CRKTM21-04G EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Black Blade, Automated Liner Safety, G10 Handle, Reversible Pocket Clip

I've carried this knife as an EDC for about 2-3 weeks now, and I have to say that I absolutely love it. I've recently started collecting knives, and after quite a bit of research, I decided that the CRKT M21-02G was my best option for a first knife. I'm not regretting that decision at all.First off, out of the box, it came razor sharp. It went through paper like it was hot butter when I was using nothing more than the knife's own weight. Now, that might not be saying much either, since this knife also feels beefy. And not really a bad thing either, I love it. It feels heavier than it actually is in your hand, it gives me a greater sense of security. Almost as if every ounce of this knife is a constant reminder on how this solid piece of steel will not ever break or fail on me.Now while we're on the topic of security, let's talk about the Auto-lawks system. Keep in mind, I'm a fairly new knife guy. That's not to say that I haven't held my share of knives in my lifetime, nor is it to say that I don't know a thing or two about them either. I do know that I do not mind the Auto Lawks one bit. I know I've seen my share of people complaining about them,1) how it's completely unnecessary,2) how much of a hassle it is to disengage everytime, and3) how it's really difficult to close the blade with one hand.Now to share my opinion on each one of these complaints...1) Yes. I agree that if you use this knife like you should use any knife, then the Auto Lawks is really unnecessary as the liner lock should never fail on you under ANY normal circumstances. However. At this point in your life, however old you may be, you should have already come to the realization that things do, in fact, happen. No matter how unexpected it might be, there is still a chance that you may be presented a situation in which your almighty liner lock WOULD fail. It would be unexpected and unintentional, but that's why it's called an accident.With that said; I, for one, welcome the idea of the Auto Lawks. It grants you that extra peace of mind that you can have your blade secured in the open position, and NOT have any possibility of it ever closing on you. This is a fixed blade knife... That folds. What's not to love about it?2) Considering the safety advantages I had just pointed out in the previous complaint, I would say that the Auto Lawks is NOT a hassle at all. It literally adds just a micro second for you to close your blade, as opposed to just closing it using the liner lock. Literally. ONE extra step that takes a micro second should NOT make any difference to you. The only reason I can imagine that speed should be a factor is if you're ever put in a life threatening situation and it would be more tactical to open your blade faster... Notice how it would only work for opening it..? This knife opens just as quick as any non-assisted folding knives, probably even faster than most (seriously, this thing is butter smooth). If you're having to close the blade already, however, I just do not see how you can be in that much of a hurry to do so.3) No. This knife really does not require two hands to operate. You must have really poor dexterity to not be able to close it with one hand. I mean, I understand if you've owned and used dozens of regular liner lock knives before, so you're just so used to the motion of not having to deal with an Auto Lawks... But c'mon, be honest. It took me maybe an hour max to get used to having to deal with the Auto Lawks with one hand.. It is do-able.Also, a very huge plus for me is the blade shape. The spear point with a slight recurve and belly just looks so amazingly cool to me. It makes it look bigger and beefier than it actually is. Not to mention the belly also gives you more cutting edge to work with.Now that we've pretty much covered the reasons why I think this knife is awesome... Let's get to the main reason why I rated this product 1 star less than it should be:First off, the biggest and main reason I took a star off is the blade centering on this thing when it's closed. Now when it's open, this thing is as sturdy as a fixed blade. Absolutely ZERO blade play. Side to side, or up and down, this blade does not give way at all... BUT, when it's closed I got really disappointed to find out that the blade leans to the side due to the strength of the liner pushing it there. Now normally I wouldn't really mind if it's not centered... I'm really not one of those collectors that need their blades completely centered so they look pretty and uniformed...HOWEVER, the liner is pushing the blade to the side so much so that it actually left a tiny nick on the bottom left side of the logo on the blade. The liner actually has the blade making contact with the inside of the handle right where the grind starts, and after two weeks, it left a noticeable nick on the black titanium nitride finish. Now it's TINY, and it really shouldn't matter too much because it's not even noticeable until I point it out. However, I am quite a perfectionist, especially when it comes to things I collect. So every tiny unnecessary blemish on my items just come as a huge disappointment for me.Also, while I'm criticizing the strength of the liner, I might add that it did take some getting used to as well. The scales only have a small indentation to grant access to the liner, which made it difficult to completely push aside at first. All I have to say is that if you do not have a callus on the tip of your thumb right now, expect it if you're going to use this knife as an EDC.All in all, the beefy liner is the only thing that took a star off this otherwise perfect product. I would still highly recommend this to any of my friends and family. And if I lose this one, I might even still pick up two to replace it. Just in case.UPDATE: After a couple weeks, I actually got used to the liner lock already and it's to the point where it's not even an issue. I love this completely now.

Yeah, I know you think I'm crazy for calling it a EDC Knife if you've ever actually seen it, but I ordered it knowing it would be big with the intention to use it as EDC anyways. I am a somewhat big person at 6', but its due mostly to my hands. They're huge in comparison to most at a size 10 pinky ring and 16 for middle and ring fingers. As you can see, a large knife is for me! =] Well, I ordered this knife and it got to my doorstep in two days here in the Greater L.A. area and boy was I surprised. This truly is a big mans knife. Most would use it for a pack knife while camping, but not me. I've had this knife for almost a whole year now and it is a super knife. Out of the box, I WAS able to shave my arm hairs with it, but that didn't last long! I used it the next day in my stage production class and found myself cutting rope, carving luan plywood, and even digging with this beast. At $36 bucks, I wasn't afraid to kill this knife within a week, given, it did the job, but alas, it is still kicking a whole 10 months of that hell later! A little sharpening here and there and it will never disappoint. The blade is a mid-high carbon content stainless steal, so if (or in my case, when) the initial coating of protective stuff goes, it will get a little discolored in high humidity and even rust under prolonged exposure. (nothing a rice stone cannot handle.) I am only writing this now because every time I check the price it has been well over the $[..]I paid for it, and now its not! I need to get a spare because all my work mates want to steal it!. It is quite the conversation piece as it lacks the subtlety of a cheap 3'' knife while packing a lot more class. Anyone who has had any authority over me has challenged its street legality, but here's a lil proquo. In CA, there is NO length limit as long as it is not a gravity, switchblade or balisong knife. LA city has a loosely enforced length limit of 3'', but anyone with a reason to carry it need not worry. its basically a anti-hoodlum knife law. workers and professionals heed none of that flac. what the highest rated comment said about this knife needing some modding may be true for most, and, although i loooooove the auto-lawks, WILL need a little sanding on the release liner. The serrations on the liner didn't make me bleed, but through constant use for the first week, I did get a light callous on my right thumb. The whole knife is still as solid and almost as stiff as the day I bought it too. No wobbles at all. I abuse the living hell out of this knife, battoning wood included, and I've never had to tighten a single screw except the clip screws every once in a while. This knife is as good as any fixed blade I've used, including ka-bar bk series knives! I keep this within reach at all times from protection to safety to whittling and then some. In my eyes, a knife of this caliber is a tool and, although it would make a terrifying weapon, should be considered nothing more than a tool in responsible hands. I carried this knife for the last 5 months of my high school career before I graduated without any heat. This very knife may very well have saved my life too. One night on the freeway, I was in a 60-0mph rear-ender style crash and I was able to leave the car after the seat belt broke and locked up to tight for the release to work beause this knife was in my pocket when I needed it. I just ran the blade under the belt and poped it off. My car was rear ended not moments later just as I exited the car. Did I mention I love this knife?!? Thank you CRKT!P.S. for the holidays: Any blue collar worker would use this knife like a wonder omni-tool in a heart beat, so if you know anyone that you love and cherish, give the gift that keeps on cutting and prying and slashing and chopping. They will never stop thanking you. Though I might suggest the smaller 3'' version to those with smaller hands. Best of luck to all and happy holidays!edit as of Friday August 19th 2011: I am back again to buy yet another one of these knives, as i finally lost the last one i had. (i actually cried, as it was the one that very nearly saved my life and had become part of me.) times are hard right now as i am between jobs, but this knife is so affordable, that i bought me a new one anyways. thank you again CRKT for having such great service and products.Update 5-18-2016: So I am ordering this knife again, but luckily, it's because I am gifting it. My brother had purchased the M21-14G and though almost identical, he found that those veff serrations weren't to his liking. So now, I'm going to buy him one of these for his upcoming birthday. SHHHH DONT TELL HIM! In other news, my knife is still doing great. It looks like garbage because it has been an EDC knife for five years, and you cannot even read the model or maker info on the side of the blade due to wear, but it still has a good temper and I can still home it to a fine edge. I'd say the ~$36 I paid years ago has more than been made up for. I love this knife, and even after I retire it, I'll keep it sharp and well oiled for old times sake. And when I do retire it, I'll just be getting another one of these.