best equipment for making linerlock folders

[jrgannon]

I am new to knifemaking and will be outfitting my shop (garage) in the near future. I am interested in making small upscale linerlock and button lock folders. I would greatly appreciate any equipment recommendations - grinders, drill presses, milling machines, hand tools that are particularly suited to this sort of knifemaking.

Thanks,

John

 

[jhiggins]

I am new to knifemaking and will be outfitting my shop (garage) in the near future. I am interested in making small upscale linerlock and button lock folders. I would greatly appreciate any equipment recommendations - grinders, drill presses, milling machines, hand tools that are particularly suited to this sort of knifemaking.

Thanks,

John

If you are new to knifemaking, you may want to just make some fixed blades for a while before you try folders. Get your knives to an acceptable standard of fit and finish before you delve into the world of folders and locking mechanisms. Mind you, this is just my advice, but I believe most makers here will tell you the same. Don't run before you can walk.

That said, welcome to ShopTalk, and do stick around! Read all you can here, and do searches. Almost every question has been answered a thousand times. READ READ READ PRACTICE... and READ SOME MORE! :thumbup:

 

[butcher_block]

hey i started with a folder
its still not finished 2 years later but maybe 40 or so fixed blades under my belt now
that said i have a need to keep it as is as a reminder i do have plans on the next folder and i have all the parts for it but now it has to wait a little as i have a few orders to fill first

 

[steierknives]

Their information is right go with fixed blades for a while before you tackle folders. Getting another maker to show you the ins and outs will speed up the learning curve. A surface grinder is a machine that helps a lot when you make the jump to folders. It will help you hold the tolerances needed to complete good folders.

 

[Fellhoelter]

Guess I'm a freak.
I made 13 folders before I ever made a fixed blade or even saw another knifemakers shop.

If you have passion, drive, and some skills with tools, go for it.
If you're waiting to get good 1st, you may wait for years.
Why not get good by making folders?

I'd have never made a straight blade, but after going to a knifemakers shop, and seeing how fast one could be done (simple ones) I made a few just to fill out table space at my 1st show.

steierknives is right about spending some time with another maker though.
The learning curve was leaps and bounds faster after a day in another mans shop.