This Beguiling New CRKT Pocket Knife Employs a Super Rare Deployment Mechanism

The pedigree and intricacy of the Walker Blade Lock is sure to resonate with true knife nerds.

Published January 9, 2025

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Most knife and EDC aficionados are pretty familiar with the essential locking mechanisms, from the back lock to button and slide locks to frame and liner locks.

However, you reach another level of knife nerd-dom when you know who developed these locks. In the case of the liner — a highly regarded mechanism that appears in many premium knives — the modern incarnation is the brainchild of one Michael Walker.

walker blade lock beauty — Complementing the uncommon deployment mechanism is a 2.93-inch sheepsfoot blade made of 14C28N steel.

The Blade magazine Cutlery Hall of Famer with loads of knife-related patents to his name secured that one in 1981.

Now let’s go one level deeper, with another lock from his repertoire that you hardly ever see.

While this mechanism is not necessarily superior to some others, it is most definitely unique, making the Walker Blade Lock a surefire conversation piece anytime it comes out of your pocket.

That would be the incredibly rare blade lock, which just reappeared as part of CRKT’s massive first product release of 2025 — complete with modern materials — in the aptly named Walker Blade Lock.

Mike’s mechanics

So what exactly is this thing? According to the brand itself, “the Walker Blade Lock is a positive lock system that keeps the blade locked in the open and closed positions.”

Well, that’s reassuring, but how does it work?

walker blade lock off side — Anyone else getting steampunk vibes from the ridged wheels and patterned brown handle?

With a typical liner lock, you deploy using a thumb stud and part of the liner itself drops into a securing position when the blade is fully open, holding it in place. To return the blade to into the handle, you simply press that part of the liner back to clear a path.

The Walker Blade Lock is a bit more intricate. To use it, you press the spring-loaded tab located on the blade behind the thumb stud while nudging forward to rotate the blade into place. To close the knife, you similarly press that thumb stud and rotate backwards.

While this mechanism is not necessarily superior to some others, it is most definitely unique, making the Walker Blade Lock a surefire conversation piece anytime it comes out of your pocket.

walker blade lock folded — Once returned to the handle, the blade is about as locked in as any you will find.

We’d be remiss not to mention that the new release is a pretty compelling execution of this particular style of knife. The 2.93-inch sheepsfoot blade is made of sturdy, reliable 14C28N steel, while the handle is stainless steel with a good-looking and grippable G10 overlay.

The Walker Blade Lock measures 5.94 inches open and 4.04 inches closed. It weighs 4.1 ounces and sits securely near your hip thanks to a low-profile pocket clip. Given this knife’s unusual personality, that might be the only low profile thing about it.