Steel lock bar inserts?

[joeyza]

Before anyone mentions it yes I have already searched myself but haven't found any good info.
Are steel lock bar inserts on titanium frame locks just there to prevent the titanium from contacting the tang of the blade? Is this because titanium is softer than the steel on the inserts?
So what about titanium frame locks that don't have steel inserts, do the lock bars just tend to wear in quicker?

 

[marthinus]

Have a look at my extensive posts here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1088973-Lock-up-problems?highlight=lock+face

Hope they help.