CRKT LinchpinThe CRKT Linchpin, designed by Flavio Ikoma, is a full-sized manual folder with a seriously outstanding lockup and a great look. We’ve never met Flavio Ikoma but we’d love to. He’s one of the most ingenious and creative knife makers of our time. Not only did he create one of the strongest locks on the market – the Deadbolt – he also partnered in creating the Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS), which might have been the first ball bearing pivot system for use in folding knives.

There’s nothing small about the CRKT Linchpin. It features a 3.73” 1.4116 stainless steel modified sheepsfoot with a beefy blade thickness of 0.151”. It’s available with a plain-edged satin finish blade or a black PVD coated blade with partial Veff serrations. CRKT LinchpinThere’s an elongated finger choil and a smooth beveled thump ramp on the spine for a comfortable grip in a variety of positions. It flicks open smoothly and easily with either the thumb studs or flipper thanks to the IKBS ball bearing pivot system.

Housed in black glass-reinforced nylon handles is the Deadbolt. We’ve waxed poetic about the strength, durability, and neigh on unbeatable nature of this lock before. Not only is this lock strong, it’s easy to use. In short, bolts go through the blade and lock into place. You push the big button on the side of the knife and unlocks. It really is that easy. The Linchpin also comes with an ambidextrous, tip up pocket clip and lanyard hole. It’s 5.26” closed and weighs just over 6 ounces.

CRKT LinchpinCRKT Linchpin Details

  • 1.4116 Stainless Steel
  • Satin Finish Plain Edge or Black PVD Coated Combo Edge with Veff Serrations
  • 3.73” Modified Sheepsfoot
  • 0.151” Blade Thickness
  • 55 – 57HRC
  • Flipper or Ambidextrous Thumb Studs
  • IKBS Ball Bearing Pivot System
  • Deadbolt Lock
  • GRN Handles
  • Ambidextrous, Tip-Up Pocket Clip
  • Lanyard Hole
  • 6.2 Ounces
  • 5.26” Closed
  • 8.88” Overall

The CRKT Linchpin is fantastic, full-sized EDC that makes an outstanding workhorse of a knife. If you’re interested in this knife, click any link in the article or simply click the button below.

All images courtesy of Smoky Mountain Knife Works – smkw.com.