First Friction Folder WIP

blgoode

blgoode

Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
7,205
I have always liked folders but I prefer using fixed blades. Friction folders just seemed too cool and simple not to try. Finding time is always difficult to try something new so I spent more time playing with kydex to make a pattern that I liked. Anyways. I'll let the pics speak for themselves. I credit Jared Price for much more help than I needed. This knife isn't complete so I may screw it up down the road but hey...gotta try :)

66610d38.jpg


fcea4364.jpg


ac9c9ede.jpg


Getting my back spacer the blade thickness plus the blade washer thickness. Just used calipers and my kmg platen to get it sized.
25103c77.jpg


Now I have all my holes where I want so I can simply drill through remaining materials and profile together to shape things up.
5bf71930.jpg


Cleaning up all the parts to make them look like something :)

36d7202c.jpg


I'm digging the friction folder but I still have blade grinding and handle shaping to do but I am happy thus far.

e91f9677.jpg


237d5264.jpg


49fe0e6f.jpg
 
Okay.... I just had to keep going as the flat sided bugged me :)

I used a small piece of pin that wouldnt stick out to help hold the 2 sides together so I can eyeball the shaping better.

e9a9638d.jpg


c8f1c0e8.jpg


5e578194.jpg


6fc1d8af.jpg


986ccdaf.jpg


Need to shorten a few screws now :)

Here she is and it feels much better than before!!

e9594870.jpg


a55c0560.jpg


8fc7dc4d.jpg


Sorry for crappy cell phone pics.
 
Definitely one beefy friction folder, good work! Thanks for the pics and story too.

Still have to grind the blade and HT, right?
 
I'm supposed to be cutting leather tomorrow so after that maybe I'll rough grind the blade :)
 
Cool lookin' friction, Brian:thumbup:

I like the orange back spacer, can't wait to see a grind on this one.
 
If any of you guys don't know I am very obsessive compulsive. To a point if I don't DO something sometimes it keeps me up days. So.....

This is why I HAD to rough grind and heat treat this before I could relax and move onto my sheath work prep for next weekend.

Blade is in temper cycle now and grind line will change so I normally stop short of where I want things.

f703f37b.jpg


ea0fd312.jpg


19f1e3f3.jpg
 
OK first I have got to say I like it! :thumbup:

My usual when it comes to knife making is the 1800's period knives. So I have made a few friction folders but they were in keeping with that time period.

Even when I was making them I would hand one to folks and they would not know how to open it, so I would show them.
The next thing they would ask is how does it lock. Of course they don't so I would show them the concept, that the hand grasping the knife is what makes the lock.
Some thought they were cool and others just looked at me like I was crazy or it was kool but I don't want a blade that doesn't lock.

So here is my question, is there a market for a modern friction folder?
 
Lots of guys like friction folders. Some people will not like fixed blades just like those you talked about won't like friction folders. Many UK people carry them as I think there not allowed to carry locking folders of any type. Slip joints may not be legal carry as well. I think it's in the UK.

I wasn't concerened with a market really. Just frictions seem to be baby steps for liner locks. I'd like to make lock backs or liner locks but don't have the know how just yet. This is a functional step in that direction I'm hoping.
 
great WIP dude.
Seems a lot like I do, only slightly different.

Friction Folders for me are not a baby step before doing something more complicate or more sofisticated locks. Are way on its own.
Frictions are for me one of the most useful way of folders. They are simple, sturdy, yet stronger than any slippie. I'm fond of friction folders as you can read!:D

Cheers!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top