What's the deal with framelocks?

RemyKaze

RemyKaze

Joined
Mar 23, 2012
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2,177
To be honest, I've not yet owned a smooth framelock, only a cheap CRKT company knife, the kind that they distribute to customers of the company with their personal logo. Anyway, I do like the appeal of what essentially amounts to a streamlined, stronger liner lock. My question is, why do most framelocks tend to have a strictly metal lock side and a textured front? I like symmetry, and this two-tone style puts me off from purchase. Could these companies not add a thinner layer to the lock side, or is there some practical or aesthetic point to it being pure metal? Also, could anyone list or show pics of some great framelocks that have the same texture/color on both sides? I'm trying to pull the trigger but just not digging the stark co trast. Thanks!
 
some people like the simplicity like a sebenza, but in regards to the smaller layer it would then be a liner lock would it not?
 
I've never had a framelock(RIL), that wasn't the same on both sides. The only framelocks I currently own are CRK Sebenza's, and a Spyderco Sage 2.

I like Ti on both sides, or Ti with an insert on both sides. Some like a lighter G10, or CF side to reduce weight.
 
Well, when I think of a liner lock, I think of something that sticks out a bit for your fingers to catch on. Also, I do realize that a layer of say, g10 on both sides of a framelock would make it thicker. Perhaps something with only the actual lock part of the frame exposed would work. Then again, I'd honestly prefer a framelock with identical metal sides to what I usually see, and that solves the problem of both thickness and the issue of it being considered a liner lock.
 
There are many frame lock knives that have the same material on the front as the back. If the frame lock was covered it would be a liner lock. The reason why some are different materials is you can cut down on the weight of the knife and will also add more grip.
 
Uhm, well... there are plenty of knives that are wholly titanium handles or titanium on both sides. Sebenza, Spyderco Techno and Sage 2, uhh... a whole lot, actually.

Are you asking for a knife with say, G10 on both sides but still a framelock? Sounds like it'd be more of just a titanium linerlock at that point unless there was just a G10 (or whatever else) inlay/overlay on the titanium lock side.
 
First of all, a $20 crkt is not going to be smooth and is completely different from what a good or even decent frame lock would feel like. Secondly if you like symmetry you should look into getting liner locks. I personally like it either way, whether both sides are the same or not. Seeing how many people are paying $400-1000+ for all these high end knives made with a G10/carbon/micarta front side and a Ti lock side.... I would say that you're in the minority who thinks that style is not aesthetically pleasing.
 
RemyKaze said:
Then again, I'd honestly prefer a framelock with identical metal sides to what I usually see,
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I'm not sure where you are usually looking, but most framelocks(RIL) are made with Ti on both sides.
There are also some companies that do one side in a lighter material, but just avoid those if you don't like them.
Plenty of options out there for you to choose from. Just pick one, and good luck.
 
whateatsrabbits said:
I read the whole thing, maybe you should make your point clearer.
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My question is, why do most framelocks tend to have a strictly metal lock side and a textured front? I like symmetry, and this two-tone style puts me off from purchase. Could these companies not add a thinner layer to the lock side, or is there some practical or aesthetic point to it being pure metal?
Click to expand...

I dunno, that seems like a pretty straightforward point to me. I don't think I asked at any point what the advantages of a framelock were. Just saying. As to people mentioning that there are knives with identical scales on each side, I admit I'm not savvy on framelocks as a whole and usually just see Hinderers, ZT, etc that have that "metal on one side, scale on the other" look.
 
Check out the Ontario Hossum folders; the ti liners are as thick as a framelock, but has micarta on both sides for perfect symmetry. :thumbup:
 
I tend to like the lock side best, on ti frame locks. But, it sure doesn't bother me that the other side is G-10. Just adds to the grip, makes the knife lighter. Plus it can be a variety of colors, is the way I look at it.
 
Umm if you put a scale over the Lock side of a frame lock to make it a liner lock. A big part of the frame lock is to make a light and strong and simple. the metal side is for strength and Looks. Just like Wood the grain of metal can be beautiful. the Ti side can me milled to be more pleasing or anodized or treated to give it color too. Look at Striders Flamed Ti. I think in most cases the looks and beauty are in the simplistic lock side.
I think the SOCOM Delta by Microtech might be close to what your looking for but its not a cheap knife and try getting it fixed if you have a problem with it. Some of the ZT knives the 560, 300 knives are frame locks that are machined to look like the presentation side of the knife. The TODD BEGG BODEGA is a knife that might fit your needs but once again you going to shell out alot for one if you can find one for sale. They are very beautiful knives, a piece of working art. benchmade knives with axis locks are supper strong and have many different style to choose from you cannot go wrong and some of the Gold class well are hand made with fine details. and most if not all Axis lock knives have symmetrical scales.
 
I agree that a CRKT is not the best representative of a nice frame lock.

There are tons that have symmetry.
Off the top of my head:
CRK Sebenza
Spyderco Techno
Spyderco Sage 2
Bradley Alias
Benchmade 755 MPR - This has the G-10 on both side and still a Frame Lock.
Benchmade 760 LFTi
Benchmade 790 Subrosa
 
BladeChick777 said:
I agree that a CRKT is not the best representative of a nice frame lock.

There are tons that have symmetry.
Off the top of my head:
CRK Sebenza
Spyderco Techno
Spyderco Sage 2
Bradley Alias
Benchmade 755 MPR - This has the G-10 on both side and still a Frame Lock.
Benchmade 760 LFTi
Benchmade 790 Subrosa
Click to expand...

Thank you! This is pretty much the kind of response I was looking for. And for the people that keep saying it would be a liner lock with scales on both sides, I say why not leave JUST the lock portion as exposed metal? Or like someone mentioned, use a lighter metal like Ti on both sides? I think people may have been getting hung up on the idea that I am looking for scales on both sides specifically. I simply wanted to know if there were any framelocks that were the same on both sides of the handle. I apologize for any confusion.
 
Have you looked at the Spyderco PPT? It is pretty much what you described- a frame lock that is partially covered with just a portion of the lock bar exposed. Nice looking knife. If you like Ti on both sides check out the Boker Epicenter. It's a buttery smooth and rock solid frame lovk with Ti on both sides.
 
The Logical One said:
First of all, a $20 crkt is not going to be smooth and is completely different from what a good or even decent frame lock would feel like. Secondly if you like symmetry you should look into getting liner locks. I personally like it either way, whether both sides are the same or not. Seeing how many people are paying $400-1000+ for all these high end knives made with a G10/carbon/micarta front side and a Ti lock side.... I would say that you're in the minority who thinks that style is not aesthetically pleasing.
Click to expand...
Or maybe people just get excited about things that others get excited about, then once they have it in hand they either grow to love it, or feel too foolish to send it back. Or maybe they overlook it because it's just that good of a knife. I would say all could be applicable. No two people are the same, though we all can acknowledge clearly superior elements to certain knives. I like asymmetry in certain things, like tattoos, but I don't think it is far-fetched to say that a lot of people would enjoy a framelock that has symmetrical looks.
 
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