Does Graphite Cure Lock Stick or Just Hide the Problem?

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MatthewSB

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Does graphite on a frame or liner lock knife's tang actually help the knife, or does it just cover up the problem and keep the knife from wearing/breaking in properly?

I have a Strider that had black stuff on the blade tang (looks like permanent marker) when I bought it. I thought the lock was smooth, but after cleaning the knife good it is stickier than any knife I've ever dealt with. There is no oil or whatever on the frame lock, I know that sometimes that can cause the lock to slip a bit to far over.

Did the graphite keep the knife from being broken in properly?
 
It's basically a dry lube. I think it just helps during the break in period. Eventually the lock and tang interface will wear into a stable configuration and the graphite will not be needed.
 
It probably was sharpie marker. Many use that instead of graphite as well. I try not to use anything on the lockface and with time it usually always sorts itself out.
 
The graphite or pencil lead just temporarily "lubes" the contact point making the stick less noticeable for a few openings. I don't know how it would interfere with break in...it's very soft and pretty insignificant.

I have a few folders that have a minute amount of lockstick...i.e. just enough to feel a slight rub. I don't mind a little lock stick at all. It gives me tactile confirmation that the lockup is good and solid.
 
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Think of it like this,

Do you grease the brake pads on your car?
 
MatthewSB said:
Does graphite on a frame or liner lock knife's tang actually help the knife, or does it just cover up the problem and keep the knife from wearing/breaking in properly?

I have a Strider that had black stuff on the blade tang (looks like permanent marker) when I bought it. I thought the lock was smooth, but after cleaning the knife good it is stickier than any knife I've ever dealt with. There is no oil or whatever on the frame lock, I know that sometimes that can cause the lock to slip a bit to far over.

Did the graphite keep the knife from being broken in properly?
Click to expand...

I owned a SNG, lock was at about 25% when I bought it, some lock stick. I too used a sharpie and graphite, It was only temporary, after
I cleaned it all out I had the same issues you had. kept breaking it in hoping the sticky lock would go away, never did. lockup went to 80% at this time.
Make a long story short, Strider wouldn't fix it, I sold it for $150 with a full discloser of this problem.
I am not bashing Strider, and I don't have proof or pictures. This was my experience. Take it or leave it.
 
My experience with Strider has been the exact opposite of Krav. I purchased an SMF and when I got it there was an insane amount of lock stick. I have opened and closed that knife probably 1000-1500 times and now it has much less lock stick, and with a little sharpie on the tang it has none. It had zero lock stick without the sharpie before I disassembled, cleaned, and lubed it. However that is because the lock rest differently now, so it still hasn't broken in again.

As for lock wear. When I got the knife, it was at roughly 40%. After breaking it in, it MIGHT have moved to 50%. After disassembling it, the lock now sits at 30%. Hasn't moved since I put it back together. Blade was also slightly off center when I bought it, after I took it apart that was fixed too.

Krav, do you know if your SnG had the new or old lock geometry?
 
oXObsidianXo said:
My experience with Strider has been the exact opposite of Krav. I purchased an SMF and when I got it there was an insane amount of lock stick. I have opened and closed that knife probably 1000-1500 times and now it has much less lock stick, and with a little sharpie on the tang it has none. It had zero lock stick without the sharpie before I disassembled, cleaned, and lubed it. However that is because the lock rest differently now, so it still hasn't broken in again.

As for lock wear. When I got the knife, it was at roughly 40%. After breaking it in, it MIGHT have moved to 50%. After disassembling it, the lock now sits at 30%. Hasn't moved since I put it back together. Blade was also slightly off center when I bought it, after I took it apart that was fixed too.

Krav, do you know if your SnG had the new or old lock geometry?
Click to expand...

It was the new lock geometry.
 
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