Assistance

[willOthewisp]

I could use some assistance. Over the next month or so I'll be starting a couple of knifemaking projects (my first). Among these pending projects is the desire to make a balisong. I'd like to try something about the size of the BM42.

While I've got a couple of CCCs and a Jag to model construction after, my problem is that I don't have a 42 to use as a "template," so to speak, and can't make any of the measurements I would like to make (to at least try and ensure a tight, clean fit).

What I would like to know is:
blade:
"depth" from edge to spine (at the deepest point)
tang:
distance between hinge pins, distance between hinge pins & tang pin.
handles:
channel depth, channel width.
outside measurements of both pin & latch ends of handles, both width and depth.

For anyone wondering, I'll be going with sandwich-type handles, and probably a spearpoint/stiletto blade profile. No decisions yet on materials. If I can get this project off the ground, I'll try & post pics.

Please, the more exact the measurements the better job I'll be able to do. If anyone has any better ideas for improving my chances of a good fit, please feel free to illuminate me. Many thanks in advance for all your help.

Jon

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Never laugh at live dragons, Bilbo you fool!
JRR Tolkien

 

[ddavelarsen]

Jon, you have juevos. All those moving parts and close tolerances for one of your first knife projects is a lot. My seventh knife was a balisong, and it took me 12 years to complete.

That said, here are a few ideas.

-- Make a full size drawing, or 10, of your knife. Keep drawing it until all the proportions look right. This way you can get the knife you want and not be dependent on the measurements of another knife.

-- If possible, make a plastic model of your knife by gluing photocopies of your drawings to plastic or acrylic sheet stock and 'making' your knife. Use stock of similar thickness to what you'll be using for your knife. You'll find all the flaws in your design this way--before you've committed them to steel! Keep rebuilding it in plastic until you have what you want. Then make sure your drawings match your model.

-- Now you'll have all your measurements established on your final drawings. Transfer your patterns to steel. I'd suggest you get all the holes right before you grind to any profiles; this will let you work down to an accurate fit.

-- Keep assembling everything and testing it as you work. All your parts will be essentially completed before you put the knife together for the last time.

-- Take your time! And don't be afraid to scrap something that didn't work out.

Go check out the balisong forum, too, folks there may have the dimensions you asked for. If you're interested in my experience making a balisong, check out http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum51/HTML/002025.html .

Jon, good luck! Please post photos as you're working if you can.

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Dave Larsen
--
The greatest prayer is patience
-Buddha

 

[willOthewisp]

Thanks. I posted this to the balisong forum a few minutes before posting it here as well. I'm remembering reading that thread now. I'll be giddy if I can get one together that's even half that nice.

------------------
Never laugh at live dragons, Bilbo you fool!
JRR Tolkien

[This message has been edited by willOthewisp (edited 01-27-2001).]

 

[ddavelarsen]

Ah, shucks.

DL