Linerlock question

Cosmic Superchunk

Cosmic Superchunk

Joined
Jan 28, 2001
Messages
3,709
Most of my folders have linerlock mechanisms, but just how they engage the blade tang differs from knife to knife. When new, some of my models linerlocks engage a bit less than half against the tang providing a secure lockup and allowing room for wear. Others engage exactly halfway and I have a few models which the locks engage clear across the tang. Since there is no "set" standard as to how a linerlock is supposed to engage the blade tang. What do "enthusiastic cutlery users" prefer?
 
It's funny but I have similar thoughts. One of my crappy clones when flicked open the lock went clear over to the other side. In trying to adjust it, I busted it. No big loss!

Both the Kershaw Vapors I have are frame lock and do it just so nicely! My other three 'good' knives do a pretty nice job of liner locking.

I trust a lock that goes to about center. I'm scared when they go too far.

Joe Shmoe
 
I want ALL of the liner lock to be in contact with the blade tang. If it's not, I will lightly emery the liner lock to allow it to move further across and provide 100% lock up.
 
I've seen a liner that clears the tang.... I wouldn't use that knife myself.
 
I have come full circle in that I really like the (Spyderco) lock-back. It's not a hi-tech wiz-bang lock, but I like it anyway.:).

...And liner-locks...I just don't trust 'em, especially after a little wear.
 
I'm with Glockman on this one.
I simply don't trust liner-locks the same way I trust a well-made lock-back.
However, it's not because I think they will close on me--it's because they can open too easily.
Spyderco's compression-lock has the same shortcoming as the liner-lock (my Vesuvius opened in my pocket once).
IMHO, the safety on the Kershaw/Onion Scallion (and Boa and Chive) is the way to go with a liner-lock.

But to answer your question: I would prefer the liner travel to mid-tang.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I don't buy liner lock knives anymore and I'm selling or giving away the ones I have. Just don't trust 'em. I might make an exception for a Strider AR or GB, which are said to be bombproof, but that would be about it.
 
{insert standard anti-liner-lock diatribe here}

Okay, now that that's over with, let me answer your question. The absolute worst case is that the liner engages way for over to the right (on a righty liner lock), near the far scale. Once the liner wears a little bit -- and it will -- you'll start getting blade play. Since new liner locks often break-in quickly, you could end up with play very quickly, if this is a new knife.

Regarding where on the tang should the knife engage, I've found that for both spine-whacking and torquing tests, assuming you feel those tests are valid, the position of the liner on the blade tang is not as important as you would intuitively think. Unless the liner is hanging precipitously off the tang, which is obviously a problem, then anywhere the liner engages is fine. Liner lock slipping problems are more a matter of geometry than of friction, so once you've got a reasonable amount of liner engagement on the tang, it's mostly a don't-care. Once that condition is reached, I'd probably rather have the liner engage further to the left, leaving plenty of room for wear.

For a new knife, I usually don't mind if it comes out of the box with the liner not quite engaging the tang fully. New liner locks can have a quick break-in period, so a few moderately-hard openings (nothing extreme needed) will often move the liner over very quickly and get it to engage the tang better. A knife that's already broken in better have the liner engaging the tang substantially.


Joe
 
Thanks for the post Joe.

{insert standard incredulous response to people who think liner-locks are dangerous}

Based on looking at posts on this forum for about a year and 1/2, I continue to be amazed at the total BS on subject of liner locks vs. other kinds of locks. It appears to me that anyone who insists on digging in their garden with a folding knife is an IDIOT, plain and simple. I am not fond of Emerson knives, but why would EE continue to advertise themselves as "The number one hard use knives in the world". How come there is an entire cult - USN - based around liner-lock designs?

To get back to the original posted question - my experience with Benchmade, Spyderco, Emerson and Klotzli knives shows the liner just fully engaging the blade from the liner side. My Military is a bit broken-in and it engages further accross, but not even halfway across.

I recently purchased an Elishewitz handmade knife, the liner just engages the blade from the liner side.

The ONLY liner lock that I have EVER been able to "white knuckle" into a release situation was a SOG Jetedge. Positive reviews from a notable BF member aside, I think the Jetedge is a poorly engineered handle. The liner lock release problem was coming from the lousy grip design.
 
I have liner locks from both Pat Crawford and Allen Elishewitz that are rock-solid under all circumstances. BTW, the Crawford liner would be regarded as "thin" by most here, yet they hold as well as anything out there. Admittedly, these are customs that have been hand-tweaked by skillful makers and may not represent the norm for all liner-lock folders.

On the other hand, my Al Mar SERE 2000, a $120 knife, has a liner that holds just as well as the customs, in my experience.

Broad, sweeping generalizations do no seem to work here. It is an individual, case by case analysis that must be applied, IMHO.

Let's also keep in mind that Michael Walker, developer of the liner lock, is not anyone's fool. Yes, there are some great new lock innovations out there, but "cool heads" must prevail.;)
 
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