Liner-Lock Position

[TT2Toes]

Where should the liner-lock position be on a new folder?
On most of my liner-lock folders I have noticed that the liner lock is usually positioned near the closest side of the blade-butt (as in the attached pic, Fig. 2) when new. However, my new Benchmark 814 came out of the box, with the liner lock being seated about half way across the blade-butt (Fig. 1).

I had always assumed that liner-locks should initially seat near the closest side of the blade-butt, and as wear occurred the contact position would move toward the center (or toward the far side) of the blade-butt.

If it starts at the mid-position, and as wear occurs then moves toward the far position, isn’t this moving toward the weakest point of contact?

I inquired at Benchmade, but they are not willing to sell me a new liner lock piece, so I can fit it to my individual preference. They recommend I send them the knife to check it for warranty repair/replacement.

What is the opinion of blade-forumites? Should liner-locks on new knives seat at the closest side of the blade-butt or midway? Or, does it not make any difference?

TT2Toes
Picture Attachment

 

[Jim Smyth]

I believe the part of a good liner lock that shows quality workmanship in a knife is where the lock meets that back of the blade. Done correctly it should look like your picture illistrated in #2. It shouldn't wobble while in the locked position, either up or done or side to side. The knives I make, I try real hard to have it like #2 to start with. The blade is much harder than the liners so in time the liner will wear and will move across the back of the blade bevel like in your illistration #1. When it gets all the way across to the other side, lock integrity IMO is compremised. There are ways to correct that problem but a new knife should should be done correctly from the start. Alot of production knives are done in large quanties and the lock fit isnt done as well as it could be. Now your knife may be fine for a while but as a new knife it should be good from the start. There is alot of talent needed when fitting locks and production knives IMO are lacking in this area. I assume they wont send you a replacement because it may be the same as the one you have which would make you mad. I would suggest sending it back and let them make it right. Benchmade will take care of you and make it right I'm sure.

 

[Frank Niro]

There is nothing wrong with the position of the lock on your new knife. If you are going to have wear on the end of the liner that much, it won't keep the blade open anyway no matter where it is to begin with.In truth the blade will be worn out before the lock ever gets to the far side. Frank

 

[Andrew McLurkin]

First off let me say that is a nice illustration! Did you draw it, and can I save it and use it if future need arises?

Now in response to your question, I like to set my locks like you have in Fig 1. They do wear some with time and it allows for movement. If a knife is set in the middle it shouldn't present any real problem as there is typically a good bit of material wear before it would reach the end of the ramp. I've found as they move over to the far right they tend to bind up some on release. Also it gives less room for the meat of your thumb to catch the liner lock to move it to the left, or unlocked position.

Just my opinion.

 

[TT2Toes]

Thanks all for the feedback. Clearly, there are varying opinions on liner-lock initial placement. There does seem to be consensus that the optimal lock placement is somewhere within the first half of the blade-ramp (as I referred to the blade-butt).

Andrew: I sent you a direct email. No problem if you would like to use the diagram I posted. I did draw/construct
it myself using CorelDraw, so you are free to use it with my blessings.

TT2Toes