Almite Walker

[Zerileous]

I first handled this wonder at the SFO. The feel was right then, and it still is. I passed it over at the time because it wasn't enough of a super knife. Now that I have gotten over the idea that my normal indoor campus EDC needs to be able to skin a deer, chop down a tree, and kill ninjas, I have found the perfect my perfect EDC. I finally had to pick one up from the bay when I noticed that NGK and other sites were out of stock.

The fit in my hand is perfect. The ergos are subtle, unlike most spydercos, but still excelent. The gradual spine ramp comfortably seats the whole pad of my thumb. The jimping on the bottom of the blade works as well as a choil for small cuts. Even if my finger does slide forward, there is a small "safety choil" of sorts that doesn't help much with control but certainly makes it harder for my finger to slide onto the edge. The handle is almost exctally the length of my fist, with just a hint of butt peaking out behind my pinky. I have no problem with left handed operation, infact the clip fits my left hand instead of getting in the way.

The smooth feel gives it a very japanese or swiss feel of refined mechanical technology. It is reliable and solid, while retaining sleekness. It is not bulky, and isnt for every job, but it doesn't pretend to be. The knife knows that its just a glorified high tech letter opener, but it does the job well. The almite handles seem to get grippier when wet, and the grip still feels secure.

The lockup is perfect. I have complete confidence in this liner lock. It took a few spyder drops to break in, so I know that the contact is already worn to fit and microscopic machining inconcistencies have been somewhat worn to fit. The liner fully engages the blade tang without crossing too far, leaving room for plenty of use. There is no vertical play. Lateral play is minimal, and not found in the pivot. Lateral play only occurs when the knife bends as a whole, handle and blade all as one This seems to be good, since the liner (and lock) would move in conjunction with the blade and the lockup remains sound.

Finally, it has a very classy look. If a knife is just for work, looks dont matter much to me, but this knife does most of my daily tasks while looking great, which is a plus in an EDC. Overall this is a wonderful knife, and I hope to have the money for a CF walker in the future. I would also enjoy further editions of this knife, perhapse with ZDP.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Nice review Zer, and I have to agree with everything you said about the Almite Walker...a real gentlemen's knife...I always carry mine when I get dressed up for weddings and other occasions...one classy knife......Doc :D

[Puyallupknifegu]

Thanks for the review, Zer...I have been thinking about one of these for quite some time...I may have to check the bay for my own...


Thanks for the input, Doc!

[silverback]

Congrats on getting yourself this fine piece. :)
It's a first class gentleman's knife, goes well with a smoking, too.
I'd be in for a sprint run in carbon fiber and ZDP steel (if my funds permit :o )
Hey, how about a Micarta version, that would be cool too, and a new handle material as well! Or a framelock Ti handle... *drool* ... must have Ti Walker ... :D

[moonlight]

I agree the blue almit walker is one of the best spydie ever made ! :cool:

[5150]

i just enjoy viewing mine as a collectable without even carrying it. :o , but i am very glad to own one because when i pick it up from time to time i like the way it feels in my hand as well. :)