CRKT Otanshi Noh Ken

[Enkidude]

Does anyone have this knife? What are your thoughts on it?

Thanks!

[ginsuwarrior]

I actually like the look of it....But why doesn't CRKT use any really cool steels like Spyderco does?

[Blerv]

Realistically even if they wanted to spend the extra money grinding a HIGH carbon SS it wouldn't really benefit the design of that knife: Stabbing and slashing things.

[ginsuwarrior]

What if I want to stab and slash longer with out having to sharpen as frequently??

Realistically even if they wanted to spend the extra money grinding a HIGH carbon SS it wouldn't really benefit the design of that knife: Stabbing and slashing things.

[ManixFan]

Does anyone have this knife? What are your thoughts on it?

Thanks!

I have it but it is never going to be an EDC. It has extremely high penetration capability, long blade length for reach and a blade cross section that will guide itself through a human ribcage. It is relatively inexpensive but is only useful as a weapon and doesn't have any real utility functionality that I'm aware of.....perhaps a extended range splinter removal tool or pacemaker adjustment tool. Hold still a sec....I'll adjust that pacemaker for you. :D

There are much better knives for use as an EDC role and even knives that would have great utility yet also be useful in serving a SD role. The ONK is easy to manipulate and open one-handed with just a hard shake and carries extremely discreetly with inner waistband carry and a very deep pocket clip as well as being discreet when open (in dim lighting) with a full flat black treatment.

My thoughts on it? It does what it is intended for extremely well but does everything else poorly. Even though I have one, this would be my last choice to ever carry on me and if I HAD to carry it then things will have definitely "hit the fan". A G10 Police 3 has some good reach and has a lot more utility. The serrated version that I plan on getting when it is restocked will have great utility as an eating utensil as well as a small bread knife for cutting baguettes.

But aside from professionals and criminals who would use this knife for its true purposes it is a "must have" for every "mall Ninja" in the "EDC" role :rolleyes: and training demonstration "porkmen" everywhere would quiver in fear at your approach. Or, it is a decently inexpensive addition to a collection where hopefully it will sit and is never used or require sharpening. I mean inexpensive in a general sense though since if you want a "cheap" knife then you could pick up far cheaper knives with that steel or better that would perform better for most tasks. A very niche knife that is useful only to those that need it and in that respect a great design for its intended purpose.

My advice if you are looking for a knife with high utility usability (cardboard and plastic blister packs beware :cool :) and is also very useful for SD roles is to pick up the new Yojimbo 2 S90V......or wait a bit for the new redesigned Stretch which is going to be an awesome knife that will do everything you need it to pretty well. Food prep?.....pick up a Manix 2 XL, or alternatively, a Resilience if you are on a budget.

[ManixFan]

What if I want to stab and slash longer with out having to sharpen as frequently??

Then you'll just have to rely on that razor sharp wit of yours. :D

[Enkidude]

I actually like the look of it....But why doesn't CRKT use any really cool steels like Spyderco does?

I often ask myself that question when browsing other companies knives(CRKT, AlMar, etc).

[Blerv]

What if I want to stab and slash longer with out having to sharpen as frequently??

High carbon = brittle

A better steel than AUS8 for that knife would even be AUS6. Less carbon, higher toughness, higher edge stability, easier to repair, more corrosion resistance.

Of course if it's just a pocket knife for the mall ninja in all us pick any steel you want.

[ginsuwarrior]

The mall ninja inside of me wants the best steel Pakistan has to offer.

[ManixFan]

The mall ninja inside of me wants the best steel Pakistan has to offer.

Too funny! :p

But perhaps this is TMI?

Did the "mall ninja" use their incredible "couch-potato-like" stealth to sneak up behind you to get you into such a compromising position? :D

(joking of course.....but obvious to the "literal minded".....and I do like to read :cool :)

[Enkidude]

I guess I just find the knife pleasing to the eye. I would probably bite off on it at a lower price point, say $50. Between the $80-$90 price range though I just can't help but compare it to what Spyderco I could get at that same price point. This is the position I find myself in with pretty much every other knife company. Spyderco why you so good?

[ManixFan]

I guess I just find the knife pleasing to the eye. I would probably bite off on it at a lower price point, say $50. Between the $80-$90 price range though I just can't help but compare it to what Spyderco I could get at that same price point. This is the position I find myself in with pretty much every other knife company. Spyderco why you so good?

Oh, I definitely don't disagree with you on that. It is a very nice looking blade shape that was James Williams' retooling of an old and very deadly Japanese blade shape. If you want to spend even more money on a beautiful looking weapon (not a tool) then take a look at James Williams Hisshou. Definitely a "must have" for mall ninja's!

I don't have one but my inner mall ninja spirit guide is certainly tempted. But then I think of the folder or even another "useful" fixed blade that I will actually use in everyday life which I would have to forgo to purchase this kind of knife porn.

If money is not an issue and it brings you pleasure then why not? I don't "need" the number of knives that I have......I just like to have them and I enjoy using them.

[Blerv]

If judging a knife based on carbon content AUS8 is 20% worse than VG10 which for some is seen as an ideal folder steel. That said, on the same basis VG10 not even 30% as "good" as ZDP-189.

Unless your shopping for extremely specific purposes, namely to compare knives and cutting dynamics, it's often more fitting to choose them on aesthetics, comfort, and general fit/finish. Prior to the Yo2 I bought a Be-Wharned which was also designed by Mr Janich. Ultimately and no knock to Blackhawk Knives, it went up for sale. Quality wasn't a problem and edge retention wasn't even a consideration. It just came down to personal preferences.

[demoncase]

Why don't CRKT use 'nicer' steels?....Because CRKT are a massive mass producer of knives with (probably) the biggest footprint in the marketplace- that points them towards having a smaller portfolio of steels for consistency of manufacture- where they sit in the marketplace means their accountants won't see a bottomline benefit by migrating into a higher end blade material portfolio.

Spyderco's wider range of steels- some very specialised on 'sprint runs' and the Mules- are down to the business being scaled a different way for a slightly different buyer....Yes, there's some overlap, but only in as much that the price points of certain models are similar. If we compare specs, it's obvious which is more valure for money

My problem with the ONK CRKT I had breifly was that the overall build quality was lower than I expect for that price point.....EDC it and expect to have to tighten the Torx screws up every couple of days- something I've only experienced with CRKT's M16s previously and never had with other makes or models of folder even those of similar construction style. The blade shape really doesn't lend itself to general donkey work- and is pretty annoying if you try food prep with it.

I also have a passionate hatred of the LAWKs system as it screams of 'anti litigation device' rather than an improvement in folder design..... My engineering brain tells me you're doing something right if people rush out to copy you. I don't see anyone rushing to copy the LAWKs- or worse still the AutoLAWKs.

As a 'tactical folder' (as much as I despise that term) it's good looking, sits low in the pocket and opens nicely.
But, as stated, the blade shape isn't ideal for general usage, it needs regular swipes on the sharpener (best drop a pocket stone in your other pocket along with that torx driver), needs regular maintanance and- frankly- is a lot of Beer Tokens for what you get.

As a letter opener of panache and menace, it's superb though.

[Officer Gigglez]

The Mall Ninja in me says that knife isn't tacticool enough for me

[ManixFan]

The Mall Ninja in me says that knife isn't tacticool enough for me

How are all these mall ninja's sneaking up on forumites so stealthily .....or is the "close" relationship consensual?

I personally hope to never find a Mall Ninja "in me".....and if I did I would wonder how they got there without me noticing.

That sure would be an uncomfortable and awkward situation to find oneself in. :D

[Officer Gigglez]

How are all these mall ninja's sneaking up on forumites so stealthily .....or is the "close" relationship consensual?
I personally hope to never find a Mall Ninja "in me".....and if I did I would wonder how they got there without me noticing.
That sure would be an uncomfortable and awkward situation to find oneself in. :D

I never saw him coming. He is a ninja after all.

[ManixFan]

I never saw him coming. He is a ninja after all.

D'oh! Can't help myself.....must resist......oh no, here it comes.....

........must fight it.........

"That's what she said!" :eek: :D

I know, I know......the lowest form of humour is a "That's what she said" double entendre.

[Enkidude]

So I can assume that this knife is for mall ninjas....unless my every day cutting needs involve slashing and stabbing? :p

[ManixFan]

So I can assume that this knife is for mall ninjas....unless my every day cutting needs involve slashing and stabbing? :p

Yep, pretty much......I have one and I like it but it is purposefully designed to kill humans.....a pure weapon. Or, as demoncase pointed out .......a great letter opener. I never thought of that until he mentioned it but I think I DO finally have a legally acceptable everyday use for it now. Perhaps I can also take out my frustrations on some junk mail too.

The blade shape is attractive to me though......perhaps I was a Samurai in a past life? :rolleyes: