any custom folder makers?

A

ATFKnives

Joined
Jul 5, 2020
Messages
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I'm looking for some advice from any custom folder makers. Specifically frame/liner locks. Ive successfully completed a handmade back lock and want to give a frame lock a shot just to see if I can make one with the tools I have. I currently only use a 2x72, spindle sander,, drill press, dremel, files, etc. I've got my template made and pices cut out of 3/16" cpm154. I know I can use the cpm154 as the spring tempered back to 45-48hrc. My question is with my original stock being so thick how thin and how long should the spring section be? Attached a pic of what I have so far if it shows up.
zHIA828
 
Richard338 said:
You can use Stacy's search function in the stickies above.
There has been a good recent one about slipjoints: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/slipjoint-tutorials-and-advice.1623369/
Click to expand...

Didn't see much talk about thickness but ill look again. I very well could have missed it. It probably needs to be thinner than I have it atm.

Daniel Carraher said:
Can’t see picture. Why didn’t you use Titanium for a frame lock?
Click to expand...

I guess its bc im a new member. Not sure why it didn't show up. Ive only recently got into making folder. Folder wise all I have under my belt is a lockback I recently finished. Titanium isn't a material I've had to keep around for much until now. This is still the "can I do it?" phase so Its more for practice than anything. I only used the cpm154 as scales bc its what I had on hand.
 
Upload the image to imgur and the post it here. I think you’d find it a lot easier to use titanium. Either way you’re going to have to cut a relief in the lock bar. Length will depend on many factors. If you were asking my advise I’d say start with a liner lock and use titanium for the liners. Can be bought for under $10 and eliminates need to heat treat and temper liners. Plus much easier to work with IMO
 
Lol im already looking into getting some of the 6-4/6al4v. If the pic shows up this time I'd only started the relief. That leads us to my question on thickness and llength.im actually working on the second groove for the relief now so i can flatten it down to thickness
Imgur com/a/KNLufNT

KNLufNT
 
I have included the picture below. The trick is to use the link to the actual image, not the link to the imgur post. I always right-click the image and select "Copy image address" from the pop-up menu. Also, if you cannot see the image in the editor, it will not show up when you post.
idWlNMg.jpg
 
.070" +- .010 "is a good starting point for lockbar thickness at the relief in Titanium... probably steel too.

length has to do with a lot but try around 2.5" or so

An inexpensive granite surface plate and sandpaper will go a long ways when you make folders. Dead flat and parallel are key.
 
weo said:
Hi ATF. Welcome.
Have you read the Sticky - All The Good Info you want in one place?
https://bladeforums.com/threads/sticky-threads-all-the-good-info-you-want-in-one-place.1052730/
The very first link:
How to post a photo
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1126014-Attach-Images-to-Your-Threads-Comments
Click to expand...

Yes sir I did and its mostly for pc and I'm on android phone. I tried the image hosting and posting the link by clicking the proper box above where im entering text and it still didn't work. Don't know why. As far as the info I'm looking for it isn't mentioned at all anywhere in the sticky or the containing links that I saw. The sticky contained 99% info on fixed blades with only mentions to folder with dead links that I found.

Daniel Fairly Knives said:
.070" +- .010 "is a good starting point for lockbar thickness at the relief in Titanium... probably steel too.

length has to do with a lot but try around 2.5" or so

An inexpensive granite surface plate and sandpaper will go a long ways when you make folders. Dead flat and parallel are key.
Click to expand...

Daniel Carraher said:
I think you’ll want the lock bar longer Than that. Especially in steel
Click to expand...

Thanks guys! That gives me a good enough starting point. I've been making fixed blades for years but have only recently gotten into folders and didn't find much info on the subject. When I try to find build info on frame locks or liner locks google just lists knives for sale..

The relief is much longer now but still not finished. I'm removing all the material with a dremel so its been taking a minute. Lol
 
I take mine to .045-.050" in ti, thicker will lead to stiffer action.
 
You can go to Chris Crawfords site and he has available videos by Allen Elishewitz on how to build liner locks and many other style knives.
 
im rarely close to a pc to upload images and not sure why it wont work from my phone. screwed up my lock notch on the first blade and had to re-make it. not too bad so far but we shall see soon! thanks for all the input guys!

wZeuNN4.jpg
dNHJyO5.jpg
 
ATFKnives said:
im rarely close to a pc to upload images and not sure why it wont work from my phone. screwed up my lock notch on the first blade and had to re-make it. not too bad so far but we shall see soon! thanks for all the input guys!

wZeuNN4.jpg
dNHJyO5.jpg
Click to expand...
Is that the remade one or the first one?
 
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