- Joined
- Mar 30, 2008
- Messages
- 1,507
I was always intrigued by this offering ever since I saw CRKT announced it. The design by Mr Tighe to me is amazing. And to be able to own an art piece from him was something I really looked forward to.
As a huge fan of lock backs, I was also curious how Mr Klecker`s take on the lock back would be with his new innovative design.
Upon receiving the CRKT Nirk Tighe, I was 1st amazed at the size. Its big! For me I dig it. I love large folders. Opening the box you see the SS scales next to the blue nitride coating behind it. Its beautiful. The large recurve satin finished aus8 blade is a thing to behold. All in a package that is very light.The specs say 5.1 oz. To me it feels only about 4 oz.
The closed retention is great. Not like the closed retention of a Cold Steel triad lock back. But strong enough to give you confidence that it will not open if nudged in your pocket. The retention is perfect enough to build pressure upon opening it with the flipper. Gives plenty of resistance that once you over come it, the blade flies out and locks up with a solid click.
Before I talk about lock up....I`ll describe its F&F in the closed position. Its good, not great. It is after all a production piece at a great price. The blade is perfectly centered! Something I do look for even in budget priced knives. The cutout on the spine with the flipper comes through is off abit. But you can actually move the spine left or right because of the skeletonized design. Not a deal breaker for me as the flipper does not rub anywhere.
Lock up is perfect. No play in any direction. I did put some lock tite on the pivot screw as after a few flips it became obvious that it would not hold on its own. (after a fews days of flippin now, it holds strong). The blade rides on PB washers. Odd though because they are much faster and smoother than my other knives that use PB washers. It is said by CRKT that it also rides in a BB system. I did not disassemble mine to check. But if that is the case, I like it. The washers will prevent dirt & debris from entering the BB system thus buggering it up over time.
The clip placement is perfect. Rides very low in pocket. I did take mine off to further tighten it as it was very loose against the SS scales. Something I normally do anyway with smooth scaled knives to make sure they ride with me and not end up on the floor of my truck lol.
The flipper action is unique as are most knives. The feel, the sound, the speed. The Nirk opens quickly with a whoosh then the lock clanks. Odd to explain but thats the best I can. The pressure you need to unlock it is moderate. Much stronger that I thought.
Lastly I will say that you can close this knife one handed. It would take large paws, but with some practice I can open and close it as fast as any of the knives I use. You put your thumb on the lock to disengage it. Then like a Cold Steel lock back, slide your pointer finger to the up most slot of the large choil. Then disengage the lock and let the flipper tang fall to your finger. Then take your index finger and slide it to the spine of the blade and close it normally.
All in all....very pleased with this offering from CRKT.
As a huge fan of lock backs, I was also curious how Mr Klecker`s take on the lock back would be with his new innovative design.
Upon receiving the CRKT Nirk Tighe, I was 1st amazed at the size. Its big! For me I dig it. I love large folders. Opening the box you see the SS scales next to the blue nitride coating behind it. Its beautiful. The large recurve satin finished aus8 blade is a thing to behold. All in a package that is very light.The specs say 5.1 oz. To me it feels only about 4 oz.
The closed retention is great. Not like the closed retention of a Cold Steel triad lock back. But strong enough to give you confidence that it will not open if nudged in your pocket. The retention is perfect enough to build pressure upon opening it with the flipper. Gives plenty of resistance that once you over come it, the blade flies out and locks up with a solid click.
Before I talk about lock up....I`ll describe its F&F in the closed position. Its good, not great. It is after all a production piece at a great price. The blade is perfectly centered! Something I do look for even in budget priced knives. The cutout on the spine with the flipper comes through is off abit. But you can actually move the spine left or right because of the skeletonized design. Not a deal breaker for me as the flipper does not rub anywhere.
Lock up is perfect. No play in any direction. I did put some lock tite on the pivot screw as after a few flips it became obvious that it would not hold on its own. (after a fews days of flippin now, it holds strong). The blade rides on PB washers. Odd though because they are much faster and smoother than my other knives that use PB washers. It is said by CRKT that it also rides in a BB system. I did not disassemble mine to check. But if that is the case, I like it. The washers will prevent dirt & debris from entering the BB system thus buggering it up over time.
The clip placement is perfect. Rides very low in pocket. I did take mine off to further tighten it as it was very loose against the SS scales. Something I normally do anyway with smooth scaled knives to make sure they ride with me and not end up on the floor of my truck lol.
The flipper action is unique as are most knives. The feel, the sound, the speed. The Nirk opens quickly with a whoosh then the lock clanks. Odd to explain but thats the best I can. The pressure you need to unlock it is moderate. Much stronger that I thought.
Lastly I will say that you can close this knife one handed. It would take large paws, but with some practice I can open and close it as fast as any of the knives I use. You put your thumb on the lock to disengage it. Then like a Cold Steel lock back, slide your pointer finger to the up most slot of the large choil. Then disengage the lock and let the flipper tang fall to your finger. Then take your index finger and slide it to the spine of the blade and close it normally.
All in all....very pleased with this offering from CRKT.