First Folding Knife

Saxman25

Saxman25

Joined
Nov 27, 2016
Messages
306
Hey everyone, I just finished my first folding knife. A friend asked me for a folding blade, and I found myself really excited at the prospect of making a blade I had never done before, so I accepted the challenge! It's a friction folder, and it's not perfect by any means - not even close to perfect haha - but not too shabby for a first attempt.

The blade is 1095 and has a western tanto style geometry. There is some decorative grip filing on the flipper/tang, I left the scale from heat treatment in the filing grooves for contrast. The handle is made from wenge with a copper spacer and has six peened copper pins.

I'll probably be making more folders in the future, so I'd really love to get some feedback on this one so I can improve the next time around. Any feedback is welcome, and I mean ANY feedback. Whether you love it or hate it, please tell me what you like and what you think I can improve on, and don't bother pulling the punches. Looking for some HONEST feedback here. :)

Thanks,
Grant

nSv0olH.jpg

AQ5eUpC.jpg

0voE3Tg.jpg

FqKx92Z.jpg

BDMIYhm.jpg

8RoGVd8.jpg

ltYEK2n.jpg

LntGB48.jpg
 
Pretty slick man, I don't like tantos all that much myself but that handle is really neat.

Are you worried about a single copper pin/pivot? Have you thought about peen-ing the pins for extra security?

If you like it and it cuts - its what matters.
 
I'm not actually all that fond of the western tanto myself, but it's what my friend said he wanted so not much I could do there. If I make another one I'd probably go for a wharncliff, straight back, or a drop point, those are generally more my style.

I peened all the pins and the sanded them flush, it seemed to be pretty secure. As for the pivot pin... Yeah I am a little worried. I was gonna use a steel pin, but I really wanted to keep the whole copper color scheme going. It seemed to be okay, the blade was very firmly seated, but the main issue with the pin would probably be wearing and deformation. I guess only time will tell for that, haha

I like it alright, and it cuts great, but there's always room for improvement! I appreciate the comment :)
-Grant
 
looks great for a first try ! i personally would like to see all the edges rounded, some look nearly square.
 
I softened most of the edges to make it comfortable to hold, but I see what you mean. Maybe I'll try a more organic handle style next time, this one did come out very geometric. Thanks for the input!
 
Saxman25 said:
I'm not actually all that fond of the western tanto myself, but it's what my friend said he wanted so not much I could do there. If I make another one I'd probably go for a wharncliff, straight back, or a drop point, those are generally more my style.

I peened all the pins and the sanded them flush, it seemed to be pretty secure. As for the pivot pin... Yeah I am a little worried. I was gonna use a steel pin, but I really wanted to keep the whole copper color scheme going. It seemed to be okay, the blade was very firmly seated, but the main issue with the pin would probably be wearing and deformation. I guess only time will tell for that, haha

I like it alright, and it cuts great, but there's always room for improvement! I appreciate the comment :)
-Grant
Click to expand...
Small stainless tube that will fit over coper pivot next time :thumbsup: I like this knive . . . .
 
I never even thought of doing a stainless tube, that's a fantastic idea! Now I wish I would have posted this a little sooner, I guess I'll just have to save that idea for next time... Thanks :D
-Grant
 
You're welcome ;) Next time....................I say that words after any knive I finished :thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top