Folders, steel liners?

Lycosa

Lycosa

Joined
Aug 24, 2007
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Hi All. Do you think folders really need steel liners?? With today's super polymers, G-10 and Micarta, I don't. Thanks.
 
I feel better if they have at least a very thin steel liner. I don't think it is a requirement for a small gentlemans folder, but on the heavy duty folders it is a good idea to overbuild them. If they are thin enough and have the holes drilled in them, they don't add much weight.
 
I don't use folders w/o liners. I don't mind a bit of extra weight and I want a handle that's not only tough and strong, but rigid as well. For a tool like a knife, especially since I only carry one at any given time, I like it to be a bit overbuilt.
 
I used to but in testing I'm seeing that for much of the common uses of any folder the G10, Carbon Fibers and new age man made materials are really kicking. Still I like liners and prefer them but if weight is a problem or thinness its nice to have the option of building one with no liners of metal at all.

The only time I really miss a liner is for threading which in my opinion is the real weak point of any of the polymer/epoxy resin/synthetic materials. They hold threads if you follow some simple steps to insure their longevity but not as reliably as even brass or aluminum.

STR
 
I agree with STR, screw threads are the primary thing that liners are needed for, especially on carbon fiber handles. With hand pressure alone, I can flex the sides of my steel linered G-10 Manix together farther than I can the sides of my only partially lined CF Military.
 
I've never felt a need for them. I'll use either kind of folder, but I like the light linerless models.
 
Lycosa said:
What about using barrels and screws?? Still no good?
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Oh sure. This is how I do it most always and prefer it for more than strength reasons. Its easier for repairs that way also and saves threading.

The clip mounting on a non lined knife is the part that requires a backing plate or what I often do is insert some end cuts from a 1/8" pivot barrel that I keep from custom fitting them to folders. Then its a simple matter or drilling a 1/8" recess hole in the underside of the G10 non lined or CF non lined handle to put a metal threaded backer to thread into behind the screws. Once pulled tight with a bit of strategically placed epoxy or super glue on the back they are most often good to go.

STR
 
I agree with the threading issue. Another issue is that like so many things, it is as much a function of the design as the material. My Native III has no liners. It feels and is solid because the handles are robustly thick. So on that one I do not miss the liner.

On the other hand, I have a Junglee Marshall with unlined FRN handles. But the designer did not make the handles thick enough and in hard cutting you can feel the handle twist in your hand. So that knife does not see much pocket time, even though the AUS10 blade is quite nice.

So if the knife is designed with the limitations of unlined handles in mind, it need not be an issue. But it can be an issue if the knife is improperly designed.
 
I think Spyderco has already tried the polymer/plastic only handles and has found them lacking, or else they wouldn't have developed the steel liner designs. I think Sal knows what he's doing, or else the other knife manufacturers out there wouldn't keep copying his design innovations.
 
I prefer steel liners in my folders for a few reasons, mainly the anchor they provide screws & hardware. Joe
 
shangchi108 said:
I think Spyderco has already tried the polymer/plastic only handles and has found them lacking, or else they wouldn't have developed the steel liner designs. I think Sal knows what he's doing, or else the other knife manufacturers out there wouldn't keep copying his design innovations.
Click to expand...

They do still use FRN only handles, for example in the SALT series or the Native, so no problem or lacking stability there. The main reason most of the new designs have liners (i.e. Delica/Endura 4) is that the customers wanted a 4-way clip design (and no pins), and as was pointed out before, the resulting need for screws is the main reason for the liners.

Especially the little knives don't need steel liners for stability. My UKPK with "G-10 only" handles is just as rigid as my Caly3 G-10 or even my CF Caly. (And even the much bigger Millie was fine without two liners!)

Bigger FRN handles like on the Pacific Salt do give a little when squeezed, but not to the degree it would twist when cutting. That said, I still prefer the (linered) E4 design :)

Aside from the SALT series, I don't think Sal and crew will develop much more linerless designs any more. The customers are used to it by now, so it would be seen as a step back, and I don't believe Sal will want to go that route ;)

Dennis
 
Generally we try to serve the needs and desires of our customers, without sacrificing safety, performance or strength.

sal
 
I want my folder to be able to handle hard use as well as the medium to light use it normally sees.
For that, liners help immensely.
PLUS, adds weight for use as a blunt force item or makeshift hammer if need be, using the butt end.:thumbup:
 
Wouldn't the steel liner just bend along with the, say, FRN? I understand the liner for anchoring, though.
 
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