(Sometimes) Sticky Framelock

I agree with most of the explanations and fixes posted previously.

Now an interesting situation that occurred to me with one particular custom knife, that will remain anonymous: the lock was sticky only when disengaging it like it was intended to, pushing it with the right thumb. However, when pulling the lock open with my left thumb, it would not stick. Probably the angle of the force applied better suited the particular geometry of that lockbar face...

Now, a thought for you guys: am I the only one who likes LH framelocks for RH use (apart from the clip being on the wrong side)? It seems almost more natural to me to pull the lock with the thumb than to push it...
Also, when opening the blade, your fingers are not pushing against the lockbar, creating more friction from the detent ball.
Finally, when using the knife, the fingers seem to apply more positive pressure on the lockbar than when the lockbar is facing the palm of your hand.
 
Harry Callahan said:
I have a large regular Sebenza that does this. Is it possible for me to re-heattreat the lock? I seen the guy on the CRK DVD do it and it looks pretty straightforward. Just use a torch and turn the lockbar face red then let it cool. Looks simplistic. Anyone know the ins and outs of this. I have access to the proper tools. Just looking for a little encouragement. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't. That's like performing major surgery on your knife. Send it back and have them fix it.
 
LorenzoL said:
I agree with most of the explanations and fixes posted previously.

Now an interesting situation that occurred to me with one particular custom knife, that will remain anonymous: the lock was sticky only when disengaging it like it was intended to, pushing it with the right thumb. However, when pulling the lock open with my left thumb, it would not stick. Probably the angle of the force applied better suited the particular geometry of that lockbar face...

Now, a thought for you guys: am I the only one who likes LH framelocks for RH use (apart from the clip being on the wrong side)? It seems almost more natural to me to pull the lock with the thumb than to push it...
Also, when opening the blade, your fingers are not pushing against the lockbar, creating more friction from the detent ball.
Finally, when using the knife, the fingers seem to apply more positive pressure on the lockbar than when the lockbar is facing the palm of your hand.
Click to expand...

Never really occurred to me - might be something to it, sounds easier though. :)

That fell under the "Gently Used" catagory did it? LOL!
Click to expand...

Actually it was LNIB, I did a very nice job on the surgery. ;)
 
Hi THG -

It will go away when the knife gets worn in a little.

I see in a subsequent post that your knife is a Ti framelock.

Both of the current Ti framelocks that I own (Volt and Acies) had the same characteristic when new - i.e. the sticky lock bar.

I just cycled them a thousand times and the issue is gone.

Both of my knives now unlock very smoothly.

This is just part of the program when dealing with a ti lockbar and a steel blade tang as far as I can tell.

best regards -

mqqn
 
I just used a sharpie on my Strider that was just a little sticky sometimes and it worked like magic! It never sticks now. Seems weird to me a sharpie would do anything like that, but boo yow, it did!
 
THG said:
The sharpie works for about 20 opens/closes until it rubs off.
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Keep using it. It'll get better. I have two of the JYD SG2/Ti blems and they were both like it. Now they lock up and unlock stupid-smooth. It just takes a lot open-close.
 
Try hitting the contact part of the lockbar with a propane torch just enough to cause a color change. The color is only needed on the contact area, you can sand off any unwanted color besides the lock face. This will cause an oxide layer to form which has almost ceramic qualities.
 
THG said:
The sharpie works for about 20 opens/closes until it rubs off.
Click to expand...

Haven't had this issue when I let it dry. I'm looking at the tang of a blade that I sharpied about two weeks ago and it's still there. It's faded, but it's there. Also, if it does rub away all you have to do is reapply. I feel it lasts on the tang a whole lot longer than graphite dust or using a pencil.
 
knivesandguns said:
Keep using it. It'll get better. I have two of the JYD SG2/Ti blems and they were both like it. Now they lock up and unlock stupid-smooth. It just takes a lot open-close.
Click to expand...

Looks like we're good now. After a couple of applications of sharpie and some additional opening/closing, I haven't had a sticky lock all day.

Thanks, guys.
 
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