Bulldog Pattern

[stu_macher]

Hi, I am new to this forum. I haven't started making knives yet, but I am reading as much as I can get ahold of. I was wondering if anyone had a pattern for the Case Bulldog style slipjoint. I really like its shape and I think this is what I want to start with. I am thinking of using D2 tool steel and Blacklip Pearl scales. I am going to do some serious practicing pretty soon. I have broken down a couple of old folders and I am getting to know how they work. I also bought a couple of books and have read Chris Crawford's guide to the slipjoint. That free guide is better than any book I have ever read on the subject. I am waiting for my income tax check to get a belt grinder. I also know a knife maker from around my area that is going to teach me a little on knife making. I live in Texas, so finding a knifemaker to help me isn't that hard. I have seen some of the knives he has made and they are unbelievable. The knife making community is like nothing else. There is no secrets and everyone is always willing to help.

 

[Chiro75]

Good luck! Starting with folders is a big jump, but then again, if you haven't made any knives it's just as "easy" to jump into folders as it is fixed blades, I suppose. Then you only have bad folder habits, not bad folder habits and bad fixed habits! Your best bet is probably to obtain the folder you are interested in, take it apart and see what goes into making it. You can copy the basic pieces and add your own touches along the way.

 

[peter ryt]

Yah, what Chiro said. You will have an actual piece to help you mark your outline with. Do you have a bandsaw, and is the D2 annealed?

 

[stu_macher]

The problem with this pattern is the cheapest one I can find on ebay right now is 100$ and more. I don't want to buy a 100$ knife and break it apart. The D2 will be annealed. I don't have a bandsaw, but I have some plans on how to work without one. I am going to get the closest size to what I eventually want as the thickness, so I don't have to do alot of stock removal and it will be easier to cut/ work with. I think I may switch to a trapper pattern because they are widely available and cheap. I can find one on ebay cheap and break it apart. I was just hoping someone had some plans laying around for a bulldog. I have an old Kabar lockback that had a broken tip and broken scales. I will probably rebuild the Kabar to get experience pinning and shaping scales/liners. I wont have to worry about getting the locking mechanism right because it is already cut and ready. I was wanting to start with a slipjoint because it seemed like it would be easier due to the fact I wouldn't have to get the fit correct on a locking mechanism. I am pretty confident with my blade shaping abilities, it will be the fit and finish that is really going to get me.

 

[J-dogg]

Have fun with it. Be careful with final fit, I had to abort my first folder during final grinding when I got the backspring too hot and ruined the spring temper. It straightened out, ground too thin and wouldn't hold the blade open. I had pinned and epoxied the liners, slabs, and spacer so I couldn't drill it out and start again....