First Folders

J. Neilson

J. Neilson

Joined
Feb 6, 2001
Messages
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Here are my first two folders, a couple small lockback pocket knives. I plan on focusing on small slip-joints (next) and lockbacks, when I do these. They are both pretty much the same. Total open length of 5 1/4". The 2 3/8" blades are hand-rubbed 1084 with brass liners and brass/nickle-silver pins. The backbar and back spacer are also 1084. Tess's folder has stabilized red Maple Burl wood with lightly stippled pins and mine has Desert Ironwood. These are going to be an occasional thing for me...I'm not giving up my bowies and daggers but, these were a fun challenge. I'm looking forward to finishing the next one.
 
Those look awesome! I'm not a huge brass fan myself, so I would like them a bit better if they had SS or Ti liners, but they're great all the same. Very classy and the handle materials are great! Sound like they're a nice size, too. Cool! So many new folder makers in the last month or two: you, Jason Cutter, Sean (Laredo7mm)... man!
 
Those are great looking folders. If I may...how do you ease all the edges for that smooth look? I can make a good mechanical folder..but my sculpting abilities are lacking.. I know...practice, practice, practice. Any hints or steps you take that you think are necessary?
 
Thanks guys.

Chiro75-I've got a ton of thin, 1" wide brass so I thought it would be best to start with that. I'm sure I'll use NS, too.

John L- I'm not sure what you mean by "ease all the edges". On the handle I used the belts up to 800 grit and then hand-rubbed the whole thing with 800 grit paper before buffing. The steel I buffed all the edges/corners with green compound and then hand-rubbed the blade to 600. Does that help at all?

Bob-they're not nearly as cool as your "fuzzy" folder. I still remember that one. You going to be at Lewisburg this weekend?
 
Man! I like those. Just got a book on folders myself. What did you use to cut the nail notch with?

Also - did you draw up a paper layout? I am sure you did but waas just curious what you started with first? The overall closed shape or the blade shape?
 
I'll be the guy with the face and the limp, I'm planning on saturday if not sunday for sure.
 
Looking good Bro. :D :D Did you ever do anything with the pieces that Grasshoppa surfaced grounded over here???
 
Brian- I cut the nail notch out with a dremel cut-off wheel. They come in normal, thin and thick. I have a cross slide vice on one of my drill presses and chucked a thick cut off wheel into it. Kind of a poor man's mill.
;)
I actually purchased a folder kit at the Columbus, Ohio show and used that as a pattern. I scribed all the parts right onto the steel and went from there.

George-yeah, I actually ended up using that on a belt knife. The san mia damascus just looked too cool. I had a brain fart when I got it back from Mike.
:D
 
There's just no obstatle to big for you J. , you've done good again and frankly I'm getting sick of it. :D :D You know I'm just kidding. GREAT JOB.

bILL
 
First two folders, hey? I knew you were up to something, J. You been too quiet on the boards, here! Well done, btw... :)
 
Great job J. !!!! is Tess making any fancy pouch type sheaths for those also? classy looking pieces brother!
 
It's really strange seeing "J.NEILSON" on a folder! But it sure works and looks good. I'm really impressed with these.
 
Looking really good there. I like them both.

By the way, I just got the 2005 knives. Four pictures from you and two from Tess. Congratulations!
 
Very Nice J! You bringing them to Lewisburg? Looking forward to seeing them (and you, Tess & Danny) in person...
Ed
 
Looks great! Man first two huh? :eek: Looks like you've been doing more than two. Come on, where's the scrap bucket filled with folder parts?!
 
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