Hey everyone,
I thought some of you might enjoy seeing a truly interesting piece of knife engineering — a CRKT “DEMO” model built to demonstrate Michael Walker’s BladeLock system. These were made strictly for educational/display purposes, not cutting use, but they offer a fascinating look at one of the more creative locking concepts ever produced.
One side of the handle is made from clear organic glass, so you can actually watch the BladeLock mechanism operate. The design uses a spring-loaded tab behind the thumb stud that engages the tang, creating a positive lock in both open and closed positions. It’s simple, clever, and distinctly “Walker.”
Because these were demos, the blade and tip are completely dull, making them perfect for safely studying how the lock functions.
For anyone who might not be familiar, Michael Walker is widely regarded as one of the most influential modern knifemakers. He started as a jeweler in the late ’70s and went on to redefine folding knife design.
He’s the inventor of the LinerLock, which became the foundation for countless production and custom knives that followed. Walker’s work inspired the entire modern folder movement.
The BladeLock came later as one of his experimental locking systems, offering a different take on safety and engagement. While it never became mainstream, it’s a brilliant example of the creativity and mechanical precision that defined that era of innovation.
These CRKT demo knives are a neat bridge between engineering curiosity and collector history — a transparent window (literally) into one of the hobby’s great design minds.
Has anyone else here handled or collected one of these? I’d love to hear your thoughts about the BladeLock era — or other lesser-known lock designs that impressed you over the years.
I thought some of you might enjoy seeing a truly interesting piece of knife engineering — a CRKT “DEMO” model built to demonstrate Michael Walker’s BladeLock system. These were made strictly for educational/display purposes, not cutting use, but they offer a fascinating look at one of the more creative locking concepts ever produced.
One side of the handle is made from clear organic glass, so you can actually watch the BladeLock mechanism operate. The design uses a spring-loaded tab behind the thumb stud that engages the tang, creating a positive lock in both open and closed positions. It’s simple, clever, and distinctly “Walker.”
Because these were demos, the blade and tip are completely dull, making them perfect for safely studying how the lock functions.
For anyone who might not be familiar, Michael Walker is widely regarded as one of the most influential modern knifemakers. He started as a jeweler in the late ’70s and went on to redefine folding knife design.
He’s the inventor of the LinerLock, which became the foundation for countless production and custom knives that followed. Walker’s work inspired the entire modern folder movement.
The BladeLock came later as one of his experimental locking systems, offering a different take on safety and engagement. While it never became mainstream, it’s a brilliant example of the creativity and mechanical precision that defined that era of innovation.
These CRKT demo knives are a neat bridge between engineering curiosity and collector history — a transparent window (literally) into one of the hobby’s great design minds.
Has anyone else here handled or collected one of these? I’d love to hear your thoughts about the BladeLock era — or other lesser-known lock designs that impressed you over the years.
