Product Review

Jim Hammond's Cruiser is a multi-purpose folder that has garnered much praise. The Cruiser 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, Columbia River used their extremely durable InterFrame build with 420J2 stainless steel liners, one locking. The injection molded Desert Tan textured Zytel scales featuring their 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. Their work and sport version of the Cruiser use tough 8CR14MoV 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. Dual thumb studs and Teflon blade bearings at the blade pivot allow smooth one hand opening and closing. They've also incorporated the patented Lake And Walker Knife Safety (LAWKS) into the Cruiser. LAWKS is a manually-operated safety mechanism for folders which prevents the locking liner from accidentally releasing when the knife is open and locked. To give the Cruiser maximum utility in a variety of work situations, Columbia River had Jim design a special paddle style pocket clip, 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.