- Joined
- Dec 6, 2008
- Messages
- 103
Currently there is more focus on the apparent shortcomings of ti framelocks. It seems that there is always fuel for the fire, with ever present complaints of lock rock, blade play, lock failure, etc. To address this perception, there is a trend of various brands going to steel inserts in frame locks. There is also a greater awareness of the carbidizing process that also attempts to address lock stick and wear. Does anyone have insight on what the pros and cons of the two methods are?
I can only theorize that the steel insert method is good because it's removable and would make it easier and more cost effective to replace a worn part. But perhaps it's also easier for initial fitting of a lock because slight variations in the size of steel inserts may be easier and more cost effective to produce over an entire ti locking side. A side benefit is the integral over extension tabs on inserts.
What remains to be seen is if the steel insert method has any long term problems with the screw's fitting in the tapped holes of a ti lock bar. Can this set up better withstand the forces that would peen a ti lock face out of shape?
Carbidizing seems to make sense because the maker doesn't need to mill out more ti for an insert to have a stable, thin fit, and no holes and screws are needed. However, the maker is still stuck with a traditional one piece lock side. This may not be as much of an issue on the custom side. There is the variable of how much wear a user gets from the carbidized surface before they are down to just titanium and how different forces affect deformation of the lock face.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I can only theorize that the steel insert method is good because it's removable and would make it easier and more cost effective to replace a worn part. But perhaps it's also easier for initial fitting of a lock because slight variations in the size of steel inserts may be easier and more cost effective to produce over an entire ti locking side. A side benefit is the integral over extension tabs on inserts.
What remains to be seen is if the steel insert method has any long term problems with the screw's fitting in the tapped holes of a ti lock bar. Can this set up better withstand the forces that would peen a ti lock face out of shape?
Carbidizing seems to make sense because the maker doesn't need to mill out more ti for an insert to have a stable, thin fit, and no holes and screws are needed. However, the maker is still stuck with a traditional one piece lock side. This may not be as much of an issue on the custom side. There is the variable of how much wear a user gets from the carbidized surface before they are down to just titanium and how different forces affect deformation of the lock face.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
