How do you feel about aluminum framelocks?

[elasmonut]

As some have said Titanium is better.
Good enough to make me pay twice as much? Not for me.
I have a Lionsteel SR1a and at first was a bit skeptical about aluminium for a framelock, it does not have mechanical properties that would normally make a good spring. I loved the one piece construction and simply could not afford the Ti. version.
I carried and used that knife everyday for over a year, have carried and used it on and off for close to ten years, or from whenever they first came out, cant really remember.
The lock still functions as well as the day I bought it. Zero blade play in any direction, still a bit stiff but always but it always was a bit overbuilt. A bit of the black anodizing has worn a bit on the non clip side thats it.
My only complaint is the finish was a bit shiny and slippy. The blades a bit thick for a folder, but the convex edge gets nice and sharp. I would not expect it to ever be as tough as Ti. but remember its a pocket knife not a breaching tool.

 

[Wolverine666]

If I remember correctly, the SR1 can be bought in titanium scales. Is an upgrade to ti scales doable for you? Would be more robust than aluminum.

I’d definitely prefer the titanium version but all I can find in titanium is the SR2 which is smaller. I’m not overly fond of small knives. I like the closed length to be at least 4.5” since I have pretty meaty paws.

 

[Wolverine666]

I think titanium is better.

I do too. But I can’t seem to find a titanium SR1 in stock anywhere. And I’d prefer D2 over Sleipner.

 

[G. Scott H.]

I wouldn't want an aluminum framelock with direct aluminum-on-steel contact between lock and tang, but so long as there's a harder insert it's fine by me.

 

[jill jackson]

Only one I own. When the DOC first came out, they weren't big sellers now you can hardly find one at a reasonable price

https://imgur.com/a/rhX7Tku

 

[kobold]

I have a dozen of Ti knives, but only one Al - a ProTech coated in black which I don't use, because I think once the coating starts wearing off it will look like cr@p. OTOH, wear marks on Ti add character, so I use them all the time.
I am thinking about selling the ProTech while it still looks like new.

 

[patrickguignot]

I’ve been checking out an aluminum framelock lately (Lion Steel SR1). I’ve never tried aluminum in a framelock. Just curious if any of you have experience/opinions/thoughts on the matter.

I have a Lion Steel SR-1A with D2 blade in my collection.
It's a good quality knife, there is a steel insert so no interface problem between the blade and the Aluminum handle. The Rotoblock is gimmicky but fun and original.
The problem is the aluminum handle is very slippery. I know it's not related to aluminum per se because my Microtech knives use Aluminum and they are not slippery.
It's a specific and very annoying issue with the SR-1A.

 

[Wolverine666]

I have a Lion Steel SR-1A with D2 blade in my collection.
It's a good quality knife, there is a steel insert so no interface problem between the blade and the Aluminum handle. The Rotoblock is gimmicky but fun and original.
The problem is the aluminum handle is very slippery. I know it's not related to aluminum per se because my Microtech knives use Aluminum and they are not slippery.
It's a specific and very annoying issue with the SR-1A.

Someone else mentioned that too. Must be the finish on the aluminum. This could be an issue for me.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Someone else mentioned that too. Must be the finish on the aluminum. This could be an issue for me.

I do also remember the scales being super slick.

 

[knoefz]

Use my SR2A with great pleasure for many years already. Alu frame is performing great. Color is slightly fading from pocket carry. About the slipperynes... My ti-spine feels about the same...

 

[Itsthegrizzly]

Had the lionsteel sr1 for years and years and never had an issue with it. Was one of my favorite knives I have ever had! Sadly when I sold off some knives someone made me an offer I couldn’t refuse

 

[Zulus]

Aluminum scales do scratch and ding very easily. They are also cold. I don’t generally buy aluminum scales.

Exactly same cold as titanium or iron or gold, sorry

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Exactly same cold as titanium or iron or gold, sorry

Is this from all your experience in the frigid weather you get in Florida?

 

[The Zieg]

I’ve been checking out an aluminum framelock lately (Lion Steel SR1). I’ve never tried aluminum in a framelock. Just curious if any of you have experience/opinions/thoughts on the matter.

I have two folders with aluminum scales/handle material and I have enjoyed them both a great deal. One is a Gerber from the late 1990s which I have retired and the other is a Buck 110 which I still carry regularly. Neither is a frame lock, however. The Gerber never let me down, but I have moved back to more traditional styles of folder since then. The locking surfaces on an aluminum frame Buck are steel, so this is not a perfect comparison.

Sure, titanium is more durable, but I do not think I would have wanted to pay the price for such a knife in these styles. To back up the point about aircraft aluminum, my 1980s era Mossberg 500 has an aluminum receiver and it is still going strong, along with millions of others just like it.

I think if you like the knife design and blade steel, you should not be deterred by the aluminum frame. Lionsteel had a good reputation and I cannot see it letting you down.

Zieg

 

[Chronovore]

As some have said Titanium is better.
Good enough to make me pay twice as much? Not for me...

Is it "twice as much"? I've seen aluminum on some relatively expensive knives lately. Meanwhile, I've been seeing more affordable titanium frame locks. Just to give an idea of how much more affordable the titanium itself has gotten, there are a few titanium frame locks in D2 available for right around $50.

I've also been seeing more sub-$100 titanium frame locks in D2 and 14C28N from TwoSun lately.

 

[killgar]

That said, there is a difference between aluminum as a body material and aluminum as a moving part. In this case, we are talking about a moving part that flexes and maintains tension as its job. In the very least, aluminum is not the ideal candidate.

Actually, during takeoff, landing, and flight, aluminum airplane wings flex quite a bit, several meters in fact. Lots of reading material on the subject online.

I don't know how long the aluminum Lionsteel frame locks have been around, but if they are prone to breakage or loss of tension I imagine people would be talking about it online.

 

[King of the Cheese]

I have no concerns with aluminum scales. There are pros and cons.

Biggest pro is the cost and the vibrant color possibilities. Con is the scratching. I’m not really worried about the scales getting “cold”, since I’m not employed as a fur trapper in the winter in the northern territories.

 

[353]

I wouldn't want an aluminum framelock with direct aluminum-on-steel contact between lock and tang, but so long as there's a harder insert it's fine by me.

This. Alu is fine by me, it's just another metal that can be used as scale material. Light weight and durable.

 

[badmatt]

I like my Rockstead Shin..

Its aluminum and hard anodized, steel lock bar.. Nor cold in the hand..

It would weight signifigantly more than whats comfortable if it was made from Ti.

 

[DocJD]

Actually, during takeoff, landing, and flight, aluminum airplane wings flex quite a bit, several meters in fact. Lots of reading material on the subject online.

I don't know how long the aluminum Lionsteel frame locks have been around, but if they are prone to breakage or loss of tension I imagine people would be talking about it online.

But when they needed to build a crazy extreme plane , the SR-71 Blackbird, they used 92% titanium , inside and out .