Lock up concern, ZT 0452cf

Danex

Danex

Joined
Sep 28, 2017
Messages
55
8732EBCC-D016-4B61-A5A3-25E9D6CDAA52.jpeg Just bought this ZT 0452cf online. My concern is that the lock bar is not engaging with the blade sufficiently. Everything seems solid and no blade play. It just looks to me that the entire lock bar insert should be behind the blade.
I’m pretty new to knives and wanting to learn. I’ve purchased several ZTs and they all appear to engage better than this.
I’m hoping to get your opinions. I can:
1) keep it as is
2) return it, or
3) send it to ZT
Thoughts?
 
It's perfectly fine I have 3 0452 variations. It will wear in a bit with use.
 
I don't wanna make a call, but lockup looks too early. could be unsafe. when I first got mine it went all the way to the scales 100% lockup. doesn't do it anymore though... or should say not often.
 
To early for what? Grip the knife in use, I guarantee it wears in normally. Mine did.
 
That's how my 0900 is too and it locks up like a vault. No wiggle in any direction. I even disassembled it Sunday and after reassembling it, the lock up didn't move a tenth of a millimeter. Surprised the hell out of me. I wouldn't be concerned with it at all. If anything, it'll add to longevity of the frame.

aKjVCVl.jpg
 
It looks fine. Depending on who you ask (or which maker), you’ll get varying answers to what degree of lockup is optimal. Chris Reeve, who designed this type of lock, prefers late engagement. However, Hinderer strives for early lockup similar to what you show here.

If it’s solid and you can’t perceive any play, you should be good to go.
 
Two words: spine whack!

Just kidding!
I'm down with most of what's been said here but I do have few questions.
1. Is this a used knife and if so, how used? Should it already be considered "broken in"?
2. If you try, can you push the lockbar over to create better engagement?
3. Is there any stickiness between the lockface and the tang?
4. Can you cause any movement in the blade while opened?
5. If you open the knife slowly and gently, does it lock up the same as pictured?
 
earlier the better, and you have room for breaking it in. Once you put pressure on the blade when cutting it will naturally slide further in, for a more secure lock. It's the way the frame and liner locks are designed to work. Heavier pressure (hard use), more solid lockup (your stronger grip and pressure on blade). Your lockup has plenty of room to travel before maxing out. It's not just going to defy physics and bounce open when the pressure is toward the opposite scale. Hinderer X-18's were prized for the early lockup. The earlier the better
 
Last edited:
Answers:
1. Is this a used knife and if so, how used?
New right out of the box
Should it already be considered "broken in"?
Not broken in.
2. If you try, can you push the lockbar over to create better engagement?
No
3. Is there any stickiness between the lockface and the tang?
No, I can easily push the lock bar back to close the knife - not sticky.
4. Can you cause any movement in the blade while opened?
No, it is solid lock.
5. If you open the knife slowly and gently, does it lock up the same as pictured?
Yes

So with these answers, am I good to go?
 
Danex said:
Answers:
1. Is this a used knife and if so, how used?
New right out of the box
Should it already be considered "broken in"?
Not broken in.
2. If you try, can you push the lockbar over to create better engagement?
No
3. Is there any stickiness between the lockface and the tang?
No, I can easily push the lock bar back to close the knife - not sticky.
4. Can you cause any movement in the blade while opened?
No, it is solid lock.
5. If you open the knife slowly and gently, does it lock up the same as pictured?
Yes

So with these answers, am I good to go?
Click to expand...
Yes....Enjoy!
 
Frame locks are only designed to contact at a very tiny contact patch/point on the corner of the lock bar (or insert, if your knife has one). So long as the lockup is secure, it doesn't matter what the lockup percentage is. Your knife looks totally normal to me.
 
It's fine.
People have their preferences, from early to late lockup; but that just gives them something with which to find fault.
Thay blade isn't going anywhere - use your knife, and enjoy it.
 
Danex said:
Answers:
1. Is this a used knife and if so, how used?
New right out of the box
Should it already be considered "broken in"?
Not broken in.
2. If you try, can you push the lockbar over to create better engagement?
No
3. Is there any stickiness between the lockface and the tang?
No, I can easily push the lock bar back to close the knife - not sticky.
4. Can you cause any movement in the blade while opened?
No, it is solid lock.
5. If you open the knife slowly and gently, does it lock up the same as pictured?
Yes

So with these answers, am I good to go?
Click to expand...
Yes Sir, sounds good! Enjoy!
 
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