Kershaw scrambler vs crkt m4-02

[KnifeBuyerT]

I'm just just getting into buying knives, i've been looking around and the scramble and m402 are the ones that i found that i really like for my price i was just wondering if you had to pick one which one would it be? they seem to be very similar, but if you could give your opinion that would be great thanks!

 

[strategy9]

Both look like decent options, I don't think you'll strike out on either one; both CRKT and Kershaw do well (in my experiences) with their china made production models, and the 8cr13mov steel isn't too shabby for an entry level blade...

Really depends on your preference and what you'll be using it for;
The CRKT has nicer aesthetics with the wood, bone, and stag handle options, I really like the bone and the wood. Looks like a great "gentlemen's folder" option, more office friendly, night out with the Mrs., country club and white collar crowd.

The Scrambler is more rugged, simple, G10 handle and framelock design with the flipper, + a 1/4" more blade, i see it more of a blue collar friendly work knife.

I'm a blue collar guy, So of the two I'd opt for the Kershaw first, g10 is more rugged/easier to wipe clean, more blade and a sturdy frame lock w/ a flipper all make it more practical for my more common goals; then the CRKT the next paycheck to have both (or wait till I could afford both in one shot). If I worked in an office though, I'd go for the m402 because it's design is more stylish and would accent better with a suit and tie.

A third option would be spending a little bit more then the CRKT cost and buy a Boker+ Urban Trapper w/ cocobolo wood handles.

Sleaker design, elegant wood look of the m402, 3.5" blade with a flipper like the Scrambler, w/ a deep pocket clip and a much better blade steel upgrade in the vg-10. Only real trade off is it's not assisted. But a great knife with great reviews.

 

[Inazone]

A co-worker of mine asked for a knife recommendation, and having had good results with my Kershaw EDCs, I steered him toward their import line. He liked the look and specs of the Scrambler and bought one, and has been very happy with it. Meanwhile, I've had good luck with CRKT as well, but a few guys on our team have ordered CRKTs that suffered from obvious QC shortcomings. Materials and price being comparable, I generally will go with Kershaw over CRKT because of (in my experience) superior QC and excellent customer service. I had to send it a Kershaw Shuffle with a faulty liner lock (two months after purchase) which Kershaw replaced with a flawless one, and a Vapor III that over the course of a couple years became off-center and couldn't be adjusted because the pivot screw stripped, which they fixed and sent back to me very quickly.

CRKT, meanwhile, told me they couldn't help me with a brand new Hammond Cruiser with multiple issues, so I was very fortunate that the dealer replaced it for me without hassle.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

A co-worker of mine asked for a knife recommendation, and having had good results with my Kershaw EDCs, I steered him toward their import line. He liked the look and specs of the Scrambler and bought one, and has been very happy with it. Meanwhile, I've had good luck with CRKT as well, but a few guys on our team have ordered CRKTs that suffered from obvious QC shortcomings. Materials and price being comparable, I generally will go with Kershaw over CRKT because of (in my experience) superior QC and excellent customer service. I had to send it a Kershaw Shuffle with a faulty liner lock (two months after purchase) which Kershaw replaced with a flawless one, and a Vapor III that over the course of a couple years became off-center and couldn't be adjusted because the pivot screw stripped, which they fixed and sent back to me very quickly.

CRKT, meanwhile, told me they couldn't help me with a brand new Hammond Cruiser with multiple issues, so I was very fortunate that the dealer replaced it for me without hassle.

This. The knives are probably gonna be roughly equal in terms of quality, but if you can't decide I would go for the Kershaw to get the customer service and warranty that comes with it.

 

[average gimp]

I know nothing of the Kershaw model you described, but Insipid Moniker's bang-on about Kershaw's customer service: they're the best and most responsive folding knife manufacturer I've ever dealt with, bar none. CRKT's lousy heat treat, mystery steel of the month, and overall lousy QC means I don't own and will never buy another of their folders. I own a couple of Minimalists because they have no locks or ball detents to fail, they're cheap, reasonably ergonomic, and have--a rarity for any manufacturer--good factory sheaths.

 

[Rich S]

I have a CRKT M4-02 and absolutly love it. Great and beautiful knife. Also easy to convert to a manual thumbstud linerlock from an AO if so desired. Just looked up the Kershaw Scrambler; while I have several Kershaw (they make a great knife), I don't care for frame locks and it's just not a nice looking IMHO as the CRKT. I go with the CRKT.
Rich