There are thousands of knives on the market today, with new ones hitting the shelves every year. New this year, the CRKT Walker Blade Lock from Columbia Knife and Tool (CRKT) caught my eye. This item, with its unique central locking system, beautifully textured handle and beefy, take-no-nonsense blade, interested me like no other. From its overall feel to its cutting ability, ease of access, and incredible locking system, I deep dived into this knife’s numerous offerings. Is it a winner at all levels, or should you pass and keep on walking? Spoiler alert, read on for the details that will make this blade take the number one spot on your next knife-shopping list.

CRKT Walker Blade Lock Brings EDC Versatility

The Walker Blade Lock arrived in CRKT’s distinctive green box in a factory-sealed plastic bag. The knife was packed, naturally, in its folded state and measured around 4 inches in length. It fit perfectly across my hand. Its end touched my pinky finger, while the circular locking mechanism reached my index finger. The first noticeable characteristic, before I moved or touched anything more, was its weight.

This compact knife definitely had a solidness to it that I love in a knife. It felt hearty in my hand. Naturally, my thumb dropped onto the handle and its texture was there for much more than design or aesthetics. It “stuck” to my thumb instantly. Its crisscross pattern firmly held my hand in place where it needed to be. The brown and black color of the handle was nicely contrasted with the accented silver steel and included pocket clip on its underside. Overall, this was an impressive-looking knife that offered instant functionality to its pleasing design.

The Walker Blade features a 14C28N steel blade with satin finish.

Ease of Use

Now with my thumb hovering over the prominent thumb stud, it was a given that opening it was next. I read about the ingenious locking system this knife offered but only realized it when I proceeded to open it. It didn’t move on my first try, although I thought the newness of the item was the issue. It was not. Instead it was the innovative open-lock mechanism that held it back. It took me a few head-scratches to realize that the thumbstud had to be pressed downward to unlock the blade, while simultaneously rotating the blade upward.

This action, which became natural only after a few attempts, was a feature I began to really enjoy. Of course, the blade also locked when in a fixed position and it was released once again from pressing the thumb stud inward. The opening and closing of the blade became natural over a very short time, and knowing this safety feature was part of the the knife was an absolute plus.

The Walker Blade Lock features a locking system to make it durable for field use.

Cutting Capabilities

While the outward appearance and features of a knife are important, the main job of a knife is to cut, slice, or puncture, and the Walker Blade Lock knife is no exception. At just under 3 inches in length, the cutting edge is significant for this compact knife. It features a Wharncliffe blade style which, along with its beefy blade thickness, makes it excellent for puncturing tasks. The blade lock only adds confidence for the user as they, or I, in this case, wasn’t afraid to put some power behind my thrusts.

Rubber, cardboard, and plastics that I used during my testing didn’t stand up to this powerful blade with the tip breaking through every time. For cutting paracord, even versions that sported snare wire inside the strands, were cleanly severed with minimal effort. Plastic hose, cardboard, and plastic straps around shipping boxes all were no match for this knife’s sharp and solid blade. All of these cutting and puncture tests brought the knife’s handle back into the forefront as it held my hand firmly in place with each cut or stab.

CRKT Walker Blade Lock: Final Takeways

With all the positives that this knife offered, are there any negatives, you may be asking? The only one I encountered is more on a personal level than an overall deterrent to a possible purchaser. My hands are overall large and lanky, and for me the knife would have hit perfection if its handle was just an inch or so longer. My pinky slipped slightly off the bottom a few time when in use, but I quickly learned to compensate for this. However, this shortcoming (no pun intended) was by no means a deal-breaker for me to carry this on a regular basis as my EDC. I highly recommend it for use as a carry-everywhere knife, an emergency edition to your bugout bag, or as a go-to blade when at home. The Walker Blade Lock from CRKT talks a big talk, and as I found out, walks the walk, too!