The design of the CRKT M40 is based on a lesser known custom folder made by Kit Carson and discovered in a private collection. Although it has a look that’s less tactical and slightly more gentlemanly, it keeps the stylistic approach of the M16 and the M21. However, it’s improved by CRKT’s new technology and is available in three different sizes with slightly different profiles.

All three knives in the CRKT M40 series feature a 1.4116 stainless steel blade with a bead blast finish and a blade thickness of 0.135” except the M40-13 which has a blade thickness of 0.163”. With an IKBS ball bearing pivot system, the flipper or thumb stud opening is fast and easy on these knives.

CRKT’s Deadbolt locking mechanism is almost unsurpassed in terms of a secure lock up. Each knife has glass-reinforced nylon (GRN) handle scales in a basket weave pattern with an aluminum bolster. The handles almost have the look of carbon fiber like you would see on a high-end custom folder. Finally, each knife in this series has an ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip.

CRKT M40-02

With a blade length of about 3”, the tanto tip M40-02 is the smallest and most pocket-friendly of the series. It has a closed length of just under 4” and weighs about 3.3 ounces.

CRKT M40-02 Details

1.4116, Bead Blast Finish

2.94” Tanto Tip

0.135” Blade Thickness

Flipper or Ambidextrous Thumb Studs

IKBS Ball Bearing Pivot

Deadbolt Lock

GRN Handle Scales with Aluminum Bolster

Ambidextrous Tip-Up Pocket Clip

3.3 Ounces

3.95” Closed

6.88” Overall

CRKT M40-03

The CRKT M40-03 is the medium-sized knife in this series. It features a 3.45” plain edged spear point with a bead blast finish. It’s 4.60” closed and weighs about 4.2 ounces.

CRKT M40-03 Details

1.4116, Bead Blast Finish

3.45” Spear Point

0.135” Blade Thickness

Flipper or Ambidextrous Thumb Studs

IKBS Ball Bearing Pivot

Deadbolt Lock

GRN Handle Scales with Aluminum Bolster

Ambidextrous Tip-Up Pocket Clip

4.2 Ounces

4.6” Closed

8” Overall

CRKT M40-15

The CRKT M40-15 is the biggest and beefiest knife in this series. It has a 4” spear point blade with partial Veff serrations and a blade thickness of 0.163”. It’s 5.34” closed and weighs 6.2 ounces.

CRKT M40-15 Details

1.4116, Bead Blast Finish

2.94” Spear Point, Veff Serrations

0.163” Blade Thickness

Flipper or Ambidextrous Thumb Studs

IKBS Ball Bearing Pivot

Deadbolt Lock

GRN Handle Scales with Aluminum Bolster

Ambidextrous Tip-Up Pocket Clip

6.2 Ounces

5.34” Closed

9.38” Overall

Any of the knives in the CRKT M40 series makes an outstanding addition to any knife collection. If you’re interested in these knives, click any link in the article or simply click the button below.

All images courtesy of Smoky Mountain Knife Works – smkw.com.