Traditional liner lock question

J

jec88

Joined
Mar 6, 2012
Messages
833
I have a question about liner locks on traditional knives regarding longevity.
Not concerned with how strong it is or will it stand up and go through concrete blocks :)....... Most of what I come up with on them seems to be in reference to modern folders.
What happens if one completely wears out, is the folder useless?
I have slipjoints with weak springs but it just makes them easier to open and it still won't come open in my pocket so with it having a weak spring, it seems like I end up using that blade even more.
So how are they for longevity? If the liner lock completely wears out and touches the other liner, is it still functional? I've kind of had my eye on a russlock.
I like the simplicity of the design of a liner lock, but it does seem like the metal on metal between the blade tang and liner wouldn't lend itself to a long lasting design?
Thanks in advance
 
Hi jec88, I have 2 Russlocks and a Queen liner lock and I'm really not sure of their purpose. All three have solid W&T without the lock and I think they are more for model differentiation that locking ability. I'm not sure that answers your question, so I hope others will chime in.
 
joeradza said:
Hi jec88, I have 2 Russlocks and a Queen liner lock and I'm really not sure of their purpose. All three have solid W&T without the lock and I think they are more for model differentiation that locking ability. I'm not sure that answers your question, so I hope others will chime in.
Click to expand...

right and some folks even have the liner lock removed in mods
 
Thanks! That helps, if it is still functional without the lock. I'm under the impression that the lock would wear to the point of the blade just flopping around.
 
jec88 said:
Thanks! That helps, if it is still functional without the lock. I'm under the impression that the lock would wear to the point of the blade just flopping around.
Click to expand...

o no, its still under the spring tension. some would argue the liner lock is a modern addition to a classic style knife, and is an extra security feature, allowing for a little extra harder use. but not like batoning wood hard.
 
^ After all, Jack is like a car hot rodder, he never met a knife that couldn't be improved!
 
Last edited:
I've been carrying a Russlock for years (close to a decade), and I've had no issues with the lock.

Admittedly, I don't cut down trees or chisel granite with it, but it has been used a lot. I've also been carrying other knives in rotation over the past few years.

The clip Russlock probably doesn't need the lock, as the shape of the blade doesn't make accidental closure likely. And as stated before, the spring is plenty snappy, and works well on its own.

I've never used the drop point Russlock, but I could see how the lock may be a bit more useful with that shape if you're using the point, but still not a necessity.

The liner lock gives you a little added assurance while completing normal tasks, but I don't use my Russlock any differently because it locks. The easy one hand open was my selling point to get my knife. THAT has come in very handy when I didn't have both hands to open a knife.

In conclusion, the knife works like any other slip joint without the lock, so even if it stops locking, you still have a useful knife.


Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Looking for old vintage knives , I have coon-fingered a lot of Liner Locks that had some age to them . Most of them were TL-29S .
I have yet to see a worn out lock.
I carried a Russlock as an EDC for 5 or 6 years and saw no weakening of the lock spring action.
I think the Russlock is a pretty nice knife and if you like them , don't worry about the lock and get one.

Harry
 
I have also never seen a liner lock that's failed on an old knife. I have seen failed springs on lots of old knives... and some new ones also.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top