My recent reviews of the CRKT Minimalist and the Drifter have proven that CRKT is legitimate contender in the affordable EDC game. But for many this is old news as knives like the popular CRKT M16 have been around for years delivering excellent every day performance at a price that can’t be ignored.
In fact, I’m no stranger to the M16. I owned one years ago (a small black tanto version) and for around $20 it provided me with years of trusty service. That is, until I lost it in a move. It’s been a while but I finally got around to picking up another M16 – this time a medium size version with a spearpoint blade and flashy orange handle scales. Will it perform like the M16’s I used to know? Lets find out…
Purpose
This is a very popular knife from CRKT. Designed by Kit Carson, this blade comes in a variety of sizes suitable for EDC all the way up to Tactical applications. My old M16 was pretty small but I feel like the medium sized one straddles the EDC / tactical gap nicely with it’s 3.5 blade and 3.5 ounce carry weight.
General Dimensions and Blade Details
As I said before, the exact dimensions will vary slightly depending on the exact model you select. There are so many variations I’m not going to even bother trying to cover them all, instead focusing on materials, fit and finish, and other more general aspects of the knives. The exact model in my review is a M16-13ZER and it has a 3.5″ blade, an overall length of 8.25″ and a weight of 3.5 ounces. This is the middle of the road for the M16 series as CRKT makes versions that are both smaller and larger than the 13ZER.
My model came with a spear point blade, although you also have the option of a tanto. I like the spear point because it has a great tip and a decent amount of belly. It’s not really my first choice for EDC, as I do like having even more belly, but it will get the job done fine. The knife comes with a hollow grind and the option of serrations.
I found the edge on my knife to be very asymmetrical – it’s almost like the knife has a chisel grind. CRKT states that they grind the knives this way to avoid thinning the serrations. While it may look a little different, my knife came very sharp; shaving hair and zipping through paper without an issue.
Ok, now for the biggest complaint – the blade steel is AUS 4. This is similar to AUS 8, but it has a lower carbon content (AUS 8 has ~0.8% carbon, AUS 4 has ~0.4%). What this means is that the steel is very soft with a HRC of 55-57. AUS 8 is already notorious for being a relatively soft steel, and AUS 4 is even softer. I don’t mind AUS 8 and can even handle AUS 6, but unfortunately I can’t recommend AUS 4 for any kind of serious use as it simply won’t hold an edge very long. For a little EDC use, it will be passable, but really, when you have inexpensive yet decent performing steels like 8Cr13MoV on the market, there really is no excuse to be using AUS 4 these days. CRKT, if you are reading, I really like the knife but the steel sucks – no way around it.
CRKT used to make the knife in AUS 8, and you can still find some of the special editions in that steel. If you can find one of those for a good price, by all means pick it up – should be a great blade.
Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip
Depending on the knife your M16 may come in aluminum or even titanium scales. For most people (including the knife shown here) the scales are made of Zytel (plastic) over full stainless liners. I don’t mind the Zytel scales as they are comfortable and help keep the knife light. I really like the choice in colors, I thought the orange version was cool (and practical, being a highly visible color) and kind of gives the knife a “rescue blade” vibe. A series of holes in the handle forms a basic yet attractive pattern. These holes will attract dirt and pocket lint and in my mind serve a purely decorative purpose on the FRN scaled versions.
Ergonomics on my medium sized M16 are nice. The reason I like the medium sized version (the M16-13Z) is because it has a larger handle allowing for a full grip. The zytel scales give the knife some thickness and the corners are nicely rounded so it comfortably fills the hand. The spine of the blade has some fairly aggressive jimping and the flipper forms an integral guard that keeps your hand from slipping onto the blade. These are nice ergonomic features on an otherwise basic (but highly functional) handle.
The pocket clip is another source of grief. The design is nice – it’s a simple clip that rides low and has good retention, but it’s located for right side tip down carry only. At the very least I’d like to see an option for tip up carry – let alone fully ambidextrous mounting options.
Deployment and Lockup
Deployment of the M16 is absolutely stellar. The first time I deployed the blade I literally had to check if it was an assisted opening knife – it’s that smooth and fast. Upon closer inspection it looks like the M16 uses a teflon and phosphor bronze washer. Whatever it is, it works and I’m not complaining. Deployment is accomplished by way of a flipper. At first glance it looks like the knife has 2 large thumb studs, but these are actually stop pins mounted in the blade. They sit flush with the handle and cannot be easily activated with the thumb. This is fine as I happen to like flippers.
The M16 uses a liner lock and it bites in nice and early. There is plenty of room for wear and I detected zero blade play. However, this is not your normal liner lock. This lock has been equipped with CRKT’s Auto LAWKS safety system. The Auto LAWKS system requires you to pull back a lever before you can disengage the lock – handy for aggressive use, but also a source of mild inconvenience for simple tasks. In fact, I know that for a lot of people, the Auto LAWKS is pretty annoying. Personally, I can deal with it, but would much prefer if it wasn’t spring loaded – so you could turn it on and off at will.That said, if it really bothers you you could take the knife apart and remove the LAWKS all together.
CRKT M16 – Final Thoughts
So how does the M16 stack up? Well, I’m sure for many the tip down carry and Auto LAWKS will be mild to moderate turn offs. I’m willing to look past that and would recommend this as a decent EDC or emergency tactical option, BUT the AUS 4 steel is just sub par. If you are willing to spring for a more expensive version in AUS 8 I think it’s a nice knife worthy of your consideration.
If CRKT were to put some decent steel back in this knife I’d say they have a real winner here. I love the deployment and the fit and finish is nice. All in all it’s a solid design and the price is right. I also like the overall looks of the knife. For light use the steel will work, but be ready to sharpen it after. Unfortunately, the steel is what keeps me from really recommending this one. If you want a nice EDC knife from CRKT, check out the CRKT Drifter.
CRKT M16 Review
Originally Posted at: BladeReviews.com