The Best CRKT Knife: Top Reviews for Survival, EDC, and More

Since CRKT Inc (Columbia River Knife and Tool) began in 1994, it has continued to be one of the world’s most efficient and innovative knife producers. Based in Oregon, CRKT was started by Paul Gillespi and Bremer Rod. The two founders of CRKT used to work for Kershaw Knives.

The company toiled in obscurity until the 1997 Shot Show when they introduced their KISS knife. Designed by Ed Halligan, KISS knife took the world by storm. And the company managed to sell years’ worth of knives within the opening days of the event.

CRKT is known for its high-quality and innovative knives. And they have collaborated with several iconic knife designers to bring you exceptional knives.

Therefore, if you are looking for an affordable, well-made, and beautifully designed knife, CRKT has what you need. With a wide array of knives, selecting the right CRKT knife can be quite challenging. Therefore, we have created a list of the best CRKT knives in the market for you to choose from.

Let’s dive in…

The Best CRKT Knives Are…

Product	Details
1. CRKT M16-14FG Folding Knife	Top Pick	Highly skeletonized G-10 handle Veff serrated blade Carson flipper opening Automated liner safety A 3.99-inch blade that is made from 8Cr13MoV	Check Current Price
2. CRKT Pilar		8Cr13MoV steel Blade Frame locking mechanism Thumb slot opening system Steel frame A pocket clip for easy carry	Check Current Price
3. CRKT Drifter		Folding blade with a liner locking system A 2.875-inch drop-point blade Titanium nitride finish G-10 handle	Check Current Price
4. CRKT M21-04G Pocket Knife		3.875–inch steel spear point blade Blade has a titanium nitride finish A skeletonized G-10 handle Folding pocket knife with a liner locking mechanism	Check Current Price
5. CRKT Squid		A 2.14-inch blade Drop-point blade style Blade made from 8Cr13Mov steel Stainless steel handle Dual-thumb studs Finger choil	Check Current Price
6. CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife		High-quality nylon sheath Polished resin-infused handle A 2.125-inch 5Cr15MoV steel blade The blade has a bead blast finish	Check Current Price
7. CRKT SPEW Fixed Knife		Glass-reinforced nylon sheath G-10 handle A 3-inch plain 5Cr15MoV steel blade The sheath comes with a belt clip	Check Current Price
8. CRKT Eros Folding Pocket Knife		3-inch Acuto 440 steel blade Blade features a satin finish 6AL4V titanium handle Frame locking system IKBS ball bearing pivot system Drop point blade style	Check Current Price
9. CRKT CEO Folding Knife		High carbon steel blade IKBS ball bearing pivot mechanism for deploying the blade Tough glass-reinforced nylon handle	Check Current Price

1. CRKT M16-14FG Folding Knife — Best CRKT Knife Overall

CRKT M16-14FG is a sharp folding knife that can cut through a whittling wood when new. Other than its sharpness, this EDC blade is super light. The M16-14FG merges a 3.875-inch blade with a skeletonized G-10 handle. This knife features a tanto steel blade that has been coated with black titanium nitride.

This knife has a razor-sharp Veff serrated blade with high edge-retention and rust-resistant levels. The Veff serrations are perfect for cutting fibrous materials and ropes. This tool comes with 2 Carson flippers that provide smooth and quick one-hand closing and opening.

M16-14FG comes with a highly skeletonized G-10 handle for a perfect grip. For easy carrying, this CRKT model comes with a 4-position pocket clip. When opened the automated liner safety feature inserts a pin between the frame and liner to secure the blade.

Weighing about 5.9 ounces, this pocket knife can be a bit hefty for some users. The serrated blade can be quite hard to sharpen.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

CRKT M16-14FG is a tough and reliable pocket knife that can get you out of tough situations. Whether it’s backpacking, hunting, tactical, or EDC, the M16-14FG is one pocket knife that can surprise you.

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2. CRKT Pilar

CRKT Pilar is one of the most iconic folding pocket knives from CRKT that was designed by Jesper Voxnaes. It is a compact EDC blade that incorporates amazing looks with incredible ergonomics.

It features a rock-solid frame locking system and a stylish sheepfoot blade. What makes it unique is how easy it is to use. The pillar features a 2.4-inch blade that is made from 8Cr13MoV steel. The pilar comes with a sharp blade that is easy to sharpen.

For easy deployment, the pilar comes with a thumb slot opening system that is backed by a frame lock for extra safety. And for easy carrying, it has a pocket clip. Weighing about 4.2 ounces, this blade can be quite heavy for some users. Most enthusiasts have complained that it cannot be opened using one hand.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

With an open length of about 5.9 inches and a weight of 4.6 ounces, the pilar is an ideal ECD tool for anyone looking for a classic blade.

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3. CRKT Drifter

The drifter is an affordable pocket knife that merges 8Cr14MoV steel blade with a G-10 handle. A drifter comes with a 2.875 inches long blade that features a drop-point profile. For extra strength, the blade is coated with titanium nitride.

The blade has high rust-resistant and edge-retention levels. The G-10 handle has some good ergonomics and can be quite grippy. The drop-point blade makes the drifter a flexible tool that can go from cutting seatbelts to opening letters within seconds.

The drifter features a liner locking mechanism and a dual thumb stud for single-hand deployment. For easy carry, the drifter comes with a unique pocket clip. However, it is not a reversible pocket clip, so the left-handed users are at a disadvantage.

Most users have complained that this blade is dull straight out of the box. Therefore, you should be ready to sharpen it before you start slicing things.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

Weighing around 2.5 ounces and a closed length of 3.625 inches, the drifter is one of the best EDC from CRKT.

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4. CRKT M21-04G Pocket Knife

Even though it is marketed as a tactical tool, the M21-04G is a unique folding knife with a liner locking mechanism. Designed by Sgt. Major Carson, the M21-04G has an open length of about 9.25 inches.

M21-04G features a 3.875-inch blade that was made from 8Cr14MoV steel. The M21-04G’s plain edged blade comes with a spear point profile. The blade material has been treated to 56-59 HRC, and it has a black Titanium Nitride finish.

M21-04G’s has a skeletonized G-10 handle that has four circular perforations. M21-04G can be a great tactical blade that is perfectly designed. For easy carrying, it comes with a non-reversible pocket clip for right-handed users.

For easy opening, the M21-04G features Carson’s flipper mechanism. Weighing about 5.9 ounces, the M21-04G can be a bit hefty for some users.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

CRKT M21-04G’s spear point blade and fast deployment mechanism make it a great tactical tool.

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5. CRKT Squid

Designed by Burnley Lucas, the Squid is a great folding knife that weighs about 3.4 ounces. This EDC tool has an open length of about 5.71 inches and a closed length of approximately 4.49 inches.

The Squid comes with a 2.14-inch blade that has a deep bellied drop-point design. And its blade is made from 8Cr13Mov steel that has been treated to 58–60 HRC. The blade has some friction grooves along its spine and dual thumb studs for easy opening.

Lucas merged a steel blade with a stainless steel handle that has a finger choil. The black stonewash finish gives the Squid a unique look. The Squid can easily fit in anyone’s pocket, and its weight makes it a great EDC tool.

Straight out of the box, the Squid is not razor-sharp, so you must be ready to sharpen it. The Squid is perfect for individuals who want a reliable blade, but are not willing to splash some cash.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

The Squid is an ideal EDC tool that weighs about 3.4 ounces. The Squid’s drop point blade can handle a wide range of tough tasks.

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6. CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife

The minimalist bowie knife is a unique fixed blade with an attractive design from CRKT. This knife was designed by Alan Folt, and it merges a 2.125 inches long blade with a polished resin infused fiber handle.

This lightweight and a small knife can be quite comfortable to use thanks to its full tang blade and three-finger choil. Its handle features a friction groove for the thumb, braided fob, and hand-contoured black-green scales.

CRKT Folt’s blade is made from 5Cr15MoV steel with a Bead finish for extra toughness. Its razor-sharp blade has a high edge-retention level. For extra security when carrying it, this Bowie blade comes with a high-quality nylon sheath.

If this knife’s blade is not well-maintained, it can rust within a very short time. Due to its sharpness, this blade can cut your skin if not well handled.

Overall rating – 4.7 out of 5

Conclusion

This lightweight minimalist CRKT knife comes with a razor-sharp blade straight out of the box. This knife can handle a wide range of outdoor tasks, including cutting, cleaning, and carving.

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7. CRKT SPEW Fixed Knife

CRKT SPEW is a compact fixed blade EDC tool that features a sturdy G-10 handle and a Wharncliffe-style blade. This unique knife was designed by Alan Folt, and it can handle a wide range of tasks both indoors and outdoors.

Weighing about 3 ounces, the SPEW knife is a perfect EDC blade. The 6.25 inches long SPEW knife comes with a 3-inch blade. The Wharncliffe shaped 5CR13MoV steel blade has an extremely sharp tip and a high hollow grind.

The SPEW has a G-10 handle that stretches over the blade’s full tang. The handle material is fashioned to offer an enhanced grip. Its handle offers a three-finger grip, and it also has a lanyard hole.

The SPEW comes with a plastic sheath that can cover the blade perfectly. The belt clip that comes with the plastic sheath can be too small for some people. Even though the sheath fits the blade perfectly, many users have complained that it wiggles a bit.

Overall rating – 4.6 out of 5

Conclusion

The SPEW blade is a great tool that can live up to its name. It is small enough for EDC and useful when you need it.

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8. CRKT Eros Folding Pocket Knife

The CRKT Eros is a great pocket knife that merges a 2.84 inches blade with a 6AL4V titanium handle. Previously, Eros had two separate blades (3-inch and 2-inch blades), but the 2-inch option was discontinued.

Designed by Onion Ken, CRKT Eros has a spear point blade profile with a hollow grind for cutting through a wide range of materials. This perfect EDC tool weighs about 1.4 ounces and has an open length of about 7 inches.

For easy deployment, the CRKT Eros uses IKBS bearing pivot. The pivot provides smooth and fast opening actions. Its modified spear head blade is made from high carbon steel with a satin finish and fine tip.

The major drawback of this pocket knife is that the bearing pivot system can get stuck if it’s not well maintained.

Overall rating – 4 out of 5

Conclusion

With its sharp pointy blade, lightweight and IKBS ball bearing pivot system, the CRKT Eros is an ideal everyday carry tool.

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9. CRKT CEO Folding Knife

The CRKT CEO folding knife is a sophisticated slim knife that can fit perfectly in the shirt pocket. This exceptional knife merges a drop-point blade with a glass-reinforced nylon handle.

Designed by Rogers Richard, the CEO comes with a stainless steel blade for durability and rigidity. Its streamlined 3.1-inch drop point blade can handle several light cutting chores. The CEO is a great option for anyone who needs a sophisticated, affordable EDC.

This low-profile pocket knife poses as a pen until you open it. The CEO has some lubed ball bearings on its pivot that reduces friction. It also has a thumb stud that sets the bearing system in motion when being opened. Weighing about 2.1 ounces, this pocket knife can be a tad light for some people

Overall rating – 4.5 out of 5

Conclusion

CRKT CEO folding knife is a low profile EDC tool that resembles a pen and can fit perfectly in your shirt pocket.

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About CRKT, Inc

CRKT, Inc (Columbia River Knife and Tool) is a top American knife manufacturing company that is based in Oregon. CRKT was established in 1994 by former Kershaw Knives employees (Bremer Rod and Gillespi Paul).

CRKT didn’t take off until when they launched the KISS knife in the 1997 Shot Show. The company produces a wide range of knives for all enthusiasts, regardless of purpose and price range. Other than knives, CRKT also produces sharpeners, carrying systems, and multi-tools.

When it comes to buying a CRKT knife, there are numerous key factors that you must consider, such as blade size and budget, among others. Whether it’s for cutlery, tactical purposes, or EDC, CRKT knives incorporate several crucial features.

However, each blade is long-lasting and unique. Therefore here are some crucial factors that you must consider when purchasing a CRKT knife.

The Purpose of the Blade

CRKT produces tough and dependable knives that can handle a wide range of tasks. These knives come with strong, razor-sharp blades that can surprise you.

So, if you have never used these knives before, then you should try one. Some of the main purposes of these knives include:

Everyday Carry

EDC is a collection of tools or items that a person carries every day. The main reason for carrying these items, including a knife, is to help you overcome simple issues that can come up during the day.

Carrying your EDC items shows that you are prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s opening a package or cutting down a brush to create temporary shelter, CRKT has what you need. CRKT has some of the smallest, lightest, and sharpest EDC knives which vary in price.

Hunting

Every hunter knows that if you successfully hunt and kill your game, you will have to clean it. And most of the time you will have to deal with it as soon as possible to prevent the meat from getting spoiled.

Therefore, a reliable CRKT blade for hunting will be a perfect companion for hunters. CRKT hunting knives vary in blade size, design, and material. These knives are designed to slice through anything, and they can help you clean up your game before taking it home or to your campsite.

Rescue Situations

Another major use of a pocket knife is helping you through a rescue situation. Paramedics can use a sharp EDC knife to cut through a person’s clothing before performing medical procedures. A reliable EDC can help you get out of a dangerous situation without injuring yourself.

Local Laws

The laws related to carrying pocket knives vary significantly between jurisdictions. And just because your blade qualifies as an EDC tool and is legal in your town doesn’t mean that it is legal in other places.

The most common legal issues with knives are the length of your blade. Knives with a certain blade length are illegal in some places. Also, your jurisdiction might require you to get a permit for carrying an EDC knife legally.

Size and Weight

CRKT has a wide variety of knives that vary in weight and size, depending on their purpose. If it’s an EDC knife, then it should be light and small in size.

After all, the whole idea behind an EDC tool is that you will be carrying it everywhere you go. So you need it to be reasonably small in size and light.

If it’s for hunting purposes, then you need a great skinning knife, with a medium-sized blade, but also light. There are heavier knives that can handle the job, but since you will be carrying yours around, you will have to consider the size and weight of your tool.

Blade Material

Steel is more than an alloy of carbon, iron, and other metals, it is the material used to build all the knives from CRKT. The exact steel alloy used for a certain blade will determine its price, rust-resistance, and edge retention levels.

High-end CRKT knives have tougher blades with a high edge- retention level than the others. The toughness and sharpness of your blade will depend on the steel alloy used to build the knife. Therefore, you should be ready to splash out more cash if you want a sturdy and sharp knife.

Blade Type

CRKT knives come with a wide range of blades that vary in size and shape. And each blade type is designed to handle a certain kind of task. Some of the most common blade types among CRKT blades include:

Drop Point

Drop point blades have a convex spine that curves downwards from the knife’s handle to the blade’s tip. Drop point blades are ideal for hunters, and their big belly is perfect for slicing.

Clip Point

The clip point is quite common among all pocket knife producers, including CRKT knives. The spine of the clip point blade appears to have a front-section that has been clipped off.

Sheepfoot

This type of design is characterized by a spine that curves downwards to meet its straight edge. This blade is designed to slice with a minimal potential of accidents. Initially, it was used for trimming sheep hooves.

Spear Point

A spear point knife is a symmetrical tool whose point is in-line with the middle of the knife. Spear pointed knives are stronger than pointed needle ones, and they are perfect for thrusting.

Edge Type

CRKT knives have either serrated, partially serrated, or plain edges. Therefore, your choice will depend on your plans for the knife. A plain edged knife can be ideal for an everyday carry tool since it can slice through almost everything with precision.

Final Thoughts

CRKT produces different types of knives that vary in designs, shapes, and sizes. CRKT manufactures high-quality and sharp tools for a wide variety of jobs. Therefore, having your CRKT blade on you everywhere you go can make a great difference.

A CRKT knife can get you out of a dangerous or tricky situation. An exceptional CRKT blade can saw, slice and even help you skin your game after a successful hunt.

Nevertheless, a huge percentage of EDC enthusiasts have a hard time when selecting a reliable CRKT blade. That is because this company has manufactured a wide range of knives for all markets. However, most knives can be perfect for EDC. Therefore, we have created this list of outstanding CRKT just for you.

From our research, we have concluded that the CRKT M16-14FG Folding knife is the best CRKT knife in the market. M16-14FG is a high-quality and sharp folding knife that can handle a wide range of chores. It is a perfect everyday carry tool that can surprise you.