Is It A Joke? CRKT HVAS Field Strip Knife

[@crkt]

Hi gideonstactical - Great video! Thank you for taking the time to look at the HVAS. It was fun seeing the HVAS in action with the variety of tests you put it through. Great feedback and overall review. Thanks again!

[@lankyassboi4853]

I personally like the bare minimum materials crkt brings to the market

[@David_Downs]

the beauty of this design would also be in the beauty that it would be easy to exchange blades on the knife as well in the event that you don't have a sharpener nearby, or you just want a different type of blade for different applications. Would figure if you can make a design as such, you could just as well offer the ability to upgrade as well. Plus, it could make for a great design your own style knife like companies like Buck offer, customize it to have different blade steels for an upcharge ... I would use the field strip idea and expand that to offer that ability.

[@ZachLanger]

@@David_Downs that’s a great idea. They should really listen to this

[@EDCwithAaron]

If you tighten the Torx screw a little bit on the back side of the pivot you will get rid of the blade play and probably fix the centering as well. I have one and love it, definitely not an insane value but I love the design and desparately hope that they will do an upgraded version with better materials.

[@Ascham1]

It is a shame that CRKT used a lower end steel on a home-run design.

[@lexboegen]

A while back I bought the first knife they put out with this field-strip ability, the Homefront. It's a decent knife and was my EDC for months. I don't regret buying it, but little things about it put me off a bit--and this is nit-picking (I still really like the knife). There is a bit more play in the blade from side-to-side when it's open than I like. I've found that when reassembling it I need to ensure that I have firm pressure on the rear when I am tightening the wheel, or there will be a visible gap there. I bought the RAT 1 in D2 steel from your affiliate link a while back and that's been my EDC ever since. I love that blade. I have the original RAT 1 and RAT 2 also. I expect that the Homefront will be my carry when I'm near saltwater so that I can ensure a thorough cleaning when back home.

[@stevemegatramp8869]

Was about to get the Homefront until I watched this. Fits my needs better and found it on sale too! Great review as always.

[@albsureinc23]

I just bought two on Knife center...got a great deal

[@maysdogus]

I don't have much use for the field strip technology, but I do love this blade shape with the swedge. But I like pretty much everything Vox does. Cool knife!

[@mattfinish2196]

I am so happy you made this review! I had pre-ordered this knife and love it. It is in my top 5 everyday carry knives.So far the steel is working alright for me, but yeah the steel is nothing to brag about.

[@shandar3278]

Sup with you son?

[@박윤기-t3q]

I think CRKT Homefront which uses the same system has been out for quiet awhile. I hope you do a comparison video of both. Great review as always!

[@adamwilliamson9638]

I have the HVAS and like it so far. My only concern is the thinness of the blade considering this is touted as an outdoorsman blade. I’m worried it may chip/chunk out if I hit a knot while carving wood. I do hear 1.4116 steel is pretty tough (ie SAKs have a good rep). I’ll be curious to see long term reviews down the road.

[@barrybueler3356]

Nice job with that Bowie knife in Nevada for blade HQ definitely interested in this break down type knife to bad they didn’t have a little better steel though probably wait for a better steel option though so many blades so little cash 👍✌️.

[@650tonyd]

Barry Bueler they should sell the patent to a company that will put out a superior steel

[@OGFreedom1776]

I picked one of these up but the pin keeps falling out when I utilize the field strip. I work with a lot of abrasives so I figured this would be a great option for me since I can easily clean it but with the pin falling out after only 3 days I can’t trust it for work

[@morpheoist]

hi, I only discovered HVAS a few days ago, informing me about the second generation of field strips. here in Italy at the time only the Homefront with aluminum grips was advertised, and after some time the Tanto version. I believe that the HAVS with its full flat profile and its blade shape thanks to the field strip system will be the next knife I will buy to use as an EDC and for working. I take this opportunity to talk about the second generation of field strips. I don't know if you've already made a video about it. IMHO the first generation despite being slightly less quick to disassemble has the winning feature of having everything completely visible and perfectly cleanable. generation 2 has a single release button that operates on a blade which engages the pivot and a pin at the end of the handle. very ingenious were it not for the fact that this locking / unlocking blade is in turn contained in the left grip and covered by an additional steel cover. there are small holes, I think for lubricating, but this will not prevent the smallest particles dirt, dust, sand, blood, sea water and anything else that can be put inside and compromise the correct flow of the parts. we will once again be forced to disassemble everything for a deep cleaning. Greetings from Italy.

[@thefucrew9865]

Loved the video, Brother. Very informative. Keep up the great work !

[@Gearjunkie337]

Glad to see this video, i was wondering if you were going to review this new technology. Could you make a review of the CRKT Strafe? There are only table top reviews and two or of the three reviews available aren't in English.

[@DillonG71]

on sale right now on blade hq for $30.

[@madmusial]

Had the same experience with the pro lite. I will pass on the 4116. Would much rather have AUS 8, or something better.

[@ewat2102]

I have the homefront tanto point and I got it for the ability to field strip it and k have to say probably the biggest regret in my knife purchases. Hopefully they get better on this

[@jeffwhelanproperties]

Much Better choices available for the price, like you said , Cool Party Trick. Probably Very nice if you do alot of beach adventuring where sand and salt water are a constant issue. Def like to see the technology in a higher grade knife. Thanks and Stay SAFE out there Aaron.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Looks like a great knife for the value and the field strip technology. Also CRKT makes some awesome knives too.

[@GravityRoller]

Great example of one of the reasons sharpening notches suck at 5:20. Thanks for the review! Interesting concept (field take-apart design). Brother-in-law showed me this a couple weeks back (his new knife), and to me it was like meh ..., not for me. I have dropped folders in sand/dirt and for the most part simply rinsing in the river or ... seems to flush things out effectively while leaving pivot grease intact. If this was an issue for me though, I believe I would carry my G&G MUDD more often.

[@KnifeThruTheLens]

Jesper version is the best one IMHO. And the only one that’s not a flipper ! And the blade grind is perfect 👌🏻

[@Mr_Santo5]

I don’t own one but have handled the Homefront which uses the same design and has better steel (AUS 8). These are well put together and I applaud CRKT for doing something innovative for a change.

[@jimhebrank3936]

Love your videos, as always! I was very interested in the field strip technology, so when the HVAS (pronounced "VAS") became available, I got one from Optics Planet. I like the overall shape and size, but for what they charge, it feels sort of cheap. The Krups steel is capable of getting very sharp but will need sharpening more often than Aus 8 or D2. For me, it's decent but not outstanding.

[@charlescollier7217]

Thanks for this review! This is the first of these field strip knives that I really like. And the price point seems much more reasonable than the first of them, even with the steel choice, because the of the innovation. By the way, the designer's name is pronounced Vox-Naze and the knife is pronounced Vaas (the "H" is silent).

[@ScentitarFragrance]

I agree the steel choice is criminal and the handle should be g10 or micarta ! I would pay 30$ more dollars for better washers vg10 steel and g10. I love the design. I would pay 120 dollars for n690 and carbon fiber with the best washers.

[@Superbus753]

Damm you say it. Crkt has great designs and technology. If they only used better materials and up their fit and finish. They should keep their budget line and bring us a premium line too. Like steel will does with the d2 or m390 cutjack and modus knife. For a knife with m390 and good fit and finish with fieldstrip i would happily pay 150$. It would be a great option for military service since the pm2 is a pain in the ass to disassemble and clean the grit out especially when you are out in the field for extended time.

[@danieldixon7595]

Would love to c a review on the tops Apache Dawn!

[@martinizzed]

I have a lot of CRKT knives but not a field strip model. Yet. I like the fact that it breaks down into only 3 pieces. Simple and Rugged.

[@bradtidball]

The Homefront EDC is probably a better value at this point in time. I'd wait for the prices to come down a little on the Hvas and other field strip knives

[@darthblade2016]

Like the field strip tech, but its not worth $30 in my opinion. I got the cheaper homefront with the camo handle and im glad i didn't spend the full price for the original one with aluminum handles. Looks like the fake ricasso was causing issues when trying to cut the cardboard. Great review though as always.

[@csh6220]

I think the Steel Will (Cutjack) is a much better buy. 1.4116 (Krupp steel) is a low end knife steel, but over $55 for this knife is way too much. Thanks for showing it to us. They all cannot be winners.

[@huejanus5505]

I've had my folders get full of crap when out in the field. Usually just rinse them with water, a little air swinging, and they're fine. I guess if you're out for a month or so it would be ok, but for most it's overkill. For that length of time out there, get a fixed blade. Oh yeah, 4116 krupp is 4116 crapp in my books.

[@82DannyB]

Spyderco Polestar vs Spyderco Raven 2....which one? Would you like better, didn’t even hear of polestar until this video, but Raven 2 looks competitive in pricing and better steel than CRKT and Polestar.

[@BornIn1500]

He already did a video on that. Also, the Raven 2 has the exact same steel as the Polestar. The only real difference between them is the finger choil. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6ioonWGg7p9qLM

[@bobinmontana777]

Great knife design with poor quality steel is a fail in my opinion. In the knife world we know what premium steel is. Lots of people are clueless. Thanks Aaron for putting reviews out there to educate prospective buyers. Even working people can benefit from the edge holding ability of a modestly priced knife with decent steel. Like you point out better priced knives with better steels are available.

[@Osprey1994]

Do we know as much as we think we know though? Channels like Supersteel Steve and Pete with Cedric and Ada are proving that maybe we don't.

[@Joe.dirt7909]

I'll just stick with my Spyderco PM2 Please, keep the knife reviews coming :)

[@Dont_Poke_The_Bear]

I dig the whole idea, and that design is fantastic, but C'mon CRKT! Step up the steel game!!! S30V should be the standard base steel.

[@Osprey1994]

I don't know about S30V that's a tall order if they want to keep this price point, but D2 would be nice just make sure to coat it. Hell Supersteel Steve proved how good the steel in knives like the Kershaw Blur and Bareknuckle can be when sharpened properly. The steel used here however isn't something I know much about.

[@sethgriffin6014]

At least d2 or vg10

[@IlliniDog01]

Make a version with LC200N blade and G10 and you are talking.

[@thomassmyth3458]

i just cant believe it took crkt this long to do a reversable pocket clip on one of these field strip models

[@TheScottyp1]

14116 is garb......why nit at least 13c36?

[@hollywoodhefner2]

I'm personally not a fan of it. Too much to go wrong in a survival situation. Give me a knife with good flow through construction and I'm good.

[@5angels332]

Really nice idea, just wish it was a little cheaper for that kind of steel. Or, upgrade the steel. Keep 'em coming my friend.

[@bogoljubdjordjevic7528]

maybe lower price 10$ or better steel for that price

[@flamingballzonice]

from what i do to backpacking trips, fieldstrip is really useless for me. slosh it in a stream and blow on it, gets most of the gunk out. the only issue I had was getting some wall compound in my bm. stick the knife in some dish soap for a day, shake it a few times, and it comes right off. my anthem is still gritty, but it's smooth and works fine. crkt's about custom designs at a reasonable price. if your buying a crkt, you paying for design and innovation.

[@joeburba9687]

I want one

[@mattfinish2196]

My top five EDC knives. 1 Benchmade griptilion 2 Spyderco Manix 2 lightweight 3 Steel will Cutjack 4 CRKT Hvas 5 Ganzo G729

[@semdijkstra9784]

Matt Finish my top 5 edc knives: 1 benchmade crooked river 2 spyderco manix 2 xl 3 benchmade full size onslaught 4 benchmade contego 5 cold steel talwar cts xhp

[@mattfinish2196]

smilodon bushcraft and outdoor, Wow. Cool EDC. The Benchmade crooked river and Benchmade onslaught look like amazing knives.

[@semdijkstra9784]

Matt Finish thanks! Yeah i love them alot!

[@johnfuller6338]

remember anything that can be taken apart can an will come apart at the leas opportune time.

[@shootermcmillan]

Pass.....I think you hit the nail on the head, it's a party trick. I cant remember the last time I needed to take a knife apart to get it clean. I hard use my knives in construction(drywall, sand, crusty nonsense of every variety). Points for being clever but this knife would be of no value to me at any price point/ materials.

[@tj-kv6vr]

people like to take things apart, EDCers especially.

[@garyrogers8106]

I think this knife is going to be all that

[@christopherruebsam9200]

CRKT has some really great designs and now cool tech, but the blade steel is awful on all their knifes. Why they cannot make the leap to better steels I don't understand. That is why I cannot bring myself to buy one of their blades.

[@Osprey1994]

AUS-8 when treated, ground, and sharpened properly is not awful. Check out Supersteel Steve and some of his testing as well as Pete over at Cedric and Ada. Also it's good to remember some of these more budget steels sharpen up way faster than some of the higher end stuff. But I would like to see at least CPM-S30V in the field strip series if they can keep the price in the 90-110 range without having garbage fit and finish. The only thing I worry about is if CRKT can even manage a good heat treat, grind, and edge on CPM-S30V. Moral is that it's not as easy as just saying, "use a better steel" but it would be nice to see better value from CRKT. I'm surprised they continue to pull in makers when they don't really strike me as competitive in the marketplace.

[@sigveholland9888]

A Zucc knife?

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

I like the design & field strip approach, just not the suck a$$ blade steel.

[@ronniedurbin4379]

Too bad they had to market the HVAS with a gimmick. I love the look of the knife and would buy it if it didn't have the FS.

[@Surago]

Looks like a lion steel

[@Mr.TenBelow]

Same problems as the new esee folder. Great designs but crappy materials and overpriced.

[@Damen0530]

Was kinda interested in this when it first came out. Now I don't like the idea of a knife possible falling apart when needed, if the handle came loose or switch goes pushed unintentionally, YMMV.....

[@erics.1899]

If I win it I'd try it but wouldn't buy one. The only steel I believe in is D2 or S30V.

[@rellik1010]

Cricket has had good looking, well designed knives since the beginning. But I've always been let down by quality. I won't buy any more.

[@9jakepeterson16]

How hard can it be to use 14C28N as a budget steel? Ruike can do it. CRKT should be able to make the switch. I dont care what new tech a blade has if the steel cant take 2 days of moderate bush use. You should be paying for the blade and a safe lock up. I'm tired of CRKT's normal excuses for inferior cutting tools.

[@joepicone5136]

You barely got a dusting of dirt on the knife, and it wouldn't lock up, well I'd rather a knife that has a lower risk of failure than a knife that has tooless cleaning

[@kalijasin]

$57 for a knife that size with that steel? That’s a little overpriced. It’s more like a $32 knife at most.

[@happyknife8785]

Its certainly no homefront

[@carlosbarros3420]

Great idea/concept poor steel choice

[@jeffandsharon1]

Your kid was funny

[@ud45]

I just don't see the need to take a knife apart.

[@seanmahoney2212]

And now the knife is rusted

[@douglascross785]

Goodun!!!11

[@Nightwolf866]

Good knife...for half the price....

[@bobbybulan8472]

That knife it s plastic whit a blade at the end that it s not worth 30 dollars that s a 5 dollar knife like a bear grill folder a joke

[@segufix]

How about you just use a fixblade and not have to deal with any of this nonsense...

[@csh6220]

Why put all the time and money into developing a "better mousetrap" only to use the cheapest materials to build it with?

[@mistersmith3986]

And the blade consist of complete GARBAGE steel.