- CRKT M16-14 Zytel Desert Special Forces Tanto
The CRKT M16-14 Zytel Desert Special Forces Tanto is yet another PX knife purchase for me (damn PX was sucking me dry). The last time I was in Iraq the PX was like crack to me. Before my contract was over I ended up having to limit myself to one PX run a week after my hooch started to overflow with B-Movie DVDs, magazines I never read and a box full of knives still in the packaging.
The M16-14 is a monster folder; it has a 3.875 inch long AUS 4 steel blade with an overall length of 9.25 inches when opened. It has a pretty secure teflon-plated pocket clip that is set up for right-handers and another unattached clip for southpaws that comes with screws and a small tool for that CRKT calls a Torx* tool.
You can attach both clips on at the same time if for some odd reason you would want 2 pocket clips on the same knife.
The coolest part of the CRKT M16-14 Zytel Desert Special Forces Tanto is the Desert Camo pattern Zytel scales (grips). It is a unique Desert Camo pattern that actually looks allot like stained wood. The combination of the Desert Camo scales and the light grey non-reflective bead-blast blade makes for a nice looking contrast.
And despite the scales being sort of smooth you can still keep a solid grip because of the dual Carson flippers* and the round cut outs.
- CRKT M16-14 Includes an Extra Pocket Clip, Screws and a Torx* tool
The blade locks into place with a Liner Lock and a secondary lock that CRKT calls the AutoLAWKS. This is actually the only part about this knife that I didn’t like. The secondary AutoLAWKS lock pops into place automatically so when you want to close the knife you have to manually push the AutoLAWKS and the Liner Lock at the same time to close it.
Before (like 4 years ago), the secondary locking mechanism on CRKT knives were manual, if you were doing something unusually stressful with the knife you could engage if you wanted – otherwise the secondary lock would stay in the unlocked position. That’s the reason why I still carry an older CRKT, no AutoLAWKS.
- CRKT M16-14 Closed
But this is just a personal preference and I am actually really picky when it comes to folding knives. I know many people that love the AutoLAWKS and buy CRKT folders over other brands just so they can have it. I would suggest that you try the AutoLAWKS out yourself and see if works for your needs.
I didn’t really use this knife on a daily basis so I can’t call this a Field Tested review. But one guy I worked with bought one the same time I did and he used it for over a year without any problems.
- CRKT M16-14 Pocket Clip Side – The Lever with the Red Dot is CRKT’s AutoLAWKS
The overall quality is excellent just like you would expect from CRKT, I saw no defects in the manufacturing or intended mechanical operation.
*Yet more examples of tactical companies renaming shit that already exists. Carson Flippers = blade guards, Torx Tool = Philip’s Head Screwdriver
CRKT M16-14 Zytel Desert Special Forces Tanto >>>
About 39 Bucks
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~James G
James G is a Veteran Civilian Contractor who has worked in the Middle East and Southeast Asia for way too long. He spends his off time in his homes in Indonesia and Virginia getting drunk, shooting guns and writing poorly written articles.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I have the M16-14ZSF and the M16-13Z. As you’ve stated, James, both are excellent knives — folding type or not, but folding type for sure.
I first became aware of CRKT when in Kuwait. Since then, CRKT knives are the only knives I use with any frequency, barring my K-bar and small folding pocket knives.
I use the M16-13Z for standard daily carry. The multiple uses are nearly limitless, including the occasional tooth picking after eating.
The M16-14ZSF is the one I usually take as a backup; always when I am working in the field. Personally, I like the autolock mechanism. I have used this particular knife for opening cans of food, halving bugs and insects, cutting apart paper-based products, gingerly clearing suspicious items and the occasional parlor knife throwing trick. Note, parlor knife throwing trick does not work so well.
I have dropped the knife, kicked across terrain, run it over with a vehicle, run through the washer and dryer, left in the rain, et cetera. It sharpens, as its smaller brother, fairly easily and holds the edge very well — much better than some other, better known and more expensive, brands. The saw tooth portion of the blade works very well for everything from gripping and extracting wedged bullets in a pistol’s chamber to serrating a good start on a difficult to cut item.
We all know there are other, more expensive, knives on the market. And, to be sure, there are fixed blade knives that perform quite well — perhaps better — in a knife fight, throwing, et cetera. Still, this reader really likes his CRKT M16-14ZSF and the M16-13Z knives and occasionally recommends them when asked.
I may, upon occasion, go somewhere without my pistol but I never go anywhere — unless expressley prohibited by law ;–) without my CRKT M16-14ZSF and the M16-13Z knives.
Spot(Quote This Comment)
I think the large CRKT folders are not legal to carry consealed in the US without a CCW
I also wasn’t really familiar with CRKT knives until I saw them in the PX, before I carried Gerber folders.
Yep, like I said my dislike of the AutoLAWKS is purely a personal preference, lots of people like it.
Thanks for the comment and for reading our little rag
Stay Safe
~James G
James G(Quote This Comment)
Knife carry laws in the US go by state, and sometimes city and county; they’re never federal. And some states’ CCWs cover knives, many do not.
Knife Knut(Quote This Comment)
I picked up a serrated version of one of these knives with a drop point blade and dual flippers. U have been very dussapointed with the durability of the serrations, which chipped and bent with very little use. I also find the AutoLAWKS annoying. Where possible I use my SOG power plier (the blade isn’t fantastic, but works for light duty stuff) or my Gerber LMF.
Torx is actually a standard type of tool. It’s more like a hex key, but more star shaped. The full specification calls for a pin in the middle of the bolt head to provide additional security but most manufacturers don’t bother with that bit. If you don’t have a torx driver, you can use an Allen key in a pinch, or a small flathead screwdriver, but this may damage the screwdriver or the bolt. A Phillips head won’t fit.
Terry(Quote This Comment)
Thanks for the info on the Torx Terry – I was mostly just trying to poke fun at Tactical Gear companies that rename shit that is already in existence.
I thought the Torx was a CRKT thing because they had the “™” on it
I cant stand knives with serrations but I don’t think I have ever chipped a CRKT – what were you doing when that happened?
You know CRKT will take any knife that is damaged back and replace it, I have had several friends that have done that with no hassle from CRKT
~James G
James G(Quote This Comment)
I wasn’t doing anything stupid with it actually, I was just trimming a few twigs off of a stick while camping. I don’t know why, but I’m not the kind of guy that ever returns faulty products but I certainly won’t be buying from CRKT again.
Cheers,
Terry
Terry(Quote This Comment)
Wow, I never have problems with my CRKT’s
You should give CRKT another chance dude, seriously I have used them all over the world and they have never failed me
NOTE: I have received a few emails asking me if I am affiliated with CRKT because of the glowing reviews I give their knives. No I am not, I honestly think they make great knives (but lousy multi-tools).
~James G
James G(Quote This Comment)
Of all the reviews I have seen on the knife, I have never see anyone mention the best part of about this particular series of knife. Place the clip on the bottom portion of the handle and hang it from your pocket. When you extract the knife let it run accross the lip of the pocket, where the tang will catch onto it, flipping it open as soon as you remove it. It opens faster then a switch blade. A buddy showed me this in Kuwait and I bought one at my next visit to the PX. I’ve shown several folks and they did the same.
I’ve been carrying these with me for the last several years as a daily carry knife. The only problem I have ever encountered was with a few bent clips from snags due to the way I carry. CKRT has replaced them without question. Customer service is almost as good as Larue!
Audacia77(Quote This Comment)
I saw this knife and needed to have it. My only concern was the size and how difficult it would be to keep in a pocket fully concealed. I did some work and found the M16-10kz. same design for the most part just smaller.
tim(Quote This Comment)
This isn’t a concealable knife by any means, it is quite large
~James G
James G(Quote This Comment)
my freaind gave this knife to me and ever since i havent found a problem with it it work well i like how it flips out i like the disin of it and if i dident have this i probly would have this i would have never thoghe of buying more well know that have this thanks for it bye
dakota(Quote This Comment)