Spyderco Forums

Just as the title says my new Sage 2 is extremely sticky when trying to unlock. My Chokwe is perfect in every way, just wondering what the problem is? Ive added powdered graphite, lubed, taken apart etc. But this is way too crunchy for me. Guess I have gotten too use to the Chokwe's super smooth opening and closing. Any tips or ideas are appreciated, thx!!!

How long have you been using it?

A sticky lock is not uncommon for a new frame lock knife. It should go away after some use.

its NIB.....i know about break-in time, but its kinda indescribably sticky.

Wisehybred wrote:its NIB.....i know about break-in time, but its kinda indescribably sticky.

I would put a little water, oil, air and work through it (open close, open close). If it doesn't start breezing send it in to Spyderco.

As I've noted in previous threads on this particular topic...

I have a few Spyderco, Strider, and Chris Reeve folders featuring the Chris Reeve Integral Lock (RIL, i.e., framelock) that "stick" when you unlock these knives.

With the high-end folders I have where the framelock "sticks," and the fact that these folders came from three reputable, high-end knife companies, I'd say this "sticky lock" situation, especially with regards to titanium RILs, is pretty much, in my opinion, par for the course.

I simply accept it, I use the knives, and I enjoy them.

Even titanium liner locks tend to stick. I just think its something to do with the steel and titanium. I've never had a titanium lock that didn't stick.

VashHash wrote:Even titanium liner locks tend to stick. I just think its something to do with the steel and titanium. I've never had a titanium lock that didn't stick.

And, if I may, you hit the nail on the head... when titanium comes into contact with another metal, there is a "galling effect" where the titanium "sticks" to the metal. At least to me, and based on references I've read a few years back, this "sticking effect" adds to the security of the lock. I believe this is just one reason (among many) for its choice as a material for use on a folding knife, especially as part of the locking material against the steel tang of a folding knife.

Water Bug wrote:And, if I may, you hit the nail on the head... when titanium comes into contact with another metal, there is a "galling effect" where the titanium "sticks" to the metal. At least to me, and based on references I've read a few years back, this "sticking effect" adds to the security of the lock. I believe this is just one reason (among many) for its choice as a material for use on a folding knife, especially as part of the locking material against the steel tang of a folding knife.

I will actually agree with this.....but i had no problems with my chokwe when new. I know they are diff Ti's, but still the lock bar is so hard to push back over.

Guys take a number 2 pencil and just scribble on that back part of the blade while the knifes closed (the shiny part right where the back of the blade touches the titanium lock bar) and then open and close it a few times and it will be perfect, I do this with my striders that stick like this and it works every time!

spyderHS08 wrote:Guys take a number 2 pencil and just scribble on that back part of the blade while the knifes closed (the shiny part right where the back of the blade touches the titanium lock bar) and then open and close it a few times and it will be perfect, I do this with my striders that stick like this and it works every time!

A sharpie marker works even better.

Tried both techniques years ago