Are SS Framelocks as strong as Titanium Framelocks?

flipe8 · May 15, 2007

Hi guys. I tried the search, but no luck. I was looking at my Spyderco Cricket and I got to wondering about SS framelocks vs. titanium ones in terms of strength and durability. I know ti might get the nod for better strength/weight, but in a knife that's 3oz. or 4oz. this isn't that big of an issue. Most high-end framelocks I've ever seen are titanium, but I was curious just the same.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.

ginshun · May 15, 2007

There are a lot of variables that play into it, so its not an easy question to answer. Assuming all other things are equal though, as in two identical knives made to the same quality standards, one of titanium and one of steel, the steel one should be stronger and stiffer, as steel has higher yield stress and a higher modulous of elastisity than does titanium.

Edit:

Should also be more durable too, due to the hardness I suppose. Every steel frame knife that I have carried is harder to scratch than titanium.

tenman · May 15, 2007

There is also the variable of how the contact surface and surrounding area are treated in the manufacturing process. I have a titanium Bump, and if not mistaken Kershaw does something to enhance durability in this area of the lock. Irregardless, I'd imagine that the average user will have a hard time wearing down a well built Ti framelock.

Trout Tamer · May 16, 2007

Yep, the long and short of it is this - when properly hardened/heat treated, steel is stronger and more wear-resistant than titanium. A properly made knife of either makes for a fine tool, but I'll opt for steel when given the chance.

untamed · May 16, 2007

I'm hoping our resident "backyard knife mechanic" (STR) would give his insight into this, although Trout Tamer above did give the long and short of it above.

cutter17 · May 16, 2007

Titanium can be hardened, but only to the high 40's or low 50's, I think. As has already been said about steel, I agree. The advantage of titanium is that it is rustproof, corrosion proof, and it has a better "memory" than steel, and this allows the spring to come over and lock the blade at the same spot over thousands and thousands of openings.

untamed · May 17, 2007

cutter17 said:
Titanium can be hardened, but only to the high 40's or low 50's, I think. As has already been said about steel, I agree. The advantage of titanium is that it is rustproof, corrosion proof, and it has a better "memory" than steel, and this allows the spring to come over and lock the blade at the same spot over thousands and thousands of openings.

I'd like to add it's being lighter too. :thumbup:

Thalestin · May 17, 2007

titanium is much lighter and hence can be made thicker which adds some extra stength without the added weight that would become a problem if made out of steel. Aesthetically, I also find titanium tends to be a little more scratch resistant and ages much better imo. Being rust proof is also an advantage especially if you work in wet areas. Last id like to add that titanium can be made a little courser than steel and tends to have a better grip in my experience.