Aluminum Framelock Longevity

M

MatthewSB

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Feb 1, 2013
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I was thinking about trying one of Lionsteel's aluminum framelocks, but I have no experience with an aluminum lockbar. Obviously Lionsteel knows how to build a knife, but can anyone share experience using an aluminum framelock long-term?

Again, I understand that soda-can aluminum is different from what is used for an AR15 receiver, and that some aluminum is very close to titanium in strength, but I can't wrap my head around using it for the 'spring' in a knife lock.
 
If the lockbar insert is steel, I don't see any issue with it.
 
Another way to look at this is from the viewpoint of wearing out the aluminum lockbar earlier than a titanium one. If that happens you now have an excuse to buy another knife!
😁
 
MatthewSB said:
I was thinking about trying one of Lionsteel's aluminum framelocks, but I have no experience with an aluminum lockbar. Obviously Lionsteel knows how to build a knife, but can anyone share experience using an aluminum framelock long-term?

Again, I understand that soda-can aluminum is different from what is used for an AR15 receiver, and that some aluminum is very close to titanium in strength, but I can't wrap my head around using it for the 'spring' in a knife lock.
Click to expand...
Lionsteel uses "Ergal" (trade name for 7075) for the SR-11, and I believe for all of its aluminum framelocks. 7075-T6 and 7075-T651 have lower ultimate strength than Grade 6 titanium, but slightly better bending strength-weight (grade 6 Ti is about 50% more dense than 7075). The SR-11 is a beefy knife, over 5oz for 3.7" blade, so I think there's enough material in the lockbar to let it hold up.

tokerblue said:
If the lockbar insert is steel, I don't see any issue with it.
Click to expand...
Lionsteel usually uses a steel insert.
 
MatthewSB said:
I was thinking about trying one of Lionsteel's aluminum framelocks, but I have no experience with an aluminum lockbar. Obviously Lionsteel knows how to build a knife, but can anyone share experience using an aluminum framelock long-term?

Again, I understand that soda-can aluminum is different from what is used for an AR15 receiver, and that some aluminum is very close to titanium in strength, but I can't wrap my head around using it for the 'spring' in a knife lock.
Click to expand...
If you're worried about aluminum springs don't ever go for a 737 ride.
 
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