First Slipjoint

C

Cubane

Joined
Apr 16, 2007
Messages
242
Started on my first folder today, a slipjoint. Didn't go 100% but still managed to get something I think I can work with. I usually have problems with grinding the bevels but this time they just worked out, probably the best bevel grind I have done so far.

The knife is my own design, I wanted something a little smaller than a swiss army knife but also a little wider. Anyway here are some pictures for you all to enjoy. I will post more once it is a little further along.

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Very nice start! I can hardly wait to get the guts to try my first folder! Keep the thread going with progress pics please!
 
Good start, I gave up on slip joints due to lack of patience! Looks like you got a good profile going one, can't wait to see it finished.
 
It might be the camera angle, but it looks like the cam lobe (the rounded end) is a bit fat. It might over stress the backspring. Have you tested it with a pin in both the backspring holes? Looks like a good start so far ,otherwise.
Stacy
 
bladsmth said:
It might be the camera angle, but it looks like the cam lobe (the rounded end) is a bit fat. It might over stress the backspring. Have you tested it with a pin in both the backspring holes? Looks like a good start so far ,otherwise.
Stacy
Click to expand...

I haven't yet, I was waiting until it was heat treated so I could test it against the actual springiness. I designed it so that the cam would raise the spring by half its height, it seemed like a reasonable point to start with, there isn't much information out about designing slipjoints and there always seems to be something else I need to consider :)
 
Cubane said:
I haven't yet, I was waiting until it was heat treated so I could test it against the actual springiness. I designed it so that the cam would raise the spring by half its height, it seemed like a reasonable point to start with, there isn't much information out about designing slipjoints and there always seems to be something else I need to consider :)
Click to expand...


What is the thickness of the steel here on the blade? I was reading that you are going to get this heat treated.:confused:

I was concerned about the blade warping due to the lack of steel being present in the blade. Did you allow for this at the time you grinded out the blade? Other them that, looks good to me. :thumbup:
 
Here is a bit more of an update. The blade and spring were heat treated yesterday so this morning I made up some liners and got it shaped up to something like my original design. Next step is to solder some bolsters on and get the scales done. I reckon one more day sometime next week and it will be done.

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The spring was from O1 steel as well. I didn't get the temp it was tempered at, I just did it by colour over the gas stove. Seems to be working pretty well actually, there is certainly a nice "talk" to it when it opens and I think the "walk" will improve once the scale from heat treating is cleaned up.
 
Looking good! I know there are lots of ways to get the same results but when I make a slipjoint I always do the blade bevel grind after the heat treat. Before I got my Evenheat furnace I was making springs out of O1 . To draw back I would hand polish the spring to a decent 400 grit finish(helps to see the color) and draw back with a propane torch.I would draw back to past a dark blue and almost gray. On my rockwell tester this would yield a RC of about 46 or 47.

Anyways, welcome to the wonderful world of slipjoint building!!

Ken Erickson
 
I have heard that people do the bevel grind after heat treat, I am not sure of the rational behind that. In any case I only have one of those belt grinder that attach to the side of a bench grinder and it only has one speed - FAST. I am always getting the steel too hot on that thing. Previously I have been making forged blades but if I get into more folding knife making, which I am sure I will since I am enjoying the process of this project so much, I think I will have to upgrade a few tools like the grinder and get a bandsaw for cutting out the steel.
 
Cubane, I know you are HT by colour.
I don't forge....close neighbors is my current excuse.
Comment re HT I send my blade and spring steel to Paul Bos to do....get them back in rectangle shape, do all grinding after HT....must be bare handed so when the steel gets pretty warm, dip in the dip bucket.....anyhow, just a thought after a number of years doing slipjoints.....
1. heat treat the blade to in the 59-60 Rc C range
2. the spring ought to therefore be in the 50 Rc C range.
3. Check out the website of a maker I consider (and I'm not alone) one of the best slipjoint makers in the world....lots of good information...lots of great pictures....Tony Bose....also KnifeTalk Forums.com the Bose parts of it.
Oh, and don't lean over your keyboard while you see the pictures....you can short out your computer by drooling on the keyboard that much (smile).....
I think your first "slippie" is on the way to being either you favorite "every day carry" knife. or someones elses......
I'm real weak on those little faces you can add to a post, so Sir....Thumbs Up!
And a 2x72" belt grinder with variable speed motor is well worth saving up for...especially while the US dollar isn't as strong as it used to be......
 
Well I didn't quite get it finished today. I ended up having to make another set of scales for it. I was going to have the screws holding the scales on counterbored into the scales but the step drill I bought along with the screws is too small for the screw head to fit into. At least it was only a little bit of ivory micarta wasted and not some mammoth ivory or something. It is still annoying since I wasted at least a hour. I am quite happy with the screws on top of the scale look though so I am almost glad it happened.

I did get a bit further along than the pictures but it was getting dark in the garage and all that is left to do is the final sanding to finish, etch my logo onto it (once I come up with one) and put an edge on it.

Anyway some more pics to keep you interested.

Also I checked out those Tony Bose knives... Very nice I learnt a bit from his website as well just in time for soldering on the bolsters. Once finished this knife will be going straight into my pocket frequently pulled out for use and display to all those willing to have a look.

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I never gave folder much thought but I think they make alot of sense in my neck of the woods NY City area. I think I will have to build one too one day. Looks awesome! Thanks for sharing.
 
You've defininitely inspired me to try one. Until now I was leary because I didn't think my skill level was quite there but watching your's step by step made me re-think that! Thank you, Cubane! Can't wait to see the finished piece!
 
It looks very nice so far, although I have never built one, nor do I have any idea how.
I wish I had someone to show me the ropes on folders. One of these days, I'll just have to jump in and try it.

Great job on your first one!!
 
I started to make folders because so many people would as to see my work, now I just reach into my pocket and whip it out.

You will enjoy having your own knife with you no matter where you go.

Great knife.
 
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