I have one and the clip screws are now recessed into the clip. Also, mine developed vertical blade play and bad centering within a week. Just a few things to note.
I loved this, I saw it last year. and Had to buy it. D2, FullyAmbi, Deep carry pocket clip, Strong & fidget friendly lock... Maybe a bit better knives.. but for an ambi knife this is an awesome choice. I am about to get a second one
I agree but it's not truly deep carry with the screws sticking up as high as they do. Definitely a great option for the price. Strong lock, good blade design for hard use, good fit and finish just a all around great budget knives.
The thing I like about the brass pivot collar on black knives (the GM Ace Sonoma also jumps to mind) is that it takes it further from the tacti-cool aesthetic.
It is a pretty solid knife, but my biggest gripe is the flipper tab interaction with the lock. I feel like they could have altered the shape to avoid that.
I've had mine for a few months now, but it hasn't seen much pocket time. I love the concept of the lock, but it was cast cheaply, which causes it to rattle and have terrible grip. If CJRB fixed that, and maybe used some weaker omega springs, I'd totally carry it instead of my griptilian. It's also worth noting that mine came with flush pocket clip screws, but that might just be a feature of the carbon fiber model, idk.
In addition to the flush clip screwheads, I'm not experiencing any "rattle" anywhere on the Crag. True, the "texture" on the Recoil switch could be more pronounced. Extremely sharp out-of-box, solid steel liners, and grippy G10 scales. Seems like a "Quality" EDC, especially at the price point.
@@stevetqp9152 Imagine if they made the recoil interface with the crossbar carbon fiber with some decent texturing... Oh my god, what a gem this could've been. Either way unlocking it with the crook of my index finger past the knuckle works wonders, not sure why people try to pinch the lock or use a fingertip, it's so obvious to use the underside joint right after your index finger knuckle to toggle it down.
I know I'm commenting on a 3 yr old video but I just got one of these on sale. I agree with everything. It's a cool idea but the flipper totally gets in the way of the closing mech. I wonder if this would have been better with a thumb stud and no flipper. One thing of note is that they have totally changed the clip since you got yours. They moved the clip closer to the end of the knife and switched to flat screws that are properly sunk in. Maybe they heard you.
I like how you can use just one finger on top to close which puts the hand in a position that’s reminiscent of a compression lock rather than having to use your thumb and forefinger like the axis lock.
Yeah i agree. I really like the manix 2 for this reason but it took me a LONG while until I wore it in enough for one finger. I heard you can leave the blade open for a few days and it will speed the breaking in process up but I havnt tried.
The recoil lock leaves a lot to be desired. Good to leave in the console of your car or something or like in a tool drawer at work. But it rattles in the pocket because the lock is loose when the knife is closed and open.the pivot is very open so if it's in your pocket for too long it will get very filthy very quickly. But like I said if you're leaving it sitting around somewhere it's fine
Depending on your feelings about Chinese knives, I've had great luck with Ganzo knives with the benchmade lock system. Their 440C steel is average, but not terrible. They have D2 steels, but not usually on the Axis lock.
Excellent review as always, Nick! I have the CJRB Crag, also with the Recoil lock, and was wondering how a company can take a product, in this case, the "KIcker", make a few very slight modifications, i.e., slightly enlarge the sharpening choil, make the G10 finger cut-out slightly more defined, recess the pocket clip screwheads, and brand it by a new name, i.e., the "Crag". (Although apparently they didn't make the Recoil lock slider more "proud", i.e., same "smooth" surfaces.). Also, the Crag has no backspacer. However, one Major difference I see, is that my Crag cannot "drop close" like your Kicker. The Crag has a rather pronounced detente "stop" at about a 40 degree angle after sliding the Recoil lock to close the blade, requiring a "push" from the thumb in order to "snap" it fully closed into the handle. I wonder if this is an improvement by design, or simply a byproduct of the Crag knife design. Other than that, it came razor sharp, with no blade play, and perfect centering. Thanks again!
Yeah, it is good seeing a manufacturer try weird new things, and at a budget price, too! Closing with one finger is a good thing for us knife nuts with hand issues. Looks like they’ll need to work the bugs out. Maybe the lock could look less cheesy...?
So looks of course are in the eyes of the beholder. But this is just gorgeous to these eyes except it's probably too thick while the blade is too narrow (spine to edge), thanks Nick.
No penalty to being lefty, right? I often wonder if some of your jokes are accidental, or just really subtle. Thanks, always bring a smile to my face. (Had to go back and play that ‘oh yeah!’ Over and over again, good way to drive up you view time). Still laughing. Oh and lastly, could find the disassembly video?
Thanks Nick!! I was kind of waiting on a review of this locking mech before I checked one out. Watching someone handle the knife/lock is how I decide on a purchase. Stay safe, stay sharp 👍🇺🇸👍🔪
I know im way late. But I am a lefty and just picked up a crag with this lock for 30 bucks. I cant really justify the cost of a benchmade to get an easily universal lock and honestly this was kind of a jump in the water to try this style lock to see if I wanna save up for a benchmade or a nicer knife with this type of lock. So far I am super happy and I dont have any issues flippng it open and it feels fine. Granted Im comparing it to a civivi praxis and a mini proponent as far as flipping goes. So not exactly using high end folders. dont hesitate to get one. 30 bucks is a steal for it. Granted, If I am saving up for a big knife purchase I have my eye on a lefty sheepdog.
I would love this knife with their new powdered steel or more.D2 not really a fan of.Would prefer Wolf Springs rather than Omega and Nick,You are 100% about that pocket clip!!
CJRB and Artisan have a ways to go in my experience. I've had 2 cjrbs I've sent back due to blatant manufacturer defects, and a 3rd with the the most uneven sharpening out of the box I've ever encountered. I love a lot of their designs (especially Mallory designs) but either I have world's worst luck for their QC needs some serious work.
I own both the Crag and the Kicker Recoil-Lock versions in the carbon fiber overlay. I like them both. Nothing on the market feels better than my Demko with the Shark-lock . That being said I actually like the Recoil-Lock because it not only is a smoother locking mechanism but it also has a flipper tab. I do enjoy your reviews even though half the time you seem bored with all of the lower budget knives. I also own the Centros in carbon fiber of course. There is a theme somewhere in my methods of madness but it is what I like. The Recoil-Lock is just another option and since I do kinda like the cleaver pr scepter or scimitar style blade makes these even a bit sweeter. I am like many collectors. I have some very expensive but I actually have come back down for the more economical blades. After all you can only enjoy so many titanium and higher end steels before you start to see doubles all the time. But the best part of being a knife collector is adding the knives that speak to you and it all comes down to personal preference. Great review though kind sir thank you.
I hope you're aware of the proper way to close this knife, with the crook of your index finger (the joint just after the knuckle) just tugging down on the slide/lock lightly and adding in some centripetal force. Once I figured that out on my own, this knife became an absolute gem in my book.
i love the pricing of this knife and it makes me laugh at benchmade wich has had the same knife almost 3 years old know and its price has not moved from over 200 dollars (p.s im talking about the bugout)
I know your comment was ment for sir Nick. I have to say one knife I really can not stand is the Bugout. It's not the fact it's a bad knife. It is the fact it is so overpriced for what it is. I would and did purchase a Super Freek and I can assure you it is 3 times the knife the Bugout is. What does make the Bugout a bit more appealing is all the aftermarket scales and options that are out there. I feel anyone wanting a Bugout should buy their base model and dress it how they like with aftermarket accessories. I really just do not care for Benchmades grivory scales at all. Fancy way of saying fiber reinforced plastic. Not to be confused with Carbon Fiber A friend purchased a Bugout for $158.00 he then purchased a set of aluminum scales along with colored screws and thumbstuds and spacers . He saved a bunch by purchasing second hand scales . By time he was done he had a very awesome looking knife complete with a cool titanium pocket clip for just over $200.00 . It just worked out for him. Do keep all original parts so if you ever decide to sell it.. well I am sure you get the picture. Happy blading!
I've never had an "omega spring" fail. But for a Benchmade product, I know exactly where to go to get service, or new springs. For a lesser known company with a lesser warranty, one has to wonder where, and for how long, you could expect to get such service? Just being a pessimist, maybe....
i had one and sold it. i used it at work to open bags of ingredients and in doing so would get a bunch of powered ingredients in the knife so i would tap the back of the blade on the table to knock as much of it out as i could before i pocketed it and the lock would fail ALOT! had to get rid of it. got a qsp penguin as my new work knife and love it
This model looks like a accident waiting to happen. If I was cutting something and on the up stroke it could fold up. This may not be the safest design.🙀
Seems like very few people know the proper way to close this knife (as in deactivating the lock with a single finger rather than adding your thumb in, or trying to use the tip of your finger.) Use the first joint after the knuckle on your index finger to grip it and slide it down without your fingers in the way and it closes up like a charm. Might need slightly larger/medium sized hands to accomplish that effectively, but it's WAY better than the method you're doing here, or where other people are trying to use their pointer/index fingertip which is just... not good. It's crazy how intuitive it is and feels, but how few people actually have done it even once with this excellent knife.
I love watching Nick’s knife reviews while I’m on my lunch break at the Vaseline factory.
Not what I’d be doing wink wink
I got fired from the craker factory after my wife left me. Now I sleep in a car bed
Lol
Best concentrate on holding that sandwich!
Found mine to be a sluggish opener with slippery top release mechanism. Great concept that might have been better executed, in all honesty.
I appreciate this knife as being a well done stepping stone towards something that could potentially be a gem. Good looks on CJRB’s part.
"oh yeeaah" man Nick didn't know you got that excited about a good detent! 😂
Schwing!!!
Hahaha
I have one and the clip screws are now recessed into the clip. Also, mine developed vertical blade play and bad centering within a week. Just a few things to note.
Now every time I get a text message I get to hear Nick say “OH YEAH!” Haha thanks!
@David P. HA!! Not yet.
I loved this, I saw it last year. and Had to buy it. D2, FullyAmbi, Deep carry pocket clip, Strong & fidget friendly lock... Maybe a bit better knives.. but for an ambi knife this is an awesome choice. I am about to get a second one
I agree but it's not truly deep carry with the screws sticking up as high as they do. Definitely a great option for the price. Strong lock, good blade design for hard use, good fit and finish just a all around great budget knives.
The thing I like about the brass pivot collar on black knives (the GM Ace Sonoma also jumps to mind) is that it takes it further from the tacti-cool aesthetic.
This episode, Nick attempts to steal the job of the Kool-Aid Man. 🤣
It is a pretty solid knife, but my biggest gripe is the flipper tab interaction with the lock. I feel like they could have altered the shape to avoid that.
First time ever that I owned a knife before Nick reviewed it.
This is my work knife and I absolutely love it.
Same! I got it a few months ago, put a 17° edge on it and its awesome! Got it in green though.
CJRB - hands down one of the most underrated makers out there. Love my Crag, almost as much as my custom para 2.....almost.
I've got a large feldspar in burlap micarta and a centros in micarta as well. Both are solid knives for the money, the centros being my favorite.
How about you could buy 4 of these and still not be at the price of a Benchmade for the same lock essentially.. 🤔
Nick meant the Omega springs, especially in recent Benchmade offerings randomly snap.
I've had mine for a few months now, but it hasn't seen much pocket time. I love the concept of the lock, but it was cast cheaply, which causes it to rattle and have terrible grip. If CJRB fixed that, and maybe used some weaker omega springs, I'd totally carry it instead of my griptilian.
It's also worth noting that mine came with flush pocket clip screws, but that might just be a feature of the carbon fiber model, idk.
The recoil actuator looks like it's cast by HotWheels.
Exactly, and I took some heat for saying that elsewhere... LOL
@@OGBladeReviews maybe Mattel is diversifying.
Happy to report I bought this knife and they decided to make the screws flush. Well done CJRB 👏
In addition to the flush clip screwheads, I'm not experiencing any "rattle" anywhere on the Crag. True, the "texture" on the Recoil switch could be more pronounced. Extremely sharp out-of-box, solid steel liners, and grippy G10 scales. Seems like a "Quality" EDC, especially at the price point.
@@stevetqp9152 mine did rattle but if they're still doing small improvements like that I think it's a huge win
@@stevetqp9152 Imagine if they made the recoil interface with the crossbar carbon fiber with some decent texturing... Oh my god, what a gem this could've been.
Either way unlocking it with the crook of my index finger past the knuckle works wonders, not sure why people try to pinch the lock or use a fingertip, it's so obvious to use the underside joint right after your index finger knuckle to toggle it down.
I know I'm commenting on a 3 yr old video but I just got one of these on sale. I agree with everything. It's a cool idea but the flipper totally gets in the way of the closing mech. I wonder if this would have been better with a thumb stud and no flipper. One thing of note is that they have totally changed the clip since you got yours. They moved the clip closer to the end of the knife and switched to flat screws that are properly sunk in. Maybe they heard you.
I like how you can use just one finger on top to close which puts the hand in a position that’s reminiscent of a compression lock rather than having to use your thumb and forefinger like the axis lock.
Yeah i agree. I really like the manix 2 for this reason but it took me a LONG while until I wore it in enough for one finger. I heard you can leave the blade open for a few days and it will speed the breaking in process up but I havnt tried.
Nice I've looked at this knife a few times now I get yo know what nick thinks before making my mind
I've been looking at this Knife so much I'm thinking of picking it up for my brother as he is left handed and this seems like a fantastic option
The recoil lock leaves a lot to be desired. Good to leave in the console of your car or something or like in a tool drawer at work. But it rattles in the pocket because the lock is loose when the knife is closed and open.the pivot is very open so if it's in your pocket for too long it will get very filthy very quickly.
But like I said if you're leaving it sitting around somewhere it's fine
Depending on your feelings about Chinese knives, I've had great luck with Ganzo knives with the benchmade lock system. Their 440C steel is average, but not terrible. They have D2 steels, but not usually on the Axis lock.
I would be interested in seeing more options with this lock... but I am a recent convert to small fixed blades for EDC.
Excellent review as always, Nick! I have the CJRB Crag, also with the Recoil lock, and was wondering how a company can take a product, in this case, the "KIcker", make a few very slight modifications, i.e., slightly enlarge the sharpening choil, make the G10 finger cut-out slightly more defined, recess the pocket clip screwheads, and brand it by a new name, i.e., the "Crag". (Although apparently they didn't make the Recoil lock slider more "proud", i.e., same "smooth" surfaces.). Also, the Crag has no backspacer. However, one Major difference I see, is that my Crag cannot "drop close" like your Kicker. The Crag has a rather pronounced detente "stop" at about a 40 degree angle after sliding the Recoil lock to close the blade, requiring a "push" from the thumb in order to "snap" it fully closed into the handle. I wonder if this is an improvement by design, or simply a byproduct of the Crag knife design. Other than that, it came razor sharp, with no blade play, and perfect centering. Thanks again!
I just got mine, the pocket clip screws are recessed, so they must have fixed that issue
Yeah, it is good seeing a manufacturer try weird new things, and at a budget price, too! Closing with one finger is a good thing for us knife nuts with hand issues. Looks like they’ll need to work the bugs out. Maybe the lock could look less cheesy...?
So looks of course are in the eyes of the beholder. But this is just gorgeous to these eyes except it's probably too thick while the blade is too narrow (spine to edge), thanks Nick.
No penalty to being lefty, right? I often wonder if some of your jokes are accidental, or just really subtle. Thanks, always bring a smile to my face. (Had to go back and play that ‘oh yeah!’ Over and over again, good way to drive up you view time). Still laughing. Oh and lastly, could find the disassembly video?
How can Nick have just 127000 subs?
He should easily have 250000
Thanks Nick!!
I was kind of waiting on a review of this locking mech before I checked one out. Watching someone handle the knife/lock is how I decide on a purchase.
Stay safe, stay sharp 👍🇺🇸👍🔪
PLEASE do the finch knives model 1929 awesome traditional meets modern i want to see what you think about it
Good detents make me happy. It’s everything
That is weird that those clip screws are not recessed on this sample when my kicker has recessed or counter sunk screws.
We've recently switched over to using clips with recessed screws on the majority of our knives, Nicks sample is an older example of this model.
@@artisancutleryknife ok nice. Love my knife also, super sharp right out of the box.
“The Yogaest of Yoga Pants”
This is the commentary I come here for, never change Nick
Thanks for another great review, Nick!
I got a distinct Duke Nukem vibe from that “oh yeah”
Whoa you just brought back memories. lol
I know im way late. But I am a lefty and just picked up a crag with this lock for 30 bucks. I cant really justify the cost of a benchmade to get an easily universal lock and honestly this was kind of a jump in the water to try this style lock to see if I wanna save up for a benchmade or a nicer knife with this type of lock. So far I am super happy and I dont have any issues flippng it open and it feels fine. Granted Im comparing it to a civivi praxis and a mini proponent as far as flipping goes. So not exactly using high end folders.
dont hesitate to get one. 30 bucks is a steal for it. Granted, If I am saving up for a big knife purchase I have my eye on a lefty sheepdog.
Good review with a nonbiased viewpoint with much constructive criticism. I just bought the same one for $25...couldn't pass it up.
I actually love it.
I would love this knife with their new powdered steel or more.D2 not really a fan of.Would prefer Wolf Springs rather than Omega and Nick,You are 100% about that pocket clip!!
CJRB and Artisan have a ways to go in my experience. I've had 2 cjrbs I've sent back due to blatant manufacturer defects, and a 3rd with the the most uneven sharpening out of the box I've ever encountered. I love a lot of their designs (especially Mallory designs) but either I have world's worst luck for their QC needs some serious work.
Totally a personal preference, but my favorite thing about this knife is the shape of the blade. I absolutely love it.
If you take that apart it's basically an Axis lock with a lever to activate it. Open up the scales and look under em'... AXIS LOCK
It’s trying to be a combo of the griptilian and the Malibu, guess that’s cool
I just noticed something. My kickers clip screws are flush. I wonder if you have an older model. I just received mine maybe 3 months ago.
I own both the Crag and the Kicker Recoil-Lock versions in the carbon fiber overlay. I like them both. Nothing on the market feels better than my Demko with the Shark-lock . That being said I actually like the Recoil-Lock because it not only is a smoother locking mechanism but it also has a flipper tab. I do enjoy your reviews even though half the time you seem bored with all of the lower budget knives. I also own the Centros in carbon fiber of course. There is a theme somewhere in my methods of madness but it is what I like.
The Recoil-Lock is just another option and since I do kinda like the cleaver pr scepter or scimitar style blade makes these even a bit sweeter.
I am like many collectors. I have some very expensive but I actually have come back down for the more economical blades. After all you can only enjoy so many titanium and higher end steels before you start to see doubles all the time.
But the best part of being a knife collector is adding the knives that speak to you and it all comes down to personal preference.
Great review though kind sir thank you.
I hope you're aware of the proper way to close this knife, with the crook of your index finger (the joint just after the knuckle) just tugging down on the slide/lock lightly and adding in some centripetal force. Once I figured that out on my own, this knife became an absolute gem in my book.
5:45 "Yeah, well, you know that's just like, your opinion, man."
It's probably a little larger than I like for EDC, but a $40 full ambi flipper in D2? This lefty is intrigued.
**click**
*"OOOOOHHHHH YEEAAHHHHHH"*
When you hear that in nature you know there's a Shabazz in the vicinity and it's mating season.
Your voice is what makes you a star
Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work
Much love from Switzerland
Does yours have vertical bladeplay ?
I think it would look a lot better with different scales perhaps red Micarta
"oHH YEeaah" should be nicks new catchphrase.
40$ for that looks like a good price!
the screws on mine are sunk into the clip that's strange
So are mine. They are flush.
Same. Ours must have been made later than Nick's.
@@brianriddle8389 makes sense. seen them both ways on some websites
I think the advantage is the price for the lock type. Just a guess.
It's a good looking knife , nice review sir
God bless the Lebowski reference.
13:28 SKRRRRRRRRRRRT’d that topic 👌🏻
What’s the difference in detent between this and the Terminus XR (LTE) ?
By the terminus. Better quality.
i love the pricing of this knife and it makes me laugh at benchmade wich has had the same knife almost 3 years old know and its price has not moved from over 200 dollars (p.s im talking about the bugout)
I know your comment was ment for sir Nick. I have to say one knife I really can not stand is the Bugout. It's not the fact it's a bad knife. It is the fact it is so overpriced for what it is. I would and did purchase a Super Freek and I can assure you it is 3 times the knife the Bugout is.
What does make the Bugout a bit more appealing is all the aftermarket scales and options that are out there.
I feel anyone wanting a Bugout should buy their base model and dress it how they like with aftermarket accessories.
I really just do not care for Benchmades grivory scales at all. Fancy way of saying fiber reinforced plastic. Not to be confused with Carbon Fiber
A friend purchased a Bugout for $158.00 he then purchased a set of aluminum scales along with colored screws and thumbstuds and spacers . He saved a bunch by purchasing second hand scales . By time he was done he had a very awesome looking knife complete with a cool titanium pocket clip for just over $200.00 . It just worked out for him.
Do keep all original parts so if you ever decide to sell it.. well I am sure you get the picture.
Happy blading!
'Ooohh, Yeeaahhhh'. Too funny. Where have I heard that before, hmm?
I've never had an "omega spring" fail. But for a Benchmade product, I know exactly where to go to get service, or new springs. For a lesser known company with a lesser warranty, one has to wonder where, and for how long, you could expect to get such service? Just being a pessimist, maybe....
a warranty on a $30 knife?
That’s what I’m thinking too. I know that even for my cheap CRKTs that I can fill out a form for parts and get them in the mail a few weeks later.
Thanks for sharing 👍🏼😊
"It ties the room together man..."
Wish it had a different blade shape, no flipper tab, and hole for spider flickin.
Am I the only one who detests flipper tabs?
My point to buy is it's D2 for 40 bucks. Not going cry if I lose or break it at work.
Needs more gription, not friction. Remember your Nickisms.
Have one and not loving the locking mechanism. The rest of the knife is ok.
i had one and sold it. i used it at work to open bags of ingredients and in doing so would get a bunch of powered ingredients in the knife so i would tap the back of the blade on the table to knock as much of it out as i could before i pocketed it and the lock would fail ALOT! had to get rid of it. got a qsp penguin as my new work knife and love it
@@mitchstreets can't go wrong with Penguin
Love the penguin,it's an awesome knife at a fantastic price and D2 steel. It's a win.
The yogaist of yoga pants.
It's Jack Sparrow's knife. The pocket clip is negligible, it's supposed to be carried between your teeth.
Would you say the detent is flaccid? Ohh yeeaaah!
Got this last year. Works well, don’t carry this much sort of chunky, sharpens up nice....cheap.
I dislike literally everything about this knife, lol. Thanks as always, Shabazz.
Pass on this one!
the recoil lock would be better with thumb studs
I have one of these little monsters. In my humble opinion, it needs work, send it back to Frankenstein's laboratory.
Those pocket clip screws are ridiculous
Since I'm not a fan of overpriced Benchmade's axis lock, this knife is a pass for me.
Feeding the algorithm
ooooh yea
The $40 price tag is definitely very compelling, (especially in comparison to Benchmade$).
But to be honest, I just don't find it very attractive. 🤷♂
Geez Nick you were really digging for negativity.
Centros is for little hands. Most people don't have little hands.
At a quick glance I thought it was the benchmade contigo..
Gives me poor man's shark lock vibes
I would also be concerned about a Chinaman taking a leak on that pivot collar
A bit big for UK carry!
lol
This model looks like a accident waiting to happen. If I was cutting something and on the up stroke it could fold up. This may not be the safest design.🙀
If you can make it fold on your fingers while cutting you probably shouldn’t be handling knives
I could see someone thinking the lock is some form of fancy jimping and close the knife on themselves while choking up on the knife
@@x-s6002 probably leave to sharp things to people who ain't dumb then! Axis locks suck. For way different reasons
Seems like very few people know the proper way to close this knife (as in deactivating the lock with a single finger rather than adding your thumb in, or trying to use the tip of your finger.)
Use the first joint after the knuckle on your index finger to grip it and slide it down without your fingers in the way and it closes up like a charm. Might need slightly larger/medium sized hands to accomplish that effectively, but it's WAY better than the method you're doing here, or where other people are trying to use their pointer/index fingertip which is just... not good.
It's crazy how intuitive it is and feels, but how few people actually have done it even once with this excellent knife.
Honestly, I'd just cut the flipper tab off.