Any Good Reason to Buy something like the CRKT Razel?

R

RedLynx

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Aug 5, 2011
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Hi guys,

So, the CRKT Razel with its flat, chisel-like shape just looks kind of interesting to me. But beyond that, I can't think of a single reason to actually get one. I have similar stuff and they all have an actual point (literally not figuratively).

Are there any advantages to using a knife with this sort of flattened, "pointless" edge? Not sure what else to call it other than a "chisel". It looks like a good folding scraper, but other knives can do that too.

I know it's cheap and all, so it's not an issue if I never use it, I just don't usually buy any knife I don't see some utility in, wondering if others have some experience. Thanks guys.
 
The chisel edge is miles better at scraping than any regular blade edge. You get more angle flexibility and power from having the force go along the length of the blade.
You can also make really clean notchings with a chisel, like fore dovetails, traps et;, especially for things like square holes. The wide flat area is also much less damage prone to prying than a sharp tip.

Go find yourself a sharp chisel and give it a go on some wood. A knife can do almost everything a chisel can, but the specialization makes the chisel a tool that will never disappear. It's been historically useful.
 
I've actually considered buying one of the ringed ones, the design seems to have some merit as a utility knife. Plus, I've got more than enough knives with "standard" blade shapes so I like to try out something different from time to time.

The steel and country of origin kept me from buying the CRKT version. I might still get one of the Graham Razels (I think they have a midtech Razel now as well).
 
RedLynx said:
Hi guys,

So, the CRKT Razel with its flat, chisel-like shape just looks kind of interesting to me. But beyond that, I can't think of a single reason to actually get one.
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I think you did think of a reason to get one.The best reason, actually....because it appeals to you. If you got the money get it! You'll spend more on tolls getting to and from the airport!
 
The CRKT folding Razel is one of my favorite knives, I will eventually get a Graham one but funds won't currently allow it. In addition to using it as a scraper, I have found that the sharp corner is awesome for precision cutting. This knife is also very good for anyone who abuses a knife, the lack of a tip and the relatively thick blade make it really good for light prying.
 
The Razel is excellent for removing caulking. When removing screens from window casings the flat chiseled edge works well to pry the frame out. Also good for push cuts.
 
marcinek said:
I think you did think of a reason to get one.The best reason, actually....because it appeals to you. If you got the money get it! You'll spend more on tolls getting to and from the airport!
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Haha thanks Marc! And thanks for that link yesterday too, I stocked up on quarters... No I-Pass but it's looking like even an infrequent traveler of the toll roads could benefit from one!
 
I do enjoy mine:

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On that note, I give you the "wrecking knife", for all (some) of your knife/woodchisel/scraper needs. ;)

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They run around $25 with plastic sheath.
 
I got a non-folding ringed model, mostly to get something different, I thought the design was interesting. I have used it for scraping, it would certainly handle light prying as people have mentioned better than a conventional point would, and really you don't lose all that much point utility, you still have a sharp point even if it's a right angle. Fit and finish was ok for the price, and while the grinds/polish on the blade is pretty good it wasn't sharp out of the box, par for the course for most CRKT I have seen.
 
Curiosity made me buy one, but I didn't really have a use for it so I sold it. I can see the blade shape being useful for some things.
 
It is an excellent tool box, tackle box, kit knife. I recently saw a contractor using one on a drywalling job, and he was scrapping some paint off a junction box that was painted over by mistake.
 
I'm going to get a chisel point myself someday; I'vond memories of woodworking projects when I was younger.

CRKT makes one that doesn't look too bad
2050_xlarge_49.jpg


Also, there's quite a few dive knives with a flat point. Could be good to get one of those as the steel used is mostly for toughness rather than hardness. Fits the tool profile.
 
I almost purchased the fixed version for work - it really is quite an ideal utility knife. Ultimately, I went with a black and tan CRKT Dragon, which, while less practical, is quite a bit more fun to use.

Also, I work retail. I get away with a lot because of the quality of work I do. I wear a damned utility belt, batman-style, with the aforementioned CRKT Dragon, a leatherman OHT, stainless steel sharpie, boker CID bolt-action pen, and carbon-steel scissors. I literally purchased my way to job satisfaction.

Hmm. I should make a comprehensive post about this sometime. I really am quite proud of it.
 
I have been looking for a fixed blade CRKT razel stubby for some time now. I was told they have been discontinued :-(
 
dickgrande said:
I have been looking for a fixed blade CRKT razel stubby for some time now. I was told they have been discontinued :-(
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Man, those have even dried up on the Bay, and the one Ringed Razel that IS there? That price is outta site, wow.
 
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