BingaLor

Lorien

Lorien

Nose to the Grindstone
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Hey people :)

This thread will chronicle a work in progress by Journeyman Smith, Bruce Bingenheimer. For my part, the knife is being assembled based on a pattern I developed. Unfortunately, I don't get to keep the knife, but working with Bing on this is more than reward enough. Being able to share the process with you all is just a cherry on top!

We don't get to see many WiP threads showing the construction of a contemporary folding knife, and so Bing and I really hope you enjoy this thread.

So, kick back, relax and enjoy the thread! If you have any questions or comments, we will be glad to answer and listen. Bing doesn't have access during the day, so if you have any questions or comments for him, he'll be able to hit you up either first thing in the day, or after work hours.

Thanks!
 
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I'm excited for this. I know what's coming. ;)

Not too sure about the name though...........sounds like it could be a something from a Winnie-the-Pooh book. :D :p
 
I've been meaning to call you, John! We'll talk soon eh... ;)

This project started to unfold shortly after the Seattle show, basically when Bruce Bingenheimer received this little parcel from Sooke;

 
Bing told me at the Seattle show that he was keen to work on a project. Since I had started on this pattern, but hadn't finished it, it seemed like a good start. Looked kinda 'Bingish' from the beginning, and changing a few lines and curves, plus integrating a mechanism that he's comfortable with, resulted in a pattern that Bing and I both agree speak to his approach to design.

When the opportunity presents itself to work with an individual, I really try to focus on the language the maker's created through their past works, and try to channel that into the pattern I'm putting together for them. While I like to push a maker beyond what they've done in the past wrt construction methods, materials, etc, (right, Q Dawg?) I don't want to ever try and push anyone to work with a pattern that is so foreign to them as to compromise their artistic vision.

Here's the pattern;

 
Here is a note from Bing;

Lorien,

I almost forgot. We should make mention early in the thread. That the steps I’m using to bring this to life are not the only way to do things. It is just my process. I have been around long enough to know there are many ways to accomplish the same end results. I’m sure there will be those that think or say well “ This is the way I do it “ or “ You could do It this way” Any way you know what I’m saying.


As a designer, I greatly appreciate Bing's first step, which is to make a copy of my original hand drawn pattern to work from. I've sent originals in the past to other guys, only to later find that the pattern was destroyed in order to make the knife. I know that these are just pencil scratches on paper, but I spend a great deal of time trying to make sure all the pencil scratches are in the right place.




Bing is making a template here from titanium, to ensure the clearances are accurate and to get a sense of how the finished knife will feel in hand. The paper copies of the original are glued to the template material.

Bing told me yesterday that the handle is very appropriately shaped, and that it feels 'right'. This is good, since when I draw out a handle, there is a fair amount of guesswork. My guesses are relatively well educated, as I have in my possession some very well shaped knife handles that I tend to use frequently. Also, my hands are about as medium sized as they come and since I base my patterns on my own ergonomic ideals, they tend to fit other folk pretty well too.




All the three main components are shaped and guide holes located. Soon, you will see the overall shape of things to come...

 
Now yer talkin'.....really nice looking folder. This should be another "3-pointer from half-court" or a slam-dunk!!! :D

BingaLor kinda reminded me of Bangalore (Torpedo) of yore. ;)
 
I like your pattern, Lorien. Looking forward to the knife--he's been making some beautiful stuff.
 
thanks, Dudley! Bing will definitely make the most of this one, and if it's a hit, it'll be because of him :)

thanks, Will- much appreciated!
 
I will leave this thread today with one last photo.

All template components roughly assembled on top of the sketch, just to give you an idea of how the profile looks using something other than paper and graphite;



Stay tuned tomorrow, for the beginnings of the construction of the actual knife...
 
Really like this, Lorien! I love Bing's flippers so this 'un ought a be great:thumbup: Maybe I can get him to make me one;)
 
Big Thanks goes out to Lorien. I'm truly honored to take this on. As Lorien already stated we hit this off right away.

When he sent me his sketch. I was so impressed with detail in pencil. (I thought wow not a CAD drawing) What a pleasant surprise to do this the old school way.

Lorien has volunteered to post up the progress as we go. I thank him for doing that for it would take me forever to do that. ( to those that have done these WIP's my hat is off to you )

Our hope is that everyone enjoy the WIP. We will do our very best to explain any and all questions.




Bing
 
Was looking forward to this when we talked about it last weekend, Bing. Going to be a lot of fun to follow along. And thanks to you, Lorien, for helping us along on the ride. Very cool design.

Jeremy
 
Ben, thanks for the compliment! That means a lot coming from you, as I peg you as one of the most talented designers I know. That you also make knives that are super clean and well done gives me the idea that you have a great potential to create a lasting impression in the cutlery world. I'd bet on that, in fact.

Bing, what can I say? You're awesome :)

Jeremy, it's my pleasure!

More photos and stuff coming shortly...
 
We're now on to the actual materials Bing will use to assemble the knife.

This first pic shows the titanium liners being profiled, (looks to me like a 30 grit belt);




This next step is probably the most important to do right. With today's folders, especially flippers which rely on bearings and perfect pivot action, the accuracy of the pivot hole in particular is of paramount importance. When the pivot hole isn't perfectly perpendicular to the liners, you end up with off centered blades, binding at points along the blade's axis of rotation out of and into the handle, and either sticky or insecure lockup.

Those of you who've handled Bing's folders understand how smooth their action is. That's all about precision.

Here's Bing, doing it right;




The liners are now profiled and drilled;




The liners are now being tapped where necessary- in particular for affixing the bolsters and scales to them. They're tapped for 2-56 threads;




Next the counterbores for the 3/16" pivot and 1/16" caged bearings are milled into the liners;




Here you can see the liners in their mostly finished state. The counterbore for the caged bearings is set at a depth of .050", which will leave .010" clearance between the ricasso and liners. Toight like a tigah!




I won't likely have time to add any updates until tomorrow. Rest assured, it will DEFINITELY be worth the wait...;)
 
Awe.....Bing's cheating here. He's using his fancy new mill. Come on Bing.....show them the old school way with just the drill press. :D ;)

For those that don't know...Bing made some of the smoothest flippers around before he got his mill, using just his old drill press. He's all about clean precise work.

I love this pattern Lorien. You've got a real talent for drawing and design and also finding makers that fit those designs. This is win/win here.

Can't wait to see this brought to life Bing. Looking great so far. :thumbup:
 
Sooooo cool. :) And I agree with John, Bing-show them folks out there that super fancy machines aren't a must for quality products ;). Looking forward to more.


Jeremy
 
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