Michael Leon Walker | |
|---|---|
 Michael Walker, Knifemaker and Inventor | |
| Born | 1949 (age 75–76) |
| Known for | Knifemaker,bladesmith, sculptor |
| Awards | Blade Cutlery Hall of Fame |
| Website | artifexgallery |
Michael Leon Walker is an American customknifemaker and sculptor based inTaos, New Mexico. Walker is the inventor of more than 20 different knife mechanisms including theWalker Linerlock for which he secured a trademark in 1980.[1][2][3]
Walker began his career as a jeweler, until 1975 when his wife, Patricia Walker, gave him aGerber knife and a copy ofAmerican Blade magazine. Walker noted similarities between his jewelry and custom art knives and decided he would try his hand at knifemaking.[4]
Walker began making knives full-time in 1980 with fixed-blade art knives. When a customer asked him to make sheaths for these knives, Walker found the task more labor-intensive and less enjoyable than making the knives. As a result, he decided from then on to makefolding knives which would not require a sheath, which led to his development of theWalker Linerlock.[4]
In 1981, Walker began a limited partnership with knifemakerRon Lake. The two makers have collaborated on numerous designs including theLAWKS. In 1985, Walker became a voting member of theKnifemakers' Guild.[4]
In 2004, Walker was inducted into theBlade magazine's Cutlery Hall of Fame.[4]
Walker has patented or trademarked more than 20 different mechanisms related to locks and composite cutting blades on pocketknives.
Most notably, Walker is known for the invention of theWalker Linerlock in 1981, which has since become the industry standard in folding knife mechanisms.[2][5] What sets Walker's design apart is a long split in one of the liners which acts as a leaf-spring in the liner of the knife accompanied. This feature cuts down on mechanical stress. An additional feature of theLinerlock is the addition of a ball detent. This additional feature eliminates rubbing and scratch-marks when the knife is opened and closed.
Other inventions include the "Lake and Walker Safety System" orLAWKS, BLADELock, Linerlock, Ball bearing lock, and Tough Lock.[4][6]
Some of the production companies he has partnered with includeSpyderco,Columbia River Knife and Tool,Schrade,Böker, and Klotzli.[7]
Walker's knives and designs have inspired many other custom knifemakers, notablyBob Terzuola andErnest Emerson. Terzuola credits Walker with teaching him how to make a linerlock folder and Emerson has said that seeing a Walker knife at a gun show gave him the inspiration to become a custom knifemaker.[2][8]
Walker's knives can be found atArtifex Gallery in Taos, and in galleries and shows around the world.
