CRKT Resurrects a Rare Knife Lock in Marvelously Minty Fashion

A unique deployment mechanism from a true knifemaking legend receives arguably its most attractive treatment yet.

Close-up of a black CRKT folding knife with a textured thumb stud and circular pivot on a dark textured surface.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published March 12, 2026

·

Updated March 12, 2026

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

As knife knerds know, Michael Walker is one of the most accomplished knifemakers in history.

Best known for perfecting the modern liner lock in his early 30s, the New Mexico-based designer has invented more than 20 different mechanisms over a career spanning more than four decades.

Black folding knife with a stonewashed blade and translucent green textured handle on a black textured surface. — Thanks to its unique design and eye-popping handle, the new Walker Blade Lock is a surefire conversation starter.

One of his lesser-known innovations, the Walker Blade Lock, is also one of the coolest.

Here to remind us is a new treatment from CRKT that is potentially the best-looking execution of the mechanism, and certainly the most head-turning one.

A lock to love

At a glance, the 4.1-ounce Walker Blade Lock (Natural) does not look that different from a typical thumb-stud-deployed pocket knife.

Folded black and light blue CRKT pocket knife with textured handle on black granular surface. — Distinct from the traditional thumb stud, this one is designed to both unlock the blade and deploy it.

However, there’s a bit more going on here, as that thumb stud rests on a tensioned tab that holds the blade in either the closed or open position.

To deploy the blade, you press down on the thumb stud to release the blade and simultaneously push out, as you would with a typical thumb stud actuation.

Folding knife with a black blade and a textured translucent green handle, branded CRKT. — Between the color and the crosshatching, the G10 overlay gives major fish scale vibes.

The little wheel around which the blade rotates is another classic Walker touch.

To bring the blade home, you must also press down as you pull the blade back in toward the handle.

Fresh new look

Announced alongside a similarly appointed new Padawan and CEO Microflipper ahead of Blade Show Texas, which kicks off next Friday, the latest edition has a distinct visual flair.

Folded pocket knife with a translucent light blue handle and black clip on a textured black surface. — Shaped to fit the handle, the deep-carry clip makes it easy to tote the knife in a pocket.

That’s due to the handle, which places what CRKT calls a natural G10 overlay on top of ergonomically shaped stainless steel.

Calling to mind the scales of a fish, the minty-hued overlay has a grippy crosshatched texture and, by its very nature, is lightweight and durable.

The blade, meanwhile, is a 2.93-inch sheepsfoot made of stonewashed 14C28N steel.

At nearly 3 inches long, the sheepsfoot blade can tackle a wide range of everyday tasks.

CRKT

One of the better budget knife steels, this material is valued for its edge retention, corrosion resistance and toughness.

That durability helps ensure the knife in your hand is as timeless as the mechanism at its heart is uncommon.

Availability and pricing

The CRKT Walker Blade Lock (Natural) is available now for $98.

Folding knife with black blade and textured light green handle with black screws.

CRKT Walker Blade Lock (Natural G10)

$98 at CRKT

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.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.