noob-ish framelock question

E

eojk

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Oct 28, 2005
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I've been reading a lot about Ti framelocks and how everyone loves them. I have a Skirmish and I'm pretty impressed.

What got me wondering is why steel framelock knives aren't desirable as well. As I understand it, Ti is somewhat expensive and milling costs raise it even higher. Why not use tough stainless steels instead to keep costs down on higher-end knives?

I assume one reason is weight, but for super heavy-duty folders this should be a nonissue. Another is that steel doesn't "bind" as well with a blade tang, correct? But then why are so many liner locks steel?

I am wondering this about Ti framelocks because of the new Kershaw and speculated Spyderco designs that either will or probably will have a Ti framelock. Issues about the high price immediately grab my attention. Also, specualtion about limited runs is another cause of concern for me.

Can you more experienced knife nuts explain to me the allure of Ti, particularly as a contrast to stainless steel? And for a last noobish question, isn't steel generally stronger per unit of mass anyways?:confused:
 
Steel is stronger yes. Titanium is used for several reasons. One being that it tends to gall or stick to dis-similar metals so it makes for a pretty good liner or frame lock, but the other is the fact that you can color it by anodizing it making it more appealing looking and even somewhat to the level of pocket jewelry with trendy looks. Of course the other reasons are that its less weight than the same thickness steel and that titanium has what is called memory so even after being pretty much abused the spring tends to go back to where it was in most cases.

Then one other factor is the fact that titanium doesn't need the heat treatment that steel would require. All the machining can be done on steel ones before hardening but ti isn't as tough on equipment when you are doing the liners, lock cutting and hole making with a laser and not end drill and mill type equipment. In that regard when a laser is involved I'd say its six of one half dozen of another so to speak as to which you use for the liners and locks. Ti just costs more to get it by the pound than the equal amount of stainless.

STR
 
not a *noob* question.

i think more framelocks should be made from SS as well.
 
James Muehlner said:
Titanium is cooler!

I'm sure that that is a big factor as well.
Click to expand...
Indeed!

I'll use my Kershaw Leek (440A blade, 420 (410?) steel framelock) as an example of people using SS for framelocks.
 
Stainless steel weights significantly more.... specially for large knives (opposite from what you suspected). Small steel lined or framed knives don't reach a critical weight to be bothersome for EDC, however larger ones easily can reach unbearable weight.
 
I always figured that it was a contact area issue.

The Ti framelocks wear in to a larger contact area in my observation. Also, that stickiness between Ti and steel should not be trivialized IMO.

Liner-locks flex, usually resulting in a closer to normal (right angle) engagement. Frame-locks don't flex near as much, if at all. That extra bit of tackiness may also be all that is stopping the lock from sliding, with disengagement resulting. Assuming the locks are well engineered, anyway.

Then, too, anodized Ti isn't as slippery in the hand as steel.
 
Weight really is a crucial factor. A large Sebenza with a steel handle would probably weigh 7 - 8 ounces, a Skirmish at least 9 - 10 ounces. Too much for me, and for most people.
 
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