Would adding scales to a SS Cricket make it linerlock?

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cmd

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I really like my Spyderco SS PE Cricket and am thinking of adding some wood scales to dress it up and improve the grip a little.

It brings up an interesting question: Would this change it from being a Chris Reeve style integral framelock (which most everyone raves about as being an exceptionally good locking mechanism) into a linerlock (which most everyone reviles as being an untrustworth locking mechanism)?

Chris
 
Chris Reeves - generally considered to be the "inventor" of the "framelock" named his invention the "Integral Liner Lock".

This is pretty telling, because the "framelock" is in fact, the same as a liner-lock, except he removed the scales to expose the lock.

The primary advantage to doing this is to eliminate the possibility that dirt and gunk could collect between the scales and interfere with lock operation. In his case, he provided a "liner" that was significantly thicker than the liners being used by other makers at the time. It also happens that his simplified construction allows a lay-person the ability to strip and rebuild the knife with relative ease, something that can't be said for a true liner-lock (more parts and adjustments).

A second possible advantage to the integral liner lock is the fact that your hand contacts the frame (lock slab) and theoretically "reinforces" the lock. There has been much debate about this on the forums, some pro, some con. I haven't stressed my knives like that, so I wouldn't contribute and opinion there.

To your original question - adding scales simply means that you will be re-introducing the another level of fallability into the lock system. A relatively minor issue, but there nonetheless.
 
yes it would make it a linerlock (although you could fashion the scales so that some of the lockbar is exposed - like on a Mnandi).

However, I would suggest that lock strength isn't an issue with the Cricket for the following reasons:

1. It is a tiny non-tactical knife, unlikely to be used in 'heavy-duty' situations. The torquing that sometimes causes accidental opening of liner lock is using a result of prying - something that you would probably would not do with a Cricket.

2. Because you cannot get a full hand's grip on the little Cricket, your grip would likely fail long before the lock did.

I think nice dressy scales on a stainless steel Cricket would look dandy. Go for it :)
 
Technically, I would say, a liner lock has a liner added inside the basic handle. This liner may be one side only, it may be a strip of metal recessed in the handle slab, or it may be like the liners on a Buck/Strider, so thick and extensive that they are the handle, with the G-10 outside them as a gripping surface. In other words, there is a full continuum of lock types from liner lock to framelock. Your ss Cricket will remain a framelock because the locking bar is part of the original handle slab, and takes part of its strength from that, not being an add-on.

I agree with jsun that you aren't going to stress a Cricket in ways that matter, so go ahead with the overlays.
 
jsun said:
yes it would make it a linerlock (although you could fashion the scales so that some of the lockbar is exposed - like on a Mnandi).

However, I would suggest that lock strength isn't an issue with the Cricket for the following reasons:

1. It is a tiny non-tactical knife, unlikely to be used in 'heavy-duty' situations. The torquing that sometimes causes accidental opening of liner lock is using a result of prying - something that you would probably would not do with a Cricket.

2. Because you cannot get a full hand's grip on the little Cricket, your grip would likely fail long before the lock did.

I think nice dressy scales on a stainless steel Cricket would look dandy. Go for it :)
Click to expand...
Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!!!!

I think that Spyderco is missing the boat by not offering optional handle scales for the SS Cricket!
 
But one of the cool things about the SS Cricket is how thin it is. If you take the clip off, it's thinner still. Adding scales would make for an easier traditional one-handed opening though. I open my clipless one by pinching the hole and flicking it open. It's a sweet little knife. I'd love to see pics if you add scales.
 
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