Spyderco Southard Longetivity

H

Haggenator

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Mar 20, 2015
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First post here on blade forums but a long time reader.... anyway

I have a black spyderco southard and am just wondering how long with the titanium frame lock last before it wears out. I cant seem to stop playing with it and am worried it wont last me as long as I would like it to. This is an expensive knife for me but it is worth every penny I paid.

Im sure this has been asked quite a bit but thanks for taking the time.
 
I believe the Southard and Spyderco's other non-insert Ti framelocks are carburized. The Ti alloy is reinforced with carbon on the actual lock bar to prevent wear. There was extensive discussion on the topic when the Slysz Bowie was released.

All that to say, I think you can be fairly confident in the durability of your Southard. :)
 
Any OCD type behavior aside, the knife should last a lifetime under normal daily use. THis means not flicking it open 15,000 times a day every day. If you treat it as a "worry bead" you will wear it out much faster. Think of a light bulb, constantly turning the light on and off will cause the bulb to burn out a bit quicker than normal use. Goes for ANY knife made.
 
I haven't noticed the lock wearing quickly on the Southard, and I flicked mine compulsively for a few months when I first bought it. As pointed out, the carburizing process makes the Ti lockface really wear resistant.

If anything, you will wear a big flat spot across the detent ball long before the lock wears out.
 
I've had mine for over 2 years and I've carried and used it quite a bit, the lock hasn't moved much if at all. I think I would have to carry and use it every day for many years before it wears out.
 
Can anyone confirm what is done to the Ti lock faces or is the "carburization" just a guess?
 
EDIT: Found the original quote from Brad. Same as the one below, but here's a link to the actual post.

Quote Originally Posted by Brad Southard

I realized I never came back and update you guys with the final word on the Lockface. It is not carbidized or a steel insert, it is however heat hardened at the lockface, Just like the Chris Reeves Sebenza, or the Spyderco Techno. An excellent way to prevent wear.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Click to expand...

More discussion on this thread over on the Spydie forums.
 
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Now I am wondering about the Compression lock and the CBBL locks. I know the CBBL should have a crazy long life on paper. And that the Compression lock lasts longer than liner locks.
 
I've seen lots of folks worried about ti framelock lifespan but so far I haven't seen anyone who's actually worn out any ti from repetitive flicking. spine whacks or other hard/excessive use, sure, but not from the very light impact of a small blade sliding into the lock position. I really, really wouldn't worry about it, but if you're the super paranoid type, just buy a second one and consider yourself covered for a lifetime ... or until you get yet another ti flipper to play with.
 
I have plenty of titanium framelocks and use them extensively, have for years. I'm not a flipper and cant speak specifically to the Southard, but I've never seen one of my framelocks slide to a later engagement point once it's broken in. basically I've seen no noticeable wear on any of them, ever. I wouldn't sweat it.

Spyderco is great with standing by their knives too. I'm sure if you ever were to wear it out somehow (which I don't think is likely/possible), they'd happily repair or replace it.

Flip away and just enjoy.
 
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