first friction folder- help needed

Kevin McGovern

Kevin McGovern

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Jul 31, 2015
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I am going to try my hand at making a friction folder. I ordered the following: Stop Pins- http://usaknifemaker.com/folding-kn...d-stand-offs/stop-pin-1-8-dia-x-3-8-long.html , Pivot Pins- http://usaknifemaker.com/folding-kn...-offs/pivot-barrel-1-8-x-3-8-for-folders.html and Washers- http://usaknifemaker.com/folding-kn...shings/washer-pb-1-8-125-inside-diameter.html I plan on using 1/4" micarta for the scales with no liners, and 1/8" steel for the blade. I am concerned that the pivot pin head may be too small and will not be strong enough in the micarta, especially without using liners. I think i will countersink the screw heads to flush with the scales, maybe not. Is this a problem? Looking at most of my folding knives (they tend to the larger size) the pivot pin head looks MUCH larger. Maybe that is just a stylistic choice, but I really would love some feedback on if my material choices are a problem. Thanks in advance.
 
Do you already have a .125 reamer? If not, you might pick one of those up as well. Also some 2-56 screws for the backspacer as well as a tap or two.
 
no, i have a #30 carbide bit. I plan on using micarta as the back spacer, epoxied between the scales with a carbon fiber lanyard tube so no screws. Why would i need a tap?
 
The reason I mentioned the tap is if you were fastening the screws to the backspacer. Since you're using epoxy, you won't.
 
Got it. Thanks! what is your take on the pivot pin head size? too small? I am making a smaller knife, maybe 5.5" long open.
 
I've only used 3/16th pivots so I wish I could answer that. My guess would be it would be just fine. The thing I would be concerned with is the slop from the #30 drill bit.
You can get a .125 reamer fairly cheap and get a good fit.
 
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I'd go thicker on the washers, maybe .015" Thin is fine too but thicker will be a bit easier.

Those sizes on the pin and pivot are good but may be a bit small if the folder is on the larger side. It will be plenty strong if you use canvas or linen micarta... almost the same with paper micarta but be very careful when drilling to avoid chipping.

How are you going to hold the stop pin in? You can inset it or make it float by first drilling a small diameter hole through both scales then only drilling the scale inside with the #30 to hold the pin in.

Consider standoffs set in holes in the spacer and screw it together. The glue will work but may make it tough to work on in the future. I hope this helps you out!
 
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