Shadow Pattern... Liner or Linerless?

[SteelSnob]

Hello All. I'm about to have a custom maker make a shadow pattern Swayback and I'm wondering what's the advantages of liner vs linerless? I don't plan or prying with it which goes with out saying but what would be the advantages of liners vs linerless?

 

[VCM3]

The linerless will be a little thinner & a little lighter
I prefer the liners though & thats from a guy whos had a few of both.
I'd say,with liners is stronger,some may argue that.
-Vince

 

[jackknife]

I think with brass liners, you may have a bit more strength in the long run, but also a bit more smoothness. I'm not sure what effect some dirt or grit would have on some materials without liners.

 

[wagglebee]

I think with brass liners, you may have a bit more strength in the long run, but also a bit more smoothness. I'm not sure what effect some dirt or grit would have on some materials without liners.

Good point. I would think that overtime grit and dirt could wear down the micarta and affect the integrity.

 

[BJE]

I would personally go with liners if it were my choice. I feel softer metals like copper and brass have a self lubricating property about them. I also think the knife will wear better with liners than without them. But if you like the thought of having something unique linerless might be nice.

 

[zerogee]

I would probably go with liners, assuming the cost difference is reasonable. The difference in weight will typically only be fractions of an ounce between a linerless knife and one with 0.030" or 0.040" liners. The liners also add an additional detail and add contrast to the scales -- agreed also about probably a little better long term wear characteristics. That said though, a linerless knife - especially with linen or canvas micarta scales - can be smooooooth; and I must admit that the knives that find themselves most often in my pocket are a couple of AG Russell Jess Horn linerless designs in linen micarta.

-- Dwight

 

[mhawg]

... That said though, a linerless knife - especially with linen or canvas micarta scales - can be smooooooth; and I must admit that the knives that find themselves most often in my pocket are a couple of AG Russell Jess Horn linerless designs in linen micarta.

-- Dwight

I have a couple of those and the smooth opening and crisp snap is almost at a custom knife level.

 

[JB in SC]

I have several slipjoints with and without liners and like both variations. I think for the long haul I would go with liners. Adds a little weight and thickness.

The exception would be a carbon fiber scaled Halfrich, I doubt it would loosen up

 

[CL01]

I'd agree with everything said, however, I do think having at least 1 linerless slippie is nice. I only have one, just got it recently, but like it alot. It's a P.C. Randall Wharncliffe (He hasn't named it), but it's big at 4.25". While the weight savings doesn't seem like much, it's definitely noticably lighter than a Shadow with a liner.

I have a Menefee Backpocket Shadow (4 1/8") in green canvas micarta & the Randall (4.25") in natural canvas micarta is definitely lighter.

I haven't had the linerless long enough to say anything about it for the long term, but it would seem reasonable/logical that a linerless "could" have problems down the road due to dirt & wear on softer handle materials.

I would say that maybe a linerless wouldn't fare that bad vs a brass or softer metal liner knives. I believe my liner customs have 410 or 416 SS, so I'm sure they take more punishment (If I was so inclinded) vs the linerless versions.

Good luck with whatever you choose.