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CRKT BladeLOCK Review
I received a 2001 model CRKT BladeLOCK as a giveaway from BladeForums member Ooitzoo here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...eaway-***ANNOUNCEMENT***?highlight=dude+where.
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) www.crkt.com doesn't get much love here at BladeForums. The company offers innovative designs from well-known knife makers at affordable prices, like the popular Kit Carson designed M16 and the new Ken Onion Designed Ripple. This page at CRKT's website shows off quite a few of the company's innovations. CRKT's knives, however, are produced in China from materials that are a step below those used by the leading manufacturers in their best knives. CRKT also has a spotty reputation for fit, finish, and durability.
CRKT's now discontinued BladeLOCK model is a a great example. It was designed by Michael Walker. In addition to crafting his own his own custom knives http://artifexgallery.com/michaelknives.html, Mr. Walker has also collaborated with Boker, Emerson, and Spyderco. He is perhaps best known as the father of the linerlock and other innovative lock designs. The BladeLOCK is one of those innovative designs. With the exception of Kershaw's "Stud Lock" and Grant & Gavin Hawk's "Ti-Lock" used in the Chris Reeve knife of the same name, the BladeLOCK is the only folding knife locking device I know of that is incorporated into the knife blade, rather than in the handle.
The BladeLOCK operates with a spring-loaded tab behind the thumb stud that moves into place when the blade is open OR closed. To open or close the blade you press down on the thumb stud while also pushing it forward or back to rotate the blade into place. It takes a little getting used to, but I suspect it could become second-nature after a while. It could never be flipped open as easily as something like an AXIS lock, however. Like the LAWKS design, also by Michael Walker, I suspect some folks would love the BladeLOCK while others would hate it. The lock seems secure, although I didn't torture test it, but I would be concerned that it might accumulate enough debris to potentially fail.
The rest of the knife design is masterly, as well. The 3.25" Bowie style plain edge blade is stout yet pointy. The stainless steel handle is sturdy and ergonomic. By 2001 standards, the materials aren't bad: AUS6 blade steel, 420J frame, and Zytel inserts for grip. The knife was made in Taiwan. It sold for $30 or so when in production. The fit and finish is good, though the nature of the BladeLOCK design seems to push the blade off center when closed, much like many liner locks.
In sum, I think the BladeLOCK from 2001 reflects the way CRKT is still making knives today: excellent designs, average to below average execution. There is some sentiment that the new Ken Onion Ripple represents a step towards quality for CRKT, but I didn't really see it in the one example I handled. Thanks to Ooitzoo for making the knife available to me to review.
I received a 2001 model CRKT BladeLOCK as a giveaway from BladeForums member Ooitzoo here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...eaway-***ANNOUNCEMENT***?highlight=dude+where.
Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) www.crkt.com doesn't get much love here at BladeForums. The company offers innovative designs from well-known knife makers at affordable prices, like the popular Kit Carson designed M16 and the new Ken Onion Designed Ripple. This page at CRKT's website shows off quite a few of the company's innovations. CRKT's knives, however, are produced in China from materials that are a step below those used by the leading manufacturers in their best knives. CRKT also has a spotty reputation for fit, finish, and durability.
CRKT's now discontinued BladeLOCK model is a a great example. It was designed by Michael Walker. In addition to crafting his own his own custom knives http://artifexgallery.com/michaelknives.html, Mr. Walker has also collaborated with Boker, Emerson, and Spyderco. He is perhaps best known as the father of the linerlock and other innovative lock designs. The BladeLOCK is one of those innovative designs. With the exception of Kershaw's "Stud Lock" and Grant & Gavin Hawk's "Ti-Lock" used in the Chris Reeve knife of the same name, the BladeLOCK is the only folding knife locking device I know of that is incorporated into the knife blade, rather than in the handle.
The BladeLOCK operates with a spring-loaded tab behind the thumb stud that moves into place when the blade is open OR closed. To open or close the blade you press down on the thumb stud while also pushing it forward or back to rotate the blade into place. It takes a little getting used to, but I suspect it could become second-nature after a while. It could never be flipped open as easily as something like an AXIS lock, however. Like the LAWKS design, also by Michael Walker, I suspect some folks would love the BladeLOCK while others would hate it. The lock seems secure, although I didn't torture test it, but I would be concerned that it might accumulate enough debris to potentially fail.
The rest of the knife design is masterly, as well. The 3.25" Bowie style plain edge blade is stout yet pointy. The stainless steel handle is sturdy and ergonomic. By 2001 standards, the materials aren't bad: AUS6 blade steel, 420J frame, and Zytel inserts for grip. The knife was made in Taiwan. It sold for $30 or so when in production. The fit and finish is good, though the nature of the BladeLOCK design seems to push the blade off center when closed, much like many liner locks.
In sum, I think the BladeLOCK from 2001 reflects the way CRKT is still making knives today: excellent designs, average to below average execution. There is some sentiment that the new Ken Onion Ripple represents a step towards quality for CRKT, but I didn't really see it in the one example I handled. Thanks to Ooitzoo for making the knife available to me to review.
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