Customer Reviews

Columbia River Knife and Tool's M16-14ZSF Zytel Desert Special Forces Big Dog Tanto-Style Blade with Combo Edge

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really like this knife. Like all CRKT knives (I own several) the design and construction are first-rate. Opens easily, locks securely, cuts very well. The only reason that I deducted one star is this: I wanted this knife for pocket-carry. If you are thinking of doing the same, you should know two things.

1) CRKT clearly state that this knife should never be used for "tip-up in-pocket carry". That is true, but I would add that it should also never be used for tip-down pocket carry either. I thought that I could carry it this way, and it soon corrected my faulty reasoning by coming slightly open in my pocket and spearing my fingertip as I was pulling my keys from the same pocket. I believe the problem is caused by the two "Carson flippers" that form the hilt finger-guards when the blade is open. These also protrude when the blade is closed, and can be caused to move by pressing against the side of the pocket or against your hand/arm when you put your hand in or are pulling it out. It doesn't take much pressure on the top of the flipper to slide the tip of the knife out of the handle.

2) Much less important, the knife is a bit large, at least for typical jeans front-pockets. I have pants with front pockets that are wider than that, and the knife is not a bother in them. I am going to buy one of this knife's smaller brothers without the dual flippers for pocket carry.

This knife is really better suited for belt-carry, I think. Anyway, that's my two cents.

I picked up one of these while working in Baghdad, Iraq. I have used lots of knives over the years and this is one of the best - the locking mechanism gives the knife almost the strength and safety of a fixed blade. I've carried this knife daily since 2004 and as of yet have had to sharpen it. Very comfortable ergonomics make it comfortable to use, especailly for extended cutting

I bought this knife for everyday tasks. Its a great tool - not so expensive that you don't want to use it, easy to sharpen, fast opening and locks open solidly. The only problem I had with it is that its a little too big to carry in your pocket all the time: it gets really cumbersome, especially if you're wearing jeans. So, finding a spot to put it can be a challenge(I dont like carrying a knife clipped to my belt, and don't have a sheath for this one), but its perfect for a day pack, b.o.b., vehicle, wherever you'd want to stash a utility blade. The folks at CRKT are great to deal with from what I hear, but I've never had an issue with this knife so I never had to call.

I've had my share of CRKT's and I've put a couple through their paces, and this one did not disappoint. As with all CRKT's I've had, the action is super smooth and secure. With it's liner lock, hilt, and tanto edge, it would make a good last resort tool, but for every day use, its not the best. The AUS 4 through AUS-8 steels that CRKT uses are not the best for edge retention, and the large size and tanto edge do not make it that great for the finer cutting chores you may need a knife for. In addition, the annoying chisel grind CRKT chooses to put on all their m-16's is a hassel to reprofile, as you will inevitably need to do so. While it's cool factor is pretty high and it will probably stab it's way through kevlar armor (given that it's sharp), there are much better knives out there for every day and/or combat applications. While this would definitely be an awesome christmas present for your 14 year old, if you're in the armed forces, a fixed blade with a MOLLE sheath would be a much better option. If you need a cutting tool on the job, a smaller folder with a round belly and straight edge would be much more ergonomic. And as I said before, having a better blade steel would also help in any situation.

Summary:

Pros:
Hilt
tanto profile
"tacticool"
sharp grooving on blade
strong liner lock and LAWKS feature
pivot that can be hand tightened (no tools!)

Cons:
Edge retention
not the most practical
tip down carry
edge profile

This is a good knife
Pros
-Hefty blade
-Strong construction
-Sharp as hell
-Served 4 tours of combat with the Infantry as a can opener, throwing apperatice, weapon, screwdriver, shaving device, rope cutter, sheet metel cutter, cardboard cutter, det cord cutter, peanut butter and jelly spreader and so on,
-Quick open for those out of ammo situations
-Cheap Price
and many more

Cons
-With out proper care blade will rust so bring on the clp
-Will cut thumb just above fingernail if you are not used to closing blade has happened 5 times in 4 years to idiots who want to check it out which is another Pro everyone wants to check it out can also be a Con so watch out
-If you are cutting dry wall make sure the power is off yourself dont trust your buddy

I have bought another due to the fact that my original one has an OIF stamp on it and has served 4 tours so I have retired it and placed it in my box of good times have tried other knives but just came back to this one its good and does the job and has proven itself time and time again if your on base the clothing and sales sells them for $32 so jump on it this knife was designed for the military in the sandbox dry climates so oil after working it wet or you will get rust spots oh and if a friend wants to throw it at something kick their A** but if you let them make sure no one is withing a 5 ft area or it may bounce and stab another buddy in the leg which somehow if you think about it does count as a hit.

As always hope you enjoy it as much as I and the rest of the 101st Airborne
SSG DeLoach

Arrived in perfect condition on time. Great knife, I would expect the price to be much higher for this. Action is easy to use, and the locking system is great. The clip, for as small as it is, holds the knife right where you want it.

CRKT never disappoints. This knife is sturdy, the locking mechanism is cumbersome at first, but when gotten used to (took me about thirty minutes of playing around with the knife) it's actually very nice. Thick, tough blade, sharp enough to shave with, and a beautiful knife. Liner does not look OD, just gray, but the zytel looks gorgeous, almost like a maple pattern. A big, beefy knife for big beefy people, I do not doubt the effectiveness of this tool on any sort of target or task.

I have owned two of these knives because someone stole one out of my gym locker. If my current knife gets lost or stolen I will buy another one. I have considered other knife purchases for self defense or a dedicated work knife, but I keep coming back to this one as the best of both worlds. The fast opening paddle design is useful on the job and in a life and death situation... and it really freaks out my liberal friends when I pull out a massive knife that opens like a switch blade to open a box or a letter. The tanto design has some of the same capacity as the chisel design of other crkt work knives, but can penatrate like some of the self defense knifes as well. As for the small-fries who think it's too big, I don't know what to say. It must be messing up the fit of their designer jeans. I'm a big guy and I carry this knife in jeans, slacks, shorts or any where I might need to cut something.

In the words of the great Stevie Janowski (EB&D) "Don't make me kill somebody!!" This knife is beast. A heavy duty blade, with some good weight behind it. The two assisted opening knobs can really help you whip this thing out there quick for everyone to see. Without the knobs, the flick of the wrist opening seems harder compared to other knives (such as a kershaw ken onion). The desert handle is aesthetically pleasing. Good knife. Blade length is just under 3.75 inches. Like I said... BEAST.

Ok so I already knew id love this knife before getting it, this is my fourth crkt m series knife purchase. This one was purchased for my brother-in-law because he fell in love with my m-21 04. I got the pleasure of playing with it for awhile after presenting him with it and it is indeed scalpel sharp, and of the quality I have come to expect from crkt. As for the comment about tip up carry, there is material included in the box that warns not to carry tip up, before complaining you should probably read the instructions, THAT IS WHY THEY SEND THEM IN THE PACKAGE. This is a high value knife, easily worth double its cost ($37) that I paid.

Pros
Large, sharp, high quality, low price, desert tan gives a change of pace from the over produced black knives, two pocket clips, extra screws, and torx 6 allen key to maintain knife.

Cons
Might be to big for some, autolawks for those who do not like it (I however do), flips out way too easy(easy fix by tightening pivot screw only that it is a torx 8 and that is not provided)

Get this knife or any other among CRKT's line-up of M series knives and you will need look no farther for an amazing addition to your EDC options.