Curious about friction folders

Magnaminous_G

Magnaminous_G

Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
2,090
I've never owned or used a friction folder, but I've been looking at a few to try to understand what they're all about. I'd appreciate any input from members who carry a friction folder. Here are my questions:

1. I plan to pocket carry (i.e., no clip), and I'm concerned about the tang extension thing. Does it tend to poke at you and/or shred up your pockets?
2. How easily does a friction folder open unintentionally? I'm guessing it all depends on the amount of tension at the pivot, but with that bit of tang sticking out, I'm worried about it opening just enough to be a problem.
3. What are your overall thoughts on a friction folder (pros vs. cons)?
4. Got any pics and vids to post? Very welcome in this thread!!

Thank you,

Mag
 
Very old design, 3-400years old, came before locking blades, pocket clips etc, probably the first true EDC folder,
Check out Svords Peasant knife, http://www.svord.com
 
Magnaminous_G said:
1. I plan to pocket carry (i.e., no clip), and I'm concerned about the tang extension thing. Does it tend to poke at you and/or shred up your pockets?
2. How easily does a friction folder open unintentionally? I'm guessing it all depends on the amount of tension at the pivot, but with that bit of tang sticking out, I'm worried about it opening just enough to be a problem.
3. What are your overall thoughts on a friction folder (pros vs. cons)?
4. Got any pics and vids to post? Very welcome in this thread!!
Click to expand...

1. Not if your pants have good sized pockets. If you are worried, you can round off edges with sandpaper or a stone.
2. People worry about this, but I think it is very unlikely to happen. You can put the knife in a pouch or wrap a rubber band around it if you are worried about this.
3. I have the Svord Peasant. I love it. The L6 steel is a pleasure, construction is simple and strong, no need to worry about blade play, weak springs, or blade centering, and the price is right. I did have to install a thicker stop pin to prevent the blade from hitting the end screw when closed. You can make into an improvised fixed blade easily if you need to. A little big for pocket carry IMO. However, a smaller version is coming out.
4.
[video=youtube;4Lc0zIUc0Yg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lc0zIUc0Yg[/video]
peasant2m.jpg

^ I cut off the point on the handle. Carries much better this way, IMO
svord.jpg

^ You see the blade touches the screw hole (hence the screw) at the tip; I put in a larger diameter stop pin
 
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Hi G -

I have an excellent JK Friction folder.

The extending tang does make itself known, and that is why when I carry that knife, I carry it in my back pocket.

As you surmised, the tension on the pivot is all that controls how easily the knife deploys, so you do have to be aware that the possibility exists that the blade could creep out under certain circumstances.

On the other hand, the extended tang makes for a very solid positioning of the blade when open, and when gripping the knife, at least on my example, my hand keeps the tang in place and tends to prevent the knife from closing.

I do not prefer a friction folder over a locking blade or a plain old slip joint, but I do appreciate them for what they are.

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best

mqqn
 
mqqn said:
As you surmised, the tension on the pivot is all that controls how easily the knife deploys, so you do have to be aware that the possibility exists that the blade could creep out under certain circumstances.
Click to expand...

With my Svord, the tension on the pivot is set so there is a hint of resistance. The end screw is tightened to squeeze the tip of the blade between the scales in the closed position (same with the tang when opened). It takes a fair amount of force to open the knife this way. Once the blade is clear of the scales, it rotates smoothly. I believe this is a good system.
 
That JK fricky is gorgeous, mqqn! Coro- So is that^ one!
OP- Hunt around and then get one. I have a fricky by Filip DeLeeuw and love it.
 
I almost pulled the trigger on a Snody Custom a few weeks ago, but decided I wasn't sold on the idea.

I am waiting for the new Svord Peasant Mini to hit dealers so I can give pocket carry a try before spending a bunch of money on a nice one.

The "Mini" is just a better pocket sized option I think.
 
Have a look at the Morris friction folders too. He uses micarta scales which give a little and a slightly narrower spacer at the end pin. This means the extended tang gets nicely pinched by the scales in the open position. The one I have came with a nice, simple slip sheath too, meaning no opening issues.

Oh, and an integral bottle opener:D
 
Jan Dox Kiridashi friction folder. This one hangs at my workbench, and gets carried around when working on projects at the house. Very useful, and easy to sharpen.
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Let's not forget the Japanese Higonokami....

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Readily available and inexpensive.
 
The Svord Peasant is one of my favourite knives for yardwork.

peasant01.jpg


This handsome devil was made for me by fellow Forum member Defaultuser--an excellent chap who makes excellent knives!

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Hi,

The friction folders I make, are based on the Japanese higonokami.
My friend Filip De Leeuw has been making friction folders long before I did. My first EDC friction folder I designed and filip made it.
That knife opened a couple of times just enough in my pocket to hurt me.

The folders I make do not have that problem: the "tail" is long enoug h to ope the blade one handed, keep it open during work, but not long enough to to open the knife in the pocket.
The screws make the tension on the blade adjustable so the blade opens smooth, but with some force.

I have kiridashi, inverted tantopoint and drop point models.

Friction folders are legal to carry in a lot of places where locking folders are not permitted.

Orange G10 and natural Micarta handles, A2 blades
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black G10 and damascus steel drop point
DSCF0848_zps44a5d9a2.jpg


trio kiridashi
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group inverted tanto points "higonokami"
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enjoy


Jan
www.doxblades.weebly.com
 
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