Looking for a high quality all steel frame lock

As @kylemiller has mentioned, one should check out Spyderco Foundry. It's an unique collab. between Spyderco and Carpernter - the blade is CTS XHP, scales are custom 465 stainless while backspacer, other hardwares are BioDur 316LS stainless. This is a 100% stainless knife. I am not sure if there is another production knife from a well known manufacturer that is 100% stainless.
 
not2sharp said:
Yes, I have played with a great many knives, and I bring this up because there are relatively few high end (lets say $400+) steel handled knives. I am not really concerned about the price, but I see this as a potential solution which is getting less attention then it should.

With like materials we can see better and more durable lockups with little galling or wear at the lockup. No matter how springy the titanium, we have much more experience with springy steels, and some of those can run hundred of thousands of miles, while exposed to the elements without failing.

It is a different solution, and as it gets explored some ideas will underperform, while others will take us further then we thought possible. The real grail for me is the possibility of stronger and more durable knife. Why not explore materials that can be treated, machined, coated and assembled to meet a targeted weight and balance and strength while providing a lock up that is a 100% match with the blade.
n2s
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this grail has sort of already been reached, using 3cr13 in typical handles you find commonly used (even 410)->
it's low cost, very tough, and highly stain resistant because there is a low amount of carbon in it

if you made the handle with s35vn or whatever, d2 etc, you'd get a much higher cost, & lose stain resistance & lose toughness... why? So the handle can have better wear resistance??? It's not really something you should want in a handle
 
P D said:
As @kylemiller has mentioned, one should check out Spyderco Foundry. It's an unique collab. between Spyderco and Carpernter - the blade is CTS XHP, scales are custom 465 stainless while backspacer, other hardwares are BioDur 316LS stainless. This is a 100% stainless knife. I am not sure if there is another production knife from a well known manufacturer that is 100% stainless.
Click to expand...

Sure there is and already mentioned. Kershaw Leek. The basic model is made completely of stainless steel.
 
The best full steel framelock I've handled all-around is the Sanrenmu LAND 9103/9104. Unfortunately it's pretty much a Sebenza lookalike - a bit of a grey area compared to an outright clone - but makes up for it with improved ergonomics, action and lockup compared to the original IMO. The steel framelock is less stiff and much less sticky OOTB than the titanium CRKs I've handled and it carries significantly slimmer than a large Sebenza or Inkosi.

The main downside other than the intellectual property issue is the fact that the better action is obtained using ball bearings, which reduces general stability for any twisting motions. I haven't had any issues so far, but I'd trust good old washers more. A real CRK is still on the "buy one next time I'm in the US" list for this reason, and also because I'd like to pay tribute to the original maker for their design.


In general I quite like full steel framelocks - haven't found very many well executed ones though. CRKT and Kershaw have quite a few, but I'm not so much a fan of those design-wise. Same with Real Steel...
 
Ruike P801. 14C28N, stainless handle/scales, terrific action, $29.92 on Amazon. Check the YouTube reviews. Very impressive!
 
not2sharp said:
Yes, I have played with a great many knives, and I bring this up because there are relatively few high end (lets say $400+) steel handled knives. I am not really concerned about the price, but I see this as a potential solution which is getting less attention then it should.

With like materials we can see better and more durable lockups with little galling or wear at the lockup. No matter how springy the titanium, we have much more experience with springy steels, and some of those can run hundred of thousands of miles, while exposed to the elements without failing.

It is a different solution, and as it gets explored some ideas will underperform, while others will take us further then we thought possible. The real grail for me is the possibility of stronger and more durable knife. Why not explore materials that can be treated, machined, coated and assembled to meet a targeted weight and balance and strength while providing a lock up that is a 100% match with the blade.
n2s
Click to expand...

Springy steels are not high hardness steels. Again, the steels being used for handles, liners, etc. specifically chosen to meet the criteria you listed. When two metal surfaces rub together, there will be wear, especially dry. There just will be. That's why knives are being made with replaceable lock bar inserts. Better to have the insert be the softer steel and have it receive the wear than the blade tang.

In choosing the build materials, just like when choosing blade steel for a knife, the use should be considered. Different steels and hardness provide different benefits. A soft steel can be the very best thing for a given purpose.
 
not2sharp said:
Yes, I have played with a great many knives, and I bring this up because there are relatively few high end (lets say $400+) steel handled knives. I am not really concerned about the price, but I see this as a potential solution which is getting less attention then it should.

With like materials we can see better and more durable lockups with little galling or wear at the lockup. No matter how springy the titanium, we have much more experience with springy steels, and some of those can run hundred of thousands of miles, while exposed to the elements without failing.

It is a different solution, and as it gets explored some ideas will underperform, while others will take us further then we thought possible. The real grail for me is the possibility of stronger and more durable knife. Why not explore materials that can be treated, machined, coated and assembled to meet a targeted weight and balance and strength while providing a lock up that is a 100% match with the blade.
n2s
Click to expand...
This really feels just like making a silk purse out of a sow's ear or some other proverb about trying to make something it will never be.

There are so many other materials with different qualities that make them better suited to handle materials than steel there is no benefit from some sort of thought experiment knife with premium steel slabs. The example noted here the "Foundry" from Spyderco would be your best choice. You should get one and update this thread with how it performs.
 
knarfeng said:
Sure there is and already mentioned. Kershaw Leek. The basic model is made completely of stainless steel.
Click to expand...
Thanks for pointing out the Leek … I have a Santa Fe Stoneworks Customized Leek with a 14C28N blade, in my collection. I will check out the 100% stainless steel model.
 
I’m late to this discussion, but Boker possibly makes the best all metal knives. Nearly all are versions of expensive customs. Boker Plus knocks stainless steel knives out of the park.
 
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