Titanium gulling

[Jason B.]

The other day I was using on of my TI framelock knives pretty hard, after I was done I tryed to close the knife but the lock was stuck so bad I had to use my car keys to pry it closed. I have never liked this fact about TI locks but it got me thinking, do you think knife makers use TI in hard use knives for this very reason? My idea is that when the knife is under extreme use the lock sticks in place so it cannot close, essentally making it a fixed blade. Purpose built or am I just putting strange thoughts in my head?

 

[Broos]

Titanium does have a tendency to gall to itself or other metals. In industry, anti-galling compounds or coatings are used to help reduce or eliminate galling. I have never heard of either used on a knife lock, though. I have one that sticks a little, but I always thought it had more to do with the angles and finish than titanium. Titanium could have something to do with it, though...

 

[STR]

Making the lock too slick can be counter to reliability however if you just want to temporarily ease the sticking/galling you can paint some graphite on there with a lead pencil and cover the lock contact area of the lock. This can last anywhere from 10 to 40 openings and closings based on my experiences. Not sure you can stop the sticking until it breaks in fully other than to maybe adjust the tension of the lock if it only needs to move part way across and still has no vertical movement exhibited in the blade when opened. Some tend to continue to move across the tang and wedge in there pretty good from tip pressure backing the blade into the stop and this same pressure on the blade can often times be used to move the lock easier so next time it sticks you might find a surface or tree or something you can put some downward pressure on with the blade to relieve the stress of the galling just long enough to close it. Over time the lock should wear down but it can take a long time to see noticed wear on titanium so it won't be overnight. Whatever you do don't adjust it manually. Many folks have messed up there otherwise good knives this way and once you remove metal you can't put it back.

STR

 

[Jason B.]

I was think more along the lines of is it intensional of the maker, that they use TI because it will stay in the locked possition after being stressed and not fail. I have tried the pencil trick but all it did was make the lock slip.

Trust me I have no intention of ever messing with a lock that's just not my thing.



STR, you got time for a little work on a EKI commander?