NOOB question about lock up

jharpphoto

jharpphoto

Joined
Jan 22, 2011
Messages
290
I frequently see posts here where someone mentions "early lockup" or "40% lockup". Can someone tell me or better yet show a photo that illustrates these terms clearly? I just want to understand the terminology. Thanks guys.

:thumbup:
 
Lockup generally refers to how far a frame-lock extends when securing a blade. When someone says the lockup is early they generally mean that very little of the lock bar is securing the blade. Generally this is believed to be a good thing because it is thought to have a longer lifespan than knives that don't.
 
if the lockup isn't perfect, can't you take the knife apart and grind (file) down the edge of the liner lock or frame lock and bend it a bit so it will work better?
 
Knight88 said:
Lockup generally refers to how far a frame-lock extends when securing a blade. When someone says the lockup is early they generally mean that very little of the lock bar is securing the blade. Generally this is believed to be a good thing because it is thought to have a longer lifespan than knives that don't.
Click to expand...

Hmm, It seems to me that having all of the lock bar securing the blade would make it safer but that's why I asked. Thanks for the insight.
 
jharpphoto said:
Hmm, It seems to me that having all of the lock bar securing the blade would make it safer but that's why I asked. Thanks for the insight.
Click to expand...

I does make it safer, just less desirable from a collector/seller stand point.
 
9blades said:
I does make it safer, just less desirable from a collector/seller stand point.
Click to expand...

so if a knife has 100% lockup that would mean that 100% of the liner lock is in contact with the blade? If the blade is a user not for the collection then 100% lockup would be more desirable, right?
 
Here is a video explaining it:

[video=youtube_share;5_kIYNjD-VE]http://youtu.be/5_kIYNjD-VE[/video]
 
jharpphoto said:
so if a knife has 100% lockup that would mean that 100% of the liner lock is in contact with the blade? If the blade is a user not for the collection then 100% lockup would be more desirable, right?
Click to expand...

Sort of, the later the lock up, the farther the liner travels across the tang of the blade to the right. And yes 100 would be more desirable...
 
Last edited:
9blades said:
Sort of, the later the lock up, the farther the liner travels across the tang of the blade to the right. And yes 100 would be more desirable...
Click to expand...

100% lockup would never be desirable whether it's a user or not. 100% lockup would mean there is zero room for wear and I don't see why anyone would want a folder that is completely worn out and will only develop vertical play and other lockup issues in the immediate future. For me personally anything between 50-75% lockup is the best ratio of longevity versus safety. The only exception being a CRK where I would be completely fine with a 90%+ lockup since it will pretty much take a decade or more to wear it out from that point.
 
kawr said:
100% lockup would never be desirable whether it's a user or not. 100% lockup would mean there is zero room for wear and I don't see why anyone would want a folder that is completely worn out and will only develop vertical play and other lockup issues in the immediate future. For me personally anything between 50-75% lockup is the best ratio of longevity versus safety. The only exception being a CRK where I would be completely fine with a 90%+ lockup since it will pretty much take a decade or more to wear it out from that point.
Click to expand...

.......
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top