Knife Review: CRKT Free Range
I know I discussed doing a review on the Mora knife that I own but I picked up a CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) Free Range Hunter Clip Point Lockback Folder recently that I am really pleased with. That is a mouthful so we will stick with CRKT Free Range.
As before, I will give you the specs from the site, initial reactions and positives and negatives. You decide whether you like the knife. At least pick one up to get the feel of it and you will see one main reason I bought it.
Specifications:
Dimensions
Open Overall Length 8.875 inches
Closed Length 5.125 inches
Weight 4.4 ounces
Blade
Length 3.75 inches
Thickness 0.12 inches
Material 8Cr13MoV
Blade-HRC 58-59
Finish Satin
Grind Hollow
Style Clip Point
Edge Plain
Handle
Material Double Injection
Liner 2CR13
Lock
Type Lock Back
Carry
Carry System Sheath
Weight 1.1 ounces
My immediate thoughts when I grabbed the knife for the first time was, “I thought I was actually going to hold a knife.” Folks, this thing is lightweight and fits perfectly into my hand. The rubberized grip made it easy to shave wood and get a firm grip to cut through 1/2” sisal rope.
For starters, I have an everyday carry that is a little heavier and spring assisted. However, I wanted one that I could depend on to be a little more durable for the long haul. I like the size and feel of the handle in my hand. It conforms to my fingers nicely so, as mentioned above, was very lightweight and comfortable. I also like the fact that I am not limited to the sheath, but instead it is slim enough that I can slide it into my pocket. The downside is there is no clip and I can’t carry anything of size in the same pocket.
I took it through a few tests:
slicing – It sliced through cordage like butter and sisal rope with little resistance.
cutting – I used it to cut some slices of wood as well as food, both acted as if they were meat from a crock pot that had been cooking for 10 hours. “Fall off the bone”
chopping – I did not chop with it due to the type of knife and I have one for chopping and batoning, see Gerber Knife Review
carving/whittling – Okay, so it’s an old test, but it passed with flying colors as well
hair off the arm – yet another old test but well, it just works for sharpness. It won’t give a clean shave out of the box but the sharpness does hold well with the CRKT.
Positives:
Lightweight
Slim-design
Comfortable Grip
Smooth Opening
Thumb Post for Quicker Opening
Clip Point blade
Sturdy Locking Mechanism
Thumb Ridge along 1” of back of blade
Durable Sheath (plastic insert. can hang vertical or horizontal with belt)
Not a serrated blade (I didn’t want one on this knife)
Negatives:
Not spring assisted opening
No pocket clip
What modifications I might make:
To the knife itself, I may add that pocket clip
To the sheath, I might drill two holes in bottom for water drainage and run braided paracord pace-counter through it
That’s about it. I am pleased with my purchase from the North Georgia Mountains.
Until then,
Use your instincts to survive