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CJRB Combines Two of Knifemaking’s Best Locks Into One Super-Affordable, Fidget-Friendly Flipper

You rarely see this level of innovation — not to mention three fun deployment methods — in a knife at this price.

Close-up of a black folding knife handle with a textured grip, a black metal pocket clip, and an orange thumb stud on the blade. The background is a dark, textured surface.CJRB
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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published

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Updated

“There’s nothing new under the sun” is one of those old adages that really doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.

I mean, I get it in the sense that we are constantly riffing on what’s come before (looking at you, Tarantino), but as far as I’m concerned, a clever remix is new enough. 

Black folding knife with a textured handle, a clip on one side, and a matte black blade featuring an orange thumb stud near the base. The handle has a diamond pattern for grip and a locking mechanism near the blade.
CJRB’s bolt incorporates the best qualities of the crossbar lock and a Demko-style Shark Lock.
CJRB

Especially when it improves upon what’s come before, or at least makes a pretty valiant effort to do so.

That’s what we’re looking at with CJRB’s Bolt, a surprisingly inspired, wallet-friendly knife that blends two potent locks into a single mechanism that carries forward the best of both.

Hybrid theory

The starting point for what CJRB calls the Recoil Lock V2 is the ubiquitous crossbar lock — employed in various forms under various names by everyone from Benchmade to Kansept to The James Brand. 

CJRB itself uses this mechanism – which can open and close the blade via the pulling of two tabs that sandwich the proverbial crossbar — on some of its most popular knives, so it knows what it’s working with. 

Black folding knife with a thin, pointed blade and an orange thumb stud on the blade for opening. The handle has a clip on one side and visible screws near the pivot. The knife is shown in a partially open position.
From the top you can see that rear tab sits right on top of the crossbar lock.
CJRB

With the Bolt, you can still use those tabs and a flick of the wrist to deploy and return the blade to its handle. 

For the former, you can also use the de riguer method for this type of lock, ambidextrous thumb studs.

In practice it looks nearly identical to the motion you would use with a rear flipper, though what you are actually doing is rather different.

However, the Bolt introduces an additional option derived from a brainchild of Demko Knives, the Shark-Lock. It’s a small, jutting, jimped tab on the back of the knife, near the top of the handle, where you typically find a rear flipper.

But instead of being part of the blade, this tab is attached to the crossbar itself. This means that rather than sliding the side tabs with a thumb and forefinger, you can simply pull this one down with a single finger and flick your wrist to deploy the blade — reversing the motion to retract, of course.

Three folding knives with textured handles are arranged on a wooden surface. The knife on the left has an olive green handle and a silver blade. The middle knife has a blue handle and a black blade with an orange thumb stud. The knife on the right has a black handle and a black blade, also featuring an orange thumb stud. All knives have a similar shape and design.
The base Bolt is also available in three variants, each featuring AR-RPM9 blade steel and G10 handle scales.
CJRB

Interestingly enough, in practice it looks nearly identical to the motion you would use with a rear flipper, though what you are actually doing is rather different.

Now, is there a huge functional advantage to this hybrid mechanism? Not necessarily. But it does essentially make one of the strongest locks around even easier to use, while introducing a third deployment option that really takes the fidget-friendliness over the top. 

Let me upgrade you

What’s perhaps most surprising here is that CJRB has introduced this unique mechanism in an extremely affordable EDC knife.

How affordable? The base model, featuring a 3.25-inch drop-point blade made of the brand’s proprietary, reliable AR-RPM9 steel, costs just $50. 

A closed folding knife with a textured green handle resting on a rough, speckled concrete surface. The knife has visible screws and a small orange thumb stud near the blade pivot.
The $100 version boasts an S90V steel blade and an attractively textured micarta handle.
CJRB

It also boasts handle scales made of grippy G10, a reversible steel pocket clip, a lanyard hole and an overall weight of 2.68 ounces.

That said, if you’d like to get a little more luxe with your fancy new lock, there are a couple of additional options. 

For $100, you can step up to a blade made of S90V super steel and handles made of micarta. This knife is also a bit lighter at 2.59 ounces.

A folding knife with a dark gray handle and blade, lying open on a rough, textured stone surface. The handle features a metal clip and a textured grip area. The blade has a matte finish and a drop point shape.
The S90V-bladed, titanium-handled Bolt costs the most, weighs the most and looks the best.
CJRB

Really want to take things over the top? CJRB also offers an S90V-bladed, titanium-handled variant that is truly a vision in silver for $200. 

Yes, it’s a bit heavier at 3.53 ounces, but that’s easily balanced by how much lighter your wallet just got.

The base model CJRB Bolt can be purchased on the brand’s own site and also via Amazon for $50.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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