Anyone know if these are decent?

I like a good knife. And I never have enough of them since I can't seem to ever keep one on me. They get left in the car, or next to the bed, or in the office, etc. In addition to all the usual around the house tasks, I work from home and am constantly cutting pallet wrap, plastic banding, double or triple wall cardboard, etc.

Is this a good bang for my buck?

I got one in the wootoff and got the wrong kind. Just wrote to woot about it hoping for an exchange.

Seems like a great little knife though, very sharp

While I do not own this particular knife, I have other CRKT blades, and have been happy with those. Having a knife that can be opened one handed is also a big deal for me, because usually the item you need to use the knife on is occupying your other hand. This is a pretty small blade, meaning legal in DE, so that's good.... don't want to go getting arrested for concealed deadly weapons carry charges. If you have never opened an assisted opening blade before, they require some force and shouldn't open in your pocket. This means you need to really flick the blade firmly when you do want it to open, they can be SLIGHTLY more difficult to get the hang of. Assisted opening knives also require more force to close because the spring needs to be compressed and you might need two hands to close the blade.

labrat0017 wrote:While I do not own this particular knife, I have other CRKT blades, and have been happy with those. Having a knife that can be opened one handed is also a big deal for me, because usually the item you need to use the knife on is occupying your other hand. This is a pretty small blade, meaning legal in DE, so that's good.... don't want to go getting arrested for concealed deadly weapons carry charges. If you have never opened an assisted opening blade before, they require some force and shouldn't open in your pocket. This means you need to really flick the blade firmly when you do want it to open, they can be SLIGHTLY more difficult to get the hang of. Assisted opening knives also require more force to close because the spring needs to be compressed and you might need two hands to close the blade.

This particular knife is known for being notoriously hard to open. It requires quite a bit of force to unfold. This is compounded by its small size, it makes it hard to grip and apply force against the thumb stud.

on fire review

found this mediocre video review, but it's gives a good in-hand visual and you can see it opening and closing.

Damn, if this thing wasn't so small, I'd be all over it. I'm in need of a new knife.

jrh454s wrote:This particular knife is known for being notoriously hard to open. It requires quite a bit of force to unfold. This is compounded by its small size, it makes it hard to grip and apply force against the thumb stud.

I have a kershaw assisted opening that I got off woot a while back that is extremely difficult to open, in fact I usually have to use both hands. Good to know this one is tricky as well.

I can't recommend this one. I purchased this during the last woot sale and I'm currently returning it to the company for the same reasons stated here... it's just incredibly hard to open one-handed. Fine for use as a utility knife, but forget using it for self-defense purposes.
The lady I spoke to at CRKT said that this line has been discontinued for this very reason, they don't even make them anymore.

I love CRKT knives. The triumph is one of the best knives I have owned. That being said, I have to say that these knives are not up to CRKT standards. They are very hard to open, and the action is not smooth and often sticks. The knives themselves are much smaller then you think. I bought two of these last time they were up here for $24.99 and I have to say they were not worth it. To me it feels like a $10 knife, tops. Would not recommend, nor buy again.

I bought one of these at the last Woot-off. Most of the time I can open it with one hand, but occasionally I have to use my other hand.

Mine didn't seem to be very sharp when I got it. I had a sliver in my finger and I kept on trying to slice my skin where the sliver was under my skin and I couldn't slice it. I ended up having to break the skin with the point and cut from there.

I really like the size of the knife though. It is really compact and handy.

carlhdonky wrote:Anyone know if these are decent?

I have both versions in front of me now I as I type. I own a number of CRKT knives (couple large tactical style Triumphs). I purchased these and my other models as well as Kerwshaws here on Woot. I've had the Triumphs pop open when dropped on the ground. These, I have dropped without incedent so far. I alternate use btwn non serrated and serrated quite a bit as a daily pocket folder and after owning them about 2 months, they have proved to be durable. (altho I think I could stand to sharpen them both. They're sharp, but not razor) Value wise, I would say both for 25.00 or 12.99 ea as the Kewshaws have been would be a great value. As it is, you're paying 30/knife w/shipping, which, is a bit high compared to other knives on the market of a similar styling but it does seem to be a quality knife with a good SS blade. I'd say its worth 27.5 (if you were to buy two) but its relative and subjective and again, you'd get a far better and fairer deal if both were 25 obviously. (not sure if Woot will eventually rescind its pricing to that kind of a blow out) Only time will tell if it holds up without coming apart but the construction seems well built. The blade length is good as is the overall size and I like the thumb stud. Its a bit stiff on opening, typically requiring opening movements in two stages instead of one smooth one but locks well and I've gotten used to its action.

my dad just got his from woot. extremely difficult to open. i work in the trades so my fingers are at least slightly more used to abuse than someone at the desk, and this kinda ridiculous. my dad's almost 70, so when he told me it was tough to open, i thought maybe it was his age talkin ;) but it wasnt! more convenient size than the kershaw's they had on here last week, but would not recommend.

carlhdonky wrote:Anyone know if these are decent?

I'd skip these. The Kershaws they sell here once in a while are better and more usable knives (as long as they are not serrated).



edit: This one sits in my drawer and never gets used. If you want a small pocket knife from Woot, they may offer the Kershaw Drone again. Wait for that one. Nearly the same length and weight, easy to sharpen, ergonomic, and usable knife for 14 dollars.

poorhungrydoctor wrote:I'd skip these. The Kershaws they sell here once in a while are better and more usable knives (as long as they are not serrated).

I agree, the Kewshaws were a much better value, but much larger of a folder with at least an inch increase of blade length. If you want a shorter folder out of the knives being offered on here, this has been the most pocketable for me.

I got the non-serrated version a month ago(?). It was initially very nice and compact easy to open with tons of spring on opening. Now I have to use both hands to open it and this is with low to moderate usage as EDC. I probably only need to oil it a little bit, but its sitting on the sideline until I actually oil it up.

labrat0017 wrote:on fire review

found this mediocre video review, but it's gives a good in-hand visual and you can see it opening and closing.

"It has a safety; it would be good for stabbing"

wow, now only .99 cents more expensive than the last time I bought these. NICE!!!

I bought this on Woot the last time it was available. Initially it's hard to open with one hand, but I fixed it easily by adjusting the pivot screw about 1/8 of a turn. Now it just flies open when I push on the thumbstud.

Also, I found it a lot easier to open the knife by pushing on the thumbstud directly forward, instead of towards the side.

demonsweat wrote:I can't recommend this one. I purchased this during the last woot sale and I'm currently returning it to the company for the same reasons stated here... it's just incredibly hard to open one-handed. Fine for use as a utility knife, but forget using it for self-defense purposes.
The lady I spoke to at CRKT said that this line has been discontinued for this very reason, they don't even make them anymore.

You guys complaining about it being hard to open are wimps. I have absolutely no problem getting it open with one thumb in hand. Once you overcome the initial resistance from the spring, it shoots open as it should. It does get a little easier over time too - initially it will be pretty stiff, but it will be easier after a few weeks of use. I do dislike the harder closing force needed compared to my Benchmade (which is non-assisted), but it's not THAT bad.

The thumb stud is a little too small though. I wouldn't want to sit there for 15 minutes opening and closing it because the stud will eat into your thumb a bit with a ton of repeated use... but again, who does this?

Oh, and I'm a computer nerd for a living, so it's not like I have rough/tough hands. I am 6'4", but I can't palm a basketball, so I don't have giant hands either. :P

jrh454s wrote:This particular knife is known for being notoriously hard to open. It requires quite a bit of force to unfold. This is compounded by its small size, it makes it hard to grip and apply force against the thumb stud.

Mine is easy to open and close one handed. No problems here, love it.

"Hard to open.." Blah, blah, blah... "Forget using it for defense purposes..." Blah,blah, blah...

What an amazing run of crappy comments. Self defense purposes?! Give me a break! This little knife should be considered a gentleman's utility knife. This is a pocket knife, not an assault weapon. Open a letter. Slice an apple.

I got this knife for my dad for father's day and he uses it when he fishes to cut the line and such. I haven't heard him complain and have seen him with it recently. I would assume that he likes it and is getting use out of it.

I bought one last time it was offered. I think it's a nice little knife overall. I prefer the Kershaw SpeedSafe assisted opening instead of this one as I'm left-handed and the only way it works well for me is using my right hand. My Kershaws work fine left or right. That being said this CRKT is easy to open and close single-handed and right-handed to boot! Was a bit stiff when I first got it but just like any good folder just exercise it opening and closing some and it will work smoothly and effectively.

Bought one last time. Too small for anyone with a normal or larger hand. Tiny thumbstud, too.

It's going on the table at the next gunshow, though, so I'll be able to get rid of it.

I also purchased one when it was last available on Woot. I had just purchased a Kershaw Scallion around the same time and when comparing the two, there is no comparison. The Kershaw wins hands down.
Maybe I got lucky, but my CRKT arrived very sharp. I also found it difficult to open but I could tell that it just needed some breaking in. It now snaps open like a blur and is at the ready very quickly. I also like how it feels secure and wont open until I want it to. With my Kershaw, I have to leave the blade lock on because it just feels like it's gonna snap open when I look at it the wrong way.

There's better EDC options for pocket knives but I like keeping it in the rotation just so I have a variety.

I'm not unhappy with it.

jrh454s wrote:This particular knife is known for being notoriously hard to open. It requires quite a bit of force to unfold. This is compounded by its small size, it makes it hard to grip and apply force against the thumb stud.

I bought this the last time it was up on Woot!. I have not had this issue whatsoever. I have no problem with one hand opening this knife, however it does require you to assist it to about a 1/3 to 1/2 of its travel before the spring action takes over.

I would not recommend this knife. I bought some Kershaws back in Janurary off of here, and they are excellent, cost roughly the same and have a far better opening mechanism. The biggest thing for me is that the Kershaws were sharp, like hair splitting sharp. The CRKT Van Hoy On Fire was/is not even close to that sharp, it does seem to have a decent point but literally requires more effort to cut open a box then the stupid saftey cutters they give us at work. It does look pretty though.

jrh454s wrote:This particular knife is known for being notoriously hard to open. It requires quite a bit of force to unfold. This is compounded by its small size, it makes it hard to grip and apply force against the thumb stud.

I've had Spyderco knives that were hard to open one handed when new. Working it with a bit of lapping compound solved that problem. Maybe that would work with these knives too.

jrh454s wrote:This particular knife is known for being notoriously hard to open. It requires quite a bit of force to unfold. This is compounded by its small size, it makes it hard to grip and apply force against the thumb stud.

Once you get the hang of it, it is quite easy and satisfying to flick it open. You just have to push the stud up towards the hinge instead of out towards the blade.

labrat0017 wrote:I have a kershaw assisted opening that I got off woot a while back that is extremely difficult to open, in fact I usually have to use both hands. Good to know this one is tricky as well.

Send it back to Kershaw or take it to a knife dealer. It can be adjusted. I had to loosen the screws in my new Kershaw to get it to open quickly. Now it works great. Well, it would if I could find it.

I found it very hard to sharpen. Tried water stones, disk and belt grinder, to no avail.

noryen wrote:I bought this on Woot the last time it was available. Initially it's hard to open with one hand, but I fixed it easily by adjusting the pivot screw about 1/8 of a turn. Now it just flies open when I push on the thumbstud.

Also, I found it a lot easier to open the knife by pushing on the thumbstud directly forward, instead of towards the side.

I agree. If you push forward at a 45 degree angle it opens easily. I purchased the straight edge last time and will now pickup the the other.

'Bought this on the last round, non-serrated. Perfect size for pocket, slim profile, and not too heavy.

The assisted opening mechanism on this and most other CRT's is a tension spring, (curved piece of steel) that is pushed back by the opening mechanism. Perhaps counter-intuitively, larger/more heavily weighted blades swing faster and more easily.

With this smaller blade, it can remain partially open on the first try until you are used to opening it. The location of the thumb catch and direction of push are a bit different than others too. Once you play with it a bit, you can easily and consistently open and close it it right or left one handed (although for lefties, the pocket clip, while removable is not reversible). The construction of the casing also allows leverage with a "groove" to hold the base against the heel of your hand with your fingers of the opening hand. Until you get used it, "flick" is all you need to get it fully open with one hand.

I have a number or knives from CRT and others, and carry this very often. The size, profile and lock mechanisms (both of them) are well thought out for a smaller sized knife. It's also easy to disassemble and clean. It holds an edge decently for the steel type and I use mine around fresh and salt water- corrosion has not been an issue (but I clean and sharpen often)

Sassy enough for a good at home redux of Westside story? No. The only knife I'd like to have on a desert island? No. Good knife for daily use? Sure. Worth $25? I'm in for another in case I lose this one, YMMV.

carlhdonky wrote:Anyone know if these are decent?

I bought on on a previous Woot and with a bit of use, it breaks in and opens very easily. I have the serrated edge model and I don't like how the blade is beveled. It's beveled much more to one side making simple knife sharpeners useless. I also think the blade material is junk. It doesn't hold a edge and has several chips after little use. A carbon blade would have been much better and easier to keep sharp.

For me it's little more than a box opener, which is fine.

I purchased this one last time it was on here.

Short and sweet, it was a great (very sharp) knife for the price (especially with the assisted opening). I would recommend it for a daily carry or to have laying around.

Also, mine was moderately difficult to open (not because it was "too hard" to push the thumbstud, but because it was too tight and got "stuck" 3/4 of the way) but after adjusting the screw very slightly, it flies open.

Recommended. I wouldn't spend more than this price on it though.

carlhdonky wrote:Anyone know if these are decent?

I bought two of these knives recently as gifts and they are so hard to open I never even gave them away. Not worth the money. I've hunted for 15 years and have carried a knife for a few years every day, this knife is too small to open and the spring is so tight you almost always have to use 2 hands to open it. If you're looking for a quick easy opening knife this isn't what you're looking for. The blade is sharp, however.

carlhdonky wrote:Anyone know if these are decent?

Knife is small, but is very sharp. It is tricky to open and due to its small size you may not feel confident cutting.

carlhdonky wrote:Anyone know if these are decent?

Check out the reviews on this thing: Van Hoy On-Fire Reviews. Has 4 stars out of 5 and the only slight against it seems to be that it's hard to open and sometimes people think that some of the other knives by this same company are better. I'd say this is a win/win.

I own at least half a dozen knives from CRKT, they are not cheap throw away tools. You will not be disappointed.