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The CRKT M16 has been around for decades, but “M16” isn’t one knife anymore. CRKT’s M16 page lists more than 30 versions, with different sizes, steels, locks, and handles. And model numbers like M16-14DSFG don’t explain themselves.
Quick honesty note: I haven’t carried an M16 myself. This is a researched buying guide. I pulled specs from CRKT’s product pages and checked prices at CRKT, KnifeCenter, Blade HQ, and Amazon in October 2026. When I mention what owners say, it comes from retailer reviews I actually read, not from my own use.
The Short Version
- Best budget pick: M16-10KZ or M16-01KZ. They weigh 2.3 oz and run about $45.
- Best mid-size: M16-03KS. It has a 3.55″ 12C27 blade for $49.99 at KnifeCenter.
- Best for rescue or vehicle kits: M16-14ZLEK.
- Lefties: Look at the Crossbar Lock (“X”) models.
How to Read M16 Model Numbers
I couldn’t find an official decoder, but CRKT’s lineup follows a pattern:
- Number = size. The -01 and -10 models are about 4″ closed, the -03 and -13 about 4.65″, and the -04 and -14 “Big Dog” models 5.3–5.5″. The -01 and -03 are spear points, and the -10, -04 and -14 are tantos.
- Letters = build. “Z” means a glass-reinforced nylon (GRN, or Zytel) handle. “KS” and “S” mean a stainless frame lock. “X” means Crossbar Lock, “DB” means Deadbolt with assisted opening, and “SF/SFG” means Special Forces (dual flipper).
Most M16s are manual flippers. The Carson Flipper is a tab you push to open the blade, and it becomes a finger guard once the blade is open.
What Is AutoLAWKS / “Automated Liner Safety”?
Many liner-lock M16s have a lever with a red button that drops a pin behind the locking liner when the blade opens. CRKT now calls it the Automated Liner Safety, though many retailers still say AutoLAWKS. To close the knife, you pull the lever back, push the liner over, and fold the blade.
This is the biggest love-it-or-hate-it feature. Among the M16-10KZ’s 1,400+ Amazon ratings, some owners like the security, and others find one-handed closing awkward. The frame-lock and Crossbar models don’t use it.
CRKT M16 Comparison Table
| Model | Blade | Steel | Lock | Handle | Weight | Closed | Price checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M16-01KZ | 3.13″ spear, plain | 8Cr13MoV | Liner + auto safety | GRN | 2.3 oz | 4.00″ | $45.99 (KC) |
| M16-10KZ | 3.00″ tanto, serrated | 1.4116* | Liner + auto safety | GRN | 2.3 oz | 4.00″ | $44.95–$45.99 |
| M16-01S | 3.06″ spear, plain | 8Cr14MoV | Frame lock | Stainless | 2.8 oz | 4.00″ | $46.95 (BHQ) |
| M16-10KSF | 2.94″ tanto, serrated | 8Cr14MoV | Frame lock | Stainless | 2.7 oz | 4.00″ | $42.99 (CRKT sale) |
| M16-10DZ | 3.03″ tanto, Veff serr. | D2 | Liner + auto safety | GRN | 2.5 oz | 4.01″ | $58.99 (KC) |
| M16-10XK | 3.03″ tanto, Veff serr. | 8Cr14MoV | Crossbar | GRN | 2.1 oz | 4.01″ | $39.99 (KC) |
| M16-03KS | 3.55″ spear, plain | 12C27 | Frame lock | Stainless | 3.8 oz | 4.66″ | $49.99 (KC) |
| M16-03XK | 3.57″ spear, plain | D2 | Crossbar | Grivory | 2.9 oz | 4.65″ | $79.95–$79.99 |
| M16-04KS | 3.87″ tanto, plain | 12C27 | Frame lock | Stainless | 6.2 oz | 5.34″ | $39.99 (CRKT sale) |
| M16-14ZLEK | 3.75″ tanto, serrated | AUS 8 | Liner + auto safety | GRN | 6.2 oz | 5.50″ | $76.99 (CRKT/Amazon) |
| M16-03DB | 3.58″ spear, plain | D2 | Deadbolt, assisted | Aluminum | 4.0 oz | 4.65″ | $110 (CRKT) |
Specs are from CRKT’s product pages. Prices were checked October 9, 2026 (KC = KnifeCenter, BHQ = Blade HQ) and change often, so confirm before you buy. *CRKT lists 1.4116 steel for the M16-10KZ, but some retailer listings still say 8Cr13MoV or 8Cr15MoV, so the steel may vary by production run.
The Small M16s (About 4″ Closed)
M16-01KZ and M16-10KZ: The Classic Budget Pair
These are the M16s most people picture: nylon handles, black blades, and 2.3 oz. The 01KZ is a plain spear point, and the 10KZ is a serrated tanto.
- Prices: 01KZ is $50 at CRKT, $45.99 at KnifeCenter, and $50.95 at Blade HQ. The 10KZ is $45.99 at CRKT (on sale from $51), $44.99 at KnifeCenter, $44.95 at Blade HQ, and $45.94 on Amazon (third-party seller, shipped by Amazon).
- What owners report: Light, sharp, and good value. The complaints are the closing routine, the handle feeling small for big hands, and clip screws working loose.
Links: https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CRM1601KZ/columbia-river-m16-01kz-carson-flipper-plain-blade-black-grn-handles · https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CRM1610KZ/columbia-river-m16-10kz-carson-flipper-black-tanto-combo-blade-black-gfn-handles · https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017UV9W0?tag=sharpcarry-20 | M16-01KZ: Check price on Amazon
M16-01S and M16-10KSF: Small, All-Steel Frame Locks
Same size, but with a stainless handle and a frame lock instead of the safety lever. They’re slightly heavier and simpler to close.
- Prices: The 01S is $50 at CRKT and $46.95 at Blade HQ. The 10KSF is $42.99 at CRKT (on sale from $51) and $47.95 at Blade HQ.
Links: https://www.crkt.com/knife/m16-01-spear-point-folding-knife-with-liner-lock?sku=M16-01S · https://www.crkt.com/knife/m16-10-tanto-folding-knife-with-frame-lock?sku=M16-10KSF | M16-01S: Check price on Amazon | M16-10KSF: Check price on Amazon
M16-10DZ (and M16-01DZ): The D2 Upgrade
These are desert tan, with D2 steel and an IKBS ball-bearing pivot. The 10DZ has Veff serrations (wide, angled teeth for rope and webbing), and the 01DZ has a plain edge.
- Prices: The 10DZ is $66 at CRKT and $58.99 at KnifeCenter. The 01DZ is $60 at CRKT and $53.99 at KnifeCenter.
Link: https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CRM1610DZ/columbia-river-crkt-m16-10dz-carson-edc-flipper-knife-d2-desert-tan-tanto-combo-blade-with-veff-serrations-desert-tan-glass-reinforced-nylon-grn-handles | Check price on Amazon
M16-10XK: The Lightest Option, and Lefty-Friendly
At 2.1 oz, it’s the lightest M16 here. The Crossbar Lock works the same from either side, and the clip swaps sides. One KnifeCenter reviewer notes it has no flipper.
- Prices: $48 at CRKT and $39.99 at KnifeCenter.
The Mid-Size M16s
M16-03KS: The Sweet Spot
On paper, this is the one I’d point most people toward. It has a 3.55″ Sandvik 12C27 blade (easy to sharpen and stain-resistant), a frame lock, and weighs 3.8 oz.
- Prices: $58 at CRKT, $49.99 at KnifeCenter, and $54.95 at Blade HQ.
Link: https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CRM1603KS/columbia-river-m16-03ks-carson-frame-lock-flipper-folding-knife-12c27-black-spear-point-blade-black-stainless-steel-handles | Check price on Amazon
M16-03XK: Crossbar Lock and D2 in a Light Package
It has the same blade size, plus D2 steel and a Grivory handle, at 2.9 oz. It’s the pick for ambidextrous closing and longer edge retention.
Link: Check price on Amazon
- Prices: $90 at CRKT, $79.99 at KnifeCenter, and $79.95 at Blade HQ.
M16-03DB: The Assisted Option
The Deadbolt models are the only assisted openers in the lineup. This one has an aluminum handle and D2 steel.
Link: Check price on Amazon
- Prices: $110 at CRKT, $119.95 at Blade HQ, and $129.99 at KnifeCenter.
The “Big Dog” M16s
M16-14ZLEK: Rescue Features
This model has a 3.75″ AUS 8 tanto with serrations, a seat belt cutter built into the flipper, a carbide glass breaker on the butt, and a four-position clip. CRKT notes it isn’t designed for tip-up pocket carry.
- Prices: $76.99 at CRKT (on sale from $90), $76.99 on Amazon (sold by CRKT), $79.99 at KnifeCenter, and $90.95 at Blade HQ.
- What owners report: 4.8/5 from 987 Amazon ratings. Owners praise how solid it feels and the seat belt cutter. The complaints are the 6.2 oz weight, the pointy glass breaker snagging pockets, and clip screws stripping.
Links: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01188WZ7S?tag=sharpcarry-20 · https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CRM1614ZLEK/columbia-river-m16-14zlek-carson-rescue-flipper-black-combo-tanto-blade-black-zytel-handles
M16-04KS and the Special Forces Models
The 04KS is a 3.87″ 12C27 tanto with a frame lock, weighing 6.2 oz. CRKT had it on sale for $39.99 (normally $73), well below KnifeCenter ($65.99) and Blade HQ ($69.95).
Link: Check price on Amazon
The 14DSFG Special Forces model adds G10 handles and a dual flipper, and weighs 6.5 oz. It was $85.99 on sale at CRKT and $94.99 at KnifeCenter.
Pros and Cons of the M16 Family
Pros
– A size, steel, and lock for nearly every budget
– Flipper doubles as a finger guard
– Nylon models are very light
– Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
– Auto safety makes closing fiddly for many owners
– Budget steels need frequent sharpening
– Serrations are harder to sharpen
– Big Dog models are heavy
– Recurring clip screw complaints
Who Each Version Suits
- First knife or “don’t care if I lose it”: M16-01KZ (plain) or M16-10KZ (serrated)
- Want simple and all-steel: M16-01S or M16-10KSF
- Want better edge retention: M16-10DZ, M16-01DZ, or M16-03XK (D2)
- Left-handed or want ambidextrous: M16-10XK or M16-03XK
- Want one do-it-all size: M16-03KS
- Vehicle, rescue, or work belt: M16-14ZLEK
- Want assisted opening: M16-03DB
Alternatives Worth Considering
- Ontario RAT II (~$38): 3″ AUS-8 blade, 2.7 oz, and a simple liner lock. It was $37.95 at KnifeCenter, and it’s on my best budget EDC knives under $50 list. https://www.knifecenter.com/item/ON8860/ontario-rat-model-2-folding-knife-3-inch-satin-plain-blade-black-nylon-handles
- CRKT Pilar (~$40): If you like CRKT but want something short and stout, see my CRKT Pilar review.
- Kershaw Oso Sweet (~$25 on special): An assisted flipper. It was $24.99 on special at KnifeCenter, likely a temporary price. https://www.knifecenter.com/item/KS1830/kershaw-1830-oso-sweet-assisted-flipper-knife-satin-plain-blade-black-gfn-handles
Care Tips for Your M16
- Keep the pivot clean and lightly oiled. Blow lint out of the open-backed handles.
- Check the clip screws. A drop of blue (removable) thread locker helps.
- Sharpen serrations with a tapered ceramic rod, one scallop at a time.
- Wipe D2 blades dry. D2 is only semi-stainless.
- Go easy on oil near the safety lever, since extra oil collects grit.
For step-by-step help, see my knife sharpening and care guide.
Bottom Line
On paper, the M16 family covers almost every buyer. I’d start with the M16-03KS for an everyday size or the M16-10KZ / 01KZ for light and cheap. The auto safety takes practice, and if that sounds annoying, the frame-lock and Crossbar versions skip it.
Prices and specs checked October 9, 2026 from CRKT (https://www.crkt.com/knives/m-16), KnifeCenter, Blade HQ (https://www.bladehq.com/cat–CRKT-M16–654), and Amazon. Prices change often, so double-check before you buy.
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