SR-1 Titanium vs Aluminum

AJR576

AJR576

Joined
Feb 15, 2014
Messages
773
I've always wanted an SR-1 and finally bought an SR-1A. I would have preferred the titanium handle but figured that I would be less concerned about actually carrying / using the lower cost aluminum version.

So my questions are...is there an appreciable difference in strength between the two? I believe LionSteel uses 7075-T6 aluminum which I know is one of the strongest types of aluminum but how well does it hold up to extended and occasionally hard use?
 
That's what I've been wondering too. "The Apostle" on YouTube did a hard use video and the aluminum was holding up okay. Both the titanium and aluminum uniframe frame locks have replaceable steel pieces against the blade so wear shouldn't be a problem. I'm going to get one pretty soon, but haven't made up my mind which one to get yet.
 
Anyone? Gianni, I'm assuming that LionSteel must have done some testing?
 
A little bit of thread necromancy here, but I'm finally thinking of picking up an aluminum one, just because they've been on the market for a long time, and if there was a fundamental design flaw, I'm sure we would've heard about it by now. IIRC, when this launched Gianni mentioned he daily-carried an AL one for a long period of time and used in regularly to make sure it was up to snuff, and only then did they put it into production.
 
Vicarious Reality said:
Titanium has twice the tensile strength of 7075
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_strength#Tenacity_.28textile_strength.29
Click to expand...

That may be true, I doubt you are gonna see any threads about the aluminum lock bars letting go anytime soon.
I bought a titanium model, never used it, sold it..... now I have 2 aluminum srs, one I pound on and it is holding up fine. It competes with my first edition zt550 for hard use folder option, and it isn't an easy decision picking one.
Russ
 
I'm guessing the lockbar would slip off the blade tang before the lock bar bent on either knife, but I may be wrong about this. I've always had good luck with aluminum, but titanium's definitely stronger. ApostleP did mention a tad bit of the black was coming off his which he just covered up with a sharpie, but I imagine he uses his knives.
 
There is a noticeable weight difference. I have the SR1 titanium for jeans carry and don't mind the weight. However, if a pocket knife bulge is a concern, you might find the aluminum version less obvious. Also a hiker who is fanatical about weight might want the aluminum.
 
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