CRKT Carson M21, M18: Excellence Within Limits

OK This knife failed me while undergoing batoning tests. Granted it was probably due to the pivot screw lossening which allowed the liner lock to slip into the pivot area and bend. Lesson learned: despite it's looks it's probably not the best folding "survival knife" out there; use a fixed blade for strength. But beyond that the CRKT M21 and M18 series offer outstanding value for the price paid: high quality AUS8 blade steel, superb finishing on blade and handles, fast flip opening, excellent jimping (a necessity sans thumb ramp), tight lockup (batoning not withstanding), narrow tip configured for proper tip up carry, and overall rugged good looks. Downsides might include heavier carry weights, lack of clip versatility, and somewhat abrupt hollow grinding inhibits slicing performance (compared to several flat ground offerings like the SOG Flash). But for around $40, it's still a heck of a lot of knife and should wear well. Just dont' try to chop a tree down with it! ////////////////// Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 6 out of 10; M18 shown ($20 price considered): 7.5 out of 10 ///////////////// Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons "Attribution 3.0" http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/