Lock-open addition?

[Bill454]

Can a lock-open system be installed in a non-locking large folder such as a Case 03574? Or perhaps it is not really $$ feasible.
I was given a nice Case 03574 many years ago and as much as I like the folder, I would feel much better in using it if it had a locking mechanism.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Can a lock-open system be installed in a non-locking large folder such as a Case 03574? Or perhaps it is not really $$ feasible.
I was given a nice Case 03574 many years ago and as much as I like the folder, I would feel much better in using it if it had a locking mechanism.

No not really.
Only if maybe a hole was drilled through for a pin you could insert, or if you want to spend a bunch of money for a custom maker to turn it into a lockback.

Personally I feel of you're using a knife properly and only cutting stuff you're applying force in the open direction and should not have to worry about a knife closing on you.
And that's why most of my folders are slipjoints.

If you like the knife give it a try and see if you can get past the worry that the modern knife market has put on people with the thought that a folder should lock.

It probably won't fold on you, just remember to use it properly and see what happens.

 

[knarfeng]

Can a lock-open system be installed in a non-locking large folder such as a Case 03574? Or perhaps it is not really $$ feasible.
I was given a nice Case 03574 many years ago and as much as I like the folder, I would feel much better in using it if it had a locking mechanism.

If you feel you need a locking blade, then you need to have a secure locking blade, one that you can depend on. It would be difficult to retrofit a knife with such a lock.
I recommend a new knife. Though, if you go for a knife with a locking blade, you would likely be looking at single blade knives instead of two blades.

The 03574 is a two blade folding hunter.
A nice large one is the Case Tribal Lock, a Tony Bose design.

 

[not2sharp]

Can a lock-open system be installed in a non-locking large folder such as a Case 03574? Or perhaps it is not really $$ feasible.
I was given a nice Case 03574 many years ago and as much as I like the folder, I would feel much better in using it if it had a locking mechanism.

No, not without spending a lot of money to destroy the original knife.

I think that you would be happier with a small fixed blade.

n2s

 

[MarkN86]

I used to shun all non locking folders in favor of modern knives, but now I have come full circle and like slipjoints quite a bit. I agree it would be wise to get a knife built to be a locker rather than modify one, especially if that knife has any sentimental value at all.

 

[DB_Cruiser]

There are times when a locking folder is desired over a slip joint. Personally, I would spend the money you would spend ruining that traditional knife on a locking knife. That way you have both. Win win.
I routinely carry a slippie and a locking knife.

 

[allenC]

I was looking at my wine opener and thought hmmm...
I'm a Rad Tech, not an engineer, but hopefully you'll get the idea.

You pivot the lock to the butt of the knife, deploy the blade, and then close the lock, preventing the blade from closing in your grip.

Slow and bulky perhaps, but not too destructive to the original knife.
And you can incorporate a bottle opener in to the locking arm.

 

[gazz98]

A Buck 110 is roughly the same size, has a lock, and has some nice handle and blade steel combos. The Buck custom shop at the Buck website shows Elk as a handle option if you really want bone.

Buck does offer some nice micarta, G10, dymondwood options too with great blade steel. For example ...
https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-110-ultimate-hunter-s35vn-limited-edition-green-canvas-micarta
https://www.dlttrading.com/buck-110-ultimate-hunter-20cv-rosewood-dymondwood
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-110-Folding-Hunter-Pro--79532

My 2nd thought was the Case Tribal lock like @knarfeng mentioned.

 

[Bill454]

Thanks for replies. The idea of making this "memorable" knife of my early times possibly safer to a grand child, or even me now. I have not carried it in years but as HicNS mentioned if used correctly all is safe. Heck, when I was growing up with knifes, lock-open knifes were certainly not the popular style.
Bottom line is that no ones probably makes the modification for reasonable charge, and that is understandable. If I choose to carry much more than a pocket knife these days I usually slip a Wave on my belt. b