I first bought the Black Stonewash a few years ago as a cheap EDC for about $24. At such a cheap price it wouldn't be the end of the world if it was lost or damaged so I could be rough with it. It held up perfectly well to this day, still almost as good as new. The original Squid is short, sturdy as hell, and nonthreatening in shape, perfect for less permissive environments. The steel of the Squid is 8Cr13MoV, perfectly reasonable and serviceable for its low price point, but you'll be honing the edge a little more frequently. The grip is a little small, but a short paracord lanyard helps the pinky get a little more purchase on the handle while assisting on the draw from the pocket. The frame lock is strong and locks up very positively, and it's wonderful to fidget with, making a satisfying click when it engages. The tightness of the pivot screw is tough to keep perfectly adjusted with its nylon bushings, with a tiny sweet spot between too tight to smoothly open and so loose as to be wobbly and flaccid. The tricky tightness is also key to keeping the blade centered in the grip when it's stowed.
Then the Squid XM released and I purchased it immediately. First from a different site before it was available on Amazon, then again as a gift once it came to this site. The XM is a direct and total upgrade to the Squid. The D2 steel is tougher stuff than the original's chinese steel, but that doesn't mean you should slack on edge maintenance. Honing the edge will keep it razor sharp for longer, and I find a 25° angle edge is the best for this blade. The longer blade and handle make the XM better for bigger mitts and jobs where you need a little extra to bear down on. The G10 is incredibly grippy while being gentle on the hands, as opposed to the smooth steel face of the original. The assisted open is seriously strong, bordering on overkill, to the point where the knife has jumped out of my hands before I got used to it. The XM's assisted open does lower the fidget factor, but it's an entirely welcome upgrade over the thumb-stud-only of the Squid. The flipper on the heel of the blade serves as a finger stop so you can choke up higher on the blade than the original. The ball bearing pivot means that you can torque down the pivot screw a little more without seizing up the action, keeping the tip centered in the grip.
In summary, this is seriously my favorite knife, and with proper care and cleaning it will last for years. The XM is absolutely worth the price over the original.
| Brand | CRKT |
|---|---|
| Model Name | CRKT CR2495K: Squid Xm Framelock Black A/O |
| Special Feature | Foldable |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Included Components | CRKT CR2495K: Squid Xm Framelock Black A/O |
| Handle Material | Fiberglass |
| Color | Black Assist |
| Blade Material | Alloy Steel |
| Style | Black Assist |
| Blade Length | 3.31 Inches |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Item Weight | 3.6 Ounces |
| Item Length | 7.03 Inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 4.72 x 1.61 x 1.26 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.11 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7.03 x 1.3 x 0.4 inches |
| Brand Name | CRKT |
| Material | Other |
| Suggested Users | Unisex-Adult |
| Manufacturer | CRKT |
| Part Number | CR2495K |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Size | Black Assist |
