Titanium Framelock Question/Problem

O

osodavis

Joined
Feb 22, 2011
Messages
208
Ok, so here's the deal: I recently bought my first Titanium framelock, it was an expensive knife, but I immediately fell in love with it (I don't want to say what brand or model it is right now, because I dont want to seem like I'm bashing the knife at all, especially if my issue is normal & not even a problem). It has kept all my other folders out of my pocket since I got it. The problem is the lock/engagement. When I open it, the lock seems to engage fine, but I discovered that if I grip the spine of the blade with one hand, & the back of the handle with the other hand, I can very easily close the knife! The tang slips right off the lockbar with very little pressure. Now, I know that one of the advantages of framelocks is that when you are gripping the handle, the pressure from your grip actually increases the strength of the lock, so when I grip it, the lock is very sturdy. Also if I manually push the frame further in, it is much more difficult to force it to fail, almost impossible. However when I flick the knife open normally, the knife closes quite easily. Is this normal? I don't want to go through the hassle of sending it back if its just something that happens with framelocks. Sorry for the long post, & I hope I have stated the issue clearly enough. The company that produced this particular knife has excellent customer service, so I'm not too worried, its just kind of a bummer that a nearly $300 knife has this issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated, guys, thanks!
 
No, not normal at all. The infamous "spine wack test" isn't the best indicator to show how safe a lock is, but a good frame lock shouldn't fail it. If you can close it with just your hands, though, that's something else entirely. What kind of knife was it? It wouldn't be "bashing" to mention a legitimate problem with a knife, but it would be interesting to hear what it is.
 
I've had a few problems like this with some different framelocks. I usually disassemble and slightly bend the lockbar in to adjust the amount of lockup and that usually solves the problem. If you don't feel like adjusting it yourself then you should definitely send out in to be fixed.
 
I have and have had many frame locks but only one with this issue. What you are describing is lock failure. I suggest that you send it to the manufacturer to be repaired. If you modify the knife yourself you will probably void the warranty.
 
Ok, thanks for the aswers guys, I appreciate it. I figured it was not normal, but I didn't want to go to the trouble of sending it back to the manufacturer or dealer without making sure first. The knife in question is a ZT 0560. I got it from Kershawguy, so maybe I will contact him first, as I know from both personal experience & his reputation here on the forums, that he is amazing to deal with, & does his absolute best to make his customers happy. I also have absolute faith in Kershaw/ZT's customer service, so I know that I will be taken care of, I just hope I don't have to wait too long, as I know these are backordered, for months! Anyways thanks again for the help!
 
No, that is not normal. Send it back.

My experience with Kershaw customer service is that they will go out of their way to make sure you are taken care of. If you decide to contact Kershawguy I'm confident he will do the same.
 
osodavis said:
Ok, thanks for the aswers guys, I appreciate it. I figured it was not normal, but I didn't want to go to the trouble of sending it back to the manufacturer or dealer without making sure first. The knife in question is a ZT 0560. I got it from Kershawguy, so maybe I will contact him first, as I know from both personal experience & his reputation here on the forums, that he is amazing to deal with, & does his absolute best to make his customers happy. I also have absolute faith in Kershaw/ZT's customer service, so I know that I will be taken care of, I just hope I don't have to wait too long, as I know these are backordered, for months! Anyways thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...

Yeah, send it back. If the comparison means anything, my ZT 0551 locks up extremely solidly. Kershaw/ZT won't have any problem fixing the issue.
 
I have also experienced that problem on a Titanium Framelock. It is not normal and you should send that knife back.
 
Yea I just tested mine. Doesn't seem to happen. Warranty for sure. They should take care of you. Sorry to hear of your problems!
 
I have put some force into trying to close mine when it's lock open. I mean an easy 100lbs or more on my ZT0561 and the lockbar hasn't budged even a hair. I have never done nay spine whacks, though, as I don't want to peen my lockbar into submission.
 
There's at least one thread in the Kershaw section of the same thing happening. That person sent it in to Kershaw, and they replaced the locking side.
 
Although it's a PITA and a hassle to send it in, you are in VERY good hands when you do - it will come back better than stock. KAI support is top notch. In fact, if you're in Portland, I wonder if you can make the short drive south to Tualatin after a call to them in advance and arrange a day where you can drop it off, have lunch and take it home with you the same day. Not sure if that is possible but worth asking ;)
 
elkins45 said:
No, that is not normal. Send it back.

My experience with Kershaw customer service is that they will go out of their way to make sure you are taken care of. If you decide to contact Kershawguy I'm confident he will do the same.
Click to expand...
:thumbup: ZT/Kershaw customer service is out of this world.
 
Thanks again, guys! I appreciate all the anwers, I'm lucky there are so may good people wiling to help out around here. Good idea, Reeek, I probaly will call them tomorrow & find out if it is possible to take it in myself.
 
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