lockup on framelock knives (ie sebenza/strider mainly)

The thing I always hear is the Sebenza one needs much closer tolerances or it'll eventually allow blade play and cause the knife to self-destruct. Also never flick the blade open, or that'll dent the pins and make it do that even earlier. And then Sebenza fans say that of course Sebenzas use that type of lockup, because they have closer tolerances.

Despite all that, my ancient, about 8 or 10 year old Kershaw Whirlwind, that "flicks" itself open pretty hard, and has been used enough for the torsion bar to have been replaced twice, has had the liner lock meet the opposite liner since day one, and still has zero play, and still passes a spine whack test easily.

So given my experience, I think I agree with you, the locking thing going all the way over is better. Doesn't need to be super precise for that to work, just has to not be Chinese garbage.
 
Hi there. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, if you want to know more about the principals or ingredients that go into a well designed liner lock (same principles are applied to a framelock) try and get hold of Bob Terzula's book on the Tactical Folding knife.

ISBN-10: 0873418581
ISBN-13: 978-0873418584

Well worth it if you are serious about knowing what goes into a proper liner or framelock. The idea of these locks being simple to do is a misconception. There are numerous small details that make these locks work well and safely or work poorly, it also helps one to realise the difference between marketing hype and what truly will work.
 
I've read the book. Thank you though. I also read the book before I made that video.
 
I've only owned 2 Striders, both were perfect. Only owned 1 Sebenza, it too was perfect, functionally speaking. I own quite a few other Ti framelocks, none of them lock up like the Sebenza does, and none have the problem you're referring to. I think it's more a matter of execution than design. If Zero Tolerance can reliably produce knives that lock up solid each and every time, for years, while being subjected to hard use, I'd say they're doing something right.
Chris Reeve is doing it right as well. So there simply must be more than one way to do it right. ;)
Also keep in mind the problems with the first edition of the HEST/F. That was a design issue (I think). The lock was redesigned, and mine at least is perfect. And locks up halfway.
 
jus curious what you think of the addition/relocation of the lock bar ball on the umnumzaan... do u really feel its an improvement over the sebenza or is it just different and works equally well?
 
joewoo said:
jus curious what you think of the addition/relocation of the lock bar ball on the umnumzaan... do u really feel its an improvement over the sebenza or is it just different and works equally well?
Click to expand...

it def prevents wear on the tang and makes for a very smooth open and closing. ive had two and loved them both.
 
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