CRKT Homefront: Field Strip Folder (Plus Bonus Clip)- Preparedmind101

[@mcjitsu]

I visited Ken at his shop here on Oahu. He gifted Katie and I this amazing knife. It is remarkable !!! He is a remarkable knife maker with over 40 patents, and, they made an entire "Family Guy" tv episode about him !! His son is very talented too!

[@crkt]

+PREPAREDMIND101 - Thank you for reviewing the Homefront™ knife. I really like your intro by the way, video looks awesome! Totally appreciate your comments and honesty on our tools. Thanks again for taking the time- really appreciate it!

[@preparedmind101]

+CRKT OFFICIAL If I like something I'll back it. I like the knife. I think if it was about $60 people would snatch them up and not have a complaint. There's a graduated scale in most people's heads when it comes to knife steels and price, and historically there hasn't been a whole lot of $100 Aus-8 knives. However, I think if people actually HANDLED one in a knife store, they'd get it.

[@thefarm7879]

Nice to see the company's reaching out to these guys who are giving honest opinions for the rest of us gear guys.

[@jessebergunder]

Was there ever an update video on this knife’s durability?

[@Krusherdawg]

Nice blade and that blanket looks like it'll work well too. I'm ready for some colder weather, this Florida humidity has wore out its welcome.

[@rb391]

Wow! Looking great! The shed is much clearer!

[@brandonfeole6336]

I think the place where this really shines is in outdoor use. For backpackers and other campers who are away from civilization for days to weeks, the whole field strip aspect is nice. I use folders when I go backpacking and it's really annoying when you get dirt or grime in the pivot or locking bar on the knife and you have no way to strip and clean it.

[@benrolfe8490]

That snugpak blanket looks PERFECT for me, for the rare times Florida gets below 70.

[@rekozma]

hey jack knife almost snob here and I can tell you I bought this knife. one of the two CRKT knives I own. most the knives I buy are $140-300. So far this one has impressed me. as for the blade steel for camping use I rather prefer aus8 or 8cr13mov or even 420hc. field shaping is what you need to be considered with when buying a camping knife IMHO. have a great week buddy.

[@tonyclifton474]

ken onion solved the problem me and everyone encounters with folders that you dont keep in a sheath. they accumulate pocket lint, dirt, and other f.o.d. and then you have to spend a bunch of time trying to get it out with little pipe cleaners and whatnot. Ken Onion is definitely pimp.

[@Veesaki]

Glad your going to carry it and use it , to see how well the field strip mechanism holds up. Good review !

[@chevyx7947]

Ding Bell Rung like the knife and that blanket also makes a bad ass cape for winter crime fighting nice video and thanks for a little shed time was feeling a little anxious.

[@michaelwoolums-music6650]

I've had no issues with my small Ontario Rat folder... made of the same steel. The steel is fine. Apples to Apples... it's not a survival knife nor should a folder be treated like one. Keep the vids coming Chris. Cheers my friend.

[@blccleaning]

How can you not like any Ken Onion folder. He is one of the best ever,in my humble opinion

[@tommieholton2824]

Chris, I have and use a Snugpack under quilt. I've used it down to 30 ℉ and it works well.

[@nolanmonahan6348]

Looks like a nice blade, I really like your videos, been watching for 1 year now

[@tmerrick24]

The shed looks amazing in 1080p!

[@sierratwozero7613]

I have their jungle bag and will look forward to your review of the blanket. If it could replace a mil. poncho liner that would be a good piece of kit. Really enjoyed your video simulations of the destruction of the shed.

[@a.toddmoore7262]

PM101, I'm not a folder guy I like fixed blades, but like you I'm intrigued enough to pick one up. That SnugPac blanket looks like a nice addition to my get home bag though without having to have a bulky sleeping bag. The really good sleeping bags that are actually small are too far out of my price range. I think that SnugPac blanket paired with the small Sol bivvy and the Grabber sport blanket for a shelter will work nicely together and still be small and light weight enough for my get home bag. Thanks for the vid PM101. 1080p baby, yeah!

[@tygriffin5528]

That's slick that it can be taken apart. The finger guard/flipper is also appealing. I wonder if there'll be replacement blades available. For everyday carry, an option for a slightly smaller / serrated blade would be good. Another excellent video.

[@Craig5926]

Chris I've had my homefront for a couple months now not one single issue with anything loosening up the only thing that may is. the pivot and you can just tighten it up with the wrench that is provided!

[@preparedmind101]

+Hollywood5926 echo926 There was a wrench? Whoops.

[@PREPFORIT]

Very vivid clear video. Thank you Illuminati ! :) Nice blade nice j blanket !

[@timbrwolf2238]

AUS8 is a perfectly fine steel for and EDC user, especially a field knife. The idea is you can service the knife in the field, including sharpening. The steel is a good choice on this knife. I really think it should be closer to $65 instead of $75, but oh well.

[@SeanLiu888]

Aus 8 isn't bad, its just disappointing for the high price.

[@eddieking2976]

Can you imagine what it would have cost if they had used 154cm steel?

[@SeanLiu888]

It is not as hard so it dulls more easily.

[@Greivous429]

Definitely not worth the price. I own one and it doesn't hold an edge for shit. Constantly sharpening it and that was my edc, not anymore.

[@veganlifestyleloveanimals1744]

Aus 8 is garbage

[@davidcoombes-pearce4533]

Another great review. I'm not a fan of folders either but I own a few. They serve a basic purpose.

[@kodiakcopilot]

Looks like a cool folder, I like a fuller in my blades too & on a folder it could be used as a way to open it up. The scales cover most of the blade on this one & it's a flipper obviously, but it's an option instead of a hole. I edc a Spyderco Ulize which is petty slim & doesn't feel bulky, if the CRKT passes my pocket test I'll buy one.

[@kaizoebara]

AUS-8 is perfectly fine when heat treated right. Takes a screaming edge easily.

[@mightyexplorers4835]

Thanks Chris for reviewing a folder. I really like the way the homefront looks. Kinda reminds me of folder version of the tops bob. Definitely agree with you about the price being in that grey area. Just a little to high for me pull the trigger on.

[@mattbecker3mb]

The reason field and survival knives are made of a soft metal with alot of flex is due to rough use and easy field sharpening. Outstanding and understood. However, folders are generally for everyday use, not to be relied on for extended periods of time in the field. They are used more often, but less abused. And something used more often should not need constant maintenance if it can be made better to avoid it. I've got enough to do than resharpen my edc folder everyday.

[@mattbecker3mb]

and as for the "ease of field sharpening" reasoning...honestly, when was the last time any of us were in the woods overnight with only a folder to rely on?

[@perniciousinfidel4402]

I like it but I like to wait to see if the price comes down or I catch it on sale somewhere. Thanks for sharing.

[@matthewadler1329]

Im right there with you Chris. Ive never cared for CRKT folders. AUS8 is not a crap steel. Its just fine. I don't like to spend more than 50 bucks on a knife with it, but if I like a knife with it, I will make exceptions, and this would be one of them, At least its not 4116, which really does have really bad edge retention. The SMKW exclusive minimaist bowie in D2 is one of my favorite knives period, and at 30 bucks, its one of the best values out there. CRKT misses a lot, but sometimes they do surprise me.

[@taylorelsner6332]

You should stop by Blade Hq for your knives buying needs. Great prices, great customer service and their KZbin channel is quite entertaining.

[@Rippleshanks]

Love the design.

[@eddieking2976]

Great video as usual. As for CRKT I'll never give up my Otanashi noh Ken. That thing is a beast.

[@bobbin1952]

Looking forward to getting one of these.

[@scottyi88]

I think the knife is worth it i mean field stripping a knife and the simplicity of the engineering of the knife look awesome and unique. plus i like the look of a old ww2 army design kind of matches with a sherman tank. blade shape also kinda looks like a bolo design

[@jeremyjenkins7115]

Dig it completely.. Seen it well before this video and spot on about how simple the design is and the working movement would be of concern with action but once it was in my hand was like had to have it.. Lol

[@HahahaWeeee]

love the folder reviews.

[@jamesandhoa]

I have a cold steel recon micro for back up when i don't have a box cutter at work, i cut plastic, card board and thick plastic pallet straps, if i had to use it daily i would have to sharpen it daily the aus 8 seems to soft for a tool you need to use constantly.

[@jasonchatham4170]

Love my first production Ken Onion CRKT Shenanigan...... have beat the hell out of it, always takes a razor edge and with the composite frame is 3oz. can't beat it $45

[@Eric-ew8jt]

I think Aesthetically this is the nicest knife out of the whole line of CRKT. Def interested in this folder. But being in Canada I'm not willing to pay almost 200.00 after the currency conversion... Amazon Canada has them for 127.00 but sadly out of stock.. Great Review Chris thanks....

[@guns4funcajanajustin]

It looks clean great review!

[@sakelleys]

Thanks for the review I'm thinking about getting one now.

[@Loadingohio]

Is livingsurvival in Ohio too???!!! You guys are my two favorite channels. Let the guy know at survival tactics you were the reason I stopped by. Awesome store you'd never know about

[@preparedmind101]

+jacobhorvath1 No, it was in a Google hangout.

[@Loadingohio]

+PREPAREDMIND101 ahh right on.

[@morpheoist]

hello, comment after 5 years ... right these days CRKT introduces Field Strip generation 2, and IMHO the Gen1 is better as nothing stays hidden and it's easy to remove any kind of dirt. Gen2 has the pin engagement foil hidden under another foil in the cheek, with consequent possible dirt intrusion and the need to disassemble the system at home. So we are point and head. I personally liked the Homefront right away, I love fullers and it was interesting and personally inviting that it could be easily disassembled and cleaned even in the field. I'm a guy like you who uses fixed blades a lot more than folders. for example I often have the Mora Eldris which as a small fixed has many more advantages than a folder with a slightly longer blade. I relegate the folder almost exclusively to eating and to food. these days, since I never bought the Homefront again I was looking at some prices, and the indecision is now between the aluminum Homefront, or the HVAS, perhaps given the more usable fullflat profile at 360 °. let's talk about steels ... I write from Italy, here we have (among other things near my house) a famous company of tactical and military knives which uses only one type of steel (two from this year), namely n690co, and the user / collector knife medium believes it is the best steel. he considers that there is a huge abysmal difference between how the Italians understand the knife compared to the USA / Canada. we do not have a great outdoor tradition and only in recent years, thanks to the internet, terms such as 'bushcraft' have begun to be heard and many enthusiasts begin to see, however, a great confusion remains. I have been interested in self-sufficiency / survival techniques for more than twenty years, and I make knives. I went to a traditional cutlery school, I study metallurgy and above all I live off the grid and use knives every day. I am lucky enough to live in nature, because here in Italy it is illegal to have even a small folder in your pocket. it goes without saying that 90% of those who use knives are 'Sunday campers'. people who buy the folder in n690co for € 400 and go into the woods once a month to tip the sticks and cut two slices of salami. people who buy the 600 € custom knife and then use the 30 € Chinese knife because otherwise the other one gets damaged and scratches the cover or the mirror polished blade. never be. I understand your speech very well. I sharpen for cooks, and here, almost all of them have their knives sharpened once a year. people who have had the knife for 4 years, "went through the worst hard work and still cut" ... lies !. the ability to sharpen the knife in the field is essential. steels such as AUS8, 12C27,14C28N, 1075, 1095, C70, A2 or the legendary Sr101 .... give this possibility. already the D2 has some difficulties, almost impossible with CPMs and harder and more expensive steels. this is important. for those who really use knives. for those who know how to use them. I have an Avispa in AUS8, the alternative was to take it in D2, but being a knife that I use a lot I preferred the ease of sharpening to the duration of the edge. many are afraid of rust. but they did not understand that it takes time to really rust a hardened steel blade. I have 99% of fixed carbon steel, and with proper maintenance the rust does not come. Nothing that cannot be removed with a steel sponge ... I gladly follow your channel, you keep me a lot of company to me that I am allergic to people and I prefer to be alone or surround myself with friends who think like me, but here there are none and luckily KZbin gives me the opportunity to compare and talk to people like me . Greetings from Italy

[@sour7786]

I can't picture spending $400 on a fixed blade but I just spent a grand on a founder last month. And aus8 isn't bad steel it's really fine grain so takes and incredibly sharp edge. As long as u have a strop do that every other day your good to go

[@lonewolf597]

I purchased this knife and what you failed to mention is the 2 white plastic inserts that go on either side of the blade. They can fall out, and if they do I'm not sure if the knife would function as designed. Just a note to everyone who may want this knife, there are small parts that can be lost.

[@preparedmind101]

+lonewolf I don't have any inserts as you described. Never did. Mine works fine.

[@lonewolf597]

I can see them in your video, white bushings. They are visible and are around the shaft that protrudes through the handle scales.

[@robertkline6747]

Great video Chris as always!!

[@gewamser]

I like it for the fact that if you use it to dress animals or clean fish...you can easily clean the knife!

[@markthompson484]

Hi Chris Mark again..... Home Front seems like a good blade and knife. First question is side to side blade play. Could....if you choose to tighten things up place bronze washers on post. Laughing... already thinking of solution to what seems to be a blade play situation. I do like the blade design, but think I will wait till the 2nd generation appears.

[@paulherberger370]

This is an interesting concept.

[@wagstaff6135]

I agree that nothing about that knife says "CRKT"! Really nice. I would be a knife snob if I had stupid-money; alas, I'm more a budget guy. I like AUS-8, but I do think it should be a bit less expensive given that. Still, nice knife, great idea to have it break down that easily.

[@neddmoulton1]

Good review Chris. Your right at 60.00 or 65.00 I would buy one right now!!!!

[@admadama7009]

I have no problem with budget folders but if you're going to spend $90 on a knife I can't think of a single reason to pick this over something like an American made Benchmade Griptillian or Spyderco for the same or sometimes less with better steel to boot. Love your videos Chris, just don't see this being a good buy as it currently stands.

[@alexwbanks70]

Love the look.

[@walkerburt8814]

I sharpen all sorts of blades from vg10 to s30v And I have to say that aus8 by far is the one steel I have the most problem with getting an edge on that satisfies me. At least in cold steels formulation I find it challenging. Yet I can sharpen my saber ground delica 4 without problems. Aus8 is not a turn off to me overall though.

[@MegaBloodeye]

My RAT 1 is aus 8 and I love it. I did convex the grind on it though, so that helps keep the edge on it. Gonna have to get the new D2 version though because it's only $10 more.

[@austinblackburn]

I might have to pick up the knife!

[@JohnGreyman]

nice knife, great blanket.

[@ALWhiteAuthor]

Now that I can really see some details... You should have left it on 720p...

[@preparedmind101]

+AZ Patriot I was waiting for that low hanging fruit.

[@ALWhiteAuthor]

PREPAREDMIND101 Somebody's gotta pick it... :D

[@ezekielherrera4070]

lol

[@phillo1818]

I'm not normally a folder fan but that is a nice looking knife and compact (flat) in the pocket, meaning well hidden. Field stripping should be simple and the Homefront Knife obviously is. Once I sharpen my blades the first time the rest is mostly maintenance and that is true of my Elmax and 440 steel. BTW: there's a fly on the window sill of the shed waving into the camera to his friends, 1080P can be a curse.

[@HardcoreSlot]

ok. 2 questions. Why pay 100 bucks for Aus8 I am neither a snob nor a budget guy, but I just dont see it. and yes I understand you are paying for the take down tech, which brings me to the next question. Why take down? I love me some folders and carry several in every situation and never ever ever have I needed to field strip a knife... This is a gimmick akin to the slap chop....

[@moose2934]

Lots of pocket knife guy (Instagram's full of them) swear by S30V and up. honestly, I agree. the way I see it.. AUS8 and any MOV steel, are basically like using 420 and poor 440 for fixed blades.

[@mistbucklodge8380]

Great review Chris!!

[@Walterliquori]

Yeah manix 2 is that price bm grip but the design is cool pretty neat idea. The price is high for the materials and where it was manufactured

[@Wavester64]

*Excellent* video. I reviewed this one as well on my channel, I love it. Mr. Onion is definitely one of my favorite knife designers.

[@jedslather]

They should sell extra blades made with a better steel. I love the design and the simple solution to take it apart.

[@Whitlow68]

they should make interchangeable blades for them. just ordered mine.

[@chasingthetrail9375]

Cam W had the same thought made a comment over on nick shabazs channel about how that would be the best part of this design as the blade is one of the three pieces,different grinds steel options could be as customizable as a ar 15 and would be a much more interesting design

[@johnsg8]

I'm really on the fence with this one. What made me decide no was the assembled in Taiwan at this price point. I know they make good knives, but for $100 I would rather give an American the job. Just my two cents.

[@indyoutsider]

I agree with some of that John. 100 bucks for a Taiwan knife is crazy to me. Taiwan makes cheap knives. Keeping Americans working sounds great. American, German, Swiss, and a couple others is all i will buy. China, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Mexico are cheap, and there is no resale value.

[@indyoutsider]

Adambomb98 Yeah, to each his own i guess.

[@johnsg8]

I have had some nice Taiwanese knives, Cold Steel. But for this much money, I would rather give an American a job. Like I stated, just my opinion.

[@jeph4life]

I thought i was the only person who thought like this. A knife named "Homefront" made in Taiwan? huh?

[@emperorsilvius3266]

Assembled in Taiwan, lol maybe they should be assembled by the owner, (Assembled in USA, actually assembled in my house)

[@9SS94Cr]

You are right that they kinda put this knife in the wrong price range. They should have given it a much better steel(vg-10, 154cm or s30v), then charge for let's say $150 or slightly above. For me personally, I dislike the aluminum handle. I hope they will make another version of this with steel frame lock and G10 scale. I'll happily pay the current price even if the blade steel is 8cr13mov.

[@aznelite325]

I like the shape and everything and I like AUS-8, but $90 is a little steep for an AUS-8 folder IMO. And I agree, CRKT folders have never really done it for me either, as well as being a Ken Onion fan.

[@johnniewalker3134]

Have a Otanashi noh Ken and i love it AUS-8 and all it ok sharpness from the factory,

[@TheAussiePirate]

Too much for budget, too cheap for elite. For the regular practical knife guy… you've got me considering buying it. Thanks Chris.

[@05generic]

I was more interested in the jungle blanket than the knife, and look forward to the test.

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

Looked at the literally ins and outs of the CRKT Homefront Q/D takedown (of sorts) folder and was not overly impressed. It's one of those folders ya just gotta feel out, play with disassembly/assembly-wise, and see if it's all that practical. From my brief intro in hand --- tho' intuitive design and somewhat original thinking... it was one of those I put back in the shopkeeper's hands and no longer of interest. Funny thing is I'm not really too 'brand loyal', much of a steel snob, or in-praise part of the KenO fan club. Valid point you make is value based regarding what you get for what you pay for (the who is this for?), and my main issue with the knife was essentially all coming down to feel/ergos/balance (the lack thereof). I also saw some inconsistencies in the take apart and redress. Where I do feel this knife has a lot of promise and should be re-visited at some point is a blade trading/swapping capability. This in my frame of mind would/could amount to modified blades and points, different grinds, and even different steels. carry a little wallet of blades. This to me would have been the real world thinking outside the box and more worthy of award winning distinction.

[@esfowle]

My number one issue with most folders is that they do not have reversible pocket clips. As a southpaw, I personally would be able to carry and use this knife easily and comfortably. Otherwise, great knife. For me, I want left pocket tip up carry option for a pocket knife.

[@preparedmind101]

+Eric F southpaw is a sign of the devil. Or so they used to say....

[@esfowle]

+PREPAREDMIND101, the Devil still needs to be able to carry a knife easily. Lol.

[@lrrp692]

still on the fence about this one . I like the knife just not sure yet....have to wait on your long time review

[@CedricAda]

At least when you review folders you dont draw the uber serious anti-batoning crowd. Those guys are a real blast.

[@preparedmind101]

+CedricAda Gear and Outdoors You deal with them by designing an indestructible knife made for batoning.

[@backwoods_barbarian4134]

I know your a fixed blade guy, but do you have a top 5 folders? Hell, even a top 3? Best video I've seen on the knife yet.

[@preparedmind101]

+J Brigan No. I like them for a few months and get bored.

[@RandysWSG]

I think its a pretty cool design! Have you seen the CRKT Fossil?

[@jackb6989]

I'd like a swappable blade so you could swap out the steel depending on what your doing and what your budget is. I'd love to see it in s30v for $110 ballpark or the aus 8 for around $40 and maybe m4 around $190

[@jaredwix7751]

Hey Chris. Just wondering if you have seen the tenstile yet? Looked interesting.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

That knife looks bad ass. A lot of folks bash aus 8, 440c and 8cr13mov. If the heat treat is right then it should be a good blade that is easy to get stupid sharp and a Breese to keep it sharp. What is the purpose to take it apart. Maintenance?

[@tmerrick24]

Cleaning after food prep? Removing the pocket lint every few months? Nice knife, cool take apart feature, I guess. I'm a Spyderco man myself, right now using the Dragonfly2 in H1.

[@gavinreddig3969]

shirogorov makes a 40 she played it sells for $500

[@NitroCigarette]

1080p boy! Awesome.

[@chadharner800]

big fan of aus8 . maybe just me but never needed to take folder apart even after skinning game . cool idea though

[@240weatherby3]

a lot better picture curious on how that knife holds up

[@johnnyfedpost1776]

I just wish it had phosphor bronze washers. Or that someone made after market bronze washers that fit it because it has odd ball sized washers

[@johnholder7348]

nice knife and blanket

[@moose2934]

Once the price drops down to around $60, I'll be all over this blade

[@DenisHauser]

Nice folder. :)

[@carrolllaw]

Cool video & bonus!

[@alittleolder]

It's actually the best selling knife on goinggear currently

[@impavido13]

For AUS-8 and Taiwan produced I think it's priced a bit high. It it was in the SOG price like it should ($50-$80), they'd sell a lot more

[@RealBushMonkey]

nice looking and cool idea, but I seriously question its durability, I guess time will tell.

[@machodeth4822]

I'm all for stainless on a folder. Got spots all over my Kershaw cryo just from being in my pocket at work. Can't carry a fixed blade there.

[@cuffs50]

aus 8 isn't crap but I wouldn't buy a $100+ knife that had an aus 8 blade. I actually like the homefront a lot but I don't think it's worth the price tag.

[@kalijasin]

Its only $46 on amazon. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NC2UA8R/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@veganlifestyleloveanimals1744]

Aus 8 is crap

[@jameswyrm8]

I'd like to have this in a hc tool steel. I've got 5 edc's in aus8 already.

[@TheBladeluster]

Yep, It does remind me of a WWII Tank. I like it, but too expensive at the moment.

[@alittleolder]

Actually a lot of "Knife Snobs" went out and bought that cheap thing simply because it's a good idea and an interesting knife. You don't have to pay a lot for something interesting. You do pay 500 bucks if there is a reason for it.

[@Joe.dirt7909]

Do you have a video on that knife sharpener? Im a new subscriber to your channel.

[@marredandback]

Aus 8 is decent enough steel. There's better and worse steel. But made in Taiwan for just under $100. The jury's still out on this one. I'll wait and see what else they do with this technology. Field strip capable knives are definitely cool and Ken Onion is the man. It's got my attention.

[@bigvisk1125]

I like the concept but do you need to field strip Aus 8? I would like it more in a higher carbon steel. I think the concept makes more sense in a cardin steel blade that needs more maintenance