Small detail no longer taken for granted

johnhere

johnhere

Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Messages
261
I've recently been playing around with a couple Strider SNGs and a 3" XM-18. Playing with these knives helped me appreciate a small detail on Chris Revee Knives that I took for granted. The cut out for the frame lock is on the inside of the scale, leaving the part that slide against my pocket nice and smooth.

I'm not knocking the Strider or the Hinderer, but I like this detail of the CRK. The first time I put the SNG in my pocket, I couldn't get it out as the material got hung up in the cut out for the lock, which is on the outside of the scale. Same thing happens with my XM-18. Now that I know this can happen, I can help the knife out of my pocket without too much trouble. A positive aspect to this behavior is that I think it'll be harder to lose the XM-18 or SNG from my pocket.

I'm glad I won't be taking this aspect of the CRK design for granted any more because I got really frustrated that I couldn't get the SNG out of my pocket. I've never been frustrated that way with any CRK.

- John
 
John, all three great knives you have there, each with it's own purpose intended in the design. I don't think you can really go wrong with either of the three. One thing of note if you're looking to carry the Strider again anytime soon... If you loosen the pocket clip just a little, it will definitely be easier to get out of your pocket. They come from the factory super tight. Also, the stonewash framelock Striders are by far easier to get out of the pocket as well.

Enjoy your knives!
 
This has been a feature that always really attracted me to the Sebenza and Umnumzaan. I'm glad others appreciate it as well! Mechanically I'm not too concerned because I know it's tougher than I (or any sane person) will ever need.
Another detail I love about these two blades is that the clip rides on the lock bar and follows the lock bar down when the blade is open. Not only is this aesthetically pleasing but it (along with the perfect clip design) makes for one of the most unobtrusive pocketclips I've ever witnessed. CRK knives are insanely comfortable in the hand and one barely notices the pocket clip in hand even with a tight grip.

Also, I would love an explanation for why this is less mechanically stable. Not doubting, just curious.
 
I've owned perhaps 12 Striders, 2 Hinderers (3 and 3.5 XM-18) and 15 or so CRK's: all Sebenzas except for one Zaan. I would say that the plain-Jane Sebenza is the most comfortable knife that I've owned, and the Zaan has the most appealing(IMO) blade design.
Sonnydaze
 
I spoke to Chris about this some time ago and he explained why the lock on the inside is technically superior. He explained the mechanics of the framelock, which He Designed. Was a great conversation I will never forget.

I actually have a sebenza that has a cutout on the outside as well ( its cutout on both outside and inside ). I do not have it on me presently to take pics and post it, but I believe its my large regular stars and stripes sebenza and there was a thread about it. Later on, I ended up buying the same knife on the exchange. The thread would be at least a year old and probably even older than that.

UPDATE:
Here is the thread and picture of my Large Regular Stars & Stripes Sebenza with a cutout on both sides. I bought it from MikeyD. Great Guy...!!!

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ular-question?highlight=stars+stripes+sebenza
 
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I am stealing a picture from this thread. I would tend to agree that there isn't much of a difference between the two configurations, but this picture shows why people may think it does.

Framelock.jpg


Picture posted originally by Mapper66 and modified by FlaMtnBkr
 
MooseStuff said:
I am stealing a picture from this thread. I would tend to agree that there isn't much of a difference between the two configurations, but this picture shows why people may think it does.

Framelock.jpg


Picture posted originally by Mapper66 and modified by FlaMtnBkr
Click to expand...

Not think, that's opinion. The fact is the compressive force through the inside cutout will exhibit a lever effect which gives a mechanical advantage or in this case a mechanical disadvantage.

I know that given normal use conditions the difference is insignificant but under extreme conditions or pushed to failure the inside cutout lock bar will fail before a lock bar of the same material and dimensions but with the cutout on the outside.

Physics not opinion.
 
I prefer the cut out on the inside as well.
All of my titanium knives have the cut out on the inside:
Spyderco Chokwe
Boker Albatros
Small CF Sebenza 21
Large Sebenza 21
Chokwe - I have this second one coming in.

All have the inside cut out with the exception of my GPS Sm. JYD that should be here today.

I don't mind the outside cut out and have owned many knives with it, but the inside cut out just looks better and is smoother for pocket carry in my opinion. It has a really clean look and feel.
 
I would agree that if the lock were to fail I would prefer the cut out on the inside but I am not convinced that the strength changes much based on the cut out. I would love to hear more on the subject though.
 
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