Kershaw framelock strength?

J

jdowell

Joined
Aug 15, 2007
Messages
171
I'm really liking the Blur s30v, but I'm wondering how strong the framelocks are. I realize that framelocks in general are some of the weaker types of locks, but they must vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. And, there seems to be so many people that like Kershaws knives...
 
I was under the impression frame locks were among the stronger types of locks. They are basically a much stronger liner lock.
 
I own a Blur S30v and its a liner lock. I prefer the frame lock on my Mini Cyclone TiZDP, but the Blur S30v's liner lock seems to be more than sufficent. It hasn't given me any reason to think it's going to fail and I have used it fairly hard.
 
frame locks do not fall into the "weaker" type of locks. they most definately are in the "stronger" catagory. they may not be the stongest locks but they are right up there near the top. i wouldnt worry about the strength of the blur. besides being a frame lock, its a kershaw as well!,,,,VWB.
 
jdowell said:
I'm really liking the Blur s30v, but I'm wondering how strong the framelocks are. I realize that framelocks in general are some of the weaker types of locks, but they must vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. And, there seems to be so many people that like Kershaws knives...
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I think you mean Liner Locks. The Blur uses a liner lock. The titanium and Stainless handled knives use a Frame lock
 
As a "lefty", most liner-locks don't "work" very well for me, but I've never had a problem with a frame-lock, as the grip of the hand makes it hold stronger.
 
If you saw a Blur frame lock it might have been the one I converted to a frame lock of my own. I thought that Kershaw only offered that one in a liner lock type.

I personally like frame locks over thin liner locks but I've managed to make some liner locks like the JYDII work for me. Something about the thicker lock on that model and a couple of the ZT models makes me feel better about about them and trust them more but I do like to modify those also to make them more like a frame lock when I can. With the JYDII the factory clip negates this unless you move it to tip up or swap it out which is another modification. Otherwise that knife is, in my opinion one of the best liner locks ever made.

I just like having the ability to put at least my index finger in physical contact with the lock with liner locks like I can with a frame lock. It makes me feel more secure using it. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494595

STR
 
Just playing white-devil's advocate here, but if liner/frame locks are in the "stronger" catagory, name a locking system that is weaker than a liner/frame lock.

And don't say lock-back.
 
Oops! my mistake. Not having personally handled a blur I was really taking Jdowells word that the blur was a frame lock. I have a kershaw storm II which is for sure a frame lock and is built like an anvil. The lock strength on the storm is exceptionally strong! Ive seen some good and bad when it comes to liner locks but all frame locks ive seen have been very very strong. Sorry for the mistake.,,VWB.

Redsst - Ive had several failures over the years from several different brands of lock backs and liner locks but I have never had a frame lock failure. Imho the frame lock folding knife is about as strong as a folding knife can get. thats why CRK uses them in his Sebenzas.
 
vwb563 said:
Redsst - Ive had several failures over the years from several different brands of lock backs and liner locks but I have never had a frame lock failure. Imho the frame lock folding knife is about as strong as a folding knife can get. thats why CRK uses them in his Sebenzas.
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Quite possible, but it could also be that holding the lock-back knife too tightly released the lock. In which case, it would not prove that the lock itself is weaker than a liner/frame lock, just poor location of the lock.

As far as CRK goes, (I'm gonna catch flack for this but) I'd say the more likely reason is lack of inovation to come up with something better and a cost-cutting move.
 
redsst said:
As far as CRK goes, (I'm gonna catch flack for this but) I'd say the more likely reason is lack of inovation to come up with something better and a cost-cutting move.
Click to expand...

Could be. But I think his reasoning is more like "if it aint broke, dont fix it"! ,,VWB.
 
I think the entire tactical knife industry should have stuck with Chris Reeve's idea in the frame lock because anything less is in my opinion just a compromise. Frame locks are my second favorite style of lock currently with good lockbacks first. Liner locks, particularly those of the hard use category do not really do anything for me these days. I loved them years ago, actually as early as 2005 but live and learn. They don't walk on water afterall.
However, with that said, the only liner locks I own are all Kershaws and some very old Emersons I've had a long time and when I get one anymore its usually just to convert it to a frame lock becauase I like the style which is what happened with the Blur, and the CQC14 Emerson knives I own as well as others.
STR
 
I own a sog flash 2, would that be considered a lockback?
As far as conversions, are you for hire, lol. My big hands have trouble with springs and little bits.
 
I personally have a TI-ZDP leek and it feels VERY secure. All other knives i've owned have been lockbacks.

I like framelocks for the sheer simplicity. Less parts to rust, clean, fail. I dont think that manufacturers would continue to use linerlocks if they were an issue.

STR some time I need to contact you about converting some knives to Ti-framelock.
 
i hate frame locks on smaller knives. it makes it hard for me to close them. knives like the tizdp cyclone however are great with the frame lock.
 
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