Cricket for ti frame lock and G11 conversion

[STR]

I got this in yesterday but wanted to get it up so its in line where it belongs so that I can get to it as I finish up here heading into 08.

The order is for me to take this one apart, replace the lock side with a thicker slab of titanium and the non lock side with some G11 like I just used in Ronnie's Ouparator. Then I'll finish it out with the clip being remounted to tip up carry at the request of the customer.

This will be interesting to see how the weight plays out. It only weighs 1.7 ounces as it is pictured here. Time will tell. I know it will gain some thickness which should help in getting a better purchase of the handle with the hand.

This is another of those examples where Spyderco has taken what is a very small package but made it so that it can work really big. A little big knife so to speak. My wife really likes this model for some reason. I can barely manipulate it with my big arse hands though.

Anyway, stay tuned. I'll be getting to this one sometime down the road.

STR

 

[bell]

:thumbup: This should be good. A Spyderco centerfold.

 

[bell]

Where is the little cricket? Did she get lost around all the big knives?

 

[STR]

If I had my way it would have been started today. Didn't quite make it. Its next up though.

Stay tuned.

STR

 

[STR]

Finally got a good start into this next project. I probably should not be surprised that this little guy uses the same size barrels as the Delica and Endura 4 which are near impossible to drill an accurate hole for without the need for some serious reaming to make them fit. After mapping things out I finally elected to bump up both the pivot and the stop size and just use my own that I can easily fit. Its moving along now and other than that one surprise the only other thing that has come up is the lanyard.

I think Derek that with the tip up carry you requested we need to skip the lanyard hole. The clip would nearly hang off the front of the folder if I do it tip up with the lanyard.

Let me know.

Seen here I have the lock side cut out in .085 titanium. The G11 side is cut out and not final shaped yet but close. I have my body mount holes drilled and the rear ones threaded. Next time out I'll mount the clip, and then map out and mill the lock and take it step by step to the finish.

STR

 

[I.V]

I'm watching this one closely.. I think I want one of those too (only without the g10)

 

[STR]

G11.

I am not sure I'm going to be doing anymore of these. I do not have anymore of the 5/32 barrels like I used on this one. I don't even know where this 5/32 one came from. I just happened to have it. The barrel that comes on the knife is too short for new thicker stock and its already bigger than a 1/8" barrel and there is not enough room to bump it up to a 3/16" so without this one 5/32 barrel I just happened to find I'd have to ship it home to poor Derek with a note saying sorry. No can do.

Find me some 5/32 barrels and we are good to go.

STR

 

[STR]

Derek I am nearly done with this folder but I left it in the shop so no pics yet. I see that you are on the forum though so I figured I'd better let you know.

It won't be much longer my friend.
STR

 

[Derek64]

Thanks, I always check the forums daily and read all your posts so don't feel like I'm checking up on you! One thing on liner locks/frame locks that I dislike is that they only have a fingernail size depression to close the knife. That's why I like the Cricket and the Walker; they both have good size depressions to make it easy to close the knife. Can't wait to see the pictures, I'm sure it's a beauty!!

Derek

 

[STR]

I didn't think you were checking up on me but checking in on the progress of your knife I have here working on. I meant to post earlier but the wife is in her high maintenance phase today (all week rather ) and I have been side tracked and side tracked again and again today. Its ok though. I'm good. :thumbup: No worries. The dog house is carpeted and roomy, with a T.V and computer and feels like home now after 25 years!

STR

 

[Derek64]

True, I was checking on the progress!
I have a spare bedroom set up as my "dog house". Computer, TV, etc; right next to the kitchen.


Derek

 

[STR]

Derek I thought it was all done but getting into the house I noted one area I need to touch up. As a result I cannot get it to the mail today but it will be going out completed to you in the morning.

Final weight is 1.4 ounces so it lost some weight but its going to lose a bit more because there is some excess I traced a pencil marking around that you might be able to see up by the vertical short cut for the lock area by the choil. You can see this in the G11 side pic I think.

Specs: The lock side is.085 thickness 6Al-4V titanium. The G11 side is .110 thickness and the lock cut for springing the lock is .055 in the middle.

Its sweet but man was it hard to do. These little knives are very hard for guys with big hands to manipulate. I don't know how you guys carry these but once it is open it is a cutting machine. Anyway, look for digitals tomorrow I doubt I can get that done today but maybe. If so you'll see them.

Thanks and look for the USPS tracking info email here in a bit.

STR

 

[STR]

Oh yeah. Almost forgot you wanted some small retention areas carved in there to give a bit of a better thumb purchase getting that baby out of the pocket. These seem to help.

She is done now I think. Oh and excuse the little bit of dirt from my working mans hands before the digital pics tomorrow at sun up I'll clean that up for ya!

STR

 

[bell]

Great work STR. This is a Spyderco centerfold for sure. Hope Derek will post pics on the Spyderco Fourm and I will post pics of my Lava. Then, STR, stand by!

 

[Derek64]

VERY Nice!!! Impressive work as always! I was wondering how you would help make it easier to pull out - awesome job! Those grooves look very nice and look like they'll make it really easy to pull out. I may rotate my other knives but this one is going to be in my coin pocket all the time! Send me an email and let me know how much I need to paypal you Steve.

Derek

 

[STR]

Done. It isn't bad at all. Works smooth, locks solid and basically is unnoticed in the pocket. Being a little thicker doesn't hurt a thing for usability either.

I emailed you.

Thanks for the comments guys.

STR

 

[STR]

Packin' er up now.

I couldn't seem to get a shot of the G11 showing up great but these show it ok. Its raining so its hard for my cheap digital to shine without sunlight. Sorry.

STR

 

[plowboy]

That's a very nice job. The Cricket is a great little knife, but I really wish it were available in options of G10 (or similar material) from Spyderco. The TI side and lock are well done too. In fact, the lock looks much stoughter than the way it comes from the factory.

 

[STR]

The blade reminds me of the Dodo so to me they could bump this knife up to a 3.5" closed model or a 4" closed and provide a great little substitute performer in a nicer frame lock with this same exact design only larger.

If it were not so small I'd like to have one but my hands don't go well with this thing. It bit me I don't know how many times. I've got little 'needle pokes' and bandaids all over my fingers right now.

It was nice to see it but I basically told it not to let the door hit it in the you know what before it left

Seriously its not that bad but it was a biter!

STR

 

[Brad Southard]

Hey Steve. Do you know where I can get some of that G-11?

Thanks

Brad