Columbia River Knife & Tool sent me a pair of their ‘Everyday Carry’ (EDC) folding knives for review.
Both are locking liner folders featuring the AutoLAWKS lever (aka safety).
M16-01Z
The ‘Carson Flipper’ blade extension assists in opening and acts as a guard when the blade is open.
Knife specs:
Mfr: Columbia River Knife & Tool Inc.
Model: M16-01Z
Weight: 2.4 oz.
Overall length: 7.156 in.
Closed length: 4.026 in.
Width w/clip: 0.620 in.
Blade length: 3.044 in.
Blade thickness: 0.098 in.
Blade material: 8CR15MoV stainless steel
Liner material: 2CR13 stainless steel
Handle material: Glass filled nylon
Dual studs, jimping, clip and safety lever.
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M16-10KZ
The combo serrated Tanto-style blade has a black EDP finish.
Knife specs:
Mfr: Columbia River Knife & Tool Inc.
Model: M16-10KZ
Weight: 2.4 oz.
Overall length: 7.063 in.
Closed length: 4.019 in.
Width w/clip: 0.616 in.
Blade length: 2.985 in.
Blade thickness: 0.100 in.
Blade material: 8CR15MoV stainless steel
Liner material: 2CR13 stainless steel
Handle material: Glass filled nylon
Blackened locking liner.
It doesn’t require the use of the flipper to open but it does make it easier and the safety is easily manipulated with the trigger finger. The 01Z did required some break-in before the liner lock would completely engage the blade. Both knives felt comfortable in my large sized hand, while the handle texture offered ample grip. Their light weight and slim profile permit unobtrusive all-day carry. During the sharpness test 3/16-inch braided nylon & polypropylene rope offered no resistance against the razor sharp edges. I like them both – either would make a great EDC knife.
Glad you like them. (I wish I could get free gear)
As for me my M16-13Z wasn’t very impressive.
The actual function and design was solid. It is easy to carry, locks up solid with no blade play, and is comfortable to use. However the steel leaves a lot to be desired IMHO.
The blade won’t hold an edge and it rust way too easy (too easly for my uses anyway).
I’m a firefighter and I carry my knife clipped in the front of my station/duty pants. Well one night we popped a fire and it rode under my bunker pants for 6 hours. Note the moisture barrier kept the water and fire products that can be corrosive out. It was only exposed to my sweat. When we got back to the station I noticed while changing to a clean uniform the knife had 5 large rust spots and I don’t know how many small ones.
I know sweat if bad for steel but significant rust in just 6 hours isn’t good. I’ve never had this happen with a Kershaw or a Spyderco.
I’m not trying to bash the knife but it’s just not going to hold up for my purposes. Maybe I should pick up an Spyderco Pacific Salt.
The blade does not have any type of coating. But I also wouldn’t call it “Stainless”.:sarcastic:
I really like the design of the knife though so I still carry it sometimes.
The blade/handle ratio is very good and I like the added saftey of the “auto lawks”.
My only real complaints is the steel and the fact that you can’t carry it tip up (my prefered carry postion).
My EDC is the CRKT M16-13LE SRT High risk environment it has served Me well for over 10 years now love it i always Grab it on the way out the door.
I find it to be a good quality Knife, i have no problems keeping a razor sharp edge on it
