fixed blade vs. folder

Bailey Knives

Bailey Knives

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2004
Messages
3,802
I have been making fixed blades for a while cause I can do it in my own shop. I have been considering making a folder. How much more difficult is it to make a decent folding knife? Can I do it by hand or what machinery will I need that I dont have (here is a rundown of my stuff...kmg, angle grinder, drill press, forge, bandsaw, 4x36 sander and that is about it, aside from a lot of little things) do I need a mill? where can I get good info on making a folder. My search on BF doesnt seem to be working, so if you have info, please include a url. thanks
 
You should be able to make a basic folder with the tools you have. I've made several with about the same equipment. You will probably need or want a dremel for things like slitting the lock/liner but that could also be done with a jewelers saw or a few other tricks.

Ray Rogers has a tutorial online for making a liner lock. I haven't used it myself, or even read through it all the way but it has helped a lot of people and sounds like a good resource. I've been meaning to find it and check it out myself but just never seem to find the time.

If I remember right there is also a lot of good info on Dan Gray's website. He has the URL in his signature. I can't find it in my bookmarks for some reason.

This thread has a little bit of info on how I make folding knives. I've changed a few things here and there, but for the most part thats the process I go through. Sorry there aren't pictures of the actual work.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=322063


The only other advice I can give right now is to be sure your drill press is set up good and square, and to use precision ground steel. I've made all my framelocks with 440C blades and handles because I get it precision ground. Having precise material for the handle that will lay flat and square together makes a world of difference.Its also annealed and will cut/drill/file pretty easily. It does add a little more work because you have to heat treat it, but I think it pays off.
 
The first folders I made were with little more than a couple files, a drill press and a hack saw. Of course they were but ugly, but I was just starting and didn't even know the basics of heat treating much less grinding a blade. They were slip joint and lock backs.

A good quality drill press is a must, whether it's a cheap one not the more accurate and closer to 90deg. you can drill a hole the better. I have a Smithy mill and I use it for a precision drill press more than anything else with the posible exception of slotting gaurds.

Chris Crawford has a great tutorial on slip joints with minimal tools
http://www.knifenetwork.com/workshop/tut_slipjoint_crawford.shtml

Here's anouther on a lock back
http://www.knifenetwork.com/workshop/tut_lockback_charity.shtml

I can't endorse Ray Roger's linner lock tutorial enough,
http://www.rayrogers.com/ftutorial.htm

I'm sure there are other's, but I'm tired and the flu is kicking my but rite now.
 
Thanks for the info guys. I will try to put it to good use.
 
You should get Bob Terzuolas book "The Tactical Folding Knife". It is well illustrated and contains a wealth of information and step-by-step guides. Great info on how to construct and build a liner locking folder.
 
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