---
product_id: 5559533
title: "M16-12Z EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Serrated Edge Blade, Tanto, Automated Liner Safety, Nylon Handle, Pocket Clip, One Size Black"
brand: "crkt"
price: "$111.85"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Crkt"
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/5559533-m16-12z-edc-folding-pocket-knife-everyday-carry-serrated-edge
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# Automated liner safety lock Lightweight glass-reinforced nylon handle 3.09" AUS 8 stainless steel tanto blade M16-12Z EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Serrated Edge Blade, Tanto, Automated Liner Safety, Nylon Handle, Pocket Clip, One Size Black

**Brand:** crkt
**Price:** $111.85
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🔪 Slice through your day with the M16-12Z — where rugged meets refined.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** M16-12Z EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Serrated Edge Blade, Tanto, Automated Liner Safety, Nylon Handle, Pocket Clip, One Size Black by crkt
- **How much does it cost?** $111.85 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/5559533-m16-12z-edc-folding-pocket-knife-everyday-carry-serrated-edge)

## Best For

- crkt enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted crkt brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **One-Handed Mastery:** Carson Flipper enables lightning-fast, glove-friendly deployment—impress colleagues with your smooth moves.
- • **Unbreakable Security:** Automated liner safety ensures your blade stays locked under pressure—no surprises, just confidence.
- • **Featherlight Durability:** Glass-reinforced nylon handle delivers military-grade toughness without weighing you down.
- • **Precision Cutting Power:** Triple Point serrated tanto blade slices fibrous materials effortlessly, engineered for everyday dominance.
- • **Built to Last a Lifetime:** Designed by Kit Carson, backed by CRKT’s limited lifetime warranty—your ultimate EDC companion for years to come.

## Overview

The CRKT M16-12Z is a premium everyday carry folding knife featuring a 3.09-inch AUS 8 stainless steel tanto blade with Triple Point serrations for superior cutting performance. Its glass-reinforced nylon handle offers lightweight durability, while the automated liner safety lock provides an extra layer of security. Designed by Kit Carson and equipped with the innovative Carson Flipper for smooth one-handed deployment, this knife balances tactical functionality with everyday practicality, making it a trusted tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

## Description

For years, Kit Carson's M16 designs have been our most popular series. And our Z version has built the largest user base of all.. These knives are built for function, not fad. And they are exceptional values. The M16-02Z and M16-12Z are tough little bulldogs, with 3.00" dual grind Tanto-style blades. They use our very successful InterFrame construction, tough, textured glass filled nylon scales over a 420J2 stainless steel liner InterFrame. We overbuild it for rigidity, using solid glass filled nylon back spacers. And we assemble the handle with superior offset Torx fasteners. The handle is exceptionally rigid and fills the hand perfectly. We use our tough AUS 8 high-carbon stainless steel for the blades to give greater everyday utility, and offer both Razor-Sharp and Combined Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point Serrated edges. All models feature the Carson Flipper, which is not only an aid to opening the blade, especially when wearing gloves, but acts as a blade guard when the blade is open. We've also included automated liner safety. Automated liner safety is the locking liner safety innovation taken to the next level. The automated liner safety sets a pin between the locking liner and the frame. This pin acts as an additional layer of safety, so the locking liner is less likely to disengage during use. To close the knife, pull the red buttoned safety lever back, slide the locking liner over, and fold the blade into the closed position. Want one of the most secure safety systems on the market? The choice is automatic. All styles have lubrous washers and a removable stainless steel clothing/gear clip. Think of the M16-Z as a Clydesdale—ready to rush a knight into battle or pull a beer wagon. Every day. Day after day. Specifications: Blade Length: 3.090" (78.49 mm) | Edge: Combination w/Triple Point™ Serrations | Steel: AUS 8 | Blade Finish: Bead Blast | Blade Thickness: 0.114" (2.9 mm) | Grind: Hollow | Closed Length: 4.235" (107.57 mm) | Open Length: 7.375" (187.33 mm) | Weight: 3.6 oz (102.06g) | Handle: Glass Reinforced Nylon | Style: Folding Knife with Locking Liner

Review: Awesome knife, awesome value - This is an awesome knife. The Columbia River Knife & Tool company makes quality products at a fair price, and they have a lot of fine tools. But the M16 series of knives is my choice for EDC, "every-day carry". I have a CRKT M16 clipped inside my front pants pocket literally any time I'm wearing clothing. I've carried these knives for about six years now. I prefer the 3.5" version for carrying on my clothes, but my wife likes the 3" as a more "ladylike" size. What makes this knife so special? Why's it so cheap if it's so good? This knife is made from stainless steel. I have horribly abused my knife and I find that occasionally, I need to take it apart and clean the gunk from under the perforated Zytel scales. It rusts a little, from sweat and from being exposed to a marine environment. The particular stainless steel they use, unlike most stainless knives, will take and hold a good sharp edge. If you're a sharpening fetishist who is constantly sharpening your knife so that you can shave with it, this isn't the knife for you. If you want a knife for dealing with all the cutting tool needs in your normal daily life, this is perfect. The best feature of all is the "Carson Flipper." It's that little nub visible on the blade-side of the knife. When the knife is closed, you can open it with one hand, by placing your index finger on the Carson Flipper, and flicking the knife open. It takes about 30 seconds of practice to perfect, and it's smooth and positive. I have had MANY people look at me funny and accuse me of having "an illegal switchblade" when they see me open my knife. . . one second the knife is closed, the next I'm holding a blade. No muss, no fuss. If you buy this knife, I recommend you obtain the correct Torx drivers needed to service the knife. I'd also recommend you use "blue" Loctite to keep the scale screws from falling out, and you'll want to Loctite and tighten down the screws that hold the belt-clip. You'll need to adjust the tension and lubrication of the main screw (you can use a dime for this) until you get it how you like it. I've bought several of these knives. I lost one (it may have "grown legs"), I "retired" one that was looking battle-worn, and I'm now on my third. I've bought these knives for friends as gifts. I even sent one to my lover who was serving in Iraq at the time. You could spend several hundred dollars on a fancy pocket knife. Don't bother; get a CKRT M16-Z and you'll have a faithful companion tool until you wear it out twenty years from now.
Review: Smooth One-Handed Deployment *and* Closing, Inexpensive, High Quality - This is a great EDC knife. I've had it for a few months now (transitioned from a Spyderco Rescue C14SBL). Greatest thing about this knife is that it deploys so quickly and with a very reassuring click. I asked a State Police officer I know if it was legal immediately after deploying it in his presence, he told me "No". I asked him why not and he explained that it was spring loaded and therefore illegal. I then let him examine the knife and he realized there is no spring involved and the blade is just very well balanced so he retracted his ruling of 'illegal'. Second best thing about the knife is that you can easily close it with one hand, which is something that was more of a challenge with the C14SBL. You need to be careful otherwise you'll find out how sharp the blade is, but with a little practice there's no problem here. The blade itself is an AUS 4 SS with a bead blast finish. It's not as elegant as the polished SS of the C14SBL, but the function is the important thing and it functions just fine, thank you very much. The action of the blade deployment is smooth and the Zytel handle with its rounded edges sits well in the hand. I did find that the screws for the clip started getting loose soon after I purchased the knife and immediately bought the correct Torx tip (T6 for the clip, T8 for the handle) and blue Loctited all the screws. This has been the only problem with the knife and it was easily resolved. The last thing I'll say about the knife is that it has what CRKT calls the "AutoLAWKS" system which means that in order to fold the blade, you must pull a small red-headed lever with your index finger, which then allows you to slide the liner lock to the left with your thumb and fold the knife closed with your index finger. I've read some reviews where people hated the system and defeated it. I like it because it provides an extra level of security against the liner lock failing (which I have had happen to me with other liner lock knives). This knife is nicely put together and should serve for many years without fail. If lost or severely damaged, it can be easily replaced for very short money. Given that some knives go for upwards of $100 and even $200 or more, it's nice to have a dependable knife that won't break the bank should it get lost. Furthermore, CRKT seems to be a company with great customer service that stands behind its products.

## Features

- Safe And Secure: Automated liner safety provides extra layer of lock security
- Cutting Power: Triple Point serrations cut fibrous materials with ease
- Strong And Lightweight: Glass-reinforced nylon handle is durable and lightweight
- Designed by Kit Carson in Vine Grove, Kentucky
- Versatile Use: Suitable for every day carry around the home or office

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0017UZ4D0 |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Best Sellers Rank | #286,264 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #1,331 in Pocket Knives & Folding Knives |
| Blade Edge | Triple Point Serrations |
| Blade Length | 3.94 Inches |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Blade Shape | Tanto Point |
| Blade Type | Tanto |
| Brand | CRKT |
| Color | Black |
| Customer Package Type | Boxed |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (470) |
| Date First Available | October 19, 2006 |
| Finish | Bead Blast |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00794023161212 |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Handle Material | Glass Reinforced Nylon |
| Included Components | CRKT M16-12Z, Pamphlet |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Length | 7.38 Inches |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Item Weight | 3.52 ounces |
| Item model number | M16-12Z |
| Manufacturer | Columbia River Knife & Tool |
| Material | AUS 8 Blade, Glass Reinforced Nylon Handle |
| Measurement System | Imperial |
| Model Name | M16-12Z |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Orientation | Right-handed |
| Part Number | M16-12Z |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Office |
| Reusability | Reusable |
| Shape | Tanto |
| Size | 3.9" |
| Special Feature | Foldable, Lightweight, Locking Blades |
| Special Features | Foldable, Lightweight, Locking Blades |
| Style | Black Blade / Nylon Handle |
| Theme | Everyday Carry/Tactical |
| UPC | 843009030957 794023161441 977175686691 794023161212 012304677604 977175686684 012302115160 |
| Usage | Inside, Outside |
| Warranty Description | Limited Lifetime Warranty |

## Product Details

- **Age Range (Description):** Adult
- **Blade Material:** Stainless Steel
- **Brand:** CRKT
- **Color:** Black
- **Handle Material:** Glass Reinforced Nylon
- **Included Components:** CRKT M16-12Z, Pamphlet
- **Model Name:** M16-12Z
- **Recommended Uses For Product:** Office
- **Special Feature:** Foldable, Lightweight, Locking Blades
- **Style:** Black Blade / Nylon Handle

## Images

![M16-12Z EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Serrated Edge Blade, Tanto, Automated Liner Safety, Nylon Handle, Pocket Clip, One Size Black - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ZVVDzVMTL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Style** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Can you confirm the blade steel type in the version of this model sent from Amazon?**
A: Yes, had it sharpened to my specs and checked out after it arrived.  I have a friend that put an edge on a knife that is so fine, it's awesome.  Once he does them for me, I can keep they where I like the edges.

**Q: Does the bead blast finish wear off the blade?  it looks more like a cerakote in the picture.  the black finishes on crkt blades are known to wear.**
A: One I bought in 2007  has about the same finish as my new one. I wore it EVERY day and it get a lot of use! Bought another when I thought I had lost it in the woods (Feb 2018). Turns out my mechanic found it under the seat of my truck :-) Now I have 2

**Q: What is overall length?**
A: The blade is a hair over 3".  While open, the whole knife is 7 5/16". Closed, the knife is 4 1/4".  I hope this helps.

**Q: Is it U.S. made?**
A: CRKT is a US company and I think it is US made but I am not sure.  Wherever it's made it's a great knife!

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome knife, awesome value
*by R***Y on October 3, 2007*

This is an awesome knife. The Columbia River Knife & Tool company makes quality products at a fair price, and they have a lot of fine tools. But the M16 series of knives is my choice for EDC, "every-day carry". I have a CRKT M16 clipped inside my front pants pocket literally any time I'm wearing clothing. I've carried these knives for about six years now. I prefer the 3.5" version for carrying on my clothes, but my wife likes the 3" as a more "ladylike" size. What makes this knife so special? Why's it so cheap if it's so good? This knife is made from stainless steel. I have horribly abused my knife and I find that occasionally, I need to take it apart and clean the gunk from under the perforated Zytel scales. It rusts a little, from sweat and from being exposed to a marine environment. The particular stainless steel they use, unlike most stainless knives, will take and hold a good sharp edge. If you're a sharpening fetishist who is constantly sharpening your knife so that you can shave with it, this isn't the knife for you. If you want a knife for dealing with all the cutting tool needs in your normal daily life, this is perfect. The best feature of all is the "Carson Flipper." It's that little nub visible on the blade-side of the knife. When the knife is closed, you can open it with one hand, by placing your index finger on the Carson Flipper, and flicking the knife open. It takes about 30 seconds of practice to perfect, and it's smooth and positive. I have had MANY people look at me funny and accuse me of having "an illegal switchblade" when they see me open my knife. . . one second the knife is closed, the next I'm holding a blade. No muss, no fuss. If you buy this knife, I recommend you obtain the correct Torx drivers needed to service the knife. I'd also recommend you use "blue" Loctite to keep the scale screws from falling out, and you'll want to Loctite and tighten down the screws that hold the belt-clip. You'll need to adjust the tension and lubrication of the main screw (you can use a dime for this) until you get it how you like it. I've bought several of these knives. I lost one (it may have "grown legs"), I "retired" one that was looking battle-worn, and I'm now on my third. I've bought these knives for friends as gifts. I even sent one to my lover who was serving in Iraq at the time. You could spend several hundred dollars on a fancy pocket knife. Don't bother; get a CKRT M16-Z and you'll have a faithful companion tool until you wear it out twenty years from now.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Smooth One-Handed Deployment *and* Closing, Inexpensive, High Quality
*by P***R on December 6, 2010*

This is a great EDC knife. I've had it for a few months now (transitioned from a Spyderco Rescue C14SBL). Greatest thing about this knife is that it deploys so quickly and with a very reassuring click. I asked a State Police officer I know if it was legal immediately after deploying it in his presence, he told me "No". I asked him why not and he explained that it was spring loaded and therefore illegal. I then let him examine the knife and he realized there is no spring involved and the blade is just very well balanced so he retracted his ruling of 'illegal'. Second best thing about the knife is that you can easily close it with one hand, which is something that was more of a challenge with the C14SBL. You need to be careful otherwise you'll find out how sharp the blade is, but with a little practice there's no problem here. The blade itself is an AUS 4 SS with a bead blast finish. It's not as elegant as the polished SS of the C14SBL, but the function is the important thing and it functions just fine, thank you very much. The action of the blade deployment is smooth and the Zytel handle with its rounded edges sits well in the hand. I did find that the screws for the clip started getting loose soon after I purchased the knife and immediately bought the correct Torx tip (T6 for the clip, T8 for the handle) and blue Loctited all the screws. This has been the only problem with the knife and it was easily resolved. The last thing I'll say about the knife is that it has what CRKT calls the "AutoLAWKS" system which means that in order to fold the blade, you must pull a small red-headed lever with your index finger, which then allows you to slide the liner lock to the left with your thumb and fold the knife closed with your index finger. I've read some reviews where people hated the system and defeated it. I like it because it provides an extra level of security against the liner lock failing (which I have had happen to me with other liner lock knives). This knife is nicely put together and should serve for many years without fail. If lost or severely damaged, it can be easily replaced for very short money. Given that some knives go for upwards of $100 and even $200 or more, it's nice to have a dependable knife that won't break the bank should it get lost. Furthermore, CRKT seems to be a company with great customer service that stands behind its products.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fire Rescue Knife
*by C***S on April 29, 2014*

I carry this knife while on duty and I throw it in my turnouts while responding to emergencies. First off, excellent knife! AUS 8 steel is perfect for what I need. Holds an edge very well and is not too difficult to sharpen. The blade is a single bevel hollow grind, perfect for utility work in my opinion. I am impressed with the cutting ability of the primary edge. The serrations are welcome as they make short work of anything that needs to be cut ASAP. This knife sails through rope! The seat belt cutter is better than the ones that are issued to my department, and it is easy to access. I have not had the opportunity to use the glass breaker, but it is solid. The grips are extremely functional and retain an excellent grip in all situations that are likely. I can easily open the knife one handed with turnout gloves on. Closing is tricky with turnout gloves, but is easy with bare hands or work gloves. Auto-Lawks is the best locking system that I have ever used for a folder. When it is in place this knife is practically a fixed blade. No wiggle or play at all. This knife is loaded for what you need and doesn't have any unnecessary crap hanging off of it. It blows the cheaper knives out of the water, and is on par with knives of higher price points. The M16-12 is perfectly sized for my needs and I barely feel it on my person, but anyone looking for a larger version would most likely be well served by the M16-14. I highly suggest this knife for anyone working in fire rescue, or anyone in general that wants a highly functional emergency knife. Pros- vehicle rescue rope cutting EDC solid blade locking high traction grip turnout knife easy opening w/gloves cons- not much hard to close with turnout gloves

## Frequently Bought Together

- CRKT M16-12Z EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Serrated Edge Blade, Tanto, Automated Liner Safety, Nylon Handle, Pocket Clip, One Size Black
- CRKT M16-01S EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Satin Blade, Frame Lock, Stainless Steel Handle, Reversible Pocket Clip
- CRKT M16-10KS EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Everyday Carry, Black Serrated Edge Blade, Tanto, Frame Lock, Stainless Steel Handle, Reversible Pocket Clip

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*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-03-20*