TI-Lock vs Small Sebenza

[Matthewd]

I received my new TI-Lock today. I was really looking forward to getting this one and have now had a chance to check it out and report my initial impressions.

Let me start out by saying that there are some things I really like about it, and I some really don't. Let me explain...
The size makes it perfect for EDC. When it's closed, it is nearly identical in size to the small seb.
Opening the Ti-Lock is smooth as silk. I find it easier and more natural to open by applying slight pressure to the blue ti-spring and open in a fluid movement as if it were a thumbstud. Trying to open with the locklugs is not as fluid, and the sharp edges of the lugs are not comfortable. The nature of the TI Locking mechanism is such that toward the end of the travel, right before the blade locks, the spring is required to overcome additional resistance - without a thumbstud, the resistance is enough to cause the thumb to slip off of the blade during this motion. Because the spring is now under tension, the blade wants to retract slightly - this is IMHO a little bit dangerous.
Once it is open, it is quite remarkable how different it is from the sebenza. You will notice in the photos below that although the handle sizes are the same, the blade of the TI is larger than the small seb. The blade shape is a drop point, and the entire blade is angled slightly away from the handle as opposed to the seb which begins much more parallel to the handle.
It is definitely unique looking with the blue ti-lock and the cutout to engage it. The more I handle it, the more it grows on me, but overall it is quite funky and definitely visually "Front heavy". This makes it look beefier than the Seb, although in use, CRK acknowledges that the TI-Locking system is not designed for strength, and one should assume that the framelock sebbe is capable of more. Neither the Ti-Lock nor the small Seb are big knives - I would not ask either of them for very heavy use - if you need a heavy use folder, get an umnum or a lerge seb.
What I really do not yet like is the closing action. I am very much used to frame and linerlocks, so this is a completely different operation. There are videos on the youtoobs that make it look very easy - one of which makes it look like it springs shut. I find it awkward and uncomfortable to close one-handed. The position of the lugs make me want to put my fingers in an unsafe position in the path of the blade. The lugs themselves have a pretty sharp edge, so my thumb is not a happy camper at the moment. So far the only comfortable position for me to close it in is to grab the lugs between my thumb and middle finger while applying slight pressure to the back of the blade with my index finger. I know that with time, I will get comfortable with it, but my first impression is an awkward one.
I really like the pocket clip - I'm used the the ones on the sebs, but this one is very cool.
Overall, I would say that this is still a very cool knife. The quality certainly lives up to CRK standards, but some little touches like the sharp edges of the lock lugs, and the additional pressure needed at the end of the opening stroke are things I would not expect from CRK. CRK describes this as " an exercise in mechanical innovation". With that, they have certainly accomplished their goal. It is very unique - Grant and Gavin Hawk have certainly proven themselves as designers. I hope Chris Reeve continues to refine this model as he has done with his other products.
I'm curious to hear your experiences and reactions to this knife.

 

[J85909266]

Thanks for the review.

I find it very odd that CRK manufactures this knife. CRK is known for their no nonsense, pure function Sebenzas. To make a knife that is both gimmicky and visually odd-looking seems very backward, for them.

 

[pj551016]

Dear Matthew,

Let me first start by saying Congratulations! The Ti-Lock is a great little pocket knife and has been my EDC for a few months now. I almost carry it exclusively except when I receive some new toys, but even then the Ti-Lock stays in my pocket.
The blade to handle ratio of the Ti-Lock is absolutely remarkable. I've never seen anything like it: 3.25" blade for a 3.94" handle. When you close the knife, you'll notice how close the tip is to the end of the handle, yet you can't reach in so the tip is safe.
As for opening, I don't think those lugs are opening lugs, they are more designed as a part of the locking mechanism. When you look closely there are thumb nicks on both sides of the blade near the blue spring, similar to those of the Mnandi, they are for opening the knife.

It takes some time and effort to get used to the action of Ti-Lock and operate it single handed, but after you get used to it's really smooth and convenient.

Cheers

PJ

 

[Matthewd]

Thanks for the review.

I find it very odd that CRK manufactures this knife. CRK is known for their no nonsense, pure function Sebenzas. To make a knife that is both gimmicky and visually odd-looking seems very backward, for them.

I don't think I would describe it as gimmicky - but it is certainly experimental. I think the concept of the lock is really interesting and actually quite brilliant. For function - For its size, it is definitely no nonsense. It is a bit of an odd duck, but as I mentioned above, the more I hold it, the more it grows on me. It is just very different - and different often takes getting used to before our brains will accept it. I am not at all disappointed with the purchase.The TI-Lock is really a fascinating knife. The operation of closing it just bugs me. Please keep in mind, I have owned it for a total of 1 day. We'll see what I think after a few months...

J85909266 (I meant PJ551016 - Don't know where those other numbers came from lol)- can you describe your method for closing the blade?

 

[pj551016]

I take that the last question was for me.

I use my middle finger, ring finger and pinky to grab the handle against my palm, and use my thumb and index finger to get a hold of the thumb lugs from both sides, lift the lock bar, move the three fingers away from the path of the blade, grab the back of the handle using four fingers (no thumb) against my palm, use thumb to close blade.

It sounds complicated but it's actually quite easy, takes me 1 sec to complete the series of motions.

Cheers

PJ

 

[snowreaper1]

I remember my thumbs were raw after handling the ti lock for a couple days. I was practicing the one hand closing technique where it
springs closed. You have to kind of flick it closed by lifting it out of the locked position and flinging the blade closed. But those
lugs have pretty sharp edges and theyll rip your thubs up real quick. Pretty sure its meant to be handled like a slip joint by two hand
opening/closing.

 

[spydusse]

Nice review. Is that a functional finger choil or do you only feel comfortable holding with your index finger behind the cr?

 

[Wharn]

I have never handled one or seen one in person but from all the pictures and videos I have seen I actually think it is a beautiful looking knife.

 

[The_Guide]

This is the knife that I am obsessing about most at the moment. I am pulling the trigger in two weeks, and am counting the days.

Thanks for the review!

:thumbup:

 

[Haze]

I was able to play with one at Blade this year and I too have things I like and things don't like. I found the action and operation of the knife to be just fine, it was smooth of action and very easy and intuitive to operate for me. I like the idea behind the knife and the size sits nicely between the large and small Sebenza. But, I really don't the styling of the knife at all. The blue spring, gold stud, and the silver of the blade do not work well together IMO. The key hole cut outs just destroy the potential for a clean looking, dare I say it, plain knife. I also didn't think the clip worked too well with the knife, I like the G&G clip just not on that knife. I don't see me owning the Ti lock but I remain interested in the idea and can only hope to see the lock used on other knives that might be more my thing. :thumbup:

 

[krust]

How well does it cut

 

[pj551016]

I remember my thumbs were raw after handling the ti lock for a couple days. I was practicing the one hand closing technique where it
springs closed. You have to kind of flick it closed by lifting it out of the locked position and flinging the blade closed. But those
lugs have pretty sharp edges and theyll rip your thubs up real quick. Pretty sure its meant to be handled like a slip joint by two hand
opening/closing.

That's a doable but to me dangerous way of closing the knife. Since applying force from one side of the lugs, there exists the risk of pushing the lugs out of place(sideways), I've done that once actually.

 

[Matthewd]

Nice review. Is that a functional finger choil or do you only feel comfortable holding with your index finger behind the cr?

Seems to be functional - I wouldn't choke up for heavy tasks for dear of slipping/slicing myself, but for fine/detail work - absolutely comfortable to choke up on it...

 

[Matthewd]

How well does it cut

Surprisingly, it is not as razor sharp out of the box as other CRK's I have, but it's S35VN, so it will take a razor edge and hold it once I hone it up...

 

[Matthewd]

I was able to play with one at Blade this year and I too have things I like and things don't like. I found the action and operation of the knife to be just fine, it was smooth of action and very easy and intuitive to operate for me. I like the idea behind the knife and the size sits nicely between the large and small Sebenza. But, I really don't the styling of the knife at all. The blue spring, gold stud, and the silver of the blade do not work well together IMO. The key hole cut outs just destroy the potential for a clean looking, dare I say it, plain knife. I also didn't think the clip worked too well with the knife, I like the G&G clip just not on that knife. I don't see me owning the Ti lock but I remain interested in the idea and can only hope to see the lock used on other knives that might be more my thing. :thumbup:

The sebs have a universal appeal because they are so refined - simple and to the point. This one definitely has it's own style. When put in line with all of the other Chris Reeve knives, it is obvious that it wasn't designed by Chris, but it is also obvious that they were made by him (and crew...)

 

[Crmsnraider]

Nice review. Lots of good reply's, thanks for sharing such an interesting knife.

 

[Toyz]

How does everyone carry theirs? I usually carry my Sebenza or Umnumzaan in the pouch during the day during the week.

Does the ti lock ship with a CRK pouch? Does the clip prohibit the use of the pouch?

 

[Slider817]

My TI lock did not come with a pouch. I actually took the clip off, put it on my Large 21, and throw it into my pocket with my wallet

 

[Matthewd]

How does everyone carry theirs? I usually carry my Sebenza or Umnumzaan in the pouch during the day during the week.

Does the ti lock ship with a CRK pouch? Does the clip prohibit the use of the pouch?

Mine did not come with a pouch. The newer ones are stonewashed ti handles, so scratches won't show up well anyway - definitely designed to be a user. I like the pocket clip. You have to be more deliberate about putting it on, but it has a better grip than many other clips out there...

 

[The_Guide]

Ok, so first check arrives oct 27th... therefore I will be ordering my Ti-Lock on the 27th... oh yeah :thumbup:

I am stoked!