Featured Knife: CRKT Kit Carson M16-14ZLEK

The M16 line of Kit Carson knives manufactured by Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) continues to grow in popularity. The latest from this partnership is the M16-14ZLEK, a blade that some are calling the best tactical knife in the M16 family.

Here’s the rundown on one of the hottest CRKT knives on the market:

Columbia River Knife and Tool produced Kit Carson‘s popular M16® line in many variations over the past decade. Our glass filled nylon version has built the largest user base of all. These knives are built for function, not fad, and they are exceptional values.

Our new M16 ZLEK line uses our very successful InterFrame construction, with tough, textured glass filled nylon scales over a 420J2 stainless steel liner InterFrame and solid glass filled nylon back spacers. We assemble the handle with superior offset Torx® fasteners.

For professional use, we’ve added a seat belt cutter to the Carson Flipper, and a tungsten carbide window breaker at the butt. Automobile side windows shatter with one quick whack from the butt of the knife.

All components receive a tough tactical black coating. The Flipper can be pressed for fast one-hand opening, and creates a blade guard when open. We use our premium AUS 8 high-carbon stainless steel for the blades, which have Combined Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point™ Serrated edges to easily cut rope, cord, canvas, and vegetation.

All three models are fitted with our exclusive patented* AutoLAWKS™ safety, which automatically makes them into virtual fixed blades when the blade is opened and locked.

M16®-14ZLEK. The “Big Dog” M16 is a hefty 6.2-ounce knife with a 3.75″- long Tanto blade that is able to tackle virtually any emergency task. This larger model features a four-position clip, allowing carry on belts or webbing— tip up, tip down, left or right. Please note: These knives are not designed for tip-up in pocket carry.

Full professional features. Non-reflective black finish. Exceptional affordability. Kit Carson rides again. This is without a doubt the best tactical knife in the line of CRKT knives to hit the market in a long time.

Click here to order a Kit Carson M16-14ZLEK CRKT.com.

CRKT Kit Carson M16-14ZLEK Specs

Open Overall Length – 9.25 inches
Closed Length – 5.5 inches
Weight – 6.2 ounces

Blade
Length – 3.75 inches
Thickness – 0.138 inches
Material – AUS 8
Blade-HRC – 58-59
Finish – Black Ti-Nitride
Grind – Hollow
Style – Tanto
Edge – Combo

Handle
Material – Glass Filled Nylon
Liner – 420J2

Lock
Type – Locking Liner

Carry
Carry System – 4 Position Clip

Features
Flipper – Yes
Glass Breaker – Yes
Belt Cutter – Yes
Patent    U.S. Patent Nos 5,596,808 and 7,437,822

Click here to order a Kit Carson M16-14ZLEK CRKT.com.

Customer Review

“Purchased this knife as a primary duty knife. I work patrol and SRT. I was looking for a knife that had glass breaking capabilities. After carrying this knife for a few weeks now, I am happy to review and state that this is one of the best ‘work’ knife I’ve ever owned.

“Previous blades I have used include Gerber, Benchmade, and MOD. This knife performs as well as ones I own that cost three times as much. I have used the glass breaker on two occasions with success.

“I have not used the seatbelt cutter, although I did have a situation where I could have. I did not think about the integrated cutter, instead, I just flipped the knife open and slashed the seatbelt. Oh well, maybe next time I highly recommend this knife to anyone in emergency services, fire, or police work.”

~ Sid from Arkansas (CRKT.com customer review)

Click here to order a Kit Carson M16-14ZLEK CRKT.com.

About Kit Carson

Kit Carson, of Kentucky, has made knives for 30 years. He became a full-time knifemaker in 1993. Since then, he’s earned the respect and admiration of the knife world. He was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame© in 2012.

Carson said of his entry into knives, “It was during my last 10 years in the Army that knifemaking became extremely interesting and a challenging hobby. Those were extremely rough years, long hours as both a soldier and knifemaker while always trying to ensure that our kids had a sandwich and a lunchbox.

“I was working in small sheds, basements and garages, or wherever I could find space in government housing, apartments and houses, to grind a blade shape or handle, or try to figure out how a locking mechanism worked.”