Gps
West Melbourne, Fl

Feb 09, 2012

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

INTIMIDATOR

this is a strong heavy intimidating fighter.it is well made and mine came out of the box sharp and in perfect working order.I would not consider this a general purpose edc,this is a fighter not a fish cleaner or a can opener.I would suggest roughing up the front of the grips just a little to prevent slippage when wet. other than that no modification is necessary for it to serve it's purpose.The hissatsu is a excellent defensive and offensive weapon that will serve you well in these capacities.It deploys quickly and locks up hard and fast.It's intimidation factor could end most confrontations quickly CRKT has built a good one here and the knife center made sure that I recieved it fast and as always in perfect condition.Thank you CRKT and knife center.

Anstine
PNW

Sep 03, 2008

Pros: Ease of Opening, Weight, Blade Sharpness, Handle Material, Blade Material, Pocket Clip, Overall Quality

Cons: None

hissatsu folder

this and the koji haras to me are the best CRKT blades on the market.

Eric N.
Pa.

Sep 11, 2011

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Very nice, well built

For the money.. You can't beat this knife..

Joshua
Falls Church, Va

Apr 18, 2022

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Excellent. And I mean absolutely excellent

Long story short. Do not buy if you don't like my assessment. 1.Weapon First (Yes such a thing exists in some style of knives) 2.Edc/Utility Secondary. (Will work if properly sharpened for some tasks) Understand this. Go ahead and buy. Don't ageree with my assessment or don't like dangerous type knives. Don't buy. Just being honest. It's simple really. Use your brain before purchase. And you will be happy.

Lightmyfire
outwest

Mar 27, 2014

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Good blade

I bought this knife to carry during early morning jogs and overall protection. While I haven't stabbed any car doors, thrown it at trees or attacked cardboard cut outs of bad guys with it, the knife seems sturdy and well built. It's almost overbuilt, and that's a good thing in my opinion. There seems to be enough heft and handle length that you could probably use the end of the handle as a striker as well. The knife arrived a couple of days earlier than I expected. As always, KnifeCenter's service was top notch.

Big P
Roanoke, VA

Sep 22, 2010

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Feel

awesome

I love this knife, perfect as a replacement for a fixed blade knife, but kinda bulky. I've been told by someone, that this is not every day knife. Which is the main reason I bought this knife, because I work right in between Roanoke County and Roanoke city. So you really don't know what kind of person will show up. So I think that if someone pulls a knife on me than I should be able to react with a knife that is pretty intimidating, to discourage my attacker.

Rafterrs
Fredrikstad, Norway

May 12, 2011

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath

Very good military knife.

Very good military knife. This knife is suitable only for collectors and for tactical missions. Good quality for the purpose knife is made of.

Echo
lyons, ny

Aug 14, 2013

Pros: Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Weight, Handle Feel, Handle Material

sweet knife

This is a great knife given steel quality, where it was made and price point. I've owned now my third one. Others I was so confident in that I gifted them to others after they seen it. The last one lasted me 3 yes b4 a friend took it when I was ready to retire it. The knives are a bit bulky 8oz. In pocket not really concealable unless in sturdy coat pocket doesn't hide well in suit coat as it noticably weighs down one side because of size. Otherwise smooth lock up and resilient.

Curtis
NE USA

Mar 01, 2013

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Perhaps The Ultimate CQB Folder

I wish that the CRKT Hissatsu Folder had been available for carry back in the day when I served on active duty in infantry units. This veritable beast of a penetrator is a brilliant design. Effusive thanks are due both to the original designer and highly respected industry trainer James Williams and to CRKT for making such a superb CQB folder available for sale. As a 100 per cent Disabled American Veteran who uses a Canemasters hickory cane for balance and support when hiking and walking, carrying the Hissatsu gives me the highest degree of confidence that any lion mugger who views me (wrongly) as a limping wildebeest on the plains of the Serengeti will put on the brakes if I am ever compelled to deploy the Hissatsu to afford myself a tangible, visible implement for self protection. Due to military service-connected arm, hand and shoulder injuries that create daily challenges related to movement range, strength and speed, I chose to remove the Outburst (tm) auto assist opening Spring to enable super smooth and effortless manual opening. I found the Outburst (tm) auto assist opening feature to be stiff and uncomfortable to operate, even after extensive practice. I also worried that the Outburst (tm) auto assist opening feature might become extremely difficult to actuate in the event of an unexpected close range assault that would create enormous stress negatively affecting fine motor skills. Sometimes, simple is indeed better. The CRKT Hissatsu is perhaps the ultimate CQB folder. Why not call Knifecenter today and arrange to have a brand new Hissatsu folder sent muy pronto to your favorite airman, coast guardsman, contractor, Marine, sailor or soldier serving in harm's way in Afghanistan or in any other combat zone? Contrary to the opinion of Pentagon pinhead wonks, knives do save lives. In fact, the British Ministry of Defence is now placing renewed emphasis on bayonet issuance and practice, based on extensive interviews conducted with British soldiers and British Royal Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who had engaged in hand to hand combat with fanatical jihadis. Finally, thank you, KCI, for your ongoing, steadfast support of our nation's military personnel. Your patriotism is deeply appreciated by all of us who have had the honor of wearing a military uniform of any branch of service of the USA in defense of liberty.

Skunk
Franklin,TX

Jul 20, 2009

Pros: Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Overall Quality

Cons: Handle Material

CRKT Hissatsu

I mainly use this knife for letter and box opening. I also carry it as a self-defense back-up. I am not a big fan of blade coatings or paints. I would prefer an uncoated blade on this and all of my knives. Also would like better handle materials such as g-10.

Joshua
Falls Church, Va

Apr 16, 2022

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

OMFG are you kidding me?

I bought this in conjunction to my dead bolt version of this knife. The liner lock is nothing near the strength of the Deadbolt. But seriously. The lock is plenty good enough. And makes cleaning out a breeze. Add the Auto Lawks and you got a plenty strong enough folder for general to moderate use. The nylon handles lock your hand right in place. And are very strong. Almost 0% blade play in any direaction. AUS8 steel. Not super great but pretty tough stainless with more edge retention than 420HC or 98CR13MOV. I own 4 of these style knives now. And IDK which one I like the best.

Bill
Memphis

Dec 07, 2014

Pros: Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

retraction

I initially gave this knife a pissy review, I have since spoken to people who have serious combat credentials and I retract my previous review . These people know what they are talking about so its a beast, spring is a bit strong but thats just me .

Ed
Wisconsin

May 20, 2008

Pros: Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Weight, Blade Material, Ease of Opening, Blade Sharpness, Overall Quality

Cons: None

Great Knife

I own a number of good knives and a few great knives but this has become my carry of choice on almost all occasions. I love the look and the feel of it but more importantly, it has a great blade that opens with a snap and is both easy to open and close one handed. A great knife at a really great price.

Luigi C.
youghal co.cork ireland

Oct 07, 2011

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Robust and Cool knife

Love the blade in this knife, feels very secure in the hands and love the assisted opening. Overall fantastic knife well done CRKT.

Pat C
Frisco City, Alabama

Jul 12, 2012

Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Solid and Strong

I'm old and this knife was diffucult to open at first because of the powerful spring, but with some practice it becomes very easy. This knife is as advertised with a sharp pointed very strong blade and a very good gripping handle.The blade to handle connection is the strongest I have ever seen. Not a beauty queen and slightly large for a pocket knife but if you ever found yourself with one hand in a bulldog's mouth and one hand on a pocket knife, this would be the knife you would want in your hand.

Kell
TN

Jun 24, 2010

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Great folding knife.

After serving 20 years in the active role of a Combat Infantryman and Police Officer, I can tell you this is a good folder. As an Infantryman, it's great to keep on you in a pocket near your non-firing hand for those medical emergencies, cutting rope, opening your meals, whatever, and those pesky splinters! It has a serious point to it uncommon on most folders. Anyone in CQB will need to use your K-Bar or whatever your choice of fixed blade you use if your guns are down. Folders should only be used by combatants as last resorts imo. Although as a civilian who really has no choice a folder is better than nothing, this baby will take care of soft tissue. For a Cop well you should carry at least two folders each within reach of either hand, strong hand or weak hand in case you have one pinned,disabled, or are controlling your weapon while you pull one to get your assailant from your weapon. This is the knife to carry, a pair would be better. It'll slice a seat belt nicely, just be careful of your crash victim of course. Remember, a pistol is only good for fighting your way back to the rifle you should never have left behind, and a knife is for when your guns are down and you have no other choice. If a knife is all you can carry then this one will work. Make sure you know how to use it. Practice, practice, practice! Stay safe! Kelly H. Combat Infantryman, Police Officer, Civilian.

Rad Mad Wolf
Canyon Country Ca

Nov 01, 2010

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

the value of a great design

this is a knife that is designed for a specific use. once you spend enough time mastering the assisted opening mechanism, you wont want a pocket knife without one. for a knife at this price it truly is built to last. the value you get with this knife is tremendous. the handle is perfect for any grip. i trust this knife to accomplish the goal of its design with flying colors.

Shogun
Los Angeles, CA

Mar 16, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality

Cons: None

The finest true combat folding fighter

This is what I use on duty and in uniform both while serving military duty and my LE patrol operations. It is a singular purpose design for a last ditch fight for your life instrument. NOT DESIGNED as a general purpose knife, this is a very specific design meant for defensive applications. It is the only folder that is capable of performing a penetrating strike through small bones etc. Look up Nami Ryu and James Williams and the design philosophy behind this knife. This was modeled after a samurai blade that had a very specific fighting purpose. I own the fixed blade as well which is great for webgear but the folder can be discretely carried in any plainclothes low-profile environment also.

Jeff
The Swampy Hell of Florida

May 12, 2017

Pros: None

Cons: None

A Fine Choice for a Folding Combat Knife

I have had some CRKT knives that just fell flat on the execution despite being excellent designs. Fortunately, this is not one of those! This knife exudes quality, reliability and practicality. It is built tough, and it feels reassuring in the hand. The handle material is grippy, but doesn't bind in the pocket. The autolawks feature works just as advertised. Mr. Williams designed this to be used with classical Japanese technique, hence it has a neutral handle. This knife will slash and stab well for its size. Deployment of the blade is positive, but will require relatively strong hands, and practice. The heft and shape of the knife make it a good impact/point pressure tool for a non-lethal option. For the price, I think it is an excellent choice for an assisted opening folding combat knife.

Doubled
Unfortunately Connecticut

Jun 09, 2022

Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material

Cons: None

Beautiful knife

Construction, design and function are flawless. But its not sharp??? Not a big deal for me, I've been sharpening my own knives forever but isn't that kind of importsnt? Im a hardcore CRKT fan and still am. Their knives are the Ruger of knives. Built like a brick ****house almost flawless and will not fail you or empty your bank account. Just put an edge on it so I can give it the 5 stars it deserves!

Joseph
Galax, Va

Jan 07, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: None

Lightning

Very happy with this knife,fastest assisted opening I have ever seen, beats autos I've used,solid built like a tank, Was not really sharp when I got it,I took care of that on some Arkansas stones,I found it sharpens little differently being an original Japanese tanto, Great defense tool..

Jeffrey
Westland, Mi

May 18, 2023

Pros: Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

very pleased

for 40 dollars im happy .this knife was over 100 when it came out years ago.the only knock on it is i think the trhumbdisk could have been a lil bit bigger to help with openings.

Mr. M

Mar 18, 2009

Pros: Pocket Clip, Weight, Blade Material, Ease of Opening, Overall Quality

Cons: None

Excellent Folder

I wanted to retire my previous every-day-carry folder about a year ago, Al Mar SERE 2000. Grew attached to it, got scared of losing it, so it was time for a new one. I also wanted something less costly to replace if needed. Decided to give this one a try. Have not regretted my decision. I did change the edge geometry a little bit (sharpening to 20 degrees) and rounded the "sharp" corner in the middle of the edge belly a little so it slices smoother. To my personal preference, at least. I do not carry knives for show, I use them regularly to trim and cut plastic, fabric, cardboard, rope, clips out of newspapers, and to make lunch on hikes or picknics, when a dedicated tool/cutter or one of my fixed blades are not available. Seems to happen quite often in my case. This one has performed as backup and main knife and is still in one piece even after my sometimes heavy-handed abuse after a year, with no signs of giving up. If you plan to test it by puncturing solid bricks of heavy cardboard, have a fitting hex key handy. Just in case if you want to tighten the blade back. Not that the blade ever dropped or got way too loose on me, but good to have. If you plan to remove/replace the spring at any point of time, you need one for that too. If the handle was made from something like G10, it would feel better, and if the spring was actually easy to remove without special tools (or a trip to your basement workshop), it would be a full 5 stars. Personally I do not see much use for the double lock feature either, apart from collecting pocket duff. But no real complaints here. An excellent folder!

Knif Nut
Roanoke, VA

Apr 20, 2012

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality

Cons: Handle Feel, Handle Material

My second Hissatsu

this is my second Hissatsue folder. It hasn't change much. since the last one I bought in 2010. But it was so dull and this steel is kinda hard to open. Also the blade wiggled a bit side to side. But that was easily fixed by a tox head. I was surprised that it took a normal torx head. they are usually a lot smaller.

Tf
CA

Jun 26, 2009

Pros: Overall Quality, Ease of Opening

Cons: None

This knife is a great value

This knife is a great value. It is very well made for the cost. It is easy to open, but closing with the lock can be a little awkward.

Duncan
Georgia

Jan 10, 2013

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Amazing knife. Extremely fast opening and came razor sharp. If you press the thumb disc on the side of your pocket when un-clipping it the blade will automatically deploy (just a tip). Mine came with minimal blade play but thats a very fixable con, AUTOLAWKS is also a great feature. Arrived on time thanks to knife center.

Googs
coral springs,florida

Oct 27, 2010

Pros: Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

solid

Good solid fighter. A little stiff to open but blade is razor sharp and very strong. Would like to see a glass breaker/pommel on the butt.

Wj
Texas

Sep 19, 2014

Pros: Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip

Cons: None

Good Knife

Read a lot of reviews of how sharp this knife was from the factory. Mine would not cut hair at all, however I was able to sharpen the blade to razor sharpness without much difficulty. Otherwise I like the features such as the blade shape and the assisted opening. Quality is good for the price, just don't expect Benchmade quality. You get what you pay for.

Mateo

Nov 02, 2008

Pros: Blade Sharpness, Overall Quality, Weight, Pocket Clip, Blade Material

Cons: Handle Material

Good KNife

This knife is wonderful. however there are somethings that i dont like. i dont like the cheap feeling of the handle. the outburst is a good opening idea but takes awhile for your hands to get used to it.

Black Adder
Hamburg, NY

Feb 17, 2010

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type

Very Good Knife

I find that I like the Outburst opener and the heavy handle. I do wish that it had a version that didn't have the black on the blade. But for everything I use it for, it was worth the purchase. The method for closing is a little over done BUT it does come with instructions on how to make it easier.

First Gun
Tehachapi, CA

Apr 23, 2010

Pros: Pocket Clip, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Feel, Lock Ease of Use, Handle Material, Lock Type

Review as per your request.

I am an avid knife enthusiast. Sadly, I have used knives for self-defense while in U.S. military-combat. The CRKT Hissatsu folder is obviously built for concealment and penetration. This is a sticking/slashing, self-defensive type of knife, that can be easily used for less-stressful utilitarian applications as well. Pros: Well-built for the money. Shaped for sticking/penetration and sharp. Cons: Laterally, weak due to its very sharp-angled point: a plus in sticking, a minus if it gets stuck in the material, e.g., bone or whatever. The blade does not open easy/quick enough. *Perhaps the most important minus: Handle-shape and texture is too slippery. If oil, blood, water, soak the handle during use, it wouldn't take much for the holding hand to slip forward, possibly cutting through the finger ligaments of user. I usually safeguard against this by running just enough tied parachute-cord through the heal-hole to place my thumb in, disallowing slippery fingers to slide onto the blade during a forward punch, leading with the blade-tip. *Major problem: This knife does not have a chute-cord hole to the knifes rear. The cord also allows the knife to be used as a weapon when the blade is in the closed position. *Suggestion: A slightly longer blade made of D2 or better yet, a Sai Mai tri-steal combo to strengthen the knife's side-to-side ability after penetration. Add blade-serrations for heavier rope cutting and a non-slip, reshaped handle, and I'd pay more for and carry it around-town self-protection, etc. Non-folding, straight knives are best for self-defense...common sense and history support my opinions. Robert D

Chris
Massachusetts

Nov 30, 2021

Pros: Weight, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Pocket Clip

Good Knife If It Works

I am one of numerous people that got the "too tight" version of this knife. The Outburst Assisted Opening mechanism was simply too tight to use. It chewed up my thumb. Reading around the internet, this seems to just be a really common issue with this knife. I have seen a video of a small woman flicking a Hissatsu open with ease, so I know there are models of this that operate as intended. I tried reseating the torsion bar, oiling it, etc., nothing worked. Ultimately I had to refund it as there is no point in having a hard-to-open assisted opener. Aside from that, I will say this knife is kind of a dinosaur model now. CRKT has made numerous updated versions of this knife. In a G10 world the handle material is a rather dated glass/nylon material. In a deep carry world, the clip is not deep carry; there is always an inch or so of knife handle sticking out of your pocket. On the upside, the knife feels great in the hand. It's a solid length and the autoLAWK system is a nice reassurance that if you did have to use this for its intended purpose, it will not fail you. The blade shape is great (again, for self-defense purposes) and the blade material is good enough; you should not be using this knife to open cardboard boxes, make arrows, or any other intensive EDC-type activity. That said, you can get basically all the pros and none of the cons from the other more updated versions of this knife (Heiho, Goken, Otanashi Noh Ken, etc.).

Mark V
Chicago, Illinois

Apr 16, 2012

Pros: Weight

Cons: Handle Feel, Lock Ease of Use

Looks Good, But...

This knife is ok, but that's about it. I like the design and shape of the blade, (very purposeful) but it could be a lot sharper, and easier to open for the price. The double locking mechanism is overkill.

Stitch
Grand Island, NE

Dec 09, 2012

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Blade Material

Cons: Handle Feel, Handle Material

Not as good as the smaller model

I collect "tactical" folders (currently have >400) and of course this model is built for tactical applications if for nothing else! I feel the blade could be much sharper. It has a great point and will make an excellent "stabber". Also, for the money, this knife should have G-10 scales. I don't mind the polymer scales, but to make a stabbing motion, these scales are far too slick. I do like the function and design and it will go into my daily EDC rotation, but I think CRKT could have done a bit better on this one. I do own many other CRKT knives, and in fact, one of their very first models is what started my collection of folders in general several years ago.

Robo
USA

May 14, 2010

Pros: Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Feel, Lock Ease of Use, Handle Material

Out of proportion

Hard to get out. Handle too big and cumbersome. No good place for your thumb once open. This is the first CRKT product I have not liked. Love the blade shape, just too small for the handle. Got it shaving sharp the first night. Outburst makes the action way too hard to initialize. I'll remove the spring next, hope it helps.

Rttackle
memphis, tn

Aug 12, 2010

Pros: Pocket Clip, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Weight, Handle Feel, Lock Ease of Use

try something else

+i dont know who signed off on this over at crkt but i wouldnt want my company name on this knife.it needs a thumb stud instead of the disk,i'm no lightweight but this thing is hard to open and the spring is too powerful for the knife. and your thumb goes where? and the hoops you jump through to close the thing...oh please. ive ground some grooves into the scales above and below the lock and above the liner lock. ive also removed the spring. its a halfway decent knife now. i wish i had been able to handle this knife before i bought it, would have used the money to buy something else.poorly thought out item.

J M
Colorado

Jan 31, 2015

Pros: None

Cons: Sheath, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type

Knife has issues

Generally the knife once deployed is nice, however, it does have issues. First the thumb sweep design does not always deploy in an easy manner. Second the handle does not completely protect the user from the very tip of the blade and thus the user can cut themselves reaching into the pocket to pull out their knife under certain circumstances. Both issues could probably be easily remedy by the knife maker without increasing the cost of the knife. Dear Knife Center ... if CR makes these changes I would love you to exchange mine for the improved model.

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Reviews and Ratings for Columbia River CRKT 2903 Hissatsu Assisted 3.875" Blade, Glass Filled Nylon Handles

Special Price: $64.99

Customer Reviews

INTIMIDATOR

hissatsu folder

Very nice, well built

Excellent. And I mean absolutely excellent

Good blade

awesome

Very good military knife.

sweet knife

Perhaps The Ultimate CQB Folder

CRKT Hissatsu

OMFG are you kidding me?

retraction

Great Knife

Robust and Cool knife

Solid and Strong

Great folding knife.

the value of a great design

The finest true combat folding fighter

A Fine Choice for a Folding Combat Knife

Beautiful knife

Lightning

very pleased

Excellent Folder

My second Hissatsu

This knife is a great value

solid

Good Knife

Good KNife

Very Good Knife

Review as per your request.

Good Knife If It Works

Looks Good, But...

Not as good as the smaller model

Out of proportion

try something else

Knife has issues