Beat the Icon: CRKT CEO vs Alternatives

Richard Rogers designed the slim and stylish CEO with CRKT, firmly establishing an entire genre: The Executive Knife. Can any of these contenders beat it? kcoti.com/40yfRJf
The CEO’s influence on the industry was both immediate and widespread. The success of this model is not only inspired other models inside CRKT's own lineup, but the competition out there has also targeted this knife very clearly.
Featured Knives
0:00 CRKT CEO: kcoti.com/3U7Uegk
8:42 CRKT Seis: kcoti.com/3nKsLFs
10:30 CRKT Stylus: kcoti.com/3nNnhde
11:36 Buck Decatur: kcoti.com/40ybiP7
12:54 CIVIVI Chronic and Exarch: kcoti.com/3Ky1sXS
14:48 CIVIVI Lumi: kcoti.com/3ZItMv9
16:01 Boker Kaizen: kcoti.com/40Gv3UK
17:49 Boker Kwaiken Air: kcoti.com/3ZGrIDR
19:12 Boker Urban Trapper: kcoti.com/3ZAFY0Q
21:39 MKM Flame: kcoti.com/3m7V93W
23:15 Michael Zieba Six and MS3: kcoti.com/4385pcY
24:09 Ocaso Solstice: kcoti.com/3KzzBq8
26:05 Tactile Knife Co. Rockwall: kcoti.com/3m7kX05
27:22 Benchmade Fact: kcoti.com/3ZHEDVW
28:27 Spyderco Ikuchi: kcoti.com/3ZGnL1S
30:01 Microtech UTX-70: kcoti.com/3UaLjuz
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[@IIllIIllIIllIIll]

Beat the icon! YES! More of these, please!

[@realbroggo]

100%. So often you see a knife but it doesn't quite meet your needs so you look for similar (or cheaper!) alternatives. If anyone can find good options to consider it's DCA. Have a great day.

[@andrewgoss1682]

@@realbroggo Yup, love it.

[@BuckScrotumn]

I purchased the CEO flipper and I’m a huge fan. Not only is it a gorgeous knife but I’ve never realized how useful it is to have an extremely thin yet very long blade. It feels like a full size pocket knife yet it’s significantly more nimble and maneuverable, especially if you’re doing something like cutting boxes where you have to rotate the whole knife 180 degrees. As a side note, this is the pointiest knife I’ve ever held. The tip of this thing is like a hypodermic needle. I’ve already stuck myself a few times just from fidgeting with it at work. 😂

[@jasontraska2616]

I think the CEO is so iconic b/c of its price point as well. Great overview of a lot of gentleman's knives. Definitely quite a few more options out there.

[@realbroggo]

I think you nailed it. The CEO wasn't the first for this design but it's price point meant good sales. Other companies then had to play catch up. Have a great day.

[@unfi6798]

This would have to be The Best presentation of knives on KnifeCenter in 2023. Very professional & informative even with the comparisons. Excellent job DCA.! As we say here in Australia, "Fair Dinkum mate". CEO & Kwaiken are our favourite knife shape. Cheers cobber.!

[@BluestedSRT4]

Instead of the CEO compact, and the CEO micro, CRKT and all the other knife manufacturers making mini this, and micro that, need to ask themselves WWCSD. What Would Cold Steel Do? And start making XL versions of their knives. Imagine a CEO XL with a 4.5" blade....imagine.

[@Bearzebubb]

While I love the sentiment, what cold steel would do is sell out to stickman and charge 200 plus for some premium aus10 and 4116

[@7ali7]

Love this! But I think you meant "WWLTD"... What would Jesus (Lynn Thompson) do? 😂

[@Roguewolf1290]

That would be dope

[@scottdavis3187]

yeah, and call it "The Elon"

[@gabrielbaker2667]

@@Bearzebubb$200 for AUS10A? You must be thinking of Demko

[@snowjoe43]

Ive had my CEO for a few months now. Love it. Thank you for this comparison video, you did a wonderful job on it!

[@RaveOn-zg6jy]

Another terrific presentation on a fascinating topic by David. And that is the main reason I have chosen to comment. DCA was born for this role. He is a great teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge of the knife industry and the history of knife making. I never fail to learn from these mini documentaries. David, you are the Mr. Rogers-Bob Ross-Richard Attenborough of your field. Keep up the good work!

[@mikemckenzy]

Half a millions!!! I love that your channel does a mix of EDC content but you’re always on top of the cutlery. Thanks for the chance to win something! Here’s hoping! 🎉

[@NINacide]

Nothing beats my CRKT Lake 111. It's discontinued, but a perfect knife. I lost my first one after many years, and went out of my way to find a new-in-box one and paid a lot of money to get a replacement.

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

Thanks Doug, and crew!

[@davidfrye7713]

I carry a Microtech UTX 70 every day. I didn't even think about it compared to the CEO until you mentioned it! Great and fun video as always.

[@theotherjoedimaggio]

Tactile Rockwall has been my classy-user blade of choice. Incredibly good looking, but super discreet in pocket. Great slim titanium experience. and something you can really USE.

[@Leftyotism]

I think the Böker Plus LRF fits in there nicely as well! Blade also hides completely into the handle, and it also has a "double winged" top flipper.

[@austinfreiburger9095]

This is huge. I've been looking for the perfect CEO-esqe folder for so long

[@korodski]

Coast Founders select os more comfortable in the hand

[@usernameisusername]

Just get a CEO

[@flannigan7956]

I woulda said get a Kubey Mizo since you better purchase whichever one I say

[@rushshortley5181]

This is a really fine presentation. I have developed a bit of a preference for these "Gentleman" knives. They are elegant in their design and function. I have both the CEO flipper and the Ikuchi -- the CEO for the office and the Ikuchi for black tie affairs. I also have a couple others: the CRKT Facet and the CRKT LCK, both of which fit into the category. Now, with your video, I have a few more to put on my list. Thanks again for such a great video. I also look forward to your weekly new knife video and your FAQ videos.

[@med-3000]

I have the Böker Kwaiken with titanium scales. Great list of CRKT CEO challenges.

[@fg63-6]

Really hope to see the 940 done in this series one day!

[@57HEMIviken]

YES!!! Although i don't personally believe the 940 can be beat. Theres just nothing else like it. I added purple flytanium scales to mine and i absolutely love it even more.

[@kreiman770]

I immediately started looking for the Ikuchi when I saw the video title. I love my Ikuchi, so refined and sleek and fun to use

[@mikekomalley]

Thank you for your research and detailed presentation. I always learn so much from your videos. Today I liked the benchmade knife most, myself.

[@boss862]

I have carried a CRKT CEO every single day for years and will continue to do so until a better knife comes out. It has the absolute PERFECT profile for military pen pockets that are sewn into the uniform and clips on to pretty much everything. It fits anywhere a pen would but carries just enough weight to feel good in the hand. I have used mine to cut papers when the paper cutter was broken, open hundreds of letters, eat food for when my wife forgot to pack me a knife in the lunchbox, slicing various plastics, cutting para cord while camping, and even one time I used it to squeeze into a tight spot to depress a pin in one of my firearms so I could take it fully apart. The same knife has still kept a "decent" edge, never been sharpened since I bought it. I'm in absolute love with mine and this video reminded me to buy a few as gifts for when Father's Day comes around next week haha!

[@kovafilms]

Really should have included the Samior GP035. M390 blade, titanium handle, literally only 70$. It's one of the best reviewed CEO style knives on Amazon.

[@985476246845]

Always wanted one but they don’t ship to my country

[@lordirek1]

The Fact is my go-to daily. It's got the pocket feel and initial presentation of the CEO but it's just so damned slick. I love it. Plus the S30V is pretty good for edge retention. I also have my original CEO and one in D2, but the Fact sees more pocket time than anything else.

[@brokendad2222]

Immediately got the CEO when it was introduced. It was marketed as a office friendly folder that was less intimidating than many others. A WW II vet at church said it was one of the first killing knifes he had seen in years.

[@colbiashimaru]

Killing knife? I know some are better at it than others but are all knifes not killing knifes

[@brokendad2222]

@@colbiashimaru being the gentleman had been awarded the silver star for his twice in Vietnam. I believe he was speaking to the blade profile, similar to the Fairbain Sykes dagger.

[@tcc300892]

​@@colbiashimaruthe plural of "knife" is "knives".

[@slimpeters2181]

Good show, DCA. Thanks for the comparison.

[@MakovecD]

Brilliant! Thanks for the video. Going to add some of these to my collection :)

[@nvalley]

I'm surprised that this only came out 4 years ago. It feels like it's been around for much longer

[@lyncchoo]

Love this video! Just cant choose from all the variants. All great.

[@benklein9312]

I have the CRKT CEO for 3 or 4 yrs now. Really happy with it. Nice tool, still going strong and its as sturdy as the day I got it. Sharpened it once, two swipes each side.

[@OreoDave]

Went from CEO to Ki-V Plus, and I'm very satisfied. Well done alternative options. It was the executive knives that really dug me into the rabbit hole. Cheers. 👐

[@bradmiller9993]

Thanks for this video: this genre of knife hasn't been on my radar much, but this definitely reminds me of a knife my uncle gave me back in high school (fifty years ago!) which was a long, narrow folder that slipped perfectly in my back pocket next to my wallet. My radar is pinging now.

[@Ericstraordinary]

The Real Steel Metamorph could have been included too. It has a slightly different personality than the CEO, but I think it could be a competitor. Also, for the "tactical executive, if you will", have a look at the Al Mar Quicksilver.

[@jaykehoe2396]

Shucks... ya beat me to it

[@stephan123321]

Word!

[@rong.9130]

Yup, I pulled out my micarta mini-morph for the video so I could play along--I thought for sure I'd be getting some DCA affirmation.

[@frankvanleeuwen2943]

Yes....i was thinking the same....but does Real Steel still makes them.?

[@persistenthustle]

Quicksilver's 5" blade is for serious business.

[@mrbigberd]

Ikuchi is an often overlooked knife. Very sleek and awesome design.

[@rctrombone1]

This is one of my favorite episodes as I have several in the list. Always looking for the lefty friendly options. The one that ends up in my pocket most days is the blue micro. I didn’t realize how much I would like that sheep’s foot blade!

[@772minitrucker]

Appreciate this vid, as Ive been struggling to find a front pocket carry for the office/edc

[@bokusimondesu]

The ceo has always been mouthwatering, to me. Buuuut, that Ikuchi is an absolute stunner!

[@lefroy1]

The burgundy G10/gold liners on your exclusive is a great combo, especially considering the executive theme.

[@dennisgodaire485]

Thank You .. great presentation

[@DaelMorris]

Great overview

[@HRM.H]

Awesome episode. Was looking at the crkt ceo recently

[@Jimijaz]

Well done sir. Always wanted a Burnley Kwaiken till a friend bought one and cut himself playing with the knife in his pocket. I actually bought the OG CEO probably when they first came out back in 2019 on my way back from a fishing trip to northern Michigan. That Big Box sporting goods store in Dundee MI has the ability to suck money right out my pocket. Now it's you guys. I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of the thumbstud opening and the blade is a little too long for my edc. I was looking for a sheeple blade, to not freak people out, when I opened it. When the little CEO flipper came out, I jumped at it. It's been in my pocket ever since. When I say I'm pulling out a knife, and open the baby CEO, they just go 'Awwwwww....Cute.....'. On a side note, bought the Civivi Exarch from you guys last Xmas and have been very impressed.

[@knifedaddy5791]

Well done DCA! U nailed all the front flippers! 👏

[@cris_j]

I have a Samior GPO35. It's fantastic. Cheap, works like a pocket steak knife, looks like a pen in my pocket. Not the least bit intimidating, but very satisfying look and feel. Very obviously a cousin of the CEO.

[@Hebrewpowerrangersuit]

Just got mine today and I think it's great.

[@spencea7422]

Great video!

[@captainskippy6622]

I own two CRKT versions. The original was difficult to open and I dremmeled out the handle just a touch around the blade stud. . The flipper version is so fun. But I was wanting an upgraded fancier version. After watching this video I realized I already did: the Benchmade Fact (mine’s an auto) and the Spyderco Ikuchi. Cool video.

[@sameeralazawee7524]

Thank you

[@MassiveReactive]

I think the WE Knives Navo toes the line as an executive-style knife. It definitely carries a reserved style and straight, no-nonsense lines in the same vein as the selection you've presented here. Great vid and interesting information!

[@davidsapir3764]

Loved the black flipper CEO so much I also picked up the Boker Burnley Quaiken Plus with cocobolo wood scales, both are excellent. My smartphone case is a folder that protects the screen, and the CEO clips onto the spine of the case for very convenient carry and access, and in a shirt front pocket the CEO is practically weightless.

[@148Reaper]

Great video, after watching and reading comments I decided to get myself a Boker Kaizen s35vn.

[@andyhsong]

always loved the ikuchi!!!

[@JesseCohen]

Funny enough, a coworker was asking me about this exact knife over a week ago before this video dropped. My summation went thusly. I really wanted to enjoy the CEO, and the flipper variant was my gentleman’s knife for a good year. Previously I had been using the Kershaw Ferrite. Only really used it as a letter opener, or to clean up the odd loose thread. But I couldn’t get past how small it was in my xl hands, especially the liner lock. A small cutout would have helped there, but in the end, the slender nature made it awkward to use. I floated the Urban Trapper as the model I was considering instead, and he’s waiting to hear what I think about it as well. In the meantime, I’ve gifted the CEO to that coworker, and I’ll be trying out the satin VG10 Urban Trapper for sure. In fact, it’ll be my first Boker knife. The taller blade and handle, along with the slight curvature, look better suited to my grip. I won’t be tucking it in a dress shirt pocket the way I did with the CEO, but that’s fine. Thanks for the other considerations, and quality content per the usual! 👍🏻

[@ukestudio3002]

Excellent, in-depth review, nicely paced. Would like to see the MKM in olive wood. Not too trustful of liner locks, though. Good vid ! Thanks

[@thefeatheredfrontiersman8135]

IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO!!! so, I use this style of knife for bird hunting/ taxidermy. Especially with small birds ( chucker, quail, doves, teal ECT) you absolutely need a small narrow blade. I take the hide off in one piece and sperate all the bones in the rest. Honorable mention the civivi clavi. Excellent bird preserver.

[@BuckScrotumn]

Just discovered your channel and I’m a big fan. I need a new pocket knife for work and figured this would be the best place to find one, but now I just have a thousand knives I can’t decide on. 😂😂😂

[@dropOut1982]

Thanks for the insights

[@robertbrunello]

The Boker Kaizen is my favorite! Great blade steel (mine is S45VN) and sleek!

[@ZeedePlus]

Great video! I would also recommend the Kansept Prickle and the Real Steel Metamorph Mk II for other interesting entries in this style!

[@edgarkalwait446]

A classic forged original Laguiole en Aubrac would probably be a formidable contender. I got lucky to get a used one for a very decent price and restored it (mostly cosmetic and resharpening). Good steel; nice, smooth and traditional horn handle; superb cutting performance, due to they bellied form.

[@scottdavis3187]

...and the predecessor to the CEO, the gentleman's shirt pocket knife: Shun's Higo-No Kami (5900). A true work of art.

[@spencea7422]

Keep up the good work!

[@bradl.602]

I've got that Kaizen, and it's actually a _daily_ everday carry. My fullsize carry changes day-to-day(knife nerds have too many knives), but that Kaizen permanently sticks right next to my pens in my pocket. Having a nice simple blade on hand is nice, and it's as subtle as a letter opener! EDIT: Neglected to mention that mine is indeed that Knifecenter exclusive one. My only gripe is how aggresive those scales are in the pocket, it needs some wear in before it gets smooth in/out of pocket.

[@emifleur9157]

Great video I love CEO knifes. I'm surprised you didn't included the Kansept Prickle.

[@mercutio99x22]

That Ocaso is nice, and I don't think it was on my radar before. Overall I think my favorite is the KC exclusive Kwaiken Air; if I could I would rather have than than my CEO. The colors go well and seem executive to me.

[@RWTLMJRW]

I'm a big CEO flipper fan. Good video. Thanks for looking at other opinions

[@erikswenson915]

Honorable mention should go to the budget friendly QSP Osprey. Great folding steak knife, too👍🏻

[@61hink]

Hmm. The Clavi is the CIVIVI I thought you would have included in the comparison. These videos are always enjoyable. Thanks.

[@goldengoat1737]

I love this knife! I don’t think people realize how hard it is to find a knife with a thin blade and a point that is acts Sharp

[@harryschaefer8563]

A.G. Russell said the CEO would serve well as a personal steak knife which helped me decide to buy mine (even though I haven't eaten steak in years) Thank you for this great overview. It is a pleasure to hear a knife lover discuss knives.

[@DampActionRC]

None other than the original with a tip down layout? Thank you sir

[@soundknight]

The spyderco knife at the end looks great!

[@realbroggo]

Usually not a fan of this style (I like a bit more handle) BUT sometimes I need a smallish & light blade to carry in a suit or shirt pocket and the CEO style blade really fits this situation. I personally have a couple of Boker Kaizen & Kwaiken blades to fill this need and I have no complaints with either. Sharp blades all.

[@MASI_forging]

Great video.

[@wooddavid8293]

Those are all some very handsome knives! I'd have a hard time choosing.

[@Cereal.Fidgeter]

Hell Yeah, I love these kinds of knives! Beefier knives always have a place, but I love these pen/executive style knives.

[@robbknice389]

That Ocaso Solstice is such an amazing piece! Demko designed with s35vn and Ti scales!?! Yes please! ❤❤❤

[@LTT.Official]

Never knew about the Lumi, picking that up for sure.

[@kylemorgan3399]

The Al Mar Hawk and the Kershaw-Al Mar AM3 and AM4 also are great at filling the gentleman's knife slot

[@jimbob5376]

Only thing on the list I own is the MKM Flame Light in olive wood handles, which I love. Looks great, excellent fit and finish, and it's build is perfect. The only other I have that would fit this category would be the Civivi Clavi, which is nice, but I'm not a huge fan of front flippers. Though not in this category, my Bugout 535 with the aluminum handles has what I feel is a gentlemanly vibe. I've been eyeing the Kwaiken Air for a while, especially the KC exclusive, and just ordered it since I have (had) some KC points to burn.

[@jmmartin7766]

This is a great video-- I agree with others that I'd like to see more of these... Btw, imo the Buck 256 Decatur was a good call and I'd like to eventually pick one up. But after comparing the two myself, I'm shocked you didn't include the *Buck 264 Cavalier.* What an excellent knife--and I think it looks better!

[@ntme6506]

Had the original CEO and loved everything about it but the thumb stud. Planning to get the flipper. Great carry option in business dress attire.

[@AnalogDetectorist]

My exec carry, for years, was the Spyderco Chokwe. Perfect size. Till I saw the Al Mar Quicksilver! I've always loved the look of old melon slippies. The Quicksilver is a great looking bayonet/stiletto grind melon knife. My grail is the Brad Zinker 4" Miscreant.

[@OrrusTHX]

Any thoughts on the Samior GP035? Thank you for the video

[@sencerr226]

Great category

[@chrisbarrett8377]

CRKT is the bomb! I've had one of their M-16 models as my EDC for dang near 20 years now

[@SeanDL81]

I've got the version from Boker. I was fortunate enough to work at a knife shop for about 9 months so I could play around with plenty of variants before I bought.

[@captainmggabeau397]

The Buck Decatur is great as well, I love mine

[@jameskinzer9476]

I have a ceo compact I’ve had for about 6 months and the blue on the handle rubbed off but it’s great for taking off o rings on davco filters

[@barrykarpowich731]

Have two love them love the brand

[@strikesbac]

There is a slip joint non-locking version of the CEO available in the UK. Blade is slightly shorter as well so legal for carry.

[@gx12]

This is an excellent series. I’d love to see an episode dedicated to something in the “pen knife” size.

[@j.r7872]

Yes! Also love to see more Doctor’s Knives!

[@gx12]

@@j.r7872 Agreed. 👍

[@sincityvogel]

Great video

[@dutch_blades]

The Chris Reeve Mnandi would take the cake for me, but the Ikuchi sees the most pocket time in this profile.

[@UsDiYoNa]

3:07 *looks at all the big-wigs crushing those rocks* 👀

[@MrPerry61]

I bought the bamboo ceo from you, it came dull, and the first time I put pressure on the blade the pin that backs the blade came out of the hole allowing the blade to fold over backwards. i've since put the pin back in and tightened the screw, it was lose, and I sharpened the blade. but now i don't trust it, it sits in a drawer. I realize the knife came from CRKT this way and KC had no way of knowing. I'd like to add I have the CRJT SPEW and have no complaint.

[@BennyMeans]

I was looking forward to hearing about the one with blue Scales. Any info is much appreciated.

[@RupertFoulmouth]

I love my CEO for the work day but I have started preferring my Opinel folder for weekend use.

[@jerrypomroy2375]

Out of every knife shown, my favorite is the one that wasn’t on the table in the original “updated” kwaiken & probably the microtech.

[@Nkdc333]

The rockwall has become my go to user office knife. It’s very unobtrusive but is still useful.

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

This is the only style I’ve been lookin at

[@Khellendros_]

To me, the CEO flipper has some of the best qualities in a daily carry. I've grown to love both the reverse pocket clip and the flip tab. Wouldn't trade it wiht another knife in the category