Do I want/need a CRKT NIRK?

[Benner]

Kinda interested in this folder because it is A - Cheap, and B - a bit different.

But how are they?  Should I be getting one all you NIRK owners?

[jekostas]

No, good god NO.

The CRKT version of the Klecker Nirk is a PIECE OF GARBAGE. 

I've handled at least 10 different copies and every one of them has serious up-down blade play issues out of the box.  The manager of one of the local knife stores I frequent was telling me that he went to an industry show in Canada, and the copies of the NIRK they had on the table had up-down blade play issues.

The big problem with this is that up-down blade play issues will fatigue the spring in lockback knives and eventually lead to lock failure.

Also, the blade is of incredibly terrible steel.  Just... avoid.  If you want a good, cheap CRKT look at the Drifter, Pazoda, Shrimp or Lake Thunderbolt.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

If it's got blade play, then it's probably best that Ben avoids it

[Benner]

Yeah picky me won't cope with that. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have four of them and I haven't encountered any significant play in the blade.

Def

[Benner]

It's vertical I have my niggle with.

No experience of that in any of yours then?

[Grant Lamontagne]

In a year of production and sales, I have word from CRKT's warranty department that they have received no NIRK knives back with warranty issues.  That's not usually an indicator of a bad knife.

I've also hear through the grapevine that there will be a new NIRK model released this year.  If I can't get any more info before I go to SHOT, I'll be sure to get info when I get there.

Def