I've used Buck/Case knives all my life and various other lockbacks/slipjoints. I've never wore one out. I've recently got and fell in love with a Buck Alpha Dorado and a Buck/mayo Wiamea. I've had some concerns about the liner lock lasting and it looks like there might be a problem with that.
When I first got them ,both of the liner lock knives the lock engaged just perfect. Both knives became my favorites of all my collection for use. I've had them about three months of pretty heavy use on a farm and opening letters and boxes. A check shows that the Buck Wiamea has used approximatly half the wear that was left in the lock when I got it. ie: As in its used up half the gap between the lock and other opposite liner that there was when it was new.
The Alpha Dorado has used up about 1/3 of the distance in just two months. While I love the ability to open and close the knife rapidy and with only one hand these two knives are on a pace to hit the opposite liner in less than a year at this rate. Are liner locks not ment to be used frequently? Will the wear rate slow down as it engages more of the blade bevel? Its got to the point I hate to flick open the knife as I feel there are only so many openings left in the lock. Time to put my Buck Prince back in my pocket (a great knife) and put the Dorado/Wiamea in the drawer I guess......
When I first got them ,both of the liner lock knives the lock engaged just perfect. Both knives became my favorites of all my collection for use. I've had them about three months of pretty heavy use on a farm and opening letters and boxes. A check shows that the Buck Wiamea has used approximatly half the wear that was left in the lock when I got it. ie: As in its used up half the gap between the lock and other opposite liner that there was when it was new.
The Alpha Dorado has used up about 1/3 of the distance in just two months. While I love the ability to open and close the knife rapidy and with only one hand these two knives are on a pace to hit the opposite liner in less than a year at this rate. Are liner locks not ment to be used frequently? Will the wear rate slow down as it engages more of the blade bevel? Its got to the point I hate to flick open the knife as I feel there are only so many openings left in the lock. Time to put my Buck Prince back in my pocket (a great knife) and put the Dorado/Wiamea in the drawer I guess......
