Fow quite a while I've been dubious about titanium for linerlocks, always prefering steel for its strength and higher wear resistance for that application.
But in thinking about it I realized that titanium might offer quite an advantage for compression lock knives. The "problem" of the compression lock is that it appears to require dual liners -- which if in steel inflicts a hefty weight penalty, even if nested. But since the lock works via compression of a bar rather than relying on the strength of the spring (a la linerlock), then wouldn't titanium be a better choice for compression locks?
Since the "F1" versions of ATR and Salsa will feature integral compression locks of titanium, it is safe to say that it has not only proven reliable but strong as well -- so can you imagine a Lil' Temperance in CF with a titanium lock? <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Of course I have to assume that Sal has already thought of this, so why haven't we seen Ti in use for the non-integral compression locks? Or is this something that is still in development.
Titanium for locks.
"so why haven't we seen Ti in use for the non-integral compression locks?" I'll hazard a guess.
Price point. Ti is much more expensive. This drives the price of a knife up to the point where the manufacturer often sells some to knife knuts, and few to the average ELU. Fortunately/unfortunately (depending on how you want to look at it) Spyderco's bread and butter is the average Joe/Jane that just wants a practical knife that doesn't cost a lot.
Paul
Price point. Ti is much more expensive. This drives the price of a knife up to the point where the manufacturer often sells some to knife knuts, and few to the average ELU. Fortunately/unfortunately (depending on how you want to look at it) Spyderco's bread and butter is the average Joe/Jane that just wants a practical knife that doesn't cost a lot.
Paul
Hi Guys. You're both right.
We're still testing titanium for compression strength. We're actually even testing different alloys. in the compression lock, shear strength as well as compression strength are both issues. We don't have enough history to have a "real" emprical conclusion.
On an integral compression lock, it pretty much has to be titanium or steel and on larger models, I think steel would be too heavy. We're currently testing on the ATR model.
The Salsa will be our first real world test. We'll be using an integral ti handle model (F1) and nested steel lock on the aluminum version (normal Spyderco high performance).
I am personally after a MIM part that fits onto the end of the liner. It would perfectly match the sophisticated shape of the "opening".
sal
We're still testing titanium for compression strength. We're actually even testing different alloys. in the compression lock, shear strength as well as compression strength are both issues. We don't have enough history to have a "real" emprical conclusion.
On an integral compression lock, it pretty much has to be titanium or steel and on larger models, I think steel would be too heavy. We're currently testing on the ATR model.
The Salsa will be our first real world test. We'll be using an integral ti handle model (F1) and nested steel lock on the aluminum version (normal Spyderco high performance).
I am personally after a MIM part that fits onto the end of the liner. It would perfectly match the sophisticated shape of the "opening".
sal
Hi Sal & Paul,
While I wouldn't expect to Ti used for the compression locks on FRN knives like the Vesuvius, would it potentially replace steel on G10 knives like the Gunting, or would it just be an "F1" option at the Temperance level?
Have you found that the use of Ti reduces the strength of the lock?
MIM? (meet-in-middle?) How would making it two pieces affect reliability?
BTW, it sounds like "Salsa" is futher along than ATR. Do you have a projected release date, and have you chosen a real name for it?
While I wouldn't expect to Ti used for the compression locks on FRN knives like the Vesuvius, would it potentially replace steel on G10 knives like the Gunting, or would it just be an "F1" option at the Temperance level?
Have you found that the use of Ti reduces the strength of the lock?
MIM? (meet-in-middle?) How would making it two pieces affect reliability?
BTW, it sounds like "Salsa" is futher along than ATR. Do you have a projected release date, and have you chosen a real name for it?