G-10 and metal liners:

A

allenC

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Jun 18, 2000
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I like Spyderco knives alot but I can't help wondering about the lack of metal liners on their G-10 knives (or one single liner).
I notice that most other makers, like Benchmade and Emerson, use dual metal liners on their G-10 knives.
Are the dual metal liners just overkill?
What do you folks think?

Allen.
 
G10 and micarta are plenty strong, I think the single liner approach reflects Spyderco's practicality. I don't know if they ever used dual liners on liner/compression locks, I don't recall ever hearing of a Military or Wegner breaking "in action" and those are among the hardest use folders around.
Martin
 
I agree with that sentiment. There is no need for the second liner when the scales are something as stiff as G-10.

In fact, I think even one liner is overkill. The Microtech Microbar is the ultimate incarnation of the linerlock. No useless weight, just extra beefy metal at the contact area where you actually need it. No longer do you need the light but wear prone titanium. The bar is the same material as the blade and can be replaced if worn out.

mt-amphibian-lock-stud.jpg
 
I have a G10 Rookie and G10 Standard. The liner makes them extra beefy, but they would be lighter, thinnner, and probably not much weaker without it. Certainly much stronger than Zytel.
 
It's possible to create a handle in G10 and have only one liner (in an linerlock) that's insetted into the handle. I think the CRKT Contrail is created that way.
 
Originally posted by allenC
I like Spyderco knives alot but I can't help wondering about the lack of metal liners on their G-10 knives (or one single liner).
I notice that most other makers, like Benchmade and Emerson, use dual metal liners on their G-10 knives...

Allen.
Click to expand...

Dang, my pair of Spyderco Chinooks must be collectors items, as Spyderco let BOTH of 'em slip-by their quality control inspection with dual stainless steel liners, and they both have G-10 scales.:).
 
There are some knifes with no liner at all only g-10 scales. One (my only one of this kind) is BM Emerson 9700. Ok. it is automatic -> the lock is stud lock (florida black knife type lock) so there is no need for even nested liner. In BM 9700 the G-10 scales are about twice as thick as Spyderco Starmates that has only one partial liner. Only drawback in case of Starmate is SLIGHT flex when one squeezes handle, BM 9700 is like brick - more so than most knives with dual liners. One should remember that G-10 is more expensive material than 300- or 400-series steels that are normal liner material. It is also more expensive to machine to wanted shape. If G-10 was cheaper it would see more use as only handle material (IMO).
 
twg:

That Amphibian certainly doesn't need liners with the solid aluminum handles!:) BTW, the Amphib is one sweet knife.:cool:
 
I posed this question on the Spyderco forum a couple of years ago in regards to the Wegner model. I really wanted to see dual liners on this one if for no other reason than the symmetry. I would rather have the dual liners even if it is overkill and it makes the knife a tad bit thicker. G-10 or micarta neither one give me the confidence that two pieces of steel/titanium would. As a matter of fact I ended up buying the custom version of the Wegner from Phil B. and it had dual extra thick liners and wasn't that much more of a problem to carry or use.

I am i favor of dual liners!

BTW, Sal himself responded and said basically what has been said here. Thats one thing I really like about Spyderco, the head Spyder comes on quite frequently to respond to questions!:D
 
I am the same way. I won't buy knives that don't have 2 liners unless they are of the MT variety. I know that single liner knives can be strong, but it's a mental thing.
 
It is nice to think that Emerson cares enough about is customers to put both liners on each knife. Overkill? So what, it is a tool that can be used when all your other tools are not available. They are the best because they refuse to be mediocre.

No wonder it is used by the guys who have no limits to their options.
 
IMO, dual liners is overkill on a G10 handle. The G10 scales on my Spyderco Military are plenty strong and durable on their own, without the dual steel liners, while keeping the knife lightweight. :D
 
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