CRKT Hammond Cruiser

CRKT HAMMOND CRUISER

And now, here’s the real deal from Jim Hammond: our workhorse production InterFrame version of the custom Cruiser locking liner folder.

Featured recently in Tactical Knives magazine, Jim Hammond’s Cruiser is a multi-purpose folder that has garnered much praise. In Tactical Knives, Pat Covert explains, “Hammond is all about design. Using a combination of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and exhaustive research . . . he spends much of his time up front honing a design before ever handling the steel.”

This fact is obvious as you study the Cruiser, which abounds with design subtleties. For example, the handle features a forward slanted friction grooved thumb ramp and a deep finger choil for the index finger, allowing what is known as the “fencer’s grip”.

To simplify the clean open build, a unique blade stop channel is CNC machined within the blade. This in turn, allows a friction grooved, tapered blade extension (or flipper) which aids opening the Cruiser, and then neatly completes the finger choil. It has been called “the sweetest flipper in the business.”

In translating Jim’s custom Cruiser into production, we used our extremely durable InterFrame build with 420J2 stainless steel liners, one locking. The injection molded black textured Zytel® scales featuring our Operator’s Grip are radiused and contoured with swells to perfectly fit the hand. The long handle, with a pronounced pommel, feels secure and entirely right.

Our work and sport version of the Cruiser uses tough AUS 6M stainless steel for the clip-point blade. It has a high hollow grind that curves upward near the tip and a long false top edge, making it an exceptionally versatile work tool. Both Razor-Sharp and Combination Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point™ Serrated edges are available. Dual thumb studs and Teflon® blade bearings at the blade pivot allow smooth one hand opening and closing.

We’ve also incorporated the patented* Lake And Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS®) into the Cruiser, which makes the folder a virtual fixed blade when engaged.

To give the Cruiser maximum utility in a variety of work situations, we had Jim design a special paddle style clothing/gear clip system, which can be attached in four positions: tip up, tip down, left or right. (The Cruiser is not designed for tip-up in-pocket carry.) Two clips, hardware and Torx® tool are included. The stainless steel clips are Teflon® plated.

We know Jim designed the Cruiser for speed, strength, and grip, but we can’t help but note it is also one of the most pleasing shapes ever built as a folder.