Hi guys!
I've got a question that's been burning me for a while. It has to do with the real (vs. perceived) strength of a framelock, especially compared to locks that wedge metal into the tang (axis, compression, rollock, etc).
The only framelock I'm familiar with is my Kershaw Chive, but the basic design seems to pretty much the same.
From spending too much time here, I gather that most people seem to think that the framelock is quite strong, and I've heard comments that it would be almost as strong as an axis... Yet, when I look at the design on my chive, I find that hard to believe. Now I realize that the Chive is a light duty folder. But when I look at pictures of a Sebenza, for example, I see that they're built on the same principles.
So, let's assume a Sebenza, for arguments sake. To me (who was never really strong in Physics), the actual strength of the lock would be the strength of titanium at the thinnest portion (the relief at the back, to make the lock bendable). I've never handled a Sebenza, but from pictures, there doesn't seem to be that much metal left. Add to that the fact that the handle is titanium. Titanium is stronger than steel at equal weights, not equal volume. That means that at the relief point, titanium is not an advantage. Last of all, by using the frame as the locking mechanism, we introduce an angle compared to the knife blade. That means that the force acting against the lock is at an angle compared to the frame lock, which to me would introduce more stress at the relief point.
All this to say, that with my limited knowledge, I perceive a framelock to be much weaker than it would seem on the surface, compared to an axis or compression.
Now, there's a real reason why I'm asking this. I'm turning 40 this year. My wife has warned me that I can't get a mistress, and I can't sell the minivan for a Porsche. In the second case, I'd get a nasty divorce. In the first one, I'd get a nasty divorce after getting my balls cut off
That leaves the third option: buying an expensive knife 
Most of you have probably guessed by now that I'm trying to convince myself to get a Sebenza. However, I really like my Spydies, and I'm pretty sure I'd love a Benchmade. Thing is, for the price of a decorated Sebbie, I could by a Paramilitary and a Switchback. Bear in mind that I'm Canadian. By the time the Sebbie would get in my hands, I'd have spent over $550CDN, which is a faire amount of bread :grumpy:
What I need to figure out is whether a Sebenze is better than a Benchmade + a Spyderco, and I'm having a hard time convincing myself. I'm feeling that a Sebbie might be better than Benchmade or Spyderco, but not by as much as the price difference...
Help!
Thanks!
Guy
I've got a question that's been burning me for a while. It has to do with the real (vs. perceived) strength of a framelock, especially compared to locks that wedge metal into the tang (axis, compression, rollock, etc).
The only framelock I'm familiar with is my Kershaw Chive, but the basic design seems to pretty much the same.
From spending too much time here, I gather that most people seem to think that the framelock is quite strong, and I've heard comments that it would be almost as strong as an axis... Yet, when I look at the design on my chive, I find that hard to believe. Now I realize that the Chive is a light duty folder. But when I look at pictures of a Sebenza, for example, I see that they're built on the same principles.
So, let's assume a Sebenza, for arguments sake. To me (who was never really strong in Physics), the actual strength of the lock would be the strength of titanium at the thinnest portion (the relief at the back, to make the lock bendable). I've never handled a Sebenza, but from pictures, there doesn't seem to be that much metal left. Add to that the fact that the handle is titanium. Titanium is stronger than steel at equal weights, not equal volume. That means that at the relief point, titanium is not an advantage. Last of all, by using the frame as the locking mechanism, we introduce an angle compared to the knife blade. That means that the force acting against the lock is at an angle compared to the frame lock, which to me would introduce more stress at the relief point.
All this to say, that with my limited knowledge, I perceive a framelock to be much weaker than it would seem on the surface, compared to an axis or compression.
Now, there's a real reason why I'm asking this. I'm turning 40 this year. My wife has warned me that I can't get a mistress, and I can't sell the minivan for a Porsche. In the second case, I'd get a nasty divorce. In the first one, I'd get a nasty divorce after getting my balls cut off
That leaves the third option: buying an expensive knife Most of you have probably guessed by now that I'm trying to convince myself to get a Sebenza. However, I really like my Spydies, and I'm pretty sure I'd love a Benchmade. Thing is, for the price of a decorated Sebbie, I could by a Paramilitary and a Switchback. Bear in mind that I'm Canadian. By the time the Sebbie would get in my hands, I'd have spent over $550CDN, which is a faire amount of bread :grumpy:
What I need to figure out is whether a Sebenze is better than a Benchmade + a Spyderco, and I'm having a hard time convincing myself. I'm feeling that a Sebbie might be better than Benchmade or Spyderco, but not by as much as the price difference...
Help!
Thanks!
Guy
) You really have to hold one to understand the difference. Some people don't get it until they use theirs. Some people don't like Sebenzas, ever -- that's cool, too, that's why there's a whole knife industry!
.) The knives went through a battery of tests, but the last test is the one that is pertinent to your question. The review tried to hammer the knives into the side of a log with a mallet. Competitor #1 shatter at the first strike, and competitor #2 did the same with the second strike. The sebenza was last, and after 5 strikes, the reviewer was getting worried that he wasnt going to be able to extract the knife! After he retrieved it, the sebenza operated quite nicely, considering the abuse. (BTW, if any of you recall the review details with more accuracy than I, please hop in . . .)