I was at the sporting goods store looking at the knives as my inner knife geek always wants to do. I laid eyes on the CRKT Hootenanny and the Gusset. The Gusset looked like a smaller version of the ZT knife I got almost a year ago. But the Hootenanny had this flare that really connected with me.
In my experience, CRKT produces some of the best knives for the money. I got this knife for $45 at my big box store. The steel that CRKT uses on their knives is nothing to sneeze at. The 8CR13MOV stainless steel has a strength and resiliency that matches and may even exceed the performance of AUS8A. Not to mention that they build their knives with solid frames much like those seen on Zero Tolerance knives.
The liner lock used on this knife is much like the 0801T1 Zero Tolerance knife I own, which is a very attractive feature, not to mention that the blade pivots on a bearing system like the $200+ 1801T1 knife.
This knife was designed by Ken Onion to be good for fish and bird processing, so it has considerable jimping for getting a secure and steady hold on the knife, despite blood and slimy goo from the slippery fish. Many people love knives that have considerable jimping, but its usefulness is based on the tasks you are using the blade for. For me, the jimping on the back of the blade will see little to no usage being that I rarely find it necessary.
The grip/handle of the knife gives off a fish scale look that looks like a carbon fiber weave at a distance. However, this sexy look is merely a glass filled nylon that was formed with a light texture made of tiny half circles. This is a really cool feature that adds flare to the knife while also giving good integrity without the added price. Personally, the texture is more aesthetic than functional. But perhaps it is better than a smooth surface. I suppose the jimping makes up for the light texture of these panels.
The nub you use to deploy the knife is almost the perfect size for the job. The unfortunate thing about my knife is that the bearings don't seem to be as smooth as they could be. Without a generous flick on the nub, you may need a whip of the wrist to complete deployment. I am going to have to carefully open the knife up and lube the ball bearings with SLIP2000 grease.
The pocket clip on the Hootenanny is pretty nice. it is long and has a good rigidity to it. The start of it is lifted pretty well, and the pointed tip makes it somewhat sharp and annoying if you catch your hand on it. I just wish it was more rounded off to prevent this.
I am looking forward to using and testing this knife. I just hope that the blade stands up to the stress I will be putting it under throughout the winter. I am going to need it for processing and cutting cardboard, paper, and pieces of wood for burning in my wood stove to heat my house. The steel and the shape of the blade should make this just right for the task of helping keep my house warm. After a couple months, I am sure I will have a good idea about whether this knife is a high value knife, or it this $45 was a bust investment.
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