Let's talk Ti-Lock - A photo essay

[Ajack60]

The CRK site says the current version is version 2. Can anyone tell me the difference between versions 1 and 2 and on approximately what born on date the changeover was made?

I found a good price on a new old stock one but the seller doesn't know what version it is. I know the DOB is 8/31/11.

Based on the date, it will be the first version. I recall they were introduced in 2011. The first 50 were blasted and then they were stonewashed. I've seen the pics of the Version2, couldn't tell what the difference is.

 

[brownshoe]

The difference is the finish. The early one has a sebenza type finish, the current is stone washed. I think. Mine was made in 3qt 2011 and is series 2.

 

[kidcongo]

Doing a little wire stripping with the Ti-Lock. Maybe not the intent of the design, but works just fine. I like to answer the question "what if this was my only knife" with each new design I purchase.

 

[VolGrad]

Hmmm. Interesting if the finish is the only difference. I guess I'll have to wait to see what I bought. The date would put it right at the spot it would go either way. I'll have to look at the pic that was sent to me again in a minute and see if I can tell what finish it has.
UPDATE: Mine has the plain tumbled finish and thus a version 2.

 

[Joe58]

The bottom pic from Kidcongo looks like the "normal" sandblasted finish to me. The Tilock I just purchased was made in Nov. 2014, and has a smooth Ti slab finish to it. Not the duller looking, rougher feeling, slabs as on the Starbenza I put in there for comparison. It was hard to try and capture without just a big reflection in the Tilock scale. And my pics are lousy usually. But it looks to me to be the same kind of finish as in the blade itself. Stonewash?

As an aside - I did need to order another pocket clip for the Tilock. The one it came with is just too odd for me. And the tab for it is above the knife and caught on my tshirt and stuff.

 

[VolGrad]

I checked the pic my seller sent me and the slabs appear the same as the blade (stonewashed) as well. It is hard to really tell though. I guess I'll find out Friday when it is delivered. Thanks for the info.

So, no other differences in the knife other than finish? That seems odd to make only that one change and call it a different version number ... but then what do I know.

 

[lemmuhj]

I may be repeating others, but I recall reading somewhere that CRK said it was a challenge to blast the Tilock scales because of the slots and overall design of them. I can see why they went to the stonewash. I've never held a blasted one, but both finishes appeal to me and I really don't have a "favorite", I like em both.

 

[kidcongo]

 

[VolGrad]

I contacted CRK for clarification and here is the response. Looks like you guys were right, as if there was any doubt.

Thank you for your email. The only “versions” of the Ti-Lock we are offering are a plain tumbled handled or a decorated version that we introduced at SHOT Show 2015 called “Blue Steam”. (The original Ti-Locks we offered had a sandblasted finish not the tumbled version.)
Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Mine will be here Friday so I'll report back which version I have.

 

[Dhbranum]

Great info as usual. I like it just because it is so different. Definitely on the wish list--which is getting kinda long!

 

[kidcongo]

 

[kidcongo]

Well, if you tell me I shouldn't do it, I likely will.

Not the most comfortable knife handle for bushcraft tasks, but no problem in a pinch. Making some smaller kindling to get the fire started:

 

[PiterM]

Very nice review and cool pictures of real work done with TiLock. It's an awesome knife indeed!

 

[rexromic]

Great pics Cody,amazing scenery with great knife.

 

[VolGrad]

So, when my TiLock arrived I took it out and fondled it a bit and decided it wasn't really for me. The locking mechanism while very cool just was too unusual than I wanted to have to "learn". I listed it for sale. Fast forward almost a week and very little sell/trade interest so I decided to take it out and play with it a little more. I think I'm going to give it a try for a while and see how I feel after some carry/use. Why not, right?

I'll report back later. I do like the size a lot. The large CRKs are a little more than I like to carry on a day to day basis. The smalls are great. The TiLock is a good blend though.

 

[kidcongo]

Here is what you can expect from wear on the anodized lockbar. Mine is at a particularly beautiful stage right now, being half blue and half purple. The inside groove on the lock spine is still perfectly blue, but the ridges have worn silver. Looks really cool if you like funky worn stuff. Perfectionists may cringe, but this is a becoming a somewhat well-used knife in it's short life with me. I figured I'd post some pics of what they look like worn.

 

[VolGrad]

Nice. Great pics, as always.

 

[James Longstreet]

Hey Cody,

fantastic thread about an exotic member of the CR family! Thanks. I am constantly struggling making up my mind on this model. I do appreciate interesting technical solutions which you will not see everywhere. So this is aspect is definitely fully covered On the other hand I "accept" stonewash blades only at knives I use. But the Ti-Lock I would buy for my collection. Maybe the new "blue steam" version is something which will attract me. Got to see more pictures. Does anyone know whether there are any other differences between the regular Ti-Lock and the "blue steam" besides the graphics and the blue sapphire inlay? I would love to have a satin blade on the "blue steam". But it seems they didn't agree

Best,
Stefan

 

[kidcongo]

Stefan, I plan on adding some detailed commentary to this thread based on more experience gained with this knife. It is a very busy week for me, so I may or may not get around to it. I have a carried the Ti-Lock every day for a solid month and have developed a few solid opinions about it that I look forward to sharing soon (mainly regarding having this knife as an EDC user). In brief, I agree with the others that have said, the Ti-Lock is neither a total miss, nor a total win for CRK. It is a knife that puts people on the fence for good reason. I feel it is much more of a win than a miss, so I am happy to have one in my collection and plan on carrying it as part of my rotation. One if it's strong suits is it's value as a collector item and technical marvel, so if that is your intention, it would likely suit your purposes. Thanks again for the compliments on the thread so far. Hopefully I can summarize some more info on this blade shortly

 

[lemmuhj]

Cool "wear" pics! I've always been curious to how the bar looks worn.