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- Sep 9, 2014
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I am kind of a noob a knife stuff but what is the crkt fossil like. I know that it doesn't have the best steel in the world but what do you guys think if it
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Crkt fossil
- Thread starter Jellomellow
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- Sep 21, 2013
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- 615
AUS-8 is a solid enough steel, and CRKT's heat treat is acceptable. Don't worry too much about that.
I really like the design of the Fossil (and the majority of CRKT knives really, very unique designs from great custom makers), but I generally don't recommend anything made by CRKT. They've burned me in the past. Every knife I've handled from them has had serious blade play out of box, and the one I purchased from them has had issues with rusting on the handle. IMO, they're just not worth the money - the quality of construction you get is the same as a Ganzo or Sanrenmu (bargain basement chinese brands), but they price them at the same level as much higher quality knives. For the around $60 street price, you could get a Spyderco Delica or Endura, or a Kershaw Blur - all of which should be near flawless out of box and last you many years of hard use. I would not trust a CRKT to do the same.
If you do decide to get one, I strongly urge you to find a local knife shop that carries it so that you can handle the specific knife you will be buying. CRKT's quality control is very hit or miss, and you may have to handle several knives to find one free of major defects. Alternatively, you could place an order with one of the major online knife shops by phone, and specifically ask them to sift through their inventory and find one without blade play. I know Blade HQ is willing to do that on request, and I assume their competitors are as well.
I really like the design of the Fossil (and the majority of CRKT knives really, very unique designs from great custom makers), but I generally don't recommend anything made by CRKT. They've burned me in the past. Every knife I've handled from them has had serious blade play out of box, and the one I purchased from them has had issues with rusting on the handle. IMO, they're just not worth the money - the quality of construction you get is the same as a Ganzo or Sanrenmu (bargain basement chinese brands), but they price them at the same level as much higher quality knives. For the around $60 street price, you could get a Spyderco Delica or Endura, or a Kershaw Blur - all of which should be near flawless out of box and last you many years of hard use. I would not trust a CRKT to do the same.
If you do decide to get one, I strongly urge you to find a local knife shop that carries it so that you can handle the specific knife you will be buying. CRKT's quality control is very hit or miss, and you may have to handle several knives to find one free of major defects. Alternatively, you could place an order with one of the major online knife shops by phone, and specifically ask them to sift through their inventory and find one without blade play. I know Blade HQ is willing to do that on request, and I assume their competitors are as well.
The steel isn't AUS-8 but 8cr13MOV, almost the same but not entirely
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2013
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- 191
CRKT tends to be a bit hit or miss on their quality control; I've had some knives from them that were flawless, like my Drifter or Eros, and others with blade play and centering issues, like my M16. If you're buying from somewhere with a good return policy, I'd go for it - the design looks awesome, and if the fit and finish is up to par, probably a great knife. If it comes with issues, just send it back.
I bought a Fossil a while back, and I've been pretty happy with it. It doesn't get carried often though, the large blade with the Veff serrations looks fairly aggressive out in public.
With the flipper and IKBS it opens fast and the action is smooth opening and closing. The blade on mine came sharp enough to shave hair easily.
As far as fit and finish, I don't have any problem with blade play or centering on mine, but the handle came slightly loose - I could feel the 2 sides of the frame shifting depending how I gripped it. This was an easy fix though, I just gave the frame screws a quick tighten and haven't had a problem since.
With the flipper and IKBS it opens fast and the action is smooth opening and closing. The blade on mine came sharp enough to shave hair easily.
As far as fit and finish, I don't have any problem with blade play or centering on mine, but the handle came slightly loose - I could feel the 2 sides of the frame shifting depending how I gripped it. This was an easy fix though, I just gave the frame screws a quick tighten and haven't had a problem since.
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- Jan 26, 2012
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I have been interested in this knife for a while. Never could pull the trigger. It is far too expensive for what kind of steel it uses. I also don't like the odd shaped hole in the blade. The Design is looks great, the blade shape looks very useful, great looking G10 handles, IKBs flipper. All great things. But then they make it in China with 8cr 
And don't get me wrong, I have no problem with 8cr, at a reasonable price. Love the $16 Enlan EL-04 with 8cr. Also love my Kershaw Thermite that uses it. CRKT could sell these things like hot cakes if they would either lower the price or raise the price and give us better steel. I would have bought one by now if it was $15-$20 cheaper.
And don't get me wrong, I have no problem with 8cr, at a reasonable price. Love the $16 Enlan EL-04 with 8cr. Also love my Kershaw Thermite that uses it. CRKT could sell these things like hot cakes if they would either lower the price or raise the price and give us better steel. I would have bought one by now if it was $15-$20 cheaper.
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- Apr 24, 2013
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Just checked the prices on bladehq. I agree with you, cray. Price is a little steep for what you're getting.
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- Sep 21, 2013
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The steel isn't AUS-8 but 8cr13MOV, almost the same but not entirely
Ah, my mistake. I assumed at the $60 asking price that it'd have been made of the same steel as their Tighe models. I guess that means this is one of their Chinese made knives rather than Taiwanese, so I'd be even more wary of purchasing it.
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- Mar 26, 2014
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I have the small CRKT Fossil, I completely reccomend and back it up. After a few months of use I've had no bladeplay. The flip action is so smooth with the ikbs, along with decent detent. It looks custom-ish, handle is pretty ergonomic, and its just unique looking, few of the reasons why I really dig the knife. Imo its worth the money
KAEDC
Gold Member
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- Apr 25, 2013
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I have handled a few of CRKT's Ikoma designed knives, all are quite good for the cost I think, but I could never bring my self to buy one, too much of a steel snob I suppose. Personally I wish Flavio Ikoma would license his designs to someone other than CRKT, maybe Spyderco, so we might get some better steels, I would love to get a Carajas in M390, or even maybe even M4, and while I'm wishing CF scales!
I have to kinda agree with Captain Reynolds there,
I've have and have had several CRKTs and although they produce some really cool and unique stuff, especially now with the help of Ken Onion, it can indeed be hit or miss.
The Hammond Cruiser has been pretty good, as has my tough old M21-04 made designed by the late great Ken Carson.
But I've had a few others, not so great. I got the Firestarter (I think it's called that, it was "fire" something for sure" because it was touted as a fully ambidextrous blade on CRKT's own site and also had a 4" blade with a great profile I liked. But when it arrived I found that the nature of the opening/closing mechanism, which was a kind of moving thumbstud that you push in, could not be switched to open left-handed. With no flipper, and the fact that it was assisted, I literally couldn't use the knife. Opening an assist right-handed, at least for me, is challenging and I can't get a secure enough grip to feel comfortable with it.
Not by any means bashing them, some of their stuff is great. I have a Mah Eraser and although that is up for sale, it is a GREAT knife, really really really great (not saying that because I'm selling, but because it's true). I think if I had to choose between my M21 which I also love and that, I'd probably go with that. Handle, ergos, fit and finish, blade profile and length, they're all great.
Just be careful as descriptions even on their own site may not be entirely accurate all the time...
I've have and have had several CRKTs and although they produce some really cool and unique stuff, especially now with the help of Ken Onion, it can indeed be hit or miss.
The Hammond Cruiser has been pretty good, as has my tough old M21-04 made designed by the late great Ken Carson.
But I've had a few others, not so great. I got the Firestarter (I think it's called that, it was "fire" something for sure" because it was touted as a fully ambidextrous blade on CRKT's own site and also had a 4" blade with a great profile I liked. But when it arrived I found that the nature of the opening/closing mechanism, which was a kind of moving thumbstud that you push in, could not be switched to open left-handed. With no flipper, and the fact that it was assisted, I literally couldn't use the knife. Opening an assist right-handed, at least for me, is challenging and I can't get a secure enough grip to feel comfortable with it.
Not by any means bashing them, some of their stuff is great. I have a Mah Eraser and although that is up for sale, it is a GREAT knife, really really really great (not saying that because I'm selling, but because it's true). I think if I had to choose between my M21 which I also love and that, I'd probably go with that. Handle, ergos, fit and finish, blade profile and length, they're all great.
Just be careful as descriptions even on their own site may not be entirely accurate all the time...
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- Jan 26, 2012
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The problem I have is that when you get to the $60 level there are some really great contenders from great companies. Kershaw as a whole range of USA made knives that have better materials and construction. The Blur and Knockout come to mind. Further, other companies with better reputations have lines of chines made knives with 8cr that are much less expensive. For example Spyderco has the whole Tenacious line and kershaw has a ton of value 8cr knives. Then you can get into the Chinese branded knives like amg137 mentioned from SRM, Ganzo, Enlan. The EL-04 might be the best bang for your buck knife in history. For me the fossil is just trying to be something its not. I can't justify $60 for an 8cr knife. But if you like it and can justify it that is all that really matters.