The M21 and M16 G10 CRKT Desert Tacticals

By James Ayres

CRK&T makes a wide range of knives for sport and work, but here we are mainly concerned with their “Professional Knives,” which are designed and made with the needs of the serving military and related occupations in mind. The Professional collection draws on the expertise of veterans and knife designers who have expertise in tactical knives. That expertise shows in the collection. These are knives, each in their own way, that would be of use to those on the ground in hard places.

A few years ago when I started my “Knives for Soldiers” donation program, I called Doug and asked him if he would consider donating a knife to a needy serving solider in Iraq or other combat zone. Three days later the UPS guy dropped off a large box. When I opened it I found a box full of knives from CRK&T’s Professional Collection – not one or two knives, a large box full of knives. Some people step back when asked to do something that costs them. Others step up when asked. Douglas B. Flagg stepped up and gave to men who truly needed professional knives.

The DSFG series feature dual Carson Flipper Hilts, desert tan dress, AutoLAWKS safety, and four-position clips

Their M16 Carson Desert Tactical Folder series, designed by former paratrooper Kit Carson (yes, that’s his real name) is famous among the troops and among the most popular knives sold at the PX, and for good reason. Well designed and well executed to be an everyday tool and emergency weapon, every model in this series is exactly that. Since it is a useful daily tool the troops use them for everything from opening boxes, packages and MREs (Meals Ready To Eat – three lies in one name, according to the troops) to cutting rope and nylon strapping, and carry them all the time. Since they carry them all the time they are available as emergency weapons.

A knife in this series was the one used by the Marine I wrote about in in the Choosing Your Tactical Knife chapter. Obviously, if the M16 tactical folder saved one Marine’s life it can save another’s, or anyone’s. I am sometimes asked by active duty service people to recommend a knife that fits the following criteria: a folder so it’s convenient to have on their person all times; tough enough to stand up to generally harsh field use; designed so that it can be used as a weapon if needed; affordable on an enlisted man’s salary. The M16 series is the one I most often recommend.

The two M16 models with Zytel handles and a rigid InterFrame build with 420J2 stainless liners and back spacers. Blades are AUS 4 stainless with a bead blasted finish.

The 13ZM Military has a 3.5-inch spearpoint blade and weighs only 3.5 ounces. The 14ZSF Special Forces has a 3.8 inch blade and features two Carson Flippers, which make a hilt when the blade is open. The 14D Desert Big Dog has a textured aluminum frame and a 3.8 inch blade. All models come with two clips and extra screws allowing four different positions for carry, and CRK&Ts patented AutoLAWKS safety, which locks the folders up solid when open.

Columbia River Knife & Tool also make good solid fixed blades at a price our guys in uniform can afford. Although first conceived and designed as a weapon with its 4-1/2 inch blade and fierce tapered tip, take a look at the photos to see the C/K Dragon model in action as a field tool. From hobo stoves to woodwork and food prep the Dragon did fine.

The Elishewitz F.T.W.S. (For Those Who Serve) was designed by noted custom knife designer Allen Elishewitz. With a background in martial arts and service in the military Elishewitz knows what works in the field. The 6.3 inch fixed blade of SK Carbon steel has a spearpoint and a four-inch chisel grind on the back for chopping. We used the Elishewitz to help take apart a building, cutting through sheet rock, studs and a steel door. We didn’t need to use the back chisel grind. There was no noticeable damage to the blade or the handle, in spite of some enthusiastic but unschooled baton work by one young fellow who assisted.

This knife review is an excerpt from the newly-released Tactical Knife book. Click here to order.

The Hissatsu and Hissatsu folder are designed by James Williams, a former Army officer and martial arts instructor who has trained tactical law enforcement and military personal in Close Quarter Combat methods using the System of Military Tactical Strategy, which Williams himself developed. The Hissatsu is a fixed blade single purpose knife for use in close combat, a purpose for which it is totally functional. The Hissatu’s seven-inch blade of 440A came “be careful, ouch” sharp from the factory.

At 7.9 ounces it is lightweight, well-balanced and fast handling. The Japanese styled blade penetrates and cuts roasts and ribs like it was going through whipped cream. The handle emulates the traditional Japanese ray skin with a non-slip Kraton surface. I’ve used some fairly expensive Japanese blades over the years and I’d say the Hissatsu is a bargain in that it emulates the performance of expensive, hard-to-get blades.

The Hissatsu Folder’s ability to penetrate both hard and soft material has to be seen to be believed. I watched William’s DVD, which shows him stabbing the folder into what appears to be plywood with full force. The blade penetrated up to the hilt. Frankly, I was more than a little apprehensive about trying to duplicate this feat with a folder. I need not have been. The blade locks up solid and didn’t loosen a bit during a series of hard stabs into a tree. The Hissatsu folder is a good companion to the fixed blade and both will well serve their purpose.

CRKT is also now making the Sting, a model designed by A.G. Russell some years ago, and named for Frodo’s famous blade. The Sting is a dandy little dagger and comes with a forearm sheath secured with Velcro.

Columbia River Knife & Tool
18348 SW 126th Place
Tualatin, OR 97062
(800) 891-3100
www.crkt.com


Check out the TacticalGearMag.com tactical knife forum. Have you used a CRKT tactical, or are you considering buying one? Join the forum