Opinions on CRKT Delegate Gentleman

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Hi Guys,

I just was looking at this knife, and it seems like a decent small pocket knife.  I love the Tenacious I just got, but have been finding it kind of freaks people out when I pull it out.  So, I was thinking I should get something a little more sedate and keep the Tenacious in my bike bag for bigger tasks, and something smaller and less intimidating to keep in my pocket.  I like the look and the design of this Delegate, the size is nice, and it's a good price.

Any thoughts on your experiences with one would be welcome before I make a decision.

[J-sews]

Can't say as I'm familiar with that model Heinz. Hopefully someone will be along shortly to help though.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Here's a link to it at Knifecenter (hope it's okay to do this, if not, please delete it): 

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CR1053W

Besides the fact it's a very nice looking knife, it seems like it will fit the bill for a small pocket utility knife.  I've seen it on the "Big A" for as little as 26.  Given how inexpensive it is, I don't expect to be using it for anything other than lite duty stuff like boxes, string, cord, packaging, etc. and if I end up thrashing it, it's not a big loss.  Just seems like a decent, inexpensive, beater pocket knife that looks nice and won't freak people out.

I really wish I could get one of the Benchmade Shoki's... but that's way out of my price league...

[jekostas]

It's a good knife.  CRKT's really stepped up the quality with their Chinese made stuff recently.  The only "but" I would give the knife is that CRKT's system to keep the knife closed in your pocket (the "Fire Safe" dealie) can be a real thumb killer.  To open the knife you have to depress the thumb stud/ramp and then move it up.  I don't find it very comfortable to use, but YMMV.

If you're interested in a gentleman's knife from CRKT, the Centofante Tribute or Tribute 2 are really nice as well.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Thanks for the info guys. 

[65bellett]

Wow that looks like a fantastic little pocket knife. I really want to get my self an assisted opening knife one day.

I carry a CRKT Rollock as my daily beater blade and I really cant speak highly enough of it. Since buying my first one I now own 4 of them in both plain edge and half serrated. They are cheap enough hold a good edge and you can never get bored with the way you open it

Thats my 2 cents worth.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Well, right now, the ones that I like best are the CRKT and NutSAK recommended a Boker Elegance, which also looks very nice.

I'm leaning toward the CRKT, only really because of the price though.  But I still have some thinking to do before I decide.

Thanks again for the info everyone.   

[gunga]

I just tried the delegate. I agree with jekostas. Really don't like the release mechanism. The tribute is nice and simple. No clip though. I think I prefer a spyderco dragonfly still.

[Woz]

I'd go for a Dragonfly, maybe an etched one if the look is important to you. But to be honest, if I had to choose the perfect EDC small knife for me, I would always take an U2 by Fällkniven. It is the very best small user of all my 50+ knives. My low price favorite is the 710 by Sanrenmu, my EDC "for non-knifefriendly" places is a SAK. Nobody fears a SAK 

[asupernothing]

To be honest, the trouble I have with a lot of the entry level knives is with steel quality. Good steel is not cheap. It seems to me that many of the larger production companies build knives with creative blade shapes and nice looking handles. These knives must sell very well, since they keep doing it. However they skimp on the blade steel and use low quality Chinese product. (I'm looking at you Gerber/CRKT) The blade steel helps to determine your edge profile and retention, thus having a direct relationship to the cutting performance of the knife. Since cutting is the primary purpose of the knife this strikes me as more important than any other features. When working on a budget, as most of us are, it is rather difficult to get everything we could want in a single knife (even in a Sebbie). I generally try to favor the high end steels more now that I have seen the improved performance that they provide.
Basically what I am trying to say is that I would try to get the best steel/blade grind available in your budget and then factor in other features.

But then again I am a steel snob.

[jekostas]

To be honest, the trouble I have with a lot of the entry level knives is with steel quality. Good steel is not cheap. It seems to me that many of the larger production companies build knives with creative blade shapes and nice looking handles. These knives must sell very well, since they keep doing it. However they skimp on the blade steel and use low quality Chinese product. (I'm looking at you Gerber/CRKT) The blade steel helps to determine your edge profile and retention, thus having a direct relationship to the cutting performance of the knife. Since cutting is the primary purpose of the knife this strikes me as more important than any other features. When working on a budget, as most of us are, it is rather difficult to get everything we could want in a single knife (even in a Sebbie). I generally try to favor the high end steels more now that I have seen the improved performance that they provide.
Basically what I am trying to say is that I would try to get the best steel/blade grind available in your budget and then factor in other features.

But then again I am a steel snob.

No, just misinformed.

CRKT uses 8Cr13MoV/8Cr14MoV, which are comparable to AUS-8 and AUS-8A in terms of wear resistance, edge holding and sharpenability.  They're not low quality Chinese products.  They're steels that were co-developed with Spyderco, and are used in a whole variety of knives made by Spyderco, Kershaw, SOG and CRKT.  Spyderco hardens their 8Cr13MoV to the 58-60 HRC mark.  Kershaw to the 57-59 HRC mark.  CRKT to the 58-59 HRC mark.  That's more than competitive with AUS-8 or 440C, and starting to touch stuff like 154CM.

The idea of "low quality Chinese product" has been dead for going on 5 years in the folding knife world.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Hi guys, thanks again for the input.

I'm still undecided; a SAK would be nice but the lack of a clip is a real turn off for me because I really don't like carrying larger stuff loose in my pockets, and I really want a locking blade for safety, which the smaller ones don't have.  In terms of 'friendliness' though, I agree it' probably the best option.  I just wish they made a Sentinel with a clip...

I really like the CRKT because of the looks.  The assisted opening is kind of freaky to me... I'm in CA and I'm not even sure that kind of thing is legal here.  I've never had an assisted opening knife (I'm still pretty new to knives) and it is a concern for me.

I have also been thinking about an Ambitious and the Elegance is still very appealing.  It seems much more friendly in appearance than anything else so far, except a SAK of course...

With respect to the steel, I'm not all that worried about it...  I'm not going to be doing any really gnarly cutting with a small knife like this, and I've got a nice Gerber fixed blade I got about 20 years ago when I first started camping and backpacking that I've used for that kind of abuse and it's been a great knife.  Held up really well over the years, and I've even used it to open cans in a pinch.

So far from what I've seen with my Tenacious, the steel that is in it does a fine job.  I've whittled up several branches in the past week or so while taking my wife's dog out for a walk, some oak ones even, and it's still sharp enough to slice paper.  So I really don't think the level of the steel is that big of a deal.  I'm not going to be using it as a crowbar, and I'm a good sharpener; I always try to put a convex edge on my knives as much as possible to give them extra durability, and because a convex edge spreads the cut material better and produces less binding.  (That's one of the reasons I try to avoid hollow ground blades as much as possible.) 

I looked at a SOG flash, but I don't like the fat handle on it, although the deep carry clip is a nice feature.  I'm a little gun shy on SOG's right now, because I bought a Salute a few months ago, and was very disappointed with it.  Heavy for what it is, a lot of play in the bladet, and to get rid of it I had to tighten it up so much that it won't open one handed now.  It's also blade heavy, which I don't like; my Tenacious in comparison is much better balanced.  I was looking at an Aegis, but it's just too tactical to be a casual EDC.

So, I'm going to hold off for now, and keep looking, and hopefully something will come along that will be Goldilocks... 'just right'.  :-) 

But, thanks again for all the input, I appreciate the advice and information.

[gunga]

Let us know how it goes!  I'm quite interested in "gentleman's folders".  Neat niche.

I'm currently playing with:

Delica 4, FFG
Delica G10, FFG
Benchmade 556 (mini grip)

I think they all would do well, though the G10 is quite heavy.

[gadgetman7]

I have the Ambitious and the Persistence. If you like the Tenacious you will likely like them. The steel is equivalent to AUS-8 and the fit and finish is very good. I think they are two of the best buys out there right now.

I just received a SRM 710 and the fit and finish on it is very good. I believe it uses an AUS-8 equivalent steel as well. This knife can be purchased for under $15 US including shipping.

I think any of these options would work well for you.

[asupernothing]

To be honest, the trouble I have with a lot of the entry level knives is with steel quality. Good steel is not cheap. It seems to me that many of the larger production companies build knives with creative blade shapes and nice looking handles. These knives must sell very well, since they keep doing it. However they skimp on the blade steel and use low quality Chinese product. (I'm looking at you Gerber/CRKT) The blade steel helps to determine your edge profile and retention, thus having a direct relationship to the cutting performance of the knife. Since cutting is the primary purpose of the knife this strikes me as more important than any other features. When working on a budget, as most of us are, it is rather difficult to get everything we could want in a single knife (even in a Sebbie). I generally try to favor the high end steels more now that I have seen the improved performance that they provide.
Basically what I am trying to say is that I would try to get the best steel/blade grind available in your budget and then factor in other features.

But then again I am a steel snob.

No, just misinformed.

CRKT uses 8Cr13MoV/8Cr14MoV, which are comparable to AUS-8 and AUS-8A in terms of wear resistance, edge holding and sharpenability.  They're not low quality Chinese products.  They're steels that were co-developed with Spyderco, and are used in a whole variety of knives made by Spyderco, Kershaw, SOG and CRKT.  Spyderco hardens their 8Cr13MoV to the 58-60 HRC mark.  Kershaw to the 57-59 HRC mark.  CRKT to the 58-59 HRC mark.  That's more than competitive with AUS-8 or 440C, and starting to touch stuff like 154CM.

The idea of "low quality Chinese product" has been dead for going on 5 years in the folding knife world.

Fair enough. I can't argue with what you say, since you are right. I have a personal prejudice against Chinese steels (and many other things), and I do probably treat them unfairly.

[enki_ck]

I just received a SRM 710 and the fit and finish on it is very good. I believe it uses an AUS-8 equivalent steel as well. This knife can be purchased for under $15 US including shipping.

All sanrenmu knives use 8cr13mov/the aus8 equivalent. They make most if not all chinese spydies and some other brands too. The 710 can be had for as low as $7. There are a lot solid and cheap options if you want to go that route.

[jekostas]

I just received a SRM 710 and the fit and finish on it is very good. I believe it uses an AUS-8 equivalent steel as well. This knife can be purchased for under $15 US including shipping.

I think any of these options would work well for you.

It does, but SanRenMu hardens their steel a couple of points lower on the Rockwell scale than Spyderco does (56-58 compared to 58-60).  It keeps costs down as it's easier and faster to machine.  Still keeps a reasonable edge, though.

[NutSAK]

What type of work do you guys do with these "gentleman's" knives that you require the latest, greatest super steel?

I carry a small Vic or traditional slipjoint as a "gentleman's" knife with no better than 420HC or carbon steel, and it opens packages and cuts cardboard all day.  A couple of swipes on a strop when I get home brings it right back to hair poppin'.  Granted, these are Swiss and US-made knives, but some of the steel doesn't even compare to the technology of some of the steel in the "low quality Chinese product".

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

So I did a little more searching, and found that Victorinox does make a Sentinel with a pocket clip! 

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=VN54885

It's a little bigger than what I had first thought I should get, but it's a SAK so most people shouldn't be freaked out by it, and it's got a Spydie-type hole for OHO, and a pocket clip.  And, it's only half of what I was willing to pay. 

I think I've found what I've been looking for.