Will steel frame locks ever replace Ti?

If the members would like to see what this material is capable of I do have pics, I don't wish to take over the thread, just like to teach what I know, thats all.
 
hardheart said:
there are knives that are large enough that a switch to steel would mean a quarter pound increase in weight, or a heinous amount of milling to lighten or skeletonize the steel.
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If a knife has that much handle to it, then it should be a fixed blade. There is no need for these ridiculous Cold Steel-esque monster folders. Really if the blade passes 4" it is too large to pocket and defeats the purpose of folding.
 
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Time to time I make these expedition tools from 1/8” thick 17/4PH, heat treated to 44RC. They are indestructible tools. They also make Ice axe heads from this steel for mountain climbing and ice climbing.
 
I've never been a huge fan of titanium framelocks. They seem to have more reported issues than just about any other type of lock and I'm rarely willing to pay the price increase for the more expensive material. Give me a decent backlock over one all day. As for the question, I'd just as soon have a steel linerlock or framelock that isn't quite as beefy. If they feel the need to make the handle thicker to accommodate ergonomics I'd rather they put on a scale rather than use a thicker chunk of very expensive material to make it a bit more comfortable. I honestly think titanium locks are more about customer demand than any real advantage the material offers.
 
dkb45 said:
If a knife has that much handle to it, then it should be a fixed blade. There is no need for these ridiculous Cold Steel-esque monster folders. Really if the blade passes 4" it is too large to pocket and defeats the purpose of folding.
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I actually carry several folders in the with blades around 4.5". They fit quite comfortably in my pocket. There are 5+"folders that can do the same.
 
Surface scratches aren't damage
I have knives that are covered in scratches and the perform great. Titanium wears exceptionally well
 
I have never had a really good quality steel frame lock. So I cannot judge which would be better, or if they would switch or not. I do know, that I have some ridiculously smooth opening and disengaging ti frame locks. Can they do that with steel? we will have to wait and see.
 
A similar question was posed on the KAi subforum, here's what I said:
Titanium has excellent corrosion resistance, almost as resistant as platinum. It doesnt develop rust as in iron oxide but can develop an oxidized layer. Anodizing is an example of this. Depending on the alloy, it can be as strong as steel but up to 40% lighter. It's heavier than aluminum but can be twice as strong. As far as handlescales go, full Ti scales appeal to me much more than SS steel. Disadvantages between either are prob negligible. Just a preference. Actually, I dont have any knives in full SS anymore...

Like some have already said, carbidizing or adding a steel insert solves the only potential issue. Well made Ti framelocks have this.
 
sector2 said:
maybe a bit off topic but if ti isnt as strong as steel and does not wear as well what does that mean that frame lock ti folders
have a flaw or at least a limited life ??? how long would a frame lock last on a zt 561 or a zt 300 this is one reason i have held off and not made the purchase on either of these knives
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My 0300 is over 4 years old (one of the first 1,000 made), It has been my main EDC since I bought it. It has done everything you could ask of a hard use folder; pulled brads, cut sheetrock, punched tin and aluminum, still zero blade play. It doesn't even look like the tang or lock-bar has worn down what so ever.
 
The only issue I have with a Ti frame lock is my 0550. It has just the slightest amount of up / down movement

My little guy played with that thing for 2 weeks, constantly flicking it open and closed. After I explained to him that this is not the proper use for a knife, he's quit doing it, and I haven't had a single issue with any of my other frame locks.

I buy into Chris Reeve's philosophy on frame locks, that a knife is not a prayer bead, take care of your knife and it will take care of you.
 
Steel wears out too.
A couple of the most worn out frame-locks I've ever seen were steel.

I like well made frame-locks of steel or titanium, but somehow, titanium remains the bacon of the knife world. :)
 
So titanium makes you fat and clogs your arteries? What is the turkey bacon of the knife world? I really like turkey bacon... You can eat so much more for the same calories!
 
Heck no, turkey bacon has more sodium/nitrates and artificial flavoring and tastes like crap. Embrace the bacon fat! What would be the turkey bacon of the knife world... Unlicensed copies? Knives in "CPM154CM"? LOL
 
Oh come on. If you say turkey bacon sucks then you haven't had it. But we must drop the topic lest this thread get whisked away to whine and cheese.

I do like titanium liner locks. I know titanium springs a lot better than steel does (also deforms much less easily). I think if titanium were to just be stonewashed with a steel insert then all issues would be covered.
 
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