frame lock...should the lock bar....?

[DistortionSlayer]

I wouldn't say there is a "right" or "wrong" way to make a framelock..... But there is an inferior way to make it. Firstly, regardless or how "solid" the lock -up feels, the lockbar should be 100% flush with the blade tang.... no excuses with that.... I don't care if it's a Strider SMF, Hinderer XM 24, or a CRK Sebbie.... there shouldn't be any excuse for not having a flush framelock lock-up... that's just sloppy machining and quality control. Secondly, the whole idea of a titanium lockbar rubbing against a steel blade tang is waaaaaaay inferior of a design than a steel on steel contact. Ideally the blade tang should have the same hardness as the lockbar (or insert on a titanium lockbar.) I've played around with the Lionsteel SR1, SMF, Sebbie, and an XM 18.... the SR1 has a much better design technically with the steel insert. Now if Hinderer made an XM 24 with a steel lockbar insert.... that....would.... be....amazzzzzinggg.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

One of the best ways I have seen to test a liner/framelock for any issues is to do the following (this was posted back in 2007):

Hmm... all of my knives passed with flying colors. Wait, I take that back. I got the *slightest* wiggle from a steel framelock. It actually looks like the lockup in the Emerson link too, but then it's not an Emerson.

If the op doesn't mind I'd like to piggyback a question...

I saw in a video that the tang on the Southard locks up against the top inside of the lock face as well as the lock face. Kind of hard to explain, but when you look at the Southard it has the potential for the lockbar to hit, not only the tang face (where it's normal) but also on the flat at a 90° angle. So, think an "L" shape tang with the lockbar filling the entire L. Does that make any kind of sense?

Anyway I'm wondering if that is really going on with this knife. I don't see any marring from the ti bar like on the face so I have my doubts. I also realize that that part of the tang is necessary for the internal lock pin, not necessarily for aesthetics or added lock up.