I have been regularly carrying and using this knife since September 2011. The knife is still tight, keeps a very good edge, and looks great. There is no side-to-side or any other play in the blade. Nothing has loosened, and I neverneeded to apply some Locktite as I originally planned.
The locking mechanism is superb. The liner lock gets pinned into the locked position until manually released. I feel I can use the knife and never fear that it will accidentally close on me. It also stays completely closed when folded. The blade was wickedly sharp out of the box, and easy to maintain in that condition, so it is comforting to know it is almost as as solidly safe as a non-folder when opened.
Closing it is neither difficult nor slow after a little practice. It does take two hands and you need to pay a little bit of attention to what you are doing. That's fine. I will gladly take a little trouble in closing it in return for a speedy and fully safe deployment.
Opening is literally a snap! Start the blade moving out of the handle using the Carson Flipper lever portion of the blade (and usually the index finger) and give it a flick of the wrist. It is opened and locked! Again, with a little practice, this can be done with either hand and has never failed to open the knife fully in the locked conformation. The thumb stud is ambidextrous, and for me a nice alternative and backup option. In contrast to another reviewer, I found the blade can started on its way to opening using the thumb stud and thumb from a fully-closed position. Then give it the flick. Lots of options for opening, and I can use any of them.
The red button AUTO form of the Autolawks safety can be mechanically disengaged by following the helpful instructions posted by another reviewer. While I agree that this is still a good knife when so modified, to me it then also becomes a knife that is like many others if I then can' t manage to manually lock the liner and blade. The knife I wanted -and found- here is special because opens in a flash, and AUTOMATICALLY locks solidly open, and yet closes with no trouble to practiced hands. The time spent in modification IMHO would be better spent practicing opening and closing the knife; but to each his own. If you are happier with a manual lock on the liner, by all means modify the knife. But think about it first, especially if you want to employ the other modification which will make the liner lock more accessible (and more exposed).
This knife can serve many functions:
-as a tool for the first responder (bravo for one-handed opening and locking)
-as a woods or hunting knife, or when boating or canoeing
-for police, military, or fire work
-for self-defense
-for EDC
-as a general-purpose folder in a bug-out bag
Personally, I like the combo edge because the serrated portion is sufficiently long for cutting thick rope, webbing, or fabric. But a fine edge will work as well if it is given a final few strokes cross a coarser stone to slightly rough up the edge. This will give it some "bite".
While it was smooth operating out of the box, it helped a bit to break it in by practicing opening and closing. After a hundred or so cycles of opening and closing, it was ready for re-lubrication with a light synthetic oil (Rem-Oil is one good choice). It helps to let a little oil flow through the pivot as the blade is worked, to flush out any debris (or rinse under hot running water). The finish holds up on the blade, but prudence suggests wiping regularly with a touch of oil or leaving a light coat of a buffed wax.
What else? It is usefully large at five inched closed, with a practical three inches of blade. Enough to do the job out of pocket or pouch and not raise eyebrows. In fact, enough for dressing a deer. Also legal in most (but not all!) places. The steel is a decent type and quite good for the price of the knife. Blade thickness and conformation are good, and the point is there but not too overwhelming. (In some pictures, the serrated portion fades out and makes it look like some sort of gut hook, which it isn't.). The scales are just right, neither slippery nor clinging. It might be textured to the point of being a little rough on the skin, but you won't need to worry about losing your grip with wet, oily, or sweating hands.
One of my sons will soon be trying his hand at career in firefighting, and he'll be getting this knife as a present. Can I say more? He will have several knives, but this will be the likely workhorse. After years of being a first responder myself, and in law enforcement as well as field biology, I have learned you can't judge a knife by the price tag alone. This knife is a bargain, and priced well-below its value as a working knife, as a knife for all seasons and many reasons. Just buy it: you will be pleased. Well-done CRKT!
| Recommended Uses For Product | Military |
|---|---|
| Brand | CRKT |
| Model Name | M21-04G |
| Special Feature | Stainless Steel |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Included Components | CRKT M21-04G, Pamphlet |
| Handle Material | Fiberglass |
| Color | Black Blade / G10 Handle / M21-04g |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Style | Plain |
| Blade Length | 3.98 Inches |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Item Weight | 5.9 Ounces |
| Blade Shape | Spear Point |
| Blade Edge | Plain |
| Is Cordless? | Yes |
| Item Length | 9.25 Inches |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00794023001853 |
| Manufacturer | Columbia River Knife & Tool |
| UPC | 794023001853 745369214988 |
| Part Number | M21-04G |
| Item Weight | 5.9 ounces |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | M21-04G |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 3.875" Blade |
| Finish | TiN |
| Material | Other |
| Shape | Spear Point |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Measurement System | Imperial |
| Special Features | Stainless Steel |
| Usage | Inside, Outside |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
