For the previous few years, the Benchmade Bugout has been the top-selling EDC (on a regular basis carry) folding knife. But I’ve a love-hate relationship with the Bugout. The usual model does wonderful for gentle to medium obligation, however doesn’t maintain as much as the calls for that almost all of us placed on our knives.
However its continued success can’t be ignored. Different manufacturers have launched visually and functionally comparable knives with their very own spin on it. CRKT’s Counterpart is the newest, and it comes from esteemed knifemaker Ken Onion. And since it prices below $100, my curiosity was distinctly piqued.
What sacrifices did CRKT make to hit that value? Will the common consumer even discover? This knife proved numerous enjoyable to check out and, within the course of, raised my respect for the Bugout as properly.
Briefly: The CRKT Counterpart is a well-balanced, light-weight EDC folding knife with numerous character. It presents one thing for the particular person on the lookout for an all-around activity knife. I most likely wouldn’t advocate it to somebody trying to abuse it on a building web site, however it would really feel proper at dwelling in a workshop or on the path. For $75, the Counterpart supplies an identical expertise to knives greater than twice its price.
-
OAL:
7.75" -
Blade size:
3.38" -
Blade metal:
12C27 -
Blade form:
Drop level -
Grind:
Flat -
Hardness:
57-59 -
Lock kind:
Crossbar lock -
Opening kind:
Crossbar lock -
Carry:
Left or proper hand, tip-up -
Weight:
2.10 oz. -
Worth:
$75
Professionals
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Crossbar lock solely opening methodology
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Measurement-to-weight ratio
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Hand really feel
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12C27 punches above its weight
Cons
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Deal with flex
CRKT Counterpart Knife Evaluation
Design & Options
The CRKT Counterpart is a light-weight utility knife designed for on a regular basis carry and use. It has extra-grippy, glass-reinforced nylon handles with metal liners across the ball-bearing pivot to counteract stress and pressure. Nevertheless, with the intention to hold it light-weight, CRKT selected to not go along with full metal liners, so anticipate some flexibility within the deal with itself.
The blade makes use of 12C27, an inexpensive Swedish stainless-steel that’s been field-tested and held in excessive regard. Generally present in Morakniv knives, it’s recognized for being powerful and corrosion-resistant. The trade-off is that it doesn’t maintain an edge in addition to a metal like S30V, however it’s straightforward to sharpen.
An attention-grabbing function concerning the Counterpart is that there’s no thumb stud, thumb gap, nail nick, or flipper for opening. That signifies that you’ll want to make use of the crossbar lock to flip out the blade, and I’m right here for it! I generally use the crossbar lock to flip open my knives. By not together with a thumb stud, which might be the plain selection for a gap mechanism right here, the Counterpart is streamlined and environment friendly.
With an general size of seven.75 inches and weighing in at 2.1 ounces, the Counterpart is a balanced knife that may match proper in with people on the lookout for an EDC, backpacking, or all-around utility blade.
First Impression
It’s arduous to disregard how comparable the Counterpart is to a Bugout. They’re almost the identical measurement and form, and the textured nylon handles are a visible cue that’s arduous to disregard. The place 12C27 is an admirable stainless-steel, the S30V discovered on widespread fashions of the Bugout is a powdered metal, which suggests it has fewer impurities and can carry out higher general.
However will the common consumer be capable to inform the distinction in day-to-day use? I’m not so certain. These inexpensive steels have gained market share, and I’m not listening to any complaints about them. The truth is, if something, folks, myself included, are impressed with how steels like 12C27 and 14C28N carry out, particularly given their value.
That stated, I actually benefit from the Counterpart from a look-and-feel perspective. I don’t like the pliability within the deal with, however figuring out it’s there units the tone for this knife’s capabilities. I can inform you that the blade is sharp as hell, and the 90-degree backbone will make it nice for each meals and hearth prep.
Moreover, I’m completely smitten with the truth that there’s no thumb stud or gap. It makes the Counterpart glossy and quick. The motion out of the field on this knife is easy. That is little doubt amplified by the ball bearing pivot. With fidget components baked into knives today, those that take pleasure in a superb fidget will benefit from the heck out of this knife.
The Bailout Variant
Benchmade’s different buzzworthy knife is the Bailout. It’s a extra tactical and sturdy model of the Bugout that has a Tanto-style blade.
Effectively, the Counterpart has a model that chases that tail as properly. It’s the fourth variant, which comes with a D2, tanto blade. This model additionally has a thumb stud. If my concept concerning the Counterpart wanting just like the Bugout didn’t persuade you, this could.
I’m not complaining or pointing fingers. There are a handful of knives on the market which have a strikingly comparable look — even the shockingly priced $10 Ozark Path folder that swept up the knife group in 2024.
Within the Discipline
Two issues stand out from my time utilizing the Counterpart — first, its sharpness. It is a widespread trait of 12C27; nonetheless, as somebody who has examined all the favored knife steels on the market, that is uncanny. And it didn’t boring rapidly or lose that manufacturing unit edge.
Secondly, it’s how clear and simple it’s to drag again the crossbar lock. If there’s one adverse that’s been a continuing in crossbar lock knives, it’s that they both stick or the spring is just too sturdy. This makes it a problem to open and shut these knives. Out of the field, and all through testing, I haven’t had any points with the crossbar lock on this knife.
Total, the Counterpart is an on a regular basis taskmaster. It’s gentle and slim and rides round in your pocket, hardly seen. When it’s time to go to work, it deploys with ease and doesn’t wrestle in shaving down tinder, making a spark with a ferro rod, slicing up meats and veggies, or breaking down containers.
Having fun with a slight knife like this within the lifeless of winter, when large and hulking knives are usually a greater match, was a pleasant shock.
Conclusion: Who’s It For?
Total, the Counterpart is a good knife at an amazing value. For below $100, it’s able to resisting corrosion and sustaining its edge for traditional, day-to-day duties. It’s additionally light-weight and sized proper, and has an unimaginable opening and shutting motion. Briefly, it’s high-functioning from each path.
The Counterpart is right for the DIY fanatic who finds themselves juggling a mess of duties. It will additionally slot in properly for mountaineering, backpacking, and wandering round within the outdoor. However remember, this isn’t a hard-use knife. When you begin placing lateral strain on it, the deal with will flex. That is widespread in trendy folding knives that are available in below 3 ounces.
So don’t exit and drill holes with it. Use it to mark lower traces in pine for that hen feeder you needed to make, or to open packages of dehydrated camp meals.
