what is the point of ti liner/frame locks other than weight?

harkamus

harkamus

Joined
Apr 23, 2007
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From a purely "wear" stand point, steel is harder than titanium. So, why do many expensive knives use titanium linerlocks or framelocks when steel wears at a much slower rate?
 
One's going to end up being harder than the other to some degree. I do think weight is a big factor, but so is strength compared to something like aluminum.
 
Ti framelocks are about as hot as the sun, steel framelocks not so much.

Some people have claimed to use a sebenza for over a decade with plenty of lockup and flex left in them, and I don't doubt them.

Whatever disadvantages ti has when compared to steels just isn't enough to sway away from usage.
 
Titanium has at least 15.6 times the amount of awesome in its molecular matrix than steel does.:D
 
All of the ti handled knives that I own are heavier than there non-ti counterparts despite the lightness of the ti material.
 
gwlee said:
All of the ti handled knives that I own are heavier than there non-ti counterparts despite the lightness of the ti material.
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But do you have a knife that has equal size ti and the same knife with equal size steel? Same thickness? Identical blade and fittings?
 
jakeyjake4528 said:
But do you have a knife that has equal size ti and the same knife with equal size steel? Same thickness? Identical blade and fittings?
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I do not think anyone would argue that (based on density) a lump of titanium alloy (like those used for handle slabs) is going to weigh slightly more than half of an identically sized lump of steel. I think the point some would make is that Titanium is often touted as being so light, but the reality is that it rarely competes against steel for this duty.

Realistically, titanium usually competes against steel-lined g-10/micarta/FRN/whatever handle slabs for the job, and in practically every case, titanium results in the heavier handle.

Titanium is a hot material right now. Buy it for the right reasons, but do not confuse it for a "light" handle material because compared most typical handle materials in use today it is not relatively light weight.
 
unit said:
I do not think anyone would argue that (based on density) a lump of titanium alloy (like those used for handle slabs) is going to weigh slightly more than half of an identically sized lump of steel. I think the point some would make is that Titanium is often touted as being so light, but the reality is that it rarely competes against steel for this duty.

Realistically, titanium usually competes against steel-lined g-10/micarta/FRN/whatever handle slabs for the job, and in practically every case, titanium results in the heavier handle.

Titanium is a hot material right now. Buy it for the right reasons, but do not confuse it for a "light" handle material because compared most typical handle materials in use today it is not relatively light weight.
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Yea, I know. And some actually have argued that.
 
The real advantages of Ti are it is lighter then steel, doesn't rust, and it has a low memory. The low memory means that it returns to is original shape better then steel. It also has a longer fatigue life then steel, so it can be bent more often then steel with out becoming brittle and snapping
 
Ti has a higher strength/weight ratio than steel. If you have ever seen the frame lock on a strider or sebenza it is VERY thick, and if you were to use steel it would make for a very heavy knife.
 
unky_gumbi said:
The real advantages of Ti are it is lighter then steel, doesn't rust, and it has a low memory. The low memory means that it returns to is original shape better then steel. It also has a longer fatigue life then steel, so it can be bent more often then steel with out becoming brittle and snapping
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That was the technical answer I was looking for. Danke. I will go enjoy my ti linerlock now even more now. :thumbup:
 
SteelSnob said:
I have read that it is some how more adhesive to have ti on steel rather than steel on steel.
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I believe it. The ti was much harder to disengage because of the stickiness, resulting in very rapid callus development on my right thumb.:p
 
jakeyjake4528 said:
But do you have a knife that has equal size ti and the same knife with equal size steel? Same thickness? Identical blade and fittings?
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As near "equal" as possible given the knives that are actually for sale in stores today. For example, The Ti Miliary that I own is 1.6 oz heavier than the G10 Military that I own. The Ti Sage-2 that I own is 0.3 oz heavier than the steel/carbon fiber Sage-1 I owned. The locks on these two knives are different, but they are otherwise identical. The Large Sebneza that I owned was the heaviest knife that I have ever owned with a blade and handle of similar size and shape.

To generalize based on only my own experience, FRN knives tend to be the lightest, followed by G10/steel, followed by solid Ti, followed by solid stainless steel. I don't own any knives with solid stainless steel handles, so my Ti knives are the heaviest knives that I own.
 
If I'm not mistaken, don't some of the makers actually heat treat / harden the end of the titanium framelock where it comes in contact with the blade?
 
jakeyjake4528 said:
But do you have a knife that has equal size ti and the same knife with equal size steel? Same thickness? Identical blade and fittings?
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Ti leek with zdp: 2.2oz
regular leek with 410 steel handle: 3.2oz

yes Ti bites into steel, and yes some makers heat the end of the Ti lockbar to form a carbide layer which is harder than either the Ti or the regular steel (although not the carbides in the steel).
 
redisburning said:
Ti leek with zdp: 2.2oz
regular leek with 410 steel handle: 3.2oz

yes Ti bites into steel, and yes some makers heat the end of the Ti lockbar to form a carbide layer which is harder than either the Ti or the regular steel (although not the carbides in the steel).
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I thought so - I can't find it, but I thought I remember reading something posted by Anne Reeve about titanium being able to be heat treated to a rockwell hardness of 90.
 
Toyz said:
I thought so - I can't find it, but I thought I remember reading something posted by Anne Reeve about titanium being able to be heat treated to a rockwell hardness of 90.
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it's not really the Ti. Ti cant get anywhere near 90, much less the 58+ range to even be used as a blade material. its stuff that forms on the top of the lock bar.
 
Right - looked for it but I've been to so many places reading about Sebbies that I cant find it again.

Thanks for clearing it up.:thumbup:
 
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