Any Ti-lock fans?

Arcrobe

Arcrobe

Joined
Apr 8, 2012
Messages
176
Only CRK I have is an Umnumzaan, and I carry it all the time as it melts in my pocket and absolutely love it! I wanted to get a small 21 next for a lighter carry, but then the ti-lock caught my eye.

How do you like your Ti-locks? Also I would love to see pictures of yours.
 
I have 2 Ti Locks & I love them!! Their design is exquisite, if somewhat more difficult to open & close 1 handed, but it can be done.

When folded, they are about the same siE as a small Sebenza, but when you flick out the blade, you'll surprised at the blade length & overall length of the knife. It's a lot closer to being a full size Sebenza than being small Sebenza - sorta like having 1.65 size Sebenza (compared to a small). The Ti slabs are also stonewashed, so you don't have to worry about those 'dang' snail trails. The clip is pretty cool as well.
 
I picked up one just to round out my CRK collection, and have ended up liking it a lot more than I though I would. It has some features that are really appealing. The action and lock-up are original and interesting. The size is a nice middle-ground between large and small Sebenzas. The drop-point blade is shaped a lot like the old Regular Sebenzas ( my preferred design). The stonewashed titanium hides scuffs better than the sandblasted or polished Ti finishes on other CRK folders, plus it slips down your pocket super smooth and easy.

The only feature I don't really care for is the clip. I just don't like it. It looks pretty cool but the little horn on the tip catches things when it's clipped on. I took it off on day one, preferring to simply drop the knife in my pocket. It's a proud member of my EDC rotation now.
 
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I have one also, and really like it. I have to agree that the clip, while looks unique, kinda sucks. I would not feel comfortable with dropping it in my pocket, clipping it on and forgetting about it. It just doesn't have very good retention. Some have added a Sebenza clip in its place, but I'm not warming up to that idea just yet.
 
I too really like the Ti-Lock, so much blade to handle ratio. I did add a Seb pocket clip to mine for a while, then moved back to the Graham designed one. I haven't had an issue with the knife riding up or out of my pocket ever.
 
It's my favorite urban CRK folder.
Small in pocket, big in cutting.
By far, it has the easiest opening of any folder.
 
I too was surprised at how carry friendly the TI is. Hated the clip, substituted a Seb clip, and that worked fine, but went back to stock clip and finally got used to it. It hasn't knocked the Sebs out of my pocket for good, but it is a nice change of pace….Blade to handle ratio is a big + ,,,,,
 
I have always wanted one, but when I have the money I always end up buying another Seb...
 
Most people seem hesitant at first when considering the Ti-Lock. I was the same - did lots of research trying to find review after review before throwing down the cash. My biggest concern was the locking mechanism. I was comfortable trying something new and unique but I just could not find a decent video clearly showing how it worked.

Eventually one came up for a very good price so I snagged it. I now consider it one of the best purchases I ever made. The pros (aesthetics, lock security, blade-handle ratio, unique design) and cons (slower deployment, two-handed operation, arguably the pocket clip) are well-established. This is one you just have to hold in your hands to know if it is for you. As soon as I opened the box, I was cheesing like a little kid. And it is CRK so the ability to resell and recoup most of your money is always there.

Something else I want to mention is that I have shown some of my knives to close friends or family and most of the reactions are lukewarm. But the Ti-Lock is one of the few production knives that gets a consistent positive reaction. Not the most important thing obviously but still another sign of how nice the Ti-Lock looks and feels.
 
I think the Ti Lock may be Chris' most unheralded, under appreciated designs.

It's just a great knife to use!
 
Rneiman3 is right.

Too many people expect it to be a sebenza, but it's not and that is good. :)

The clip takes some getting used to, but it is worth it for two reasons. First, great retention, better than any "slip-on" type clip. Second, since you don't slip it on, the clip has to be opened, you don't tear up your pants. It's that first, "get over the lip of the pocket push" that wears your pocket. With the ti-lock, this never happens.

The blade locking and opening action is easy, but not as easy as the "OCD open/close constantly" knifeknuts would like it. However, it is truly ambidextrous, unlike any frame lock. There are many ways to open/close it one handed, it takes awhile to get the "muscle memory" going, but after a bit, the ti-lock closes and opens as easy as a sebenza or maybe easier since its ambidextrous. Within a week of using it daily, I was opening and closing it w/o difficulty. Never bit me once.

My blade grind was absolutely perfect and symetrical. It was finer and more symetrical than the grind on my small sebenza. In a month of use, it was still sharp and shaved hair. I stropped 3x on the sharpmaker 30 degree angle/white stones to bring it back to factory fresh.

The finish is excellent. I've had mine for a little over a month and since the surface is already "scratched" you can't see the new ones The only problem was my girl asked me why I bought a knife with a scratched up finish. :) I told her that it was because it was shiny. I like it much better than the sebenza finish.

The ti-lock has never failed in my uses or even partially opened or closed. It passes the spine whack test.

The sealed bearings and open design make it real easy to clean. I've cut the backs out of chickens prepared many meals w/o any problems. I just wash it in soapy water, rinse and towel dry.

Like some spouses, the ti-lite is good looking, however not pretty, and you need to get to know it to love it.
 
It's awesome but I go back and forth considering flipping/trading it for another small seb. The lock is at once its allure and issue for me. For some reason I don't trust it. Or maybe I don't trust my application with a locking knife of its nature. Still I love the blade and handle profile as well as dimensions. I don't care much for the handle gills. Does anyone know the point of them/is there one?
 
loon#r said:
It's awesome but I go back and forth considering flipping/trading it for another small seb. The lock is at once its allure and issue for me. For some reason I don't trust it. Or maybe I don't trust my application with a locking knife of its nature. Still I love the blade and handle profile as well as dimensions. I don't care much for the handle gills. Does anyone know the point of them/is there one?
Click to expand...

I second the idea of not "trusting" the lock. It's plenty strong, but I've tested it out by putting some really hard pressure from top, but scared to go any harder.

The "gills" are prob for looks and some grip. I like em.
 
handled a couple at a show
love it immediately, more than on the pics
I hope to get one one day
 
The knife has great balance. The "gills" probably are what tunes the weight ratio, provides a traction and gives the handle more than a "slab" design look.

Why not trust the lock? Before I got mine, I used three search engines (Google, Bing and Duck, Duck Go) and did not find reports of lock troubles or any complaints about failure to perform in any way. This is not the case with the sebenza. When it comes to lock strength, I am pretty sure you can't stab into a tree and have a 250lb man stand on it...but then who wants to :)

It's a different lock, that doesn't mean it won't work. Have any Hawk designs had lock problems? This is one design feature they are very successful at, maybe even their sweet spot.
 
I love the lock. I don't worry at all about it failing, but I use every knife like the lock WILL fail. I think of all locks as a way to help me when I accidentally use the knife incorrectly.
 
I've gotten a chance to handle it, and while it is really unique and very cool, the clip and a combination of the whole design threw me off of the purchase. I don't think you'd be disappointed with it, though.
 
I had one a while back but i sold it as it was way too much of a beauty to carry. I was always in safe queen mode. I sold it due to needing funds and regreted it dearly. I use too always carry large knives with a tactical appeal to them but as i have grown older i now tend to enjoy more of a gentleman style folders such as slip joint knives. I also now lean towards smaller knives as they are more practical for a typical urban lifestyle. I look back and the ti-lock would have been the perfect knife for me now days so i just picked up a blue steam edition this week and cant wait to carry it. Sorry to bring back this super old thread but i really like everyones thoughts amd opinions on the knife. Also take into consideration this folder did receive a knife of the year award : ). I hope when i get it what happened to me last time doesnt occur again and i will make it into a safe queen as this knife in person is a true beauty
 
I like mine, carried it exclusively for two months. Didn't take long for my thumb to start falling on the dumbbell/thumbstud. Used to have a habit of laying my blue jeans over a chair and my small regular would bounce on the hard floor. (drum roll please...) with the ti-lock clip it would stay secure in my trousers and or loin cloth.
 
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