CRKT M16 vs M21...You Decide!

CRKT M16-14SF (Retail $129.99) Aluminum,
CRKT M21-14SFG (Retail $79.99) G-10

[@randominternetprofile8270]

Damn this is from 11 yrs ago. It's not $35 on Amazon anymore

[@Gent1911]

I am a collector and am very partial to CRKT products, I recently bought & received a M16-14DSFG, when ever I get a new folder I test it for a minimum of 1 week (a good sharp knife is a tool much needed in my work), I carried Cold Steel, Ka-bar, Spyderco, CRKT, SOG etc. Until this model arrived, my favorites were the Ka-bar Bobcat & Cold Steel Spartan, well this M16-14DSFG has been in my pocket for 5 weeks, I just love it, it is so well made & sharp bought at Amazon.

[@dustinh4175]

The thumb studs are blade stops. Keeps the blade frome hitting the pillars when closed and keep the blade from folding back if chopping/slashing. Super smart design

[@Gieszkanne]

Also the top thumb stud can work as an emerson wave.

[@CastilloinaSpeedo]

I have an old M16-03Z and I love it. The liner lock on mine still lands perfectly in the center of the blade and its still rock solid. As for the safety, with some practice its easy to close one handed. Its instinct for me now, actually my fingers get confused when I handle other knives.

[@01kxrider]

Excellent reviews, well spoken and informative!

[@SixStringJoy]

Great video. Here something extra about the G10 for whoever is interested why they are so great: G10 laminate grades are produced by inserting continuous glass woven fabric impregnated with an epoxy resin binder while forming the sheet under high pressure. This material is used extensively in the electronics industry because its water absorption is extremely minimal and the G10 line of materials is not electrically conductive. The G10 is most commonly used in PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) applications. G10 exhibits superior mechanical and dimensional stability and doesn't shrink. Temperature ratings of 180 degrees C. In addition to these properties, G10 has excellent dielectric loss properties, and great electrical strength. G10 is also known as Micarta and Garolite and can be used for structural supports, buss bars, mechanical insulation, gears, test fixtures, washers, spacers and tight tolerance machined parts for electromechanical assemblies.

[@AstralS7orm]

One thing G10 doesn't do is flex. It cracks but that takes quite a lot of force.

[@jaspermcgee7136]

Good review. Thanks for taking the time to do it. I have the M21-SFG with the Veff seration and it is a great knife! I paid $45.00 for mine and have had it for about 2 years. I use it almost daily, and sharpen about every 6 months. It has held up better than most any knife I own. And for a pocket folder, it is a very intimidating knife. Once you put some practice time with the flipper, it's about as fast to open as a switchblade. CRKT makes great knives for a very reasonable price. I would highly recommend any knife product from this company.

[@vaitonl314]

The aus8 on my m16-10kz is holding up great, knicked it on metal many times and use it on everything from cardboard to plastic and doesnt lose its edge.

[@mistold]

If you move the clip to the other end of the knife, the dual hilts(flippers) will actually catch the edge of your pocket on the way out and open for you. Very handy if you know how to use it.

[@shagnasty4740]

your right. I hate when people call the thumb studs.

[@shagnasty4740]

*them

[@ryansnider946]

Sounds like a great way to slice the tips of my fingers off.

[@Thc_N-fused]

@@ryansnider946 not with the back side of the knife. If you do you shouldn't be handling forks much less military grade knifes.

[@dave7ization]

i wouldn't have worried about that extra hole & seen it as a weight reduction advantage & cosmetic only...i may even drill a few more myself to reduce more weight if need be....great quality pics of knives in this video & very good presentation.

[@BC-kx5zb]

Have the m16-14fsg tanto with g10handle and veff serrations a mix up of both of those and love it part of my edc.

[@nokiaquality4796]

The more drop point shaped blade on the M21 is more practical for daily use, then the tanto shaped blade on the M16

[@SamuelGribley]

The pocket clip loosens after continuous use and also the liner lock loosens for the better after a while

[@MrCleanerNash]

@lskw1 yeah going the m16 route. Dont have many tantos and really dig this one. thanks for stopping by bro.

[@unicornlxi]

Love those knives. Bought the G10 one sight unseen. The flipper opens the knife faster than any AO knife I've seen. And that's w/o practice. Thanks for the comparison.

[@jmaselli90]

I have a m21 12g small knife or regurgl size an it has the double lock on it an it coasted me around the same as my m1614sfg Thano

[@sirrubbahnuttz]

i have the m21 you get used to the auto lock and the liner, i close and open mine with one hand, little bit fiddly at first but its such a well balanced knife, i love it

[@MrCleanerNash]

@GARYMANDIEVAN thats what I'm leaning towards. I like the tanto style blade. Thanks for stopping by Gary.

[@artnathaniel4575]

I own both CRKT M16-14SF and the M16-14LEK. (Best of both worls, Military & Police) .. These are great back up blades that will deploy quickly and ready in a split second emergency situation! Whether self defense or for emergency rescue. I believe these knives (tools) main purpose is what i've describe them for, and not for splitting wood or stabbing car doors! Lol .. Real Pros are to use the right tools for the right jobs! Nuff Said. ~ Sua Sponte

[@Miriamsbasteleck]

Very nice vid. I just ordered the M16-14ZSF with the tanto blade. Very much looking forwrd to it.

[@Thc_N-fused]

The double ears on the blade have a very distinct purpose. Move the pocket clip to the opposite end of the handle. Then upon removing the knife from your pocket the ear catches and swings the blade open. Making it extremely fast in an emergency, as well as convenient one hand opperation, with a little practice.

[@MrCleanerNash]

@gunnwild1 I'm kinda leaning towards the M16 right now. I just need to swap it out one w/o the factory clip hole defect. I really dig both blades though. Hard to beat the cool factor for the money.

[@MrCleanerNash]

@TacticalHadoken I would too but I'm having issue with the liner lock. Not sure if they are all like that or just mine.

[@hasslevania8138]

Cr = cryo and mov = metal oxide varistor. So 8 cryo and how magnetic the metal is if I'm not mistaken being 13 or 14 mov

[@gunnwild1]

My M16 with the tanto blade has the veff serrations just like the M21. I also have the M16-14ZSF that has the regular serrations. Tthe 14ZSF is the one with the destert camo design and silver blade.

[@xtrmqstable]

I own several CRKT knives including 3 M-16 series. They are all excellent tools. The quality is difficult to beat at their relative price points. That said, you need to be cautious about the supplier you purchase from. The content creator's M-16 looks like a knock off. The CKRT logo itself along with the missing TM mark and finish variation are suspect at best. Those "extra" and miss aligned holes are clear indicators. Add all that to the price and supplier, buyer beware!

[@3ncrypt3dcod3s]

I really like the M16-14DSFG. It has the G10 handles and the "Veff" serrations like on your M21, but it's a tanto design.

[@alannatridy1604]

Hey, so you replied to a comment I wrote, but I can't see what you said. You mentioned that the M16-14SF isn't spring loaded, so what makes the opening action so quick? It looks like the effects of a spring load, but what is it really?

[@kaladin7487]

Alan Natridy its just the force of your finger

[@Tbone42tx]

I'm almost positive that's a frame lock not a liner it's just got the g10 handles over three frame, that's why it's SPLIT

[@TheTNK97]

The thumb studs on these knives are more for blade stops, Strider does it too.

[@guitarteacher1993]

The only purpose I can think of for the M-21 having liners on both sides is because of the G-10. On my M-21 with aluminum handles it only has 1 liner. Also just a helpful hint if you decide you want to get another 16 or 21 is that you can get both of them in multiple different blade shapes, the difference in the two models is only the blade steel and quality aluminum used. I actually have an M16 with the same blade as your 21 and a 21 with a tanto.

[@MrCleanerNash]

@adamador yeah I'm leaning towards the M16 too. Just need to swap it out for one that is not defective.

[@edgedweapon88]

I would personally take 8CR1MOV over AUS-8 any day. I have noticed that 8CR holds an edge a little longer than AUS-8. Even though the liner is not as thick on the M16 it does lock up earlier. Over time that means that it will last longer and be able to work in more. I like the G10 better because it is ligher and provides more grip. Just my thoughts but great knives and thank you for sharing. Enjoy your new purchases!

[@codiekennedy8046]

I got the m1601s at Wal-Mart for 19.22. I got it because it's the cheapest m16, it has no lawks it's a spearpoiny and it's the smaller 7 inch version. steel handles. I like it. light and skinny and feels decently made

[@conorfoster2337]

I've carried and used a friend's m21. If you can't close it with one hand, you have some serious motor skill issues. Also, serrations aren't for cutting through hard materials or prying with, they're for making quick, rough cuts through soft things like rope and cordage.

[@Palpac]

Why are you comparing the holes and liners on 2 different styled knives?

[@SilverBro96]

In my opinion I like the m21 blade over the tanto but I love my m16 its a beast

[@MrCleanerNash]

@HKYEW FYI you can get a cheaper m-16 with the g-10 handles for $79.99 but I have the aluminum handled version. But yeah I get what your saying makes sense. thanks

[@bartlebaugh1998]

Hey im not a knife expert but on the first knife the m22 i think the liner lock is split in half so it is easier to press down

[@bartlebaugh1998]

M21 *

[@MrCleanerNash]

@SnakeStrike77 Holy shit!..Dude you like came out of the woodwork...what the freak is up bro! Glad to see your back. Hope your feeling better.

[@damianocorsi9018]

Nice video! sorry but I don't understand the language? In essence, which one is better? Thank you

[@MrCleanerNash]

@111stickerboy Yeah that makes sense. I realize the studs are not functional for your thumb on this model. thanks for the cooment.

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

keep both, as they are iconoclastic knives that are quality at any price.

[@jodelboy]

I just got the M16-14SFG plus a little M16-10KZ. First thing I did was throwing out that Autolawks shit. Now I have two excellent liner lock knives, which work like a regular linerlock (which is what I wanted ;D). The blade doesn't close on both without the Autolawks. I love it as for now! But it's quite a bit heavier than my Spyderco Paramilitary 2.

[@lskw1]

I do like the tanto blade myself.. i might go with that one

[@ferr6397]

Thank you for a nice video.

[@believeit3203]

The "thumb" studs are not for show and are not thumb studs. They lock into the knife when open, transferring forces on the blade into the handle/frame itself making it extremely strong. They are not meant as a way to open the knife. They are great knives and I carry the M16-14D daily. I also have the M21 version, but find the double flipper to be a PITA as it tends to catch on things. I am considering removing the bottom one. I also have noticed that the VEFF serrations absolutely do have a greater tendency to easily bend than the normal serrations do. All in all, I don't think a person can get a better knife for the money than most of the CRKT line, especially the Carson designs

[@BobRobertsons]

You can close it with one hand because after you move the liner, the AutoLAWKS can be released.

[@c0dcr4zy]

For $25 I would bet my life it is one of the MANY knockoffs floating around..

[@Gieszkanne]

the top thumb stud can work as an emerson wave.

[@SnarkyRC]

Great knives. Very robust. They remind me of my Boker Armed Forces knife which is a beast.

[@shaunpixel]

So which knife did you end up with? I'm thinking about grabbing one of these two. I should prolly go with the tanto one, right?

[@bigdaddyitalia22]

I just can't decide between the blade shapes Edc yet defensive as well as daily use due to my usually caring a utility blade Any pointers. How are they ground

[@captnsquashypant82]

I have the m21 southpaw. I was initially very excited to find a left handed knife in this price range but after owning it for awhile slightly disappointed that it basically takes two hands to close kinda defeats the point of being a left handed liner lock.

[@honestdave]

I own an m16. I find it very easy to close and open 1 handed

[@mattdg1981]

just purchased the m16 and i love it. one problem though and it could considered serious to some users. the thumb knobs have a tendency to grab at my pants pocket when i try to deploy the knife. they are merely decorative and should be removed

[@Lunumbrus]

They aren't merely decorative, though. :/ They're the blade stops, they're kinda essential to the design, removing some strain from the pivot and stopping it's rotation as it opens.

[@artthemouse2795]

They're not 'thumb studs' or 'decorative' they're guards, and if you practice, they act like an Emerson wave feature and open the knife coming out of your pocket... plus, you can't close the blade on your hand and your hand can't slide onto the blade... Sheesh... amateurs....

[@BenaiahPS]

I don't think the "thumb studs" are "thumb studs." Those are "blade stops," designed to reduce the impact on the mechanisms when the blade locks into place or closes. Also, the auto-lawk should be used one handed, users just need to practice a little bit to get the motion down.

[@guitarteacher1993]

the 21 and 16 both come in the all the same size variants. the size is determined by the first 2 numbers after the model. ex. M16-14SF and M21-14SF are the same knife but made with different blade steel and use a different quality of the aluminum used in the handles. The 16s are made in Taiwan and the 21s are made in China.

[@MrCleanerNash]

@D34D3DD13 no m16 is tanto and m21 is spearpoint. Both come in different steels and handle materials.

[@rdharding1]

Just bought the M21 it now has Aus8 steel with the guts of the M16

[@mypitssmash4804]

I bought one of these when they first came out. They look nice, but as he pointed out the liner lock is way to thin & mine actually went all the way to the right causing the knife to close partially then get jammed. It needs to be thicker like ZT - that being said I wouldn't buy another & also not s fan of liner locks.

[@tntanto]

Nice review.

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

i have both..the agressive blade of the serations is the deal breaker. those serations are wicked

[@johnkennedy9078]

That's pretty funny bc yesterday I was messing with it (opening and closing repetedly) while distacted by my computer, and cut the F out of the tip of my pinky lol... Bled so much I had to seal it with duct tape. Seriously though, it's one of the sharpest knives I've ever owned.

[@TurboMitsubishi]

I have 2 M16's and can easily close them with 1 hand, maybe you just need to work on your dexterity lol.

[@newhuskytwenty]

The more I see CRKT knives the more I love my Spydercos, in a world of 8Cr13Mov and AUS8 (Cold Steel, Ontario...) the donut hole brand offers affordable CPM S30V and very cheap VG10 blades of maximum quality.

[@richardc1409]

I'm looking to purchase a M21. I prefer the blade shape compared to the M16. I also like the veff serrations. I'm just trying to decide which variant of the M21 to get. :)

[@jeffreygoyer5218]

Getting my Crkt M21 knife today like the look of the zeff serrations and the drop Pointe blade. Have many Spydercos, Zts, and benchmade decided to give this bad boy a shot. my 21 is supposedly using an Aus8 steel so so steel but I'll give everyone an update after receive it later on Jeff G

[@mozby76]

I like the M21-14SF. It has a deep-bellied spear point blade, but it does have triple point serrations instead of the veff. Beautiful blade though.

[@AstralS7orm]

Matt Yeow Not quite a spear point, it's a drop point with very slight leaf shape. The slight leaf shape, much like serrations, is a bit annoying when sharpening.

[@biggamehunter509]

I'm thinking that the one with the aluminum scales has only one liner and a thinner liner lock because the scales are aluminum and thus stronger than the G-10 scales.

[@1decline]

they also come in spear point

[@SteelPolymernBrass]

Nice knife...I'll order one for me asap....Thanks for the video...

[@VictorRodriguez-rd5xl]

Great review bud, id say stick with the M-21 im getting one for myself..

[@joeshands1059]

Personally I love the tanto but thre other has more belly, it truly depends on your intended purpose

[@sebastianwinter1782]

the m21 looks awesome but i already have one crkt... i dont what should i do :D

[@VENUEATHENS]

Nice Video! Thought the M21 was better knife? I'm not sure which to buy either, looking at the same knives. Let us know which you ended up going with...

[@thomassullivan6016]

That M 21 is a rope cutting SOB with those serrations . People who don't ever cut much rope don't realize how important serrations are

[@urealpg2948]

the line lock being big and dual lock is way better , just wait untill you get a cheep knife line lock no dual lock fold on your hand or break

[@VWmachine]

One thing I noticed with these is the G-10 handle version has less gap between the blade and inside of the frame, almost half the gap compared to the aluminum handle one. So if the liner lock were to move all the way to the other side it would still maintain full lock. But on the Aluminum handle version the gap is big enough that if the liner lock were to be pushed all the way in, it would fall into the gap, unlocking the blade resulting in it closing on you. I've noticed this on the aluminum handle knives or ones they use AUS-8 blades. Poor lock design. You want to make sure if the lock goes all the way it still maintains full lock.

[@believeit3203]

I guess that just depends on each individual knife. I have the M16-14D (desert big dog) and have been carrying and using it hard for 7 or more years and the liner locks up dead center of the blade. As long as the liner lock doesn't go too far, it can be adjusted by very discretionary removal of a small amount of material from the section of blade that engages the liner. I have never been a fan of liner locks (and wish they'd produce this knife as a frame lock) but mine locks up perfectly well and is solid. I have used mine a s a machete, even chopping down full grown corn stalks. It has held up to everything thrown at it. It's a beast.

[@MrCleanerNash]

@edgedweapon88 yeah thats what I figured on the steel. Not sure why AUS-8 is considered a premium with CRKT. Not sure why people like the new veff serrations so much though. They curl and chip very easy and render it useless from most of the reviews I've seen. I agree with you on the G-10 but the aluminum looks so sleek hehe. Thanks for stopping by bro. all the best

[@nwobatakero]

did the knifes were still new when you buy them ? or they were used ?

[@ctsgmh009]

ok though i have not used ether 8cr14mov or 8cr13mov, but 8cr14 should slightly outperform 8cr13. though i doubt you would be able to tell a difference between the two steels. and as for AUS 8. it will shapen very fast and will take a real good edge, but from my use it will dull pretty fast, but over all i like the steel

[@thomassalka8119]

i just payed 45 dollars to include shipping for an M16-13ZM on Cheaperthandirt i used them one in Iraq, and it got stolen from me. I absolutely love that knife!

[@jackd96jackd96]

Veff serrations blow regular ones out of the water... look on CRKT's website at the video for them... they rock

[@randomescu]

imho a tanto is waste of blade lenght. i love how it looks, i modified 2 drop points into tanto but that part is useless. anyway, i bet most of us, watching knife videos and surely you, creating it, already own a normal serrated folding knife. so most of us would keep a Veff serrated one! i also have a question, the veff serrated one or a Cold Steel AirLite drop point? i carry a SwissTool but it lack a solid blade for heavy duty use. SwisTool blade is awesome for some tasks, way better then Leatherman Surge blade in my opinion but its not good gor really heavy duty tasks.

[@MrCleanerNash]

@kwgunworks agreed! you have good taste hehe. I'll holla at your for my gun fix soon bro. Lataz!

[@RoofTop12-b]

Is it better to have a duel flipper or hand guard or one. Or is it more of a personal preference. Does having 2 have an advantage to just one?

[@angelinataber]

I don't know if it has an advantage or not. My personal preference is just one. I've used a knife with dual flippers and didnt really like it.

[@RoofTop12-b]

@@angelinataber thank you for your feedback

[@angelinataber]

@@RoofTop12-b no problem

[@wayneholmes637]

Dual is better as you can then either open it with your finger or have it open itself as you take it out of your pocket. I have both the dual flipper m16-14sf and the single flipper m16-14ks and the dual flipper is much more practical.

[@Cociobladereviews]

i have a m16-14zsf it lovely so im going with m16.

[@Deadpoolmasterchief]

I lov3 the m21 its a usa military issued knife and spear point is easy to sharpen

[@MrCleanerNash]

@biguy525 I'm with ya prefer traditional blade no serrations but that is the only way they come on these models unfortunately. The aluminum is certainly more slippery but it looks cleaner and more expensive.

[@rosco1peco]

id like the m16 if it came in a more useful blade shape. unless your buying a dedicated stabbing blade, although im not sure what you would do with it. spearpoint, droppoint and clippoint blades are much more useful for slicing and chopping.

[@Pongo1320]

I like the old school serrations and the look of the tanto ~ original tantos were full tang and thick as hell with prying duty in mind; there are better designs for folders. I try not to put too much twisting or prying torque on folders. My edc is the old Gerber Covert ~ I have tortured this poor thing for almost 5 years now.

[@MrCooldude518]

Does this knife break easily? WOULD ANYONE RECOMMEND THIS KNIFE(m16)please respond

[@irlrp]

Wow the serratin (is that the word ?) is so beautiful !

[@yaboiimarc9857]

Serration you mean?

[@D34D3DD13]

does the m21 come in tanto?

[@jdgoesham5381]

I have both. And after owning both for a few years or so I like the M21 much more. Just for the G-10 alone. But also for the blade style and the serration style. I also have a small M-16 10KSF too with the 3.9" Tanto blade. Which blade style I don't love a ton but it was cheap. I like spear and dagger personally. I'm a fan of the look of these though, but i do think they're overpriced today. Like way overpriced. They're at most 50 dollar flippers. For any more they need a lot better quality control. If you can get one for under 40 it's worth it I'd say. More than that I'd buy maybe a Boker auto over another one of these.

[@sKeM2k9]

How can you tell if its fake?? I wanna order one off amazon but not if that ish is some bullshit... Please let me know. Also is the M fake as well?

[@mr.silent1070]

Keep the M 21 , I have bolth as well, the AUS 8 is a bit better as steel go's but the M 21 w/ zeff is the way to go, Bro I'd keep the M16 as a work horse & M 21 for a backup self defense Blade.

[@WEXGUNWORKS]

M16 for the win, great vid brother!

[@SWP357]

8cr14mov has a slightly higher chromium content then 8crt3mov making it slightly more rust resistant (practically unnoticeable tho). AUS 8 has about the same chromium content as acr13mov but i find it doesn't hold an edge as well as either of the other steels. I vote m21 great vid dude.

[@RETIREINARIZONA]

Both are really nice. Perhaps the mistake would make it a collectors item?

[@eRaqimon]

2:54 ignore that. It's easy to close with one hand.

[@GARYMANDIEVAN]

I like the M16 thats the one I'd keep