How far should a framelock engage?

D

darthsoaker

Joined
May 2, 2006
Messages
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OK.... I don't like buying framelock knives, because I'm kinda leery about the whole concept, BUT, I saw the Kershaw Storm for $25 and after reading several positive reviews, I decided to buy one to give to a friend.

Nice F&F, but I know VERY little about liner/frame locks. How far should a frame lock engage? The storm I have has maybe 60% engagement with the blade.

If this question has been asked before, please direct me to the thread.

Thank you.
 
Sounds perfect to me.

Some may argue that it might should be less to account for future wear, but I don't think that an issue for a $25 knife.
 
A good framelock is arguably one of the best ( in some folks opinion the best ) locks around. Best as in strongest.

I prefer my framelock to engage right center of the blade portion ( cant recall proper name) so normally I will modify my FL's to that liking.
 
A frame lock is nothing to fear. In my opinion, it's only competition is the axis lock. A good framelock will lock up tight, and your grip on the handle only reinforces it. They also tend to offer a smooth opening and closing. If you need to overcome a phobia of framelocks, the Storm is a great place to start.
 
In my experience, generally a frame lock should be originally as far to the left as possible, while still offering solid lock up. Over time it will usually move itself to the right as it wears. Most good frame locks will still lock up tight no matter how far they travel (wear) to the right. I have a cqc-12 that I've used the hell outta and its lock is now touching the g-10 side of the handle. Still, it locks with out play and I am as confident in it as the day it was bought. The single draw back I see in a frame lock is that it will wear with use (especially as your grip constantly squeezes it) and eventually need to be sent back in to the manufacturer. To me that is a small price to pay for it's advantages.
 
The lock should engage half-way across the back of the blade. (In the open position). This does take into account wear on the knife. Later on, expect the lock to engage all the way. But if the locking liner itself is thick enough, it really doesn't matter if it engages all the way over to the next liner as soon as you buy the knife.

The only disadvantage with framelocks is that left-handed folks might accidentally disengage the lock when gripping the knife. Other than that, no reason to worry. You've got a solid bar of (usually) thick metal that physically prevents the knife from closing on your fingers. Simple & Strong. A great combo for knife locks. :thumbup:
 
ahh, no worries...Its rare enough to have a lock fail on you, let alone a framlock by a major knife company...dont sweat it! If you think its not right, post a picture of the knife locked open and we will let you know if its ok or not, I understand sometiems there could just be a defect...but it sounds just fine to me...
 
cutlerylover said:
ahh, no worries...Its rare enough to have a lock fail on you, let alone a framlock by a major knife company...dont sweat it! If you think its not right, post a picture of the knife locked open and we will let you know if its ok or not, I understand sometiems there could just be a defect...but it sounds just fine to me...
Click to expand...

No, I think its fine, I don't know didly-squat about liner/frame locks, so I was unsure.

Thanks again, you guys are awesome. :thumbup: :cool:
 
MY storm II engaged about that much IIRC.

feel the lockup...if it feels solid and is contacting at least 50% then youre probably good to go. If it feels flaky it should be sent in.
 
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