Thoughts on G10 overlays on framelocks?

[Gideons]

Hey BF,

I've always been found of knives that have some machined traction on the titanium framelock like the ZT 0301 and 0560. However, very few framelocks seem to do that. This led me to wonder, maybe the G10 overlays is a more practical approach than the machine traction on the titanium framelock that is feature on some newer knives like the Hinderer Maximus, ZT 0393 etc. My question is, for those who owns knives G10/CF framelock overlays how are the ergonomics/traction overall on these designs, and can you still put direct pressure on the framelock with the overlay there?

Thank you,

Gideons

 

[metsfan]

If you mean can my hand apply pressure to the frame lock itself underneath the overlay of my 393, then no, I don’t believe it does but I never really checked it out.

 

[tyyreaun]

Yeah, most knives I've handled with inlays or overlays did effectively prevent me from inadvertently applying pressure to the lockbar, when opening it. Very good design, IMO.

 

[Gideons]

Yeah, most knives I've handled with inlays or overlays did effectively prevent me from inadvertently applying pressure to the lockbar, when opening it. Very good design, IMO.

I more meant when the blade was open, could you put force on the framelock? As with normal framelocks you can apply pressure to the lockbar. I've personally never had an issue with pressure applied to the lockbar when the knife is closed.

If you mean can my hand apply pressure to the frame lock itself underneath the overlay of my 393, then no, I don’t believe it does but I never really checked it out.

Ah, I was curious to see if like a normal framelock, when the knife was open if you could directly apply pressure on the lockbar. IMHO seems like a negative compared to a regular framelock if that isn't possible.

 

[BellaBlades]

Hey BF,

I've always been found of knives that have some machined traction on the titanium framelock like the ZT 0301 and 0560. However, very few framelocks seem to do that. This led me to wonder, maybe the G10 overlays is a more practical approach than the machine traction on the titanium framelock that is feature on some newer knives like the Hinderer Maximus, ZT 0393 etc. My question is, for those who owns knives G10/CF framelock overlays how are the ergonomics/traction overall on these designs, and can you still put direct pressure on the framelock with the overlay there?

Thank you,

Gideons

On something like a Kerhaw Knockout (sub Frame lock) you can still have the security of grip over the framelock. Just like my Sebenza or XM 18.

On others like a ZT 0640 it basically acts as a liner lock and your grip has some but not as much effect on lock up.

 

[Therom]

I like it - for exemple on my ZT 0393 and 0640
It gives more grip and it makes the operation as reliable as on liner lock while keeping the advantage of the frame lock

What I don’t enjoy is that IMO they make the maintenance less easy (more scenes, sometime more steps...)

 

[Gideons]

On something like a Kerhaw Knockout (sub Frame lock) you can still have the security of grip over the framelock. Just like my Sebenza or XM 18.

On others like a ZT 0640 it basically acts as a liner lock and your grip has some but not as much effect on lock up.

I was always surprised Kershaw/ZT didn't add the sub-framelock to more ZT models.

 

[BellaBlades]

I was always surprised Kershaw/ZT didn't add the sub-framelock to more ZT models.

I agree. It's a wicked cool concept. I will be 4 and e

I like it - for exemple on my ZT 0393 and 0640
It gives more grip and it makes the operation as reliable as on liner lock while keeping the advantage of the frame lock

What I don’t enjoy is that IMO they make the maintenance less easy (more scenes, sometime more steps...)

Maintaining the 0640 was the 2nd biggest reason to sell it. It has those horrible little T5 screws holding the scales to the frame. Followed by separate spacer screws.....

Next, the handle was too slim for my hand.

The lock up was quite wonderful though. Still top 5 ZT I've ever carried and I'd buy one again if I ever felt the need.

 

[OrangeBlueOrangeBlue]

It really depends on the size and location of the overlay. When the overlay is so big it’s essentially a bolster lock instead of a frame lock, you’re going to get more protection from riding the lock bar on deployment. Check out the Liong Mah and Enrique Peña stuff produced by Reate for good examples. The Sharp by Design Void (also produced by Reate) has a much smaller overlay/inlay, and much more of the lock bar exposed. The Kershaw Natrix has a subframe lock where most of the lock bar is exposed.

 

[Gideons]

It really depends on the size and location of the overlay. When the overlay is so big it’s essentially a bolster lock instead of a frame lock, you’re going to get more protection from riding the lock bar on deployment. Check out the Liong Mah and Enrique Peña stuff produced by Reate for good examples. The Sharp by Design Void (also produced by Reate) has a much smaller overlay/inlay, and much more of the lock bar exposed. The Kershaw Natrix has a subframe lock where most of the lock bar is exposed.

I just looked it up, the LiongMah Warrior 2 V2 and Zulu do seem to be great examples of a properly executed overlay.

 

[metsfan]

I grabbed the Kershaw Decimus this morning to show how the overlay doesn’t really allow for interaction. It’s FRN, but the concept is the same...

Hope this helps...

 

[Gideons]

I grabbed the Kershaw Decimus this morning to show how the overlay doesn’t really allow for interaction. It’s FRN, but the concept is the same...

Hope this helps...

if you're holding the knife in a hammer grip, does your index or middle finger put pressure on the lockbar itself?

 

[jstn]

I really just prefer when companies machine the Ti for grip. For example, I recently bought an Off-Grid knives Black Mamba, and the machining provides great traction while still being comfortable in use.

 

[metsfan]

if you're holding the knife in a hammer grip, does your index or middle finger put pressure on the lockbar itself?

With the slimness of the Decimus, hammer grip allows for my index to touch it a lil, but not enough for me to say that my hand is keeping the knife locked

 

[Gideons]

I really just prefer when companies machine the Ti for grip. For example, I recently bought an Off-Grid knives Black Mamba, and the machining provides great traction while still being comfortable in use.

That is my preference as well. But, it seems not many companies will do that.

 

[jstn]

That is my preference as well. But, it seems not many companies will do that.

I should have read your original post more closely, as I see that now! In any case, I agree with you, and I do like ti folders with inset G10.