Knife maker Kit Carson created his series of M16 Knives with custom-built machined titanium handles. The Columbia River Knife and Tool M16-14T Big Dog Tanto now brings that superior quality to CRKT’s production versions.
Ounce for ounce, the 6AL4V titanium in the Big Dog’s machined handle is stronger and more corrosion-resistant than counterparts in either stainless steel or aluminum. Bead-blasting reduces the metallic shine of the knife’s frame and AUS8 high carbon stainless steel blade, and the polished stainless steel liners lie inconspicuously inside. Teflon-coated bearings provide smooth opening action, and Teflon on the stainless steel pocket clip makes slipping the knife over a pocket’s lip much easier. The tanto-style blade, nearly four inches long, includes a short serrated section for heavy cutting and a strong angled point for penetration. Open and locked, this is a full-sized knife with an overall length of 9-1/4 inches.
Although the skeletonized handle, AutoLawks switch, and dual thumb studs make the knife look complicated, the inner workings are simple. Thumb studs and the trademark Carson flipper start the blade moving and swing it fully open. The single liner-lock stainless steel bar locks the blade in place. The spring-driven AutoLawks safety system automatically backs up the liner lock — no matter how you grip the knife, you can’t press the lock out of closed position.
To close the knife, pull the AutoLawks switch back and press the liner lock bar to the side — the blade swings free for one-handed closing.
For a light clip-point production version of the Kit Carson M16 knife, see the CRKT M16-13Z.
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