Is the Integral lock the strongest?

golok

golok

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
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I understand that when the Integral lock was first introduced, it was considered to be one of the strongest locks.

Ounce for ounce, is it the firmest and the strongest compared to the other locks?

I am fascinated by its simplicity of design and the strength of its construction.
 
I guess it would depend on what you compare it to. I know that the integral lock is so strong that the blade would break before the lock would give out. That's strong enough for what I would need it for. I think the way knives are used, I would be more concerned about the blade stop. Chris's stainless steel stop seems to be the way to go. Maybe a type of full back spacer used as the stop would be even stronger. Not sure. Regardless, for the type of lock that the Sebenza has, you would be hard pressed to find a stronger one. Closest IMO would be a lockback.

RW ;)
 
I haven't seen one, but I understand that Dozier's tab lock puts the entire tang up against the integral lock, eliminating the need for a blade stop.
 
Originally posted by Esav Benyamin
I haven't seen one, but I understand that Dozier's tab lock puts the entire tang up against the integral lock, eliminating the need for a blade stop.
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I've seen pics of that, too, but wondered how it could adjust for wear.
 
Tab lock: I've always envisioned it being two liner locks in a sense, one on top of the other, as the lock wore it would just move closer to the opposing scale.

I've never held one but been tempted many times to buy it and check it out.

In my experience the integral lock is the most confidence inspiring. The beauty of it is unless there are scales over top of the lock bar, as your grip on the knife intensifies the lock seats further behind the tang, increasing the lock efficiency by acting like a wedge.
 
Originally posted by cpirtle
Tab lock: I've always envisioned it being two liner locks in a sense, one on top of the other, as the lock wore it would just move closer to the opposing scale.
Click to expand...


Thanks for pointing that out. Duh! Must have lost track of my brain.
 
I've had three of the Dozier tab-locks, but ended up selling them all. Not due to any defect, or any problem with the knives. I ended up needing the money to purchase my medicine. I have a health problem that requires expensive medicines to treat. It seems that I caught Sebenzititis a while back, and need a Sebenza every 3 months or so ;) ;) ;) !!

The tab-lock actually does cover the back of the tang from top to bottom. The tang is beveled to keep the tab from going all the way over. It would take some wear to force it all the way over to the other side of the tang. And remember, Bob Dozier does not put thin blades on anything! Hence, there are no thin tangs!

The two Buckhunters and one Folding Dagger I had for a while were as sturdy as anything out there..........with the exception of the Sebenza. I am kinda biased that way.

The Dozier tab-locks are great knives, and you would not be dissapointed with the strength of the tab lock. Me? I am sticking with my "medicine"
 
Originally posted by golok
Ounce for ounce, is it the firmest and the strongest compared to the other locks?
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For the size of the large Sebenza (3.6" blade), and given that handle and therefore lock are titanium (strong for it's weight), I'd say that indeed, the CRK integral has a fair claim to being a very strong lock for the weight.

So too the Benchmade Pinnacle, since it's a copy of the Sebbie in many respects.
 
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