Been using this knife for 6 months and have nothing to rip it off, pretty much using the flipper tab 90% of the time, the hole is kinda sharp but overall, pretty good knife compared to almost all the Kershaws I had... Gonna compare it with the Para 3 as soon as it arrives, until then I love my Pilar..
I think it’s the Vox ergoes at this price point that does the heavy lifting as far as why this is so popular with people. That and the aftermarket accessories that allow people a gateway into customizing a knife without worrying too much about wrecking a knife that costs more.
I bought it for box destruction. It functions. It won't flip reliably, the blade loosens up if you try to fidget it, and centering seems impossible. But, it functions.
Right with you on the blackwash thing... ironic though, that "blackwash" is one of the most sought after Hinderer finishes. Yes, I know it's completely different, but got a chuckle from me nonetheless.
Pilar 1 is in our kitchen drawer and is probably one of our most used knives around the house haha. Skipped this one because of the flipper tab honestly.
Best version of this knife would look an awful lot like the Mini Sheepdog with the opening hole. Thinner, liner lock, and still decent ergos with the flipper tab gone.
Was really thinking about getting this one, until now! Now, the Cottidae or the other new aluminum field strip model, those are intriguing to me! CRKT seems to always miss the mark on making the perfect EDC knife, you’d think they would listen to these reviews! Thanks for the info MC, have a great day!
To each his own, I just got in a couple days ago. I really like it, cuts well and I like the cleaver design. I don’t have the D2 version but I like it. I also just ordered an Elementum so not sure how much I’ll keep using it.
For what they are, I really enjoy the Pilar series. It's a decent quality knife and a Vox design for a very accessible price. I've even picked them up for $35 off Amazon in the past. Plus they're a good set of knives for newbie modders. Second only to the cheaper Chinese Spydercos in that regard. Even a first time flipper delete, which I'm going to try after watching this. Might soften up the edges on the hole too. I will agree that this one is probably the most disappointing of all of them. Both in the factory fit/finish and the lack of mods available. And I do wish they'd finally just make one of these as a frame lock. If CRKT can pump out a dozen different CEO models then they can absolutely make a liner lock Pilar.
I agree, I don't get the thick stock with a flat grind on something this small. It would have possibly been ok with a deep hollow grind, but as is what in the world are people going to be doing with this knife to where it would need it like this?
That issue with the detent ball getting stuck on a poorly designed lock bar interface is frustrating. I have 2 knives right now that have the same issue and it's enough to make me get rid of them. That'll be the one that keeps me from falling for this one too. Thanks and stay well over there, MC.
I love my Pilar, so I purchased the large in this exact configuration from Blade HQ. I am not a fan of at all. I agree with every negative thing you said about this one. I still have it just to have it in my collection, but it has gotten zero pocket time and will most likely never get any pocket time.
I just got one and was considering grinding in a detent ramp and smoothing the sharp edges of the lock bar. Did your detent ramp smooth things out a lot?
@@iiit6608 Knocking off the edge a bit on bottom of the blade at start of lock side goes a long way yes. I would never change the geometry of the lock bar as that will surely change lock-up and cause al sorts of problems.
@@cptbrun0675 Thanks! The only area I want to smooth out on the lock bar is where your thumb touches to push it over. It's a bit sharp, especially since the lock bar is so stiff.
CRKT has some top tier designs. It is such a letdown they cut corners on everything else. I've never seen an CRKT that didn't have big fit and finish issues, even at their price point I find it unforgivable.
Thanks for the review and great comments on detent, I cant understand how companies still get a simple thing wrong. Heck they should have more detent ramps! Keep the detent comments on all your reviews. Nice one handed closing actions are desirable.
Rough review but good info. I like the curves, but I would probably Dremel down the flipper tab. I wonder if it was taken apart by the owner, leaving the gap at the spacer.
It's a very decent offering for a fair price. That said, I don't like finger cutouts. The blade shape isn't my favorite either. Unpopular opinion but if you can get a Squid in a good steel I would choose that over this one. I've always liked spear point blades.
Ideally, the flipper tab should act as a safe "stop" when closing the knife with one hand. And when this occurs, the best case scenario is that the detent ball is already up on the face of the blade. If you move you finger past where the flipper tab would contact it, it's nowhere close to where it would need to be to fall into the choil. The only way to remedy this would be to remove the flipper tab entirely so that your finger could remain further up the frame when disengaging the lock bar. It's just not a good set up.
The Civivi Brigand has the same double clutch issue.....not quite as severely as this CKRT, but it double clutches all the time and it kind of wreck the knife for me 👎. My only Civivi with this issue.....
I sold my giant mouse biblo as well cause of the same action issue. Don't get me wrong I love the vox designs but honestly the actions are not good if you like to fidget the actions on my civivis are better. I expected alot more out of a 250$ giantmouse titanium biblo. Wont waste my time with this one either. If you want to see m390 and titanium that has horrible action double clutch check out the titanium pvd giant mouse biblo
I’m a bit biased in favor of this version of the Pilar. True, CRKT may not win awards for fit and finish, but as someone who likes to whittle/carve, this is a virtual pocket chisel. In a carver’s world, this is meant to be a Clydesdale, not a quarter horse. It’s an able tool, and “drop-shutty” and double-clutch just don’t apply to a knife built for work. Side rant: “drop-shut”, “fidget ability” and deployment speed shouldn’t define “smooth action”. Just sayin’.
I agree. Those elements don't define "smooth action". I never said that. A double clutch will literally apply every single time you close the knife. It isn't part of what I call "fidget factor" at all. I find it annoying no matter what I'm doing with it. The fact is that there are many, many other knives that create for a smoother, less obnoxious transition between open and close. This knife, by contrast, is lackluster. As I stated at the end of the video however, it's still fairly recommendable. It's definitely still a capable tool. Did you watch til the end? 😉 The important thing here is that if it works for you, that's really all that matters.
Is it just me, or do most mid level ($50 - $150) USA knives fall behind the other overseas knives? I haven’t been collecting very long, but it seems to me that if you want a sweet USA knife (my Cold Steel Recon - 1 maybe an exception) you better be ready to spend at least $300! But like I said I’m pretty new to this game. 🔪💕🔪
I think around a 100 for a usa made knife is compatible to a 50 Twain made knife. Its just the way it goes. And this doesn't only apply to knives. I but alot of tools for work and its the same there, if you want nice American made tools then its snap on then the rest of the usa made stuff falls a couple of tiers. Then the good Twain made stuff is almost or as good as the rest of the usa made stuff excluding snap on.
Like a lot of CRKT’s, fit and finish issues. The ergo’s on it are good, everything else is typical CRKT. For a company that had the entry level market to themselves for a while, they sat around and allowed the Chinese manufacturers to build a superior at the same or lower price. Another late comer with same problem, Buck. They just put out new models made in China for $25. Where have they been???
I like the small version better. In fact, I don’t see the point of this one. Gave mine away. Of course the mkm isonzo is a better version of the small Pilar. We’re a fickle bunch.
WHY ON EARTH would anyone get this knife when the QSP penguin exists?? QSP looks better, feels better, is cheaper, also uses D2, clean satin blade finish with no ugly logo in the middle of the blade like the Pilar has, micarta scales, is a sheep’s foot blade style as well, great action, and if you pay an extra 20 you can get the exclusive QSP in a s35vn version with marbled carbon fiber scales for alittle more than this super basic and overhyped knife. Yeah, it has nice ergonomics, a flick hole and a flipper but is it really better than the QSP for the price you’re paying? It’s really a no brainer IMO. 🤷🏽♂️
Been using this knife for 6 months and have nothing to rip it off, pretty much using the flipper tab 90% of the time, the hole is kinda sharp but overall, pretty good knife compared to almost all the Kershaws I had... Gonna compare it with the Para 3 as soon as it arrives, until then I love my Pilar..
I have the large DLC coated one in D2. I didn't like this knife at all until it was redesigned with a flipper tab. It is a decent little cutting tool.
I think it’s the Vox ergoes at this price point that does the heavy lifting as far as why this is so popular with people. That and the aftermarket accessories that allow people a gateway into customizing a knife without worrying too much about wrecking a knife that costs more.
I don't think Vox ergos are as miraculous as people make out.
I bought it for box destruction. It functions. It won't flip reliably, the blade loosens up if you try to fidget it, and centering seems impossible. But, it functions.
Right with you on the blackwash thing... ironic though, that "blackwash" is one of the most sought after Hinderer finishes. Yes, I know it's completely different, but got a chuckle from me nonetheless.
15:50 - 16:10
CRKT: More likely Grumpy Complex, amirite?
XD loved the review, hope you feel better soon!
Pilar 1 is in our kitchen drawer and is probably one of our most used knives around the house haha. Skipped this one because of the flipper tab honestly.
Best version of this knife would look an awful lot like the Mini Sheepdog with the opening hole. Thinner, liner lock, and still decent ergos with the flipper tab gone.
So get a Sheepdog?
Who said I didn't have one and that wasn't the reason I made the comparison?
I agree I don’t like the Black Wash look and take a Dremel and cut-off wheel to the flipper lol.. it’s nice
You're my biggest influent in my taste of knives. Unfortunately I can't afford most of them.
Was really thinking about getting this one, until now! Now, the Cottidae or the other new aluminum field strip model, those are intriguing to me! CRKT seems to always miss the mark on making the perfect EDC knife, you’d think they would listen to these reviews! Thanks for the info MC, have a great day!
My cheapest and most carried Pilar large d2, I did a flipper delete and added pb washers. Only issue I have is a very strong detente
To each his own, I just got in a couple days ago. I really like it, cuts well and I like the cleaver design. I don’t have the D2 version but I like it. I also just ordered an Elementum so not sure how much I’ll keep using it.
I have the all black large in D2, Mine had nylon washers, changed em out for bronze. I think the Pilar 3 is on bearings
For what they are, I really enjoy the Pilar series. It's a decent quality knife and a Vox design for a very accessible price. I've even picked them up for $35 off Amazon in the past. Plus they're a good set of knives for newbie modders. Second only to the cheaper Chinese Spydercos in that regard. Even a first time flipper delete, which I'm going to try after watching this. Might soften up the edges on the hole too.
I will agree that this one is probably the most disappointing of all of them. Both in the factory fit/finish and the lack of mods available. And I do wish they'd finally just make one of these as a frame lock. If CRKT can pump out a dozen different CEO models then they can absolutely make a liner lock Pilar.
I agree, I don't get the thick stock with a flat grind on something this small. It would have possibly been ok with a deep hollow grind, but as is what in the world are people going to be doing with this knife to where it would need it like this?
The Pilar IIII just bought it it’s awesome the blade is longer everything is better on the new Pilar III review that one
I've never really been keen on these, and you've cemented that for me. In fairness, I just don't really get pocket cleavers in general.
That issue with the detent ball getting stuck on a poorly designed lock bar interface is frustrating. I have 2 knives right now that have the same issue and it's enough to make me get rid of them. That'll be the one that keeps me from falling for this one too. Thanks and stay well over there, MC.
Mine is Awesome, flipper tab and all. Opens and closes fantastic. It will without a doubt get the job done.. Perfect 😊
I love my Pilar, so I purchased the large in this exact configuration from Blade HQ. I am not a fan of at all. I agree with every negative thing you said about this one. I still have it just to have it in my collection, but it has gotten zero pocket time and will most likely never get any pocket time.
I ground a bit of a detent ramp on mine, helps a lot with the "double clutch".
I just got one and was considering grinding in a detent ramp and smoothing the sharp edges of the lock bar. Did your detent ramp smooth things out a lot?
@@iiit6608 Knocking off the edge a bit on bottom of the blade at start of lock side goes a long way yes. I would never change the geometry of the lock bar as that will surely change lock-up and cause al sorts of problems.
@@cptbrun0675 Thanks! The only area I want to smooth out on the lock bar is where your thumb touches to push it over. It's a bit sharp, especially since the lock bar is so stiff.
CRKT has some top tier designs. It is such a letdown they cut corners on everything else. I've never seen an CRKT that didn't have big fit and finish issues, even at their price point I find it unforgivable.
Thanks for the review and great comments on detent, I cant understand how companies still get a simple thing wrong. Heck they should have more detent ramps! Keep the detent comments on all your reviews. Nice one handed closing actions are desirable.
Rough review but good info. I like the curves, but I would probably Dremel down the flipper tab. I wonder if it was taken apart by the owner, leaving the gap at the spacer.
It's a very decent offering for a fair price. That said, I don't like finger cutouts. The blade shape isn't my favorite either.
Unpopular opinion but if you can get a Squid in a good steel I would choose that over this one. I've always liked spear point blades.
Hi there. Can you please recommend few high quality knives for about $300-$350. Thanks
Loved mine deleted the tab added gimping
But the pilar 3 is the ultimate version
Nice, informative, candid review, but u didnt mention anything about the double-clutch
I much prefer the Cold Steel Tuff Lite for just over half the price. I also hate steel framelocks. Had a Zancudo, same issues and got rid of it.
Could you avoid the double clutch by letting the choil fall on your thumb instead of the flipper if that makes sense 🤔
Ideally, the flipper tab should act as a safe "stop" when closing the knife with one hand. And when this occurs, the best case scenario is that the detent ball is already up on the face of the blade. If you move you finger past where the flipper tab would contact it, it's nowhere close to where it would need to be to fall into the choil. The only way to remedy this would be to remove the flipper tab entirely so that your finger could remain further up the frame when disengaging the lock bar. It's just not a good set up.
@@metal_complex makes sense i could not tell if the flipper was short enough to make that work or not thanks for the reply mc!
Yes. However the Pilar 3 actually looks neat
Looks like it needs a hollow grind, and I don’t like black washed finishes either.
I could tell your thoughts by the tone of your voice lol youre so transparent! Great overview. The Pilar never vibed with me
The Civivi Brigand has the same double clutch issue.....not quite as severely as this CKRT, but it double clutches all the time and it kind of wreck the knife for me 👎. My only Civivi with this issue.....
"This was recorded 10 days ago when the cough was at its peak. I'm doing MUCH better now, but thank you for asking 😊" - Metal Complex to BushEDC
decent food prep knife, but the flipper tab is way too big
Not running on bearings, Teflon washers only.
No, you're incorrect. This particular variant runs on bearings.
@@metal_complex O soz my bad, thought all the Pilar 2's was on Teflon, missed the that one :P
I mean I think most variants are. Honest mistake. No worries 👍
Before even watching: I really like the knife but for the type of knife that it is the blade stock is way too thick.
I sold my giant mouse biblo as well cause of the same action issue. Don't get me wrong I love the vox designs but honestly the actions are not good if you like to fidget the actions on my civivis are better. I expected alot more out of a 250$ giantmouse titanium biblo. Wont waste my time with this one either. If you want to see m390 and titanium that has horrible action double clutch check out the titanium pvd giant mouse biblo
Cut myself in the first 30 secs cause the double clutch is so bad. Dont really recommend unless you gotta have it. Nice video
I’m a bit biased in favor of this version of the Pilar. True, CRKT may not win awards for fit and finish, but as someone who likes to whittle/carve, this is a virtual pocket chisel. In a carver’s world, this is meant to be a Clydesdale, not a quarter horse. It’s an able tool, and “drop-shutty” and double-clutch just don’t apply to a knife built for work. Side rant: “drop-shut”, “fidget ability” and deployment speed shouldn’t define “smooth action”. Just sayin’.
I agree. Those elements don't define "smooth action". I never said that. A double clutch will literally apply every single time you close the knife. It isn't part of what I call "fidget factor" at all. I find it annoying no matter what I'm doing with it. The fact is that there are many, many other knives that create for a smoother, less obnoxious transition between open and close. This knife, by contrast, is lackluster. As I stated at the end of the video however, it's still fairly recommendable. It's definitely still a capable tool. Did you watch til the end? 😉
The important thing here is that if it works for you, that's really all that matters.
For the money it's a very good knife
Is it just me, or do most mid level ($50 - $150) USA knives fall behind the other overseas knives? I haven’t been collecting very long, but it seems to me that if you want a sweet USA knife (my Cold Steel Recon - 1 maybe an exception) you better be ready to spend at least $300! But like I said I’m pretty new to this game. 🔪💕🔪
I think around a 100 for a usa made knife is compatible to a 50 Twain made knife. Its just the way it goes. And this doesn't only apply to knives. I but alot of tools for work and its the same there, if you want nice American made tools then its snap on then the rest of the usa made stuff falls a couple of tiers. Then the good Twain made stuff is almost or as good as the rest of the usa made stuff excluding snap on.
that thing is begging to be all ti
but thats what ace biblio is for i guess
I can accept the double clutch on this knife, but I have it even worse on my $495 Olamic wayfarer.
Like a lot of CRKT’s, fit and finish issues. The ergo’s on it are good, everything else is typical CRKT. For a company that had the entry level market to themselves for a while, they sat around and allowed the Chinese manufacturers to build a superior at the same or lower price. Another late comer with same problem, Buck. They just put out new models made in China for $25. Where have they been???
WHAT IS DOUBLE CLUTCH???
Good rock music, TWICE
@@9mmmike642 So What Is Double Clutch???????
I like the small version better. In fact, I don’t see the point of this one. Gave mine away. Of course the mkm isonzo is a better version of the small Pilar. We’re a fickle bunch.
The Pilar 3 looks way more practical
You pissed at this knife 😂😂😂😂
Ok we get it you hate it 😒
Had one in d2 and it came dull and wouldn't take a sharp edge no matter what
So the take away here is that you are not a big fan... 🤣😂
Lol that is correct
Looks like a few people butt hurt you didn’t gush about this. People, you gotta watch the reviews before you buy not after lol
Lol
We get it MC, you don’t like the knife
Good. Because that's the message I was trying to convey. Glad it was clear
👏👏👏
I knew where this review was headed when he refused to take the time to pronounce the name properly
I dont pronounce "Troodon" correctly either, but I loved that knife 🤣
Pi- large.. 😯🤤
WHY ON EARTH would anyone get this knife when the QSP penguin exists?? QSP looks better, feels better, is cheaper, also uses D2, clean satin blade finish with no ugly logo in the middle of the blade like the Pilar has, micarta scales, is a sheep’s foot blade style as well, great action, and if you pay an extra 20 you can get the exclusive QSP in a s35vn version with marbled carbon fiber scales for alittle more than this super basic and overhyped knife. Yeah, it has nice ergonomics, a flick hole and a flipper but is it really better than the QSP for the price you’re paying? It’s really a no brainer IMO. 🤷🏽♂️
I just bought the large pilar and penguin at the same time. The penguin is in a completely different league of build quality.
It don’t get more overrated then an elementum and a bugout
The elementum is a great knife and it's priced well. I agree with you on the Bugout though
It's pronounced......
................ugly 🤫
Ramble much
Hi
Hi
Holy crap I didn’t expect a response
You kinda sound sad in the video. You doin ok?
Well I'm happy to give you one 👍
This was recorded 10 days ago when the cough was at its peak. I'm doing MUCH better now, but thank you for asking 😊