Titanium Lockface

LaneMeyer

LaneMeyer

Joined
Jan 23, 2016
Messages
182
So I just bought a frame lock knife. There is no steel insert in the lock so it's Ti on steel. It's really sticky. Sometimes I can unlock it with one hand; but sometimes when it locks it sticks and I have to pry it unlocked by holding the blade with one hand and pushing the lock with the other. Meaning it locks up so tight I can't do a one handed close. Is this normal for a Ti on steel knife? Or is there a problem with my lock?
 
sounds like you have a problem. It should not stick like that. Some will take a pencil and apply a little the graphite to titanium where it meets the steel. It acts as a dry lubricant. I have never done that before, but I have never had that problem.
 
if you open the knife normally, meaning not pushing the lockbar forcefully to the presentation side, how come it can get stuck so hard?
 
bunnyhopskotch said:
It's called galling. It happens with Ti and steel. It will break in.
Click to expand...

This ^^^.

Sharpie or pencil on the blade's tang where it contacts the lockbar should help a lot with the stick. I've had that exact problem on many of the titanium framelocks I've owned.

My ZT0300 still sticks a bit but I did increase pressure on the lockbar by bending it inwards; Lockup is insanely solid now compared to before. I still apply pencil from occasionally to help with any stick but it doesn't get jammed up like yours... :thumbup:
 
Try the pencil trick......especially when breaking the knife in. I'm guessing it's a new knife??
What knife is it??
Joe
 
Thanks for the advice. I emailed the maker to get his opinion, waiting for a response. Don't want to say what knife it is for now, until I get the issue resolved.
 
you can also have the lockface carbidized, will eliminate lock stick and prolong the lockface
 
I have a carbidizer ;)
 
Mostly normal for some stick . But if you cannot open it at all. Make sure all the handle screws are tight. It makes a difference. Then clean all oil off the knife by washing it with hot water. Dry it and see if she is better.
I have seen a much higher fail rate/lock slip with carbidized faces. Natural and carburized seems to be the best. So I stopped doing that myself.
Of course you can find a knife with a steel insert, but I like Ti.
 
I have the same issue with one of my knives. Tried a couple fixes with no success. Just tried the pencil trick. Works perfectly now.
Thanks for the tip!!.
 
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