Michael Walker Lt

J

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Joined
Aug 23, 1999
Messages
9
I never seem to hear anything about this
knife. Do any forumites have an opinion
on this knife and why it is so often
overlooked in the Spyderco lineup?
 
There's a review of the Michael Walker Lt. by Dexter Ewing over at KnifeCenter.com.

Personally, I gave this knife some serious consideration earlier this year. I rejected it for two reasons:
1) I don't like molded plastic clips -- just an aesthetic preference, since Sal assures me that Spyderco has had no problems with the clips on the Walker Lt.; and
2) I found the Almite (anodized aluminum)version over at Ironstone/SFO! The Almite Walker corrects the flaws that Dexter notes in his review of the Lt., has a real solid feel, and is only about $20 more.

Dave
 
I like the molded plastic clips on some models. The Walker Lt. makes for a great little letter opener, and the blade flicks out easily.
 
I bought a M. Walker lite, at the NY Show last year. It's my everyday carry knife, it's a perfect little knife. It was my first Spyderco, it won't be my last. Maybe the Moran next.
 
Sorry, I ordered the walker lightweight, handled it and sent it right back. I thought the handle felt flimsy with too much give. The almite version may have eliminated that problem.

One dud among many other spydies I own and like. Not bad.

sing

AKTI #A000356
 
I carry my Walker LW every day and have really enjoyed it.It is very sharp, and is quick to deploy and retract.Very light.I don't subject a pocket knife to that much stress, but the Walker remains tight and ready to go after quite a bit of casual use.

------------------
"To grow older is inevitable.To grow UP is optional."


 
I got one of these too... the plain-edged version. Nice little knife and a stout blade, but the cutout exposed more of the linerlock release than suited me, and the liner itself had a lot of travel and seemed really noisy while engaging (a loud clack) for a small knife.

On a knife this size, I preferred the Dragonfly. Better ergonomics, quieter, and I liked the blade geometry better (full flat ground vs hollow). Both knives are AUS-8 steel, I believe.
 
I have the almite version and overall I like it but I would agree with Longden on the liner protrudes too much. I may customize mine and grind it back to the leaf side scale or have Drew do it. I noticed that many of Walker's linerlocks are shaped similarly. For that matter many other makers are too. Why? I don't see the advantage.

The liner leaf is cut sqare with no angle or bevel so that its corner strikes the tang. Mine hits in the middle.

The knife is very sturdy for its size. The aluminum scales are very smooth. Maybe to smooth.

Now that Longden brought it up I might like it better if it was flat ground.

However for a knife with 2 1/2" blade it feels like its a lot bigger. In a different size league than the Dragonfly or Navigator.
 
The Michael Walker Lightweight is the only knife I ever had stolen. My particular specimen had play in the locking liner, and I felt it was a bit flimsy a knife. Nonetheless, I hated having it stolen!
frown.gif

It would probably have been better if the whole inner handle had steel liners.
Jim
 
Some years back, I handled several of the LWs at several shows from different dealers and have found that invariably the scales were finished on the sub par side. There were obvious gaps at the pivot area, seams were not smoothed out, and on at least 3 of the ones I' ve handled, a crack was starting at the end of the seams near the blade tang area. It seems as if the scales were starting to buckle! The scales were a bit soft IMO as one can see them bend when squeezing them with the blade in the open position. But if you find one at a decent price it would make for a good folder for mundane tasks but I wouldn' t recommend it for heavy use. It wasn' t made for it IMO.

L8r,
Nakano

PS- yes, the Almite version would solve these problems!
 
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