Does flipping open a folder shorten the life of the lock?

[clich]

Pretty new to folders and I will be up front and honest to knowing jack about terms like detent and lock rock, but recently I found a folder I actually like an want to keep, a ZT 0550. Since owning it I noticed the framelock (I think) has been locking deeper on the bottom of the blade. Nothing drastic just like it started at about 10% of the blade and now is at about 25. Is this normal? Should I not flick it open? Does flicking it open damage the lock over time? Will the lock ever get to a point where its completely on the opposite side? Thanks for the help.

 

[Tim616]

Locks wear, I'm sure that KAI/Kershaw/ZT will have no problems fixing when the time comes.

 

[David_Parker03]

Its simple wear and tear. Even with my Umnumzaan, if I rapidly open and deploy the blade, I notice the lockup is deeper, from a standard opening lockup of about 30%-45%, to 65%-70%. You can trust with a ZT that you've got good, hard blade material. And the framelock bar should holdup too. Personally I don't prefer flicking the knife open. Your hands should be able to do it in a nice smooth, repetitive fashion, but whatever. I'm sure your knife will be fine and if anything goes downhill, I'm sure ZT/Kershaw will remedy it. They appear to have an excellent Customer Service warranty according to others on this forum.

 

[rpttrsn]

When one piece of metal rubs against another, in time, one or the other will get smaller. There seems to be a short break in period with folders. I found that the harder that you flip a blade the deeper the liner or frame lock will go. Some makers have a replacement tip for the liner lock. With normal use yours should last quite a long time. Zero Tolerance makes a quality knife.

 

[coop1957]

Not sure of your age but I would ventue to say that your thumb joint will wear out before your lock bar / blade tang does.