Assistance- Opinions on folding knife

[mdauben]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with me. Mighty kind! Still leaning AO though.

I've only got a couple AO knives, but my favorite is probably the Kershaw Leek. Its not a lock-back, but it's got what appears to be a very strong frame lock. Its available in different edges and different steels, but my favorite is the plain edge, "composite" blade (CPM-D2 edge):



I've never handled the Kershaw Blur though, so I'm not sure if the locking mechanism is actually stronger or not. Just another idea to consider.

 

[Pilot]

I saw the ZT line and liked it but isn't it just a heavier duty liner lock and fairly expensive?

Howdy back atcha! The Zero Tolerance line, while owned by Kershaw is a completely different line of knives that bear no resemblance to the Kershaws. The ZT 0550 is a titanium FRAME lock, not a liner lock. It is a VERY strong, rugged knife. Yes, they are more expensive, the 0550 is priced around $200, but well worth it as it approaches customs that are much more expensive. I can understand though if you don't want to spend that much. That is a lot of money for a knife. If you want something larger and even more "tank like" the ZT0300 series is fantastic, but they are even more expensive at about $275, and they are assisted opening, unlike the 0550 whcih is not.

I have the Spyderco Manix II, and Benchmade Griptilian. I like the Spyderco a little better due to the G10 scales, and overall build quality. I think you can get either for well under $100. I don't know much about the 580.

 

[rhtwist]

cold steel recon
cheap awesome

Thanks, looks fairly awesome and big. Wanted a smaller blade. And the new version is just a lock back.
Cheers

 

[rhtwist]

I've only got a couple AO knives, but my favorite is probably the Kershaw Leek. Its not a lock-back, but it's got what appears to be a very strong frame lock. Its available in different edges and different steels, but my favorite is the plain edge, "composite" blade (CPM-D2 edge):



I've never handled the Kershaw Blur though, so I'm not sure if the locking mechanism is actually stronger or not. Just another idea to consider.

I'll take a look, like to see the blade length and locking mechanism! Thanks!

 

[rhtwist]

Howdy back atcha! The Zero Tolerance line, while owned by Kershaw is a completely different line of knives that bear no resemblance to the Kershaws. The ZT 0550 is a titanium FRAME lock, not a liner lock. It is a VERY strong, rugged knife. Yes, they are more expensive, the 0550 is priced around $200, but well worth it as it approaches customs that are much more expensive. I can understand though if you don't want to spend that much. That is a lot of money for a knife. If you want something larger and even more "tank like" the ZT0300 series is fantastic, but they are even more expensive at about $275, and they are assisted opening, unlike the 0550 whcih is not.

I have the Spyderco Manix II, and Benchmade Griptilian. I like the Spyderco a little better due to the G10 scales, and overall build quality. I think you can get either for well under $100. I don't know much about the 580.

Howdy Pilot,
A question as to terminology and actual difference. I looked it over and see that the side of the frame bends in like a liner lock. Is the obvious thickness and contact area enough to make a difference? I am starting to get the names and brands mixed up, but the one that is like a griptilian with AO, and the SOG Flash II appear to be lesser expensive alternates. Still listening though! Much appreciated!
rhtwist

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Frame Lock

The durability of a frame lock over a liner lock is about an order of magnitude.

The typical frame lock is stronger by virtue of a couple of things, 1) the thickness of the material is almost always greater than (like double) the material used in a liner lock, and therefore much less likely to collapse, and 2) the engagement area on the heel of the blade is also greater, and therefore much less likely to accidentally disengage.

I have a number of Kershaw Leeks. Most of them are frame locks, but a couple have "fancy" handle scales, and use the liner lock. The difference is tangible and significant. Any future Leeks in my stable will have frame locks.

I also have some Buck knives with liner locks, both earlier and later designs. The liner locks on the earlier designs are somewhat flimsy (by my standards) while the newer ones are noticeably heavier and stronger.

I don't have any weak frame locks, but I do have some weak liner locks.


Now, there are things that can impair a frame lock and interfere with its reliability, but those things are easy to spot.

If the "mating" of the frame lock with the blade heel is incomplete (only a little bit of engagement) then the lock will be less durable. If the angle of the bevel on the frame lock is imperfect (meaning the lock mating face doesn't meet flush with the blade heel), then the lock will be less durable.

If the mating is both flush and complete, the lock will withstand a great deal of pressure.


These observations are offered from personal experience, and don't necessarily represent all the possible variations out there.

I'm sure there are rock solid liner locks, and I'm sure there are low quality frame locks. My own experience however leads me to trust liner locks for light and medium duty, and frame locks for heavy duty.

 

[rhtwist]

Hello and thanks!
What you say makes sense, to me. I was looking at the frame lock on a Zero Tolerance, though I can't remember the exact model. It was quite thick, but the mating area was angled, not perpendicular, I think I said that correctly. Is this normal?
rhtwist

 

[hso]

You'll find the SOGs are not as solid as some of the other lines out there. Good non-assists, but some problems with durability in the mechanism of the AOs.

The ZTs can be outstanding quality, but you'll pay for that. Their lock faces will be of complimentary angle so that they wedge against each other instead of mating parallel and potentially sliding. This way as they wear over the years they'll stay secure. They're not to my taste, but there are plenty of folks that love their ZTs. The 300, 301, 350 are all AOs in the ZT line.

Other solid AOs not mentioned are made by Myerco, Buck, Timberline. Stay away from Smith & Wesson and Schrade branded knives since they're just names and not credible companies.

 

[rhtwist]

Thank you for the good description of the frame lock and the other quality knives I might investigate!
rhtwist

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Don't know how set you are on Assisted Opening; but if you are interested in framelocks that can be opened fast with one hand, then take a look at the Kershaw Groove and Tanto Groove. These are Kershaw's production version of R. J. Martin's $500+ Havoc custom knife. They use a flipper rather than assisted opening; but they are fast and easy as any assisted opening with a little lubrication applied to the roller bearings.

I believe the line has been discontinued by Kershaw; but you can still find them online for $50-60 and they have a 3.5" blade like your Blur.

 

[hso]

But stay away from anything that looks like the tip was broken off and they decided to call it a "tanto" so they could sell it to the unsuspecting.

 

[rhtwist]

Don't know how set you are on Assisted Opening; but if you are interested in framelocks that can be opened fast with one hand, then take a look at the Kershaw Groove and Tanto Groove. These are Kershaw's production version of R. J. Martin's $500+ Havoc custom knife. They use a flipper rather than assisted opening; but they are fast and easy as any assisted opening with a little lubrication applied to the roller bearings.

I believe the line has been discontinued by Kershaw; but you can still find them online for $50-60 and they have a 3.5" blade like your Blur.

Hello,
Thanks for the response. It sounds like they are worth taking a look at and I will!
rhtwist

 

[rhtwist]

But stay away from anything that looks like the tip was broken off and they decided to call it a "tanto" so they could sell it to the unsuspecting.

Is that true, hso? That is pitiful, but sounds very possible. I don't care that much for the tanto blade in a pocket knife. Thanks!!
rhtwist

 

[rhtwist]

What the thoughts on the Gerbers like this one?

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Gerber-Answer-3-Spring--3698

rhtwist

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Gerber . . .

From the thread on survival knives:

by me:

At this time I have trouble recommending Gerber as a brand. I own some of their earlier (1970s, early '80s) pieces, and they're excellent. I haven't been able to find any of their newer stuff that measures up to that earlier standard. I do have a couple of modern Gerber pieces with which I'm happy (e.g. a Harsey Hunter), but mostly I haven't achieved a good level of confidence with today's Gerber products.

I don't have enough first-hand exposure to many of the newer Gerber offerings to say yea or nay, but on occasion I will buy a Gerber just to see how the edge holding characteristics are coming along.

They're getting better, but I just haven't reached a "high confidence" point with them yet.

 

[smcd1983]

I have several griptilians, but after buying the 581 barrage it's been my edc. I highly recommend this knife and its exactly what you're asking for. The 581 is the same as the 580 but with better steel and G10/aluminium handle instead of regular plastic. I also have the 790 subrosa, its great but it uses a frame lock not the axis.

 

[Jason_G]

What the thoughts on the Gerbers like this one?

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Gerber-Answer-3-Spring--3698

I have no idea about that particular model, but the last Gerber I owned will be the last Gerber I own.

The steel on my last one (a Gator that I used when I was working construction still) was junk. An EZ-Out before that- also junk. Also had a little skeletonized liner lock folder with a chisel grind- I'll let you guess.

I think Gerber is hit or miss, depending on the model, but mostly "miss" in my experience.

They are ok if you buy them as a disposable knife, but don't expect it to compare to a Benchmade, or Spyderco, etc.

YMMV.

Jason

 

[hso]

Gerber straightened themselves out, but only after Fiskars nearly killed them.

I like the Answer model, but I don't like 440A. If you're not cutting feet and feet of cardboard it would do fine.

 

[rhtwist]

Thanks for your opinion on the Gerber. Who else does Fiskar own? Might be worth a try.
Closer to my optimum price range....rhtwist

 

[rhtwist]

Thanks for another benchmade fan. I forget where I read it, but there was an expressed concern over the assisted opening springs on the benchmades. Do you have any opinions other that you love it {)?
rhtwist

 

[rhtwist]

Well, the last gerber I owned was my first carry knife. Looked like a thin stylized version of the orignal buck folders. Brass with wood inserts. Great knife. Seems so far the opinions are iffy!
Thanks,
rhtwist

 

[shotgun-2]

I really like SOG's, the Flash ll looks good but I've never owned that one. Have had great luck with the Twitch & Twitch XL and their Arc-Lock series can't be beat for a lock system but are a little pricey.
My favorite (although discontinued for 2012) is the Arcitech VG10 San Mai.

 

[rhtwist]

I really like SOG's, the Flash ll looks good but I've never owned that one. Have had great luck with the Twitch & Twitch XL and their Arc-Lock series can't be beat for a lock system but are a little pricey.
My favorite (although discontinued for 2012) is the Arcitech VG10 San Mai.

Thanks for the Benchmade checkmark! Love that knife. Can't afford it, but a beaut!
Appreciate your time!
rhtwist

 

[rhtwist]

Hello all, looking around and found the Benchmade Aegis. Soliciting opinions on this particular knife. Thanks
rhtwist

 

[hso]

Are you sure about that name.

SOG has an Aegis, but I don't remember a Benchmade of that name.