They make a few good models. The M16 and M21 series are known for their use in the field, and they've started collaborations with folks like McGinnis and Onion which is a cool thing. But they have gotten more expensive over the years and yet still rarely use decent steels (the Sandvik steels, AUS8, and the chinese mystery steels they use are not exactly known for long edge-retention) and I find that I spend a lot more time sharpening/maintaining the edge than other knives with decent steel (when I use them in any serious capacity).
I also dislike their new Auto-LAWKS system that automatically makes the knife a pain in the ass to close (look for an older M16/M21 if you want one without the Auto-LAWKS). I also wouldn't get one of the M16 models with two carson flippers - I owned one (and they look cool), but they will tear a hole in just about any pocket - CRKT makes the edges of their jimped flippers sharper than they do their serrations
For the money, there are a few better options out there. I just picked up a factory-blem'd Kershaw Junkyard Dog II from Kershawguy over on bladeforums.com for $55. Its a huge knife (flipper model with G10 scales and has a composite blade with a D2 Tool steel edge and is a real beater (I've got a blem'd Kershaw Rake with the same composite edge on it from the same guy that has been outstanding as well, but is assisted-opening if you're into it).
Spyderco makes several options in the under $60 range, but most are smaller thin-blade slicers or use lesser steels to get the price down (their value line or Byrd series are good knives that compare to CRKT knives). It all depends on what you're looking for.
Seeing as how the two you mentioned were fixed-blades, I'd look seriously at ESEE or Becker - they're known for their toughness and value/budget and use steels like 1095 and generally put out great fixed-blade knives (CRKT is much more known for folders than for fixed-blades).
I've owned a Gerber LMF-II, a KaBar USMC, a CRKT fixed-blade (smaller NECK knife) and a few other fixed-blade knives that weren't ESEEs/Beckers and I always end up going back to ESEE or Becker (for the price, you really can't beat them).
I also dislike their new Auto-LAWKS system that automatically makes the knife a pain in the ass to close (look for an older M16/M21 if you want one without the Auto-LAWKS). I also wouldn't get one of the M16 models with two carson flippers - I owned one (and they look cool), but they will tear a hole in just about any pocket - CRKT makes the edges of their jimped flippers sharper than they do their serrations
For the money, there are a few better options out there. I just picked up a factory-blem'd Kershaw Junkyard Dog II from Kershawguy over on bladeforums.com for $55. Its a huge knife (flipper model with G10 scales and has a composite blade with a D2 Tool steel edge and is a real beater (I've got a blem'd Kershaw Rake with the same composite edge on it from the same guy that has been outstanding as well, but is assisted-opening if you're into it).
Spyderco makes several options in the under $60 range, but most are smaller thin-blade slicers or use lesser steels to get the price down (their value line or Byrd series are good knives that compare to CRKT knives). It all depends on what you're looking for.
Seeing as how the two you mentioned were fixed-blades, I'd look seriously at ESEE or Becker - they're known for their toughness and value/budget and use steels like 1095 and generally put out great fixed-blade knives (CRKT is much more known for folders than for fixed-blades).
I've owned a Gerber LMF-II, a KaBar USMC, a CRKT fixed-blade (smaller NECK knife) and a few other fixed-blade knives that weren't ESEEs/Beckers and I always end up going back to ESEE or Becker (for the price, you really can't beat them).
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