First Look at the CRKT M16-13Z

[Dexter Ewing]

This is the newest version of the Columbia River Knife and Tool M16 Kit Carson design, the M16-13Z. It shares the exact same dimensions as the aluminum 03/13 folders, except for lightweight Zytel scales. It also comes with Carson's flipper opener. This knife is a very slender design, carries well clipped to the pocket. The lockup is very crisp and tight, and blade action is very smooth. The flipper makes opening a lot easier, and perhaps a bit addicting too

Out of the box, the AUS-8 blade is very sharp, and the grinds are very even. For a knife with Zytel scales, it has good heft and balance thanks to the two full stainless steel liners. The aluminum handle spacer also adds to the balance. The M16-13Z is carried via a matching black pocket clip attached to the pivot end. The handle is pretty thick too - measuring a little over 1/2 inch minus pocket clip. Overall, seems to be a very good knife, I'll give another report after I've had a chance to put it through its paces. Word of note - if the knife appears a little rough around the edges, that's because it is. This is a prototype of the full production ones, on loan from fellow forumite Kit Carson.

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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator
AKTI Member # A000005

"They say I'm in need of some radical discipline"

[This message has been edited by Dexter Ewing (edited 19 July 1999).]

[This message has been edited by Dexter Ewing (edited 19 July 1999).]

 

[Kodiak PA]

Looks great Dex! Thanks for posting. I think this will be a very popular model due to its spear point design and flipper.

Without a doubt, the CRK&T M16 series is this summer's sleeper IMHO. I have all three (well, the 3rd is coming now from TOT Knives)and feel they are definitely worth more than what they sell for.

The down side of these knives is that I have bit by the Carson custom bug and just bought my first one!

A Model 4 with a grooved titanium handle. I'm really looking forward to adding this knife to the collection.

I look forward to hearing about the rest of your review.....looks like I will have to get this one, too!

Thanks Dexter

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~Greg~

 

[Blades]

Dexter,
Let us know how ya like the "flipper". Thanks.


Blades

 

[Dexter Ewing]

Hi Blades - flipper is great. I;ve been flicking the heck outta the 13Z so far. It opens about as fast as an automatic. It's a simple but very effective blade opener. Once you try one, you'll be addicted!

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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator
AKTI Member # A000005

"They say I'm in need of some radical discipline"

 

[JeffPaulsen]

I like the spear point blade better than the one on my M16/14 - if they had an M16/4 with this blade shape when I was shopping I would have got one of them.

When I went to the knife shop I was looking for one of those Gerber Applegate / Fairbairn folders, but they were smaller, $150 & didn't have a flipper. The CRKT was large, under $80 and had the flipper. CRKT just got another satisfied customer, even if the knife wasn't exactly what I started out shopping for.

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Jeff Paulsen

[This message has been edited by JeffPaulsen (edited 22 July 1999).]

[This message has been edited by JeffPaulsen (edited 22 July 1999).]

 

[Bob Irons]

Thanks Dexter. Looks like another "must see & handle" knife to me!