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The CRKT M16 series has by-far been the most popular CRKT has ever witnessed and they have designer Kit Carson to thank for it. This year brings forth a new variation--sporting an all-black and functionality look while still staying true to the classic design. Additionally this knife features CRKT's automated liner safety which is a next-generation locking mechanism that sets a pin between the locking liner and the frame--virtually turning this auto knife into a fixed blade.This model, the M16-04A, features a black anodized aircraft aluminum handle coupled with stainless steel liners, a tanto style blade in a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) black finish and the fully reversible 4-way pocket clip is designed for both tip up and tip down carry on either side of the handle. Made in the USA.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Blade Length: 4"
- Overall Length: 9.31"
- Blade Material: CPM-154 Stainless Steel
- Blade Finish: DLC Black
- Handle Length: 5.31"
- Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Weight: 5 oz.
CRKT M16-04A Carson Auto Knife
The extremely popular Carson M16-04 has now been produced as an automatic knife. This Made in the USA auto knife is being offered as a limited production run. Built strong like the M16-04Z, the knife features a 6061 Type III anodized aluminum handle along with 154CPM stainless steel blade with a DLC black coat.
BLADE
The 4 Tanto blade has a plain edge along with a black matte DLC coat to minimize reflection and increase corrosion resistance. The blade has some wide jimping just where it meets the handle along the spine which gives your thumb a perfect spot to rest when you want maximum control over the blade. The knife has a flat grind which gives it additional strength when making deep cuts as well as making it less likely to bind up during those same deep cuts. The 154CM blade means it is plenty strong for heavy use but not so far along the Rockwell scale that it becomes onerous to sharpen on your own. This is a serious work blade built for heavy and hard use.
HANDLE
The handle on the M16-04A is made of 6061 T6 black anodized aluminum. With a closed length of 5.31", this knife is big enough to get a solid grip on. The handle has a skeletonized design to reduce weight but still has plenty of structural strength. With some jimping, as mentioned above, right where the blade meets the handle on the spine along with some more jimping on the handle belly both at the butt end and towards the front, there are plenty of friction points to get a nice secure grip. The pocket clip is three position (right and left tip up and right tip down) for multiple carry positions. CRKT did a great job breaking all the corners on this knife handle so it feels smooth where it should and you don't get any uncomfortable corners cutting into your hand--which makes it great for extended use.
SAFETY AND FIRE BUTTON
The fire button stands proud out of a small indentation near the very top right side of the handle. If you push the button to even with the rest of the handle "height" it doesn't fire. It fires once you depress it into the indentation. This is great because with the button standing proud it is easy to find even if your eyes aren't on the button but it isn't going to misfire in your pocket if you bump up against something. The safety is on the spine. A small toggle switch which is easily pulled or pushed with the same hand you use to fire the knife it is easy to use and has some positive lock so it won't come off safe by accident.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
I think the M16 series is one of the best CRKT knives on the market. Now available as an automatic, a great knife has just become even better. Get yours while they last.
