REVIEW: CRKT M16-13Z "Operation Enduring Freedom"

Today we want to introduce you to a knife placed in the EDC (Every Day Carry) corner. The CRKT M16-13Z is a narrow, visually elegant knife, which the American manufacturer CRKT also brings to the market as merchandise from the "War on Terrorism" campaign. The design was appropriately taken over by Kit Carson, a former Army Sergeant Major who made a name for himself as a knife designer. The result is a folding knife with locking mechanism, with a total length of 19.8 cm, blade length of 9 cm, and weight of 99g. The chosen blade steel is AUS-6M.

The blade has a Drop Point shape that is pleasing. It is sandblasted except for the logos, which is also tactically advantageous. Who wants to walk around with a mirror? The serrated edge is useful for cutting ropes or cords more quickly, as the individual teeth really dig into the material. The plain edge, which makes up about two-thirds of the total blade, is sufficient for basic tasks, small carvings, or simply cutting food.

The M16 can be opened with one hand using pins on both sides of the blade or a flipper on the back. The AUS-6M steel used in this knife is certainly not the most edge-retaining, but it is easy to sharpen.

Carson has left his mark not only in the design but also in the locking system. The CRKT LinerLock "AutoLAWKS" is already quite technical for knives. It prevents the knife from accidentally closing with two locking mechanisms. One must be activated first before the other (See images). CRKT is very proud of their own system. Is it justified? Of course, it is an additional security measure, although I have never noticed the normal lock (the LinerLock) failing.

Additionally, a part of the AutoLAWKS is situated on the upper side of the handle, which prevents heavy-duty outdoor work as it would likely damage the knife (e.g. batoning or splitting wood with the knife). The knife can be completely disassembled, which will surely please some hobbyists. This also allows for great cleaning and maintenance possibilities.

The handle is made of 100% Zytel, a high-quality plastic that is commonly used in knives nowadays. It has a color similar to oak or olive wood, not Desert Tan as shown in the pictures. Typical for CRKT are the "holes" in the handle. They will not significantly affect the weight since Zytel handles are lightweight. Those who use the knife for outdoor purposes may wonder how to clean the holes. Tip: use cold water, mild soap, and gun oil to avoid damage.

The size of the knife is well suited for EDC. It is neither a thick, heavy working tool nor an "Opinel" that you would hesitate to use for opening a can. The handles are suitable for all hand sizes. It is rather slim (similar to a Swiss Army Knife) but anatomically well shaped and long enough, even for large hands.

The belt clip on the side is practical and does not interfere with left-handed users. The clip is removable, but unfortunately cannot be mounted on the other side. A sheath is not included, but who wants to see such a knife in a Cordura case anyway?

VERDICT: A very nice knife, which is a good and high-quality alternative to many other folding knives. It is not a combat knife, as it is clearly not "heavy duty" enough. The excellent craftsmanship and a handsome, masculine design speak for themselves, making it a great cutting tool that can always be carried in your pocket. Also nice: the CRKT M16-13Z "Operation Enduring Freedom" version is very rarely seen in our region!

The CRKT M16-13Z "Operation Enduring Freedom" is available for around 45 euros.

Special thanks to Tomcat for this review.