. The handle is large enough to accommodate a 4 finger grip, and the curved shape fits naturally in the palm. I’m not usually a big fan of jimping, but CRKT found a great balance of grip and comfort in the jimping on the spine of the Swindle. The jimping here very much reminds me of the jimping found on a Sebenza’s, and the rounded spine furthers the connection. If you throw the knife in reverse grip a second run of jimping on the backspacer catches your thumb nicely.

The pocket clip is quite unique, and is more something you would find on a pen than a pocket knife. It sits on the back of the handle, kind of like an extended backspacer, and is spring loaded to provide tension. I won’t go so far as to say it’s my favorite pocket clip (because it isn’t), but it works, and it fits well with the theme of the knife. No doubt this will be a polarizing point for some folks. I think it’s a bold touch on an equally bold knife, and it has been well executed and further distinguishes this knife.

Deployment and Lockup

For deployment you have a flipper on IKBS bearings. The detent is well tuned and the blade flies out with the push of a finger. The action is very nice. The flipper is a low profile design, but it’s jimped to provide a little extra traction. Again, CRKT has managed to find a sweet spot in cutting jimping that is practical without being over the top aggressive. I am still not sure if bearings are 100% necessary on a knife, but here it has been well implemented and I certainly am not complaining. The Swindle, with its relatively light blade, flips with the best of them.

For lockup you have a stainless steel frame lock. It locks up early and securely and I did not experience any play in my knife. Lockup has settled in right around 25%, which shows that they paid attention to the tolerances and geometry of the frame lock, and suggests that it will hold up for a long time. Blade centering is also dead perfect, which, while not a requirement on a $30 knife, again elevates the sense of pride of ownership, and my overall appreciation for this tool.

CRKT Swindle – Final Thoughts

I have had a number of really nice high value folders cross my desk these past few weeks. Knives that I enjoy and recommend. The Swindle is truly something else. Not only is it functionally a very solid knife, it has so many details and little upgrades that I find myself examining it from the perspective of a higher end folder. I haven’t loved all of Ken Onion’s designs, but this one truly deserves accolades. It’s outside his typical work, and has allowed him to showcase his talent as a designer. The pocket clip may not be “perfect” by everyone’s standards, but it works well in the context of the overall knife. Barring that I find very little to complain about the knife.

I decided to photograph my Swindle next to my Kershaw Cryo on purpose, to show what is possible for a $30 folder, and two steel framelock flippers at that. Both knives feature big name designers, but beyond that the knives quickly diverge.

With the Swindle you have a graceful and balanced knife, whereas with the Cryo you have a stubby little brick. The Swindle features a rounded spine and 3-d contoured scales, while the Cryo is slab built with sharp edges. With the Cryo you get an off-center blade and shitty assisted opening. With the Swindle you get a manual action knife with a beautiful detent and an IKBS bearing system. With the Cryo you get a coated blade, with the Swindle you get a nice satin finish. The Swindle is an exercise in minimalism and restraint, while the Cryo is pockmarked with holes and screws.

I don’t mean to turn this into Cryo bashing, after all, I felt that the Cryo was an OK knife for what it was (although disappointing in many respects). But next to the Swindle there is no comparison in my mind; the Swindle is a superior EDC knife, and CRKT has redefined what’s possible with a $30 folder.

The design of the Swindle may not be for everyone, but if the knife interests you at all I suggest buying it. I wish I jumped on mine earlier. Highly recommended.

Columbia River Knife & Tool Columbia R Swindle Knife COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL Swindle Folder, One Size

Fast Opening: IKBS ball bearing pivot deploys the blade fast
Brute Strength: Frame lock utilizes a thick lock bar to secure the blade
High Tech: Tensioned clip secures knife to the pocket
Designed by Ken Onion in Kaneohe, Hawaii
Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details

I recommend buying the CRKT Swindle at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Spyderco Domino Review

by Dan Jackson 23 Comments

Last Updated: August 4, 2019
The Spyderco Domino is a knife that I almost wasn’t going to review. I’ve been following the Titanium Framelock Flipper Arms Race closely ever since the ZT 0560 took the production knife market by storm. Like pretty much everyone else, I’ve enjoyed these knives, but felt some initial hesitance to the Domino for some reason. I talk about this in my video, but I feel like the knife was almost too easy for Spyderco. After all, it parrots many of their already successful designs only this time we have a flipper, framelock, and bearings.

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Obviously I caved and bought the knife, and I am actually very happy I did. The Domino is a stellar performer and at a sub $200 price point I also think it’s a pretty decent value. Where else are you going to find the impressive feature set of the Domino, with a level of fit and finish that few companies can rival, with all the creature comforts of a Spyderco, for less than $200?

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Domino comes in with an overall length of 7.68″, a 3.13″ blade, and weighs 4.1 ounces. The knife is a decent size for EDC. It’s a little larger and heavier than my Sage 1 (the quintessential EDC knife), but it still pockets well and makes for a reasonable daily carry.

The blade is a classic Spyderco leaf shape, and includes a full flat grind, a very fine tip, and a slight curving belly. It’s everything you need for an EDC blade. The 3mm thick stock is ground thin and the knife slices well. Although I must say that I find the wide blade is a little precarious tasks like carving apples, a task I often relegate to my trusty Victorinox Alox Cadet. Still, it will slice and dice with the best of them and I find it a good match to common tasks like opening letters and breaking down boxes.

Spyderco selected CTS-XHP steel for the Domino. CTS-XHP is made in America by Carpenter, and is supposed to be formulated with cutlery in mind. In practice I think it’s a good steel. It combines moderate edge retention with an ease of sharpening that I find lacking in steels like S30V. I had no issues with chipping or corrosion, and the steel took very well to both my strop and Spyderco stones. For those interested in extreme edge retention, I must confess that I found the steel a little lacking, but I am one of those people who prefers easy sharpening to ultimate edge retention so I wasn’t disappointed. I discuss this in greater detail in my video review.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle of the Domino sports a faux carbon fiber scale over a titanium liner with a titanium frame lock. You also get flow-through construction, a sleeved lanyard hole, and a steel lockbar insert that doubles as a lockbar stabilizer. My biggest beef with the knife has to be the ridiculous handle scale. I suppose Spyderco wanted to step it up a bit with an unusual handle appearance, but I could have done without the Domino patterned carbon fiber. Ruminating on this further, I think the knife would have been even nicer if they went for a full titanium handle rather than the carbon fiber (which is really just a thin veneer of carbon fiber over black G10 anyway). Some may appreciate this “unique” handle material, but I think the after-market knife modifier crowd will be in business for a very long time if companies continue to release knives with such blatantly distasteful handle materials.

The ergonomics of the Domino are good. This is what you would expect from a mid-size Spyderco. The bulbous handle fills the palm, while the double choils give you plenty of options for finger placement. There is a mild run of jimping on the spine of the blade that provides a little feedback without being overly aggressive, making the knife acceptable for extending cutting while still appealing to the TNP and mall ninja crowds. Although every folding knife handle is a study in compromise, I still found the knife reasonable to use in hard cutting situations like 1/2″ rope cuts and carving into bamboo.

The pocket clip of the Domino is sturdy and functional, although it won’t win any beauty contests. Spyderco selected a standard hour-glass clip and gave it a lustrous black chrome finish. It definitely beats a satin finished clip, while the chromed finish gives it a little depth and character. The handle is drilled and tapped for 4 corner carry, and the knife doesn’t ride too deep in any of the positions. On these more expensive knives I tend to like a knife with a one or two position clip over a knife with tons of holes in it, but functionally speaking there is no reason to complain. This knife itself is relatively thin and light and isn’t too obtrusive in the pocket. While the pocket clip and carry isn’t anything outstanding, the knife will certainly be able to get from A to B without issue.

Deployment and Lockup

Of course the Domino features a flipper, after all, that’s probably why you are interested in the knife. I am very pleased to report that the knife flips phenomenally. The detent is so well tuned that the blade practically explodes out of the handle when you press down on the flipper tab. I am very happy Spyderco took the time to ensure this aspect of the knife was squared away, as the action alone makes the knife worth the price. The over-sized pivot and caged bearing system certainly doesn’t hurt the performance either, and the knife is very fluid even when using the thumb hole.

For lockup you have a very nice stonewashed titanium framelock that includes a steel lockbar insert. In theory this steel insert should prolong the lifespan of the lock, and if things ever wore out you could (again, theoretically) replace the insert. In practice the knife is rock solid, without even a suggestion of blade play in any direction. Much like the other titanium framelocks I have seen come out of Spyderco’s Taichung factory, they got the geometry right and the lockup is worry free.

The steel insert also performs double duty as an overtravel-stop mechanism (sometimes called a “lockbar stabilizer”). This prevents you from hyper-extending the titanium when disengaging the lock. I’ve never had this problem, it’s a nice touch and aesthetically it doesn’t detract from the knife.

Spyderco Domino Review – Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Domino is one hell of a knife. Here we have classic Spyderco fare like a thumb hole, 4-corner pocket clip, and good ergonomics coupled with the latest crazes in modern knifemaking. That alone should be reason enough to give this one a try, but I am very happy to report that they really executed this right. As I mentioned alone, for a flipper aficionado the action alone will be worth the price of admission, and Spyderco has once again turned out a very high quality product from Taichung Taiwan.

Of course an obvious comparison would be with their previous flipper, the Southard, and it’s worth taking a second to differentiate the knives. First of all, the action on the Domino is vastly superior to the Southard. The detent on the Southard is acceptable, but it is weak in comparison to the crisp action in the Domino. Also, the design of Southard may be a little “out there” for classic Spyderco fans. Personally, I find the Southard to be a far more interesting knife, but to each their own. I am sure the Domino will appeal to traditional Spyderco fans.

Of course I do have a few issues with the knife, and I might as well re-cap them now. Mainly I wish they went a different route with their handle scale, but I could also do without 4-corner carry on a $200 knife, and same with a sleeved lanyard hole. I think both the lanyard sleeve and funky carbon fiber detract from the appearance of the knife. The pocket clip could use a little work too. But by and large this is a solid effort for Spyderco, and I think it will be an excellent addition to anyone’s collection of high end production knives.

Spyderco Domino Plain Edge Knife

Category name: locking-knives
Country of origin: taiwan
Brand name: Spyderco
Tip Carry Position Tip-Up/Down

I recommend purchasing the Spyderco Domino at BladeHQ or Amazon. Thanks for checking out the review.

Kershaw Turbulence Review

by Dan Jackson 6 Comments

Last Updated: September 17, 2019
I’ve mentioned in previous reviews that I sometimes find that Kershaw’s product line falls into a bit of a slump. In the $20-50 range you have a number of what I feel are quite frankly, forgettable knives. Typically it involves some sort of black handle, and bead blasted blade. Many come assisted and are made overseas. To be fair there are designs that stand out in the crowd, and you occasionally get a Skyline or even a Cryo (far from perfect, but definitely a little different). Unfortunately, for every Skyline there are at least half a dozen others that really don’t do anything for me.

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But occasionally a knife will fly under the radar, unfairly profiled as another unexciting knife. I certainly feel that way about the design I am reviewing today, the Kershaw Turbulence. The Turbulence is designed by maker and in-house designer for Kershaw, Tim Gaylean. Tim was a prodigy of sorts. His website is kind of frozen in time, but you can see some of the custom pieces he made at the age of 24 (and younger). It isn’t all to my taste, but Tim has made some really interesting stuff, and shows a ton of talent.

These days Tim still does some custom work, but it can be really tough to find. This production model Turbulence is based off of his pro-series version that is just uber cool. Unfortunately, his custom version is (as you would expect) extremely expensive – if you even have the privilege of finding one for sale. I can’t believe I missed out on this very affordable production version of the Turbulence when it was initially released about a year ago, but there isn’t much I can do besides admit a mistake was made and soldier on – in the form of a detailed knife review.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Turbulence has an overall length of 7.75 inches, sports a 3.25 inch blade, and weighs 4.4 ounces. This has been a nice EDC knife for me, and has served well on some projects around the house as well. Kershaw frames the Turbulence in a more “tactical” light, but for me it’s primarily an EDC.

The blade shape is probably best described as a modified drop point, but really it almost defies convention. I love how the swedge and slight curve of the blade forms into a very fine yet capable tip. It’s a wicked and non-traditional shape that really works from both an aesthetic and practical perspective. The flat ground blade is a decent slicer, and the tip stays plenty strong. There is enough edge to get a lot of work done, and I like how Kershaw decided to finish the knife with a subtle stonewash rather than their go too bead blast. The stonewashed finish will resist rust much better than a bead blast will.

The Turbulence’s blade comes in Sandvic 14C28N stainless steel. This is a Swedish steel that Kershaw commonly uses in their USA-made high value folders like the Skyline. 14C28N held up well in my cut tests. It’s a hearty steel capable of getting a lot of work done, is tough, and is fairly corrosion resistant. It won’t hold an edge forever, but I love how quickly and easily it sharpens. I’d compare it with a good AUS 8 or 440C – totally respectable given the price and intended use of this knife.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle is tried and true black G10 over full stainless liners. For a relatively inexpensive knife Kershaw made this handle right. They selected surprisingly thick slabs of G10, crisply cut and mated to liners that are partially skeletonized to reduce the weight. I like how the Turbulence is a flow through design with just 2 stand offs and the pivot holding the knife together. The resulting handle is relatively thick, but still elegant, comfortable, and sturdy. Overall, fit and finish is good, but I did notice a couple marks leftover where the laser cutter shaped the liners.

In hand the Turbulence feels extremely comfortable. The relatively thick handle gives you a satisfying grip, and the textured G10 provides both traction and feedback. You have enough handle here to accommodate a large hand, and the thumb rests easily on the spine. There is no jimping anywhere on the knife, and I don’t mind that fact at all. The lack of jimping makes for a very comfortable tool if you ever need to do extended cutting, and I never once ran into a situation where I was slipping off the knife. If you are considering the Turbulence as a tactical knife, it does work alright in a reverse grip.

The pocket clip is goofy looking, but it works well and could have been a lot worse. I say ‘it could have been worse,’ because I really don’t care for the clip on the Junk Yard Dog – another one of Tim’s designs. At least the clip on the Turbulence is small and relatively discrete, even if it is kind of funny looking. You do have the option of 3 corner carry, and the knife buries low and stays secure. A blackened clip would have been nice, and I also would have liked something a little less artistic, but functionally speaking this one is fine.

Deployment and Lockup

The Turbulence makes use of a flipper for deployment, and also comes with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism. The action is fast and the knife opens easily. I don’t have any complaints with SpeedSafe per se (actually, it does rattle and make a fair amount of noise in the closed position, so I guess I do), but I’d much rather see this knife unassisted. Tim makes his pro series version with an IKBS bearing system, and I would have loved to have seen this Turbulence come unassisted with KVT (Kershaw’s bearing system found on knives like the ZT 0560). An unassisted flipper with bearings would have been really cool.

The liner lock on the Turbulence engages early and without play. I’ve got no issues here, the knife is rock solid, yet is still easy to intentionally disengage. It’s worth noting that the “thumb studs” actually are blade stops and work as stops in both the open and closed position. They do not work as thumb studs at all (fine by me).

Kershaw Turbulence Review – Final Thoughts

The Turbulence is a really nice knife, and has rapidly become one of my favorite Kershaw designs. The MSRP is something like $120, but they currently can be had for as low as $50. Compared with something like the $32 Chinese-made Cryo, there isn’t even a competition – the Turbulence just blows it out of the water. The materials are great, fit and finish is good (not perfect – blade centering on my knife is off a smidge, and there were a couple little marks on the liners), the design is amazing, and they managed to get it all done right here in the United States. It’s a practical EDC item, but it also is a beautifully balanced and visually pleasing knife.

If I could offer anything in the way of constructive criticism, I’d say remove the assisted opening and throw in some bearings. Also, swapping the pocket clip out for something a little more discrete would be nice.

But even without those modifications the Turbulence is still a great knife. If you are itching for a unique and well made flipper that deploys with a snap, and won’t break the bank, the Turbulence gets my full recommendation.

Kershaw Turbulence – 50.74
~~Retail Price: $119.95~~
You Save: $69.21
From: BladeHQ

I recommend purchasing the Turbulence at BladeHQ. Purchasing anything at BladeHQ through these links helps support the website, and keep this review train running. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated!

Buck Vantage Pro Review

by Dan Jackson 20 Comments

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
I know my father has a couple Buck Knives stashed away in a sock drawer somewhere, and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that a majority of American men over the age of 50 are in a similar position. Buck is known for making reliable hunting and outdoor blades, and they have been doing just that for over 100 years.

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Oddly enough, part of what made Buck so popular then is part of the challenge that Buck and many other classic cutlery companies face today. I’m talking about keeping their products relevant, their designs iconic, and their products in the hands of the consumer. Knife companies want their knives on your belts and in your pockets, not stashed away with Walkman’s, brick-sized cell phones, and other every-day articles of yore. And while the cutlery industry may not have evolved as rapidly as the electronics industry, it has certainly experienced its fair share of change. Things like pocket clips, exotic steels, and one-hand deployment have gone from curiosity to industry standard in a relatively short period of time.

And it is also important to note that the US cutlery industry is not without it’s casualties. Long standing companies like Schrade and Camillus have literally gone the way of the dodo. Both companies filed for bankruptcy in the past decade. Their assets were liquidated to satisfy their debts, and rights to their trademarks and designs were sold to the highest bidder. The knives made under these brands today are hollow shells of their former selves with their lineups largely comprised of cheap knives manufactured overseas.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. From the ashes phoenix soar to new heights. Plenty of new US knife companies have stepped up to the plate, and Buck is still going strong as they adapt to new market realities. In many ways the Vantage Pro is leading Buck’s charge to both preserve their brand and provide their take on the modern folding knife. The Vantage is made in America, features high end materials, and is priced reasonably. Lets see if this is enough to bring Buck into the 21st century.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Vantage comes in 2 sizes (small and large) and in a variety of trim levels. For the large knife, our overall length is 7-1/2″, our blade length is 3-1/4″, and we have a weight of 4 ounces. The small version weighs 2.3 ounces, has an overall length of 6-1/4″, and sports a 2-3/4″ blade. At 4 ounces I find the large Vantage a little on the chunky side, but find both sizes to be well suited for EDC. As for listing the varying trim levels, well, I figure it’s easier to do this with a chart.

Model	Steel	Handle Material
Pro	S30-V	G10
Avid	13C26	Dymondwood
Select	420HC	Zytel

Since we have a total of 9 possible configurations here I decided to simply buy the largest, most expensive version, and also the smallest most inexpensive version. So what you are looking at in the photos is a large Vantage Pro and a small Vantage Select. But this is mainly a review of the full size Vantage Pro. The large Pro is the flagship of the series, and is the knife that I was most interested in examining.

The blade on the Vantage is a no frills drop point design with a high hollow grind and a nice sweeping belly. Buck selected an adequately thick piece of steel here and I found the tip to be both sturdy and functional. The edge on my Vantage Pro was neatly applied although my less expensive Vantage Select was a little less precise. All in all I like the blade shape – it’s simple and extremely functional. A great choice for an every day carry blade.

Per my chart, steel runs the gamut from lowly 420HC to excellent S30V. Given that the prices range from approximately $25 up to $60 I think that is pretty interesting. I was very pleased to learn that the Vantage Pro included a S30V blade. S30V is something you don’t see on a lot of knives in the $50 range (with the Spyderco Native being the only thing that immediately comes to mind), especially $50 knives made in America. If you are contemplating a Vantage, my advice is to spring for at least the “Avid” level Vantage. Sandvik 13C26 will be a substantial improvement over 420HC, which a soft steel that is easy to sharpen, but doesn’t hold it’s edge particularly well.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The Vantage features varying grades of handle material over full stainless steel liners. On the full size knife these are thick liners, and I suspect that they add a fair amount to the 4 ounce carry weight. Price permitting, I’d prefer to see them milled out. I like how everything is screwed together, and the clean flow through construction. I found both my knives to be solid, but I did notice that some of edges of the G10 peeked out a little over the liners on my Vantage Pro. All in all this is a well-made handle.

In hand the large Vantage is pretty good. The G10 is given a smooth finish, but the handle isn’t slippery. There is plenty of room for a full grip, and the flipper doubles as a small finger choil to prevent forward sliding forward on the blade. The edges of the handle were a little sharp for my taste, but they are reasonable given the intended use. I actually liked the way the small Vantage fit in my hand a little more. It’s a tight fit for larger hands, but the corners aren’t as sharp.

The Buck Vantage Pro sports a nice deep carry pocket clip. This clip offers ambidextrous tip up carry, has nice retention, and is very discrete. I like the clip a lot. The Vantage itself is a flat knife and makes for an easy and unobtrusive carry.

Deployment and Lockup

Deployment is achieved primarily by means of a flipper, although you have the option of using a small oval thumb hole set close to the handle. This thumb hole is blocked somewhat on the left side, so really it’s best used by a righty. For me the easiest way to deploy this knife was by the flipper. I found that the Vantage snapped out crisply with a little wrist action. Buck included phosphor bronze washers to aid in a smooth and reliable deployment. They are small washers, but they get the job done.

For lockup the Vantage makes use of a liner lock. Lockup was nice and tight on both of my knives, and I detected no blade play at all. However, I noticed that the lockup was pretty late on my large Vantage, and sometimes it would engage a little earlier, sometimes it would engage a little later. For EDC use I’m not terribly concerned, but I’d like to see Buck iron out this kink.

I also wanted to mention blade centering and other matters of fit and finish. When this knife first came out in 2009-2010, there were reports of off-center blades rubbing liners, and tips getting blunted on the backspacer. Buck responded to these issues like champs, both fixing customer’s knives and refining their manufacturing process to avoid future issues. I am pleased to say that I didn’t experience any of these fatal fit and finish issues with my two knives (purchased late 2011).

Buck Vantage Pro Review – Final Thoughts

All things considered I feel that the Buck Vantage Pro is a very solid offering. I especially like the price, the high end blade steel, the G10 scales, the attractive design, the nice pocket clip, and seeing “USA” stamped on the blade. Fit and finish isn’t quite 100%, and I think the ergonomics could use some tweaking, but these are relatively minor issues that I can easily overlook when presented with the bigger picture of this knife.

What Buck has done here is provide something appealing to the modern knife user without sacrificing the core values that built their business in the first place. It’s so refreshing to see a high quality steel like S30V on a ~$50 knife, let alone a ~$50 USA made knife. I hope Buck will continue along this path of success by continuing to pay attention to the consumer, refining their designs, and releasing more knives that stand out from the pack. In a stormy knife industry Buck has decided to make their own waves – and that’s great news.

Buck Knives 0347BKS Vantage PRO Folding Knife with Clip

SUPREMELY SHARP BLADE - 3-1/4" Drop Point S30V Steel Blade delivers a combination of edge retention, ductility, hardness, toughness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance for optimal performance. The full bellied blade offers remarkable cutting ability
CONVENIENT ONE HAND OPENING - A Thumb Hole on the blade facilitates a smooth one-handed opening action and locks open using a stainless steel liner lock. Built with two stainless steel liners for extra durability and safety.
SAFE AND SECURE GRIP - The Ergonomic Grip made from Injection Molded reinforced nylon with CNC contoured G10 material provides a comfortable and secure grip while you work. Closed Length 4-3/8", Weight 4 oz.
EVERY DAY CARRY - Includes a removable, reversible, deep pocket tip-up carry clip for easy carry in your pocket, on your belt or in your bag. The Vantage Series comes in two sizes, handle choices and steel options. It's an ideal knife for every day carry
MADE IN THE USA - FOREVER WARRANTY - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is proudly made in the USA.

I recommend purchasing the Buck Vantage Pro at Amazon or BladeHQ.

CRKT Shenanigan Review

by Dan Jackson 5 Comments

Last Updated: September 6, 2019
I find myself typing this review as I usually do, in the wee hours of the morning. Dregs from a once cold beer are drying on the side of the glass at my desk, and knives scattered across the room are glinting faintly under lamp light. I had trouble with the intro on this one so I decided to save it for the end. Now that I’m done I still haven’t come up with anything witty to say. Not that I would classify my typical intros as “witty,” but I mean, the knife is called the “Shenanigan.” This should be an easy lay up – even for a hack like myself. Unbelievably, I’m still drawing a blank here…

Buy the CRKT Shenanigan at BladeHQ

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That’s probably for the best though, because this knife is no laughing matter. Despite the goofy name the CRKT Shenanigan is a seriously well thought out knife at a price that you would be silly to ignore. Designed by Ken Onion, and manufactured by the good folks at CRKT, the Shenanigan brings great utility to anyone willing to cough up enough money to cover the very modest $35 price tag. While the knife is by no means perfect I think that the good here far outweighs the bad.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Shenanigan sports a 3-1/4″ blade and an overall length of 8-1/4″. CRKT claims that the PPS (plastic handled version) weighs 4.1 ounces, but in my hand it feels much lighter. I’ve seen listed weights fluctuate from 4.1 all the way down to 3.7 ounces, and I’d put it closer to 3.7. Anyhow, not like that really matters too much, but my point here is the knife feels light for its size. It is a bigger knife, straddling the gap between EDC and tactical. Depending on your preferences I think it could lean either way.

The blade is a long and elegant modified-drop point design with a slight recurve and a swedge. The blade shape is one of my favorite features of the knife. The recurve, high hollow grind and good belly are all excellent for slicing, and the reinforced tip enables good penetration. CRKT did a very nice job with the edge; it is both well ground and extremely sharp from the box with an almost mirror-polished appearance. The blade’s good looks have been rounded out with a bead blasted finish and laser etched hallmarks.

Blade steel on the Shenanigan is tried and true AUS 8. For a knife at this price point I am very pleased to find AUS 8 here. A good mid range steel from Japan, AUS 8 easily takes an edge and holds up well to EDC tasks.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The Shenanigan PPS gets its name from the PolyPhenylene Sulfide (PPS) polymer that has been used for the handle material. This is some sort of highly engineered plastic, and it didn’t take a chemistry degree to figure that out. The PPS material is both lightweight and durable and is part of what enables this knife to be had at such a great price. CRKT set out to make a high value work horse, and I think this material selection fits the bill. The PPS is dense enough to feel satisfying and is virtually indestructible. Inside the handle are some partial steel liners adding strength and rigidity to the design.

For those that would like an upgrade to the handle material, CRKT offers just that. An aluminum version is also available if you absolutely cannot stand the idea of carrying around a plastic-handled knife. I think for many people the PPS will be totally sufficient as the aluminum scales almost double the price, but I’m really tempted to check out this upgraded version as well.

Ergonomics are excellent with the Shenanigan. First of all, it is a larger knife, and there is a good amount of palm swell to fill the hand. Curvature to the handle design allows for a precision fit into the palm. Meaningful texturing adds grip and feedback. Additionally, there is a good deal of functional jimping on the thumb ramp and the choil is large and well placed. The net result is that the Shenanigan is extremely comfortable in hand.

Unfortunately, the many things that make the Shenanigan so great in hand work to make it not so great in pocket. Being a longer knife I found the Shenanigan to take up a good deal of room, and the thick handle made it a bulky carry as well. Certainly this won’t be a problem for folks who like to carry a bigger knife, but the size and thickness could be a turn-off for those who want to streamline their EDC.

I will say, the pocket clip position doesn’t do the knife any favors. It’s mounted for right side tip down carry only. I’d love to see CRKT make this a 4 corners clip, or at the very least allow for tip up carry. That said, I found retention on the Shenanigan’s clip to be nice and snug. It’s a discrete looking clip that rides low and looks pretty good.

Deployment and Lock-up

Some will be surprised to learn that the Shenanigan is not an assisted open knife. Ken Onion is famous for designing assisted open folders so it could be easy to assume that the Shenanigan would feature a spring assist as well. This one does not have a spring assist however, and you need to use a flipper to get it open. The blade still deploys fast and smooth, with a combination of nylon and bronze washers inside. I don’t miss a spring assist at all with the Shenanigan. The blade jumps open with very little effort.

The Shenanigan uses a liner lock to hold the blade open. First impressions were that the lock looks kind of thin. Upon closer inspection I think it should work for EDC and utility tasks, but for harder uses I’m not as confident. Then again, the handles are made of plastic, so I wouldn’t suggest hard using this one in the first place. I got to play with two Shenanigans and both had good engagements. One had no blade play at all, the other had a slight amount of play (or an off-center blade – could never get it to balance 100% perfectly). For a $35 knife the lock meets my expectations, but if you can visually inspect the knife before purchase I’d go ahead and do that.

CRKT Shenanigan PPS Review – Final Thoughts

Ken Onion really hit this one out of the park when he designed this incredibly comfortable and functional knife. If you need big utility out of a small budget blade, I think there is a lot to like with this one. Stuff that I really liked included the blade shape, the steel, and the ergonomics. I wasn’t quite as wild about the position of the pocket clip, and found the lock bar a little on the thin side given the size of the knife and its potential purposes.

However, for $35 I think you are getting a hell of a knife here. You could pick up a couple without breaking a sweat and have a nice dedicated folder for the car, work or anywhere in else. I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest the CRKT Shenanigan to anyone looking for an inexpensive large utility blade. And that my friends, is no joke. 😉

CRKT Shenanigan PPS Folding Pocket Knife, Serrated Edge K480KKS

Bead Blast Blade Finish
Glass-Reinforced Nylon Handles
Triple Point Serrations
Designed by Ken Onion in Kaneohe, Hawaii
Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details

I recommend buying the CRKT Shenanigan at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

CRKT M16 Review

by Dan Jackson 24 Comments

Last Updated: July 16, 2018

My recent reviews of the CRKT Minimalist and the Drifter have proven that CRKT is legitimate contender in the affordable EDC game. But for many this is old news as knives like the popular CRKT M16 have been around for years delivering excellent every day performance at a price that can’t be ignored.

Buy the CRKT M16 at BladeHQ

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In fact, I’m no stranger to the M16. I owned one years ago (a small black tanto version) and for around $20 it provided me with years of trusty service. At one point I thought that I lost the knife, but several years later I found it in the pocket of one of my fishing bags. In between losing and finding my original M16, I picked up the one shown here – a medium size version with a spearpoint blade and flashy orange handle scales.

Purpose

This is a very popular knife from CRKT. Designed by Kit Carson, this blade comes in a variety of sizes suitable for EDC all the way up to Tactical applications. My old M16 was pretty small but I feel like the medium sized one straddles the EDC / tactical gap nicely with it’s 3.5 blade and 3.5 ounce carry weight.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

As I said before, the exact dimensions will vary slightly depending on the exact model you select. There are so many variations I’m not going to even bother trying to cover them all, instead focusing on materials, fit and finish, and other more general aspects of the knives. The exact model in my review is a M16-13ZER and it has a 3.5″ blade, an overall length of 8.25″ and a weight of 3.5 ounces. This is the middle of the road for the M16 series as CRKT makes versions that are both smaller and larger than the 13ZER.

My model came with a spear point blade, although you also have the option of a tanto. I like the spear point because it has a great tip and a decent amount of belly. It’s not really my first choice for EDC, as I do like having even more belly, but it will get the job done fine. The knife comes with a hollow grind and the option of serrations.

I found the edge on my knife to be very asymmetrical – it’s almost like the knife has a chisel grind. CRKT states that they grind the knives this way to avoid thinning the serrations. While it may look a little different, my knife came very sharp; shaving hair and zipping through paper without an issue.

CRKT has offered the M16 in a variety of different blade steels over the years. The knife pictured here comes in AUS4, which is a lower end version of AUS8 (there is less carbon in AUS 4 than AUS 8, and the amount of carbon impacts edge retention and ease of sharpening). Performance on this AUS 4 blade is nothing to write home about. As of 2015 it looks like CRKT is now offering this in AUS 8, which is fine for the price. AUS 8 is a hearty inexpensive steel that takes a good edge, has decent edge retention, is easy to sharpen, and is relatively stain resistant. I would suggest acquiring this knife in AUS 8 steel or better if possible.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

Depending on the knife your M16 may come in aluminum or even titanium scales. For most people (including the knife shown here) the scales are made of Zytel (plastic) over full stainless liners. I don’t mind the Zytel scales as they are comfortable and help keep the knife light. I really like the choice in colors, I thought the orange version was cool (and practical, being a highly visible color) and kind of gives the knife a “rescue blade” vibe. A series of holes in the handle forms a basic yet attractive pattern. These holes will attract dirt and pocket lint and in my mind serve a purely decorative purpose on the FRN scaled versions.

Ergonomics on my medium sized M16 are nice. The reason I like the medium sized version (the M16-13Z) is because it has a larger handle allowing for a full grip. The zytel scales give the knife some thickness and the corners are nicely rounded so it comfortably fills the hand. The spine of the blade has some fairly aggressive jimping and the flipper forms an integral guard that keeps your hand from slipping onto the blade. These are nice ergonomic features on an otherwise basic (but highly functional) handle.

I am a little ambivalent about the pocket clip. The design is nice – it’s a simple clip that rides low and has good retention, but it’s located for right side tip down carry only. At the very least I’d like to see an option for tip up carry – let alone fully ambidextrous mounting options. Still, this medium size M16 carries reasonably for its size.

Deployment and Lockup

Deployment of the M16 is absolutely stellar. The first time I deployed the blade I literally had to check if it was an assisted opening knife – it’s that smooth and fast. Upon closer inspection it looks like the M16 uses a teflon and phosphor bronze washer. Whatever it is, it works and I’m not complaining. Deployment is accomplished by way of a flipper. At first glance it looks like the knife has 2 large thumb studs, but these are actually stop pins mounted in the blade. They sit flush with the handle and cannot be easily activated with the thumb. This is fine as I happen to like flippers.

The M16 uses a liner lock and it bites in nice and early. There is plenty of room for wear and I detected zero blade play. However, this is not your normal liner lock. This lock has been equipped with CRKT’s Auto LAWKS safety system. The Auto LAWKS system requires you to pull back a lever before you can disengage the lock – handy for aggressive use, but also a source of mild inconvenience for simple tasks. In fact, I know that for a lot of people, the Auto LAWKS is pretty annoying. Personally, I can deal with it, but would much prefer if it wasn’t spring loaded – so you could turn it on and off at will.That said, if it really bothers you you could take the knife apart and remove the LAWKS all together.

CRKT M16 Review – Final Thoughts

So how does the M16 stack up? Well, I’m sure for many the tip down carry and Auto LAWKS will be mild to moderate turn offs. It is not that hard to use, and some people have managed to disable the secondary locking system. Auto LAWKS aside, this is a good budget EDC option. I would avoid any AUS 4 versions and recommend acquiring the knife in AUS 8 steel or better.

At the end of the day there is a lot to like about the M16. It is one of CRKT’s oldest and most popular designs. The snappy deployment is a lot of fun and the fit and finish is nice. There are many different colors, blade shapes, and configurations so there is some element of collect-ability here as well. All in all the knife is solid and the price is right. Recommended if you secure one in AUS 8 steel or better.

COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL M16-13Z EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Serrated Edge Blade, Automated Liner Safety, Nylon Handle, Pocket Clip

Safe And Secure: Automated liner safety provides extra layer of lock security
Cutting Power: Triple Point serrations cut fibrous materials with ease
Strong And Lightweight: Glass reinforced nylon handle is durable and lightweight
Designed by Kit Carson in Vine Grove, Kentucky
Versitile Use: Built tough for use around the house, in the garage or at the shop

I recommend buying the M16 at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.