does anybody make automamatic knives?

[oldold442]

just curious, how hard is it? i have a mill, and lathe. any special equipment needed? any pictures?

 

[Cryptomecanic]

you can get LeverLetto or Mikov kits at mikov.com
or if you want to make a coil spring operated knife
check out the DDR3 folder parts kit and .375 Maxx Torque spring at knifekits.com

 

[Fellhoelter]

just curious, how hard is it? i have a mill, and lathe. any special equipment needed? any pictures?

The question is much too broad.

I've made a couple of button lock, coil fired knives, and a mill and a lathe is all you need for the mechanism if you have the tools/skills to put the machines to use.

I think they were actually easier than a liner/framelock myself.

 

[Charles Vestal]

You can take a course for making autos through The North Carolina Knifemakers Guild.

http://www.montgomery.cc.nc.us/cenra.htm

I have not taken this course but I took the liner lock folder course a couple years ago.
Well worth the money.

Take Care
Charles

 

[David Schott]

I think this question is akin to: "I have paint, a brush and a canvas...how hard is it to paint a painting?"

The answer is that before you start making autos, youll first need to learn to grind your blades, learn about heat treating, handle shaping, the lock mechanism, finishing, etc etc etc. Will you need special tools? No...it would be done with files, a drill, and sandpaper. Would it be easier with special tools? Of course.

 

[Don Hanson III]

I've made well over 300 autos and they were/are a pain in the ass.
I have one more order on the books and that's it for me

 

[oldold442]

i dont know alot about autos, thats whe i asked the broad question. i can make a pretty decent fixed blade, and thought an out might be fun...

 

[AcridSaint]

If you can get out to the class, I hear that it's a good one. You're down in GA, so it shouldn't be too bad for you. Accommodations in the area are reasonable.