Thoughts on the Ti-Lock

Blowpop

Blowpop

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Dec 21, 2014
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Just recently took notice to this knife and was curious as to what those of you have handled, owned, or used one thought of it. Its quite an interesting design and I haven't seen any knives like it.
 
There are some good threads here on the subject. Its a nice but unusual knife and the people here that have them generally like them. I have the Blue Steam limited edition version.
 
Does it get much use or is it more of just something unique that you tend to keep around for a collection piece?
 
Blowpop said:
Does it get much use or is it more of just something unique that you tend to keep around for a collection piece?
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I'll admit that I caught the bug to get one and was glad I did. It is the original version. My plan was to make it a primary EDC but after about 2 weeks I decided it was too nice to put into service other than very light tasks and it made me nervous when people asked to see it and they struggled to close it. So not wanting the Ti leaf spring bent by someone mishandling it, I placed it back into my collection and the Inkosi took its place.

I may be over-reacting with fear of someone damaging it, but it is unique and needs some "skill" for properly closing it. There is a thread where someone had one trashed in less than a day of receiving theirs- by some dude that trashed the spring.
 
Wavicle said:
I'll admit that I caught the bug to get one and was glad I did. It is the original version. My plan was to make it a primary EDC but after about 2 weeks I decided it was too nice to put into service other than very light tasks and it made me nervous when people asked to see it and they struggled to close it. So not wanting the Ti leaf spring bent by someone mishandling it, I placed it back into my collection and the Inkosi took its place.

I may be over-reacting with fear of someone damaging it, but it is unique and needs some "skill" for properly closing it. There is a thread where someone had one trashed in less than a day of receiving theirs- by some dude that trashed the spring.
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Thats interesting, the lock mechanism seems like it would be pretty darn strong. The inkosi is nice in my experience. Since you replaced the Ti-Lock with it does that mean that you value the Ti-Lock over the Inkosi?
 
I'm going to hit a year of edc with a ti lock in july.
Its my favorite edc. Ever. The lock has been super reliable and operation is now second nature. I have let people use it and no one ever knows how it closes. Good thing IMO. The 3 inch cutting edge has been enough and it works as a great paring knife in the kit Chen.
Here is some info and pics.
Its a unique package. And not for everyone. If you work in mud all day the ti lock will get gritty because of how the lock bar rides. Otherwise its a go!
The last page shows some pocket wear. You should see it now. So much more gorgeous worn in with patina and scratches.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-EDC-Photo-Heavy?highlight=Blue+steam+ti+lock
 
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That's awesome to hear you enjoy it so much! What other knives did you or do you carry before you realized how perfect it was for you?
 
Geese. Ive owned most knives on the market or tried them out. I love designs like the 21, 25 ,sng , para , bm940, lawman, cqc13 and many others. It just works for me. I also love how the thumb stud lock bar is hidden when open. If I was not using this tablet I would type up a nice detailed answer.

I've never been able to commit to a knife long term until now. For now its my only folder. Others will come and go. But I keep sticking with this funky odd ball of a refined knife.
G nite and good luck. Feel free too ask any questions. I can. Answer them all.
 
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Great knife, underrated. It's different, so it doesn't work like a liner or frame lock. Like most new things, you need to get accostomed. You can't screw up unless you try. It can be flicked open. The Ti-lock has the best blade to handle ratio of any folder in its size.
 
Blowpop said:
Thats interesting, the lock mechanism seems like it would be pretty darn strong. The inkosi is nice in my experience. Since you replaced the Ti-Lock with it does that mean that you value the Ti-Lock over the Inkosi?
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The Ti spring is optimized for it's purpose when properly used. However, someone could easily think you need to pull it up & away from the frame to close the knife and one good yank will deform it. That's been documented here on the CRK forum.

I have a large collection of Chris Reeve knives and while the Inkosi is the perfect small size model (in my opinion), my favorite is the Sebenza 25-- in one of it's many varieties.

You should give a Ti-Lock a try. You may find it fits your application. If not, re-sale is no problem on the Exchange.
 
BellaBlades said:
Geese. Ive owned most knives on the market or tried them out. I love designs like the 21, 25 ,sng , para , bm940, lawman, cqc13 and many others. It just works for me. I also love how the thumb stud lock bar is hidden when open. If I was not using this tablet I would type up a nice detailed answer.

I've never been able to commit to a knife long term until now. For now its my only folder. Others will come and go. But I keep sticking with this funky odd ball of a refined knife.
G nite and good luck. Feel free too ask any questions. I can. Answer them all.
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I'm curious as to how the knife has held up to harder use (if you have put it through any) because one thing I have noticed is people saying it can only be used very lightly. And by harder use, I don't mean abuse. I mean cutting open bags of concrete or cutting lots of nylon or bags of sand. Really, any situation where you get down and dirty with it.
 
Light wood pocsssing, mulch and concrete bags. Wire stripping and scraping. Cutting zip ties etc. I added a tiny chip to the tip prying staples out of my new counter bottom. Oops. Its tough and reliable. Just needs respect. Its a great cutter, slicer and poker.
Daily tasks are nothing.. I've done it all.

I've used it for nine months constantly. I bet I have the most used ti lock in the world.

For hard cuts it only has so much horse power.
Its a nice gentlemans knife as well as a work knife. If this was not a gift I would have never tried one.

Sand bags suk on an edge. That's for sure .
 
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BellaBlades said:
Light wood pocsssing, mulch and concrete bags. Wire stripping and scraping. Cutting zip ties etc. I added a tiny chip to the tip prying staples out of my new counter bottom. Oops. Its tough and reliable. Just needs respect. Its a great cutter, slicer and poker.
Daily tasks are nothing.. I've done it all.

I've used it for nine months constantly. I bet I have the most used ti lock in the world.

For hard cuts it only has so much horse power.
Its a nice gentlemans knife as well as a work knife. If this was not a gift I would have never tried one.

Sand bags suk on an edge. That's for sure .
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Sounds like a pretty awesome knife. I think I may end up picking one up but it'd have to be able to out work a benchmade 940-1 and I'm hesitant because of the big price gap.
 
I've had mine since it became available and have carried it for years on & off. I treat it as a gentleman's folder but it's tougher than that. It's one of my favourite knives, I don't think I will ever sell it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
It will not outwork a 940. But no doubt will the lock likely outlast the benchmade. Also zero blade play ever due to the g and g design. They are equals in my eyes. Its just on another level . I thought it was awkward for a few days. Shortly after I was amazed. Oh yeah. The lanyard cut out keeps it from ever touching the blade. And the lanyard works perfect for this knife. And its the grip that really shines for me
Its worth a shot if your not breaking the bank. For the $$. The 940 is just as cool and it comes in a few options just like the ti lock.
 
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BellaBlades said:
It will not outwork a 940. But no doubt will the lock likely outlast the benchmade. Also zero blade play ever due to the g and g design. They are equals in my eyes. Its just on another level . I thought it was awkward for a few days. Shortly after I was amazed. Oh yeah. The lanyard cut out keeps it from ever touching the blade. And the lanyard works perfect for this knife. And its the grip that really shines for me
Its worth a shot if your not breaking the bank. For the $$. The 940 is just as cool and it comes in a few options just like the ti lock.
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I went for it. I'm excited to see how I like it when it comes in. If for some reason I don't, I know I can always release it here and find a nice home for it. Thanks for your help
 
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