Will CRK ever add a steel insert to their lockbar?

^^^ Completely agree Cody. My favorite RIL "framelocks" are all bare framelocks, such as Sebenza's (of course), Hinderer XM's and the Spyderco Slysz Bowie. All have that secure, solid, and audibly assuring lockup (even though the Hinderer's are a bit early for my taste), with no extra parts to be concerned with. As I mentioned earlier, the only other form of interface I have any interest in is the ceramic ball CRK uses and the tungsten rod Guthrie setup.
 
kidcongo said:
Not for me. No need. My CRKs get used, and have no lock stick, or wear issues. Never once have I wanted the clean lines of a 21 sullied with a piece of steel and more screws.

In my mind, the steel insert started as a way for budget makers to skip the difficult task of getting proper lock geometry and proper heat treating of the TI, which we all know is a challenge and can lead to lock stick and wear issues. It also removes a step in the knife making process as everything can just be CNC'd, water-jetted etc, then put together. Since it was perceived and sold as a "feature", it started to appear on higher end knives as an "upgrade". In essence, I think it is actually 'lazy' knifemaking of sorts. If you do a Ti lock bar properly it's not needed, but what do I know?

As far as the idea that you can replace your insert when it wears out to make your knife last forever, I doubt any of the inserts will be available by the time they are needed. I can't imagine the grief trying to get a lock bar insert from Russia for my 10 year old Shiro, etc. With CRK, I think if you ever wore out your lockbar, there's a slightly better chance they would make things right.
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I 100% agree with this post and I will add that in my experience knives with lock bar inserts don’t provide as secure lockup and are more prone to failure from shock impact than the Sebenza’s straight carbidized titanium lock bar to blade tang interface. As for my opinion on adding a lock bar insert to the Seb design, I say no. The design has worked just fine since it was introduced back in the 80’s. And if your Seb ever needs adjusting due to the lock bar reaching full travel just send it back to CRK for a tune up. You can’t beat CRK’s customer service.
 
I prefer the way CRK does his invention. The ceramic ball is better than any other lock bar metal insert I’ve used.

I use CRK’s for what they are and never consider what they could/may/possibly be because, they’re perfect tools they way they are.
 
HST said:
I prefer the way CRK does his invention. The ceramic ball is better than any other lock bar metal insert I’ve used.

I use CRK’s for what they are and never consider what they could/may/possibly be because, they’re perfect tools they way they are.
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Totally agree..
 
Am I the only one who thinks the ceramic ball provides a weaker lockup than the carburized titanium? It just seems like the simple hardened lockbar is a stronger design. What if that little ceramic ball cracks, get's crushed, or just falls out?
 
Brasso3 said:
Am I the only one who thinks the ceramic ball provides a weaker lockup than the carburized titanium? It just seems like the simple hardened lockbar is a stronger design. What if that little ceramic ball cracks, get's crushed, or just falls out?
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As far as I know that never happened yet and Umnumzaan is out for a long time.
 
Brasso3 said:
Am I the only one who thinks the ceramic ball provides a weaker lockup than the carburized titanium? It just seems like the simple hardened lockbar is a stronger design. What if that little ceramic ball cracks, get's crushed, or just falls out?
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CRK has said they have received early umnumzaans in for spa service that still lock up perfect as the day they left the shop. I believe the Zaan is over 10 years old. Never heard of a ceramic ball falling out or being crushed. A sphere is an extremely strong shape. There is no way you are going to crush it. A Titanium lock face is nowhere near as strong as the ceramic ball, even if it is hardened.
 
2009 I believe, still works perfectly. Quite smooth and lockup is about 55%. I guess if the op knew about the ceramic ball the question wouldn't of been asked about an insert. So smooth and so strong.:thumbsup:
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