Columbia River Knife & Tool > Lake Knives
Ron Lake been called "the father of the modern folding knife" and literally co-authored the book on them in 1988, How To Make Folding Knives. But while Ron is busy making stunning custom folders in his Eugene, Oregon, workshop, he is always thinking. In this case, we believe he has perfected the lockback folder.
The Lake 111™ Zytel model is a full-size knife with a 3.125" blade and measures 7.25" overall when opened. It is only available with a Razor-Sharp edge. This model comes with a custom denim sheath with a belt loop and snap closure.
Ron's breakthrough is his patented Lock Back Safety (L.B.S.™) which allows the user to slide the small L.B.S. button forward to lock the blade both in the open and closed positions. When locked open, it is virtually impossible to accidentally release the blade even during vigorous cutting tasks. For those who are concerned about accidental opening, in-pocket or on-belt, simply slide the button forward to lock the knife closed until its next use.
The blade is a classic drop point with a flat grind for strength and a brushed finish. Blade steel is premium 8Cr14MoV stainless steel (equivalent to AUS 8). Dual Lake-style thumb studs give fast either-hand opening, and the lockback release allows easy one-hand closing.
The lockback design allows for a very flat build. The combination of stainless steel liners and tough Zytel scales results in a very rigid frame. For grip, the black handle features a basketweave texture and a pronounced finger choil and pommel. Over the years, others have tried to devise safeties for lockback folders, but Ron's is the most effective and sophisticated we have seen. He really has something to crow about.
(Click image for larger view)
CRKT Lake 111 Zytel-Plain
| CRKT LAKE 111 ZYTEL-PLAIN | #7255Z Our Price: $27.95 |
- Patented L.B.S. (Lock Back Safety) allows knife to be locked in either opened or closed positions.
- Classic drop point blade w/flat grind for strength.
- 8Cr13 SS blade has dual Lake-style thumb studs.
- Traditional brass liners & lightweight aluminum scales for a rigid frame.
- Black anodized handle features basketweave texture & pronounced finger choil & pommel.
- SS liners, black Zytel scales.
- 8Cr14MoV blade steel.
- Closed: 4.125" .
- OAL: 7.25" .
(Click image for larger view)
CRKT Lake Thunderbolt 2 Folder
| CRKT LAKE THUNDERBOLT 2 FOLDER | #7131 Our Price: $31.95 |
- Heavy duty locking liner folder.
- 8Cr14MoV high-chromium SS blade w/special non-reflective black oxide coating.
- Dual-grind Tanto-style blade w/ drop point edge.
- Large oval thumb hole w/friction grooves on outboard edge for 1-hand opening.
- Ergonomic handle w/ center swell & grooved areas at thumb & pommel.
- 6061 aluminum scales are anodized carcoal gray & CNC machined w/ milled pockets to further aid grip.
- InterFrame build uses dual SS liners, one locking, wich are also black oxide coated.
- Patented LAWKS safety.
- Custom SS black oxide coated clip.
- 7133 Thunderbolt: Dual combined Razor-Sharp & Triple-oint serrated cutting edge. Closed: 4.875" OAL: 8.75".
- 7131 Thunderbolt 2: Dual combined Razor-Sharp & Triple-Point serrated cutting edge. Closed: 4.31" OAL: 7.75".