Folding Bushcraft Knife that is usable/comfortable - by Daniel Koster

Can a folding bushcraft knife compete with the fixed blade version?

  • I'm intrigued

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  • I'm skeptical

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  • I'm against it

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  • Sign me up!

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I am strongly considering a nail nick option.
 
Yes - I've been surprised by the number of international customers who have responded so far and I do try my best to take care of you guys!

Plus, it is something I wanted to try out anyway. Just more tooling to order. :D

Dan
 
Update pics!

BushcraftFolder031113-1.jpg


BushcraftFolder031113-2.jpg


BushcraftFolder031113-3.jpg


BushcraftFolder031113-4.jpg


Everything is pretty much roughed-out, ready to start finishing. Blade has been heat-treated.

I am going to go ahead and finish out this folder and then beat on it to see how it stands up. ;)

Dan
 
And here's the latest design drawing. A couple small changes - moved the stop pin slightly, going to try a "notch" for the lock bar on the next one. Also, figured I'd show it with a nail nick to get your reaction.

BushcraftFolder9.gif


What do you think?

Dan
 
Dan,

Nice progress! I really like your prototype.

I had a question about the "notch" in the lock bar. Has this lock been done before? This looks like a "front" back-lock of sorts where the lock works off a shearing force. Of course, here you also have compression along the lock face of the liner lock. I would think that the blade tang would feel most the shearing force, so you may want to beef that up some since it just a small "bump" on the blade tang. It's a nice idea and looks like it holds some promise. I'd wonder about the mechanics and wear after awhile, but it seems that it would be pretty durable. Great job!

I think I would prefer the nail nick.

You really are making it difficult for me to resist buying one of these knives! So, I will make a deal with you. When you go full-flat grind, I want the number one spot on the list, ok? :)

Jeff
 
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I'm not 100% certain this will even be doable because it will be very hard to keep all 6 surfaces square to each other. But, it's worth a shot - especially with a few shots of carbidizing to make up the difference. ;)

Dan
 
I'm not 100% certain this will even be doable because it will be very hard to keep all 6 surfaces square to each other. But, it's worth a shot - especially with a few shots of carbidizing to make up the difference. ;)

Dan
 
This prototype definitely already has the WOW factor. The only problem it has will be solved with the nail nick, haha. Sooo much more elegant and reasonable compared to the hole in my opinion. Great.
 
1st Prototype is now finished!


BushcraftFolder031213-1.jpg


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BushcraftFolder031213-3.jpg


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BushcraftFolder031213-5.jpg


Quick fuzz stick - no hot spots. About 90% as comfy as a fixed blade and clearly beats the pants of any folders I've ever owned. :eek:

BushcraftFolder031213-6.jpg




And here's the money shot - batoning through a piece of dried wood - it's hard to tell, but I'm about an inch or so into it. I used the log above the knife to baton it.

No lock damage, no change in lock-up, no blade-play, nothing.

BushcraftFolder031213-7.jpg


So far, so good. :thumbup:


Dan
 
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Good gad Dan, that pic update from yesterday is just incredible. Do those scales have a purpleish tint to them? That is the knife I would want. And the blade hamon just completes the package. I need look no further! Please help me Dan. PLLLeaasse.
 
It looks like the main difference in the handle shape between your prototype and your fixed Bushcrafter are the gaps between the scales.
Is that what reduces the comfort level?
That is good looking knife already! Thanks for the pictures!
 
It looks like the main difference in the handle shape between your prototype and your fixed Bushcrafter are the gaps between the scales.
Is that what reduces the comfort level?
That is good looking knife already! Thanks for the pictures!

Yes - that is correct. It's not really that noticeable though, because you put a lot more pressure on the palm of your hand compared to your fingertips. Also, I not only deburred the inside of the framers/liners I radiussed them - quite soft to the touch.
 
I like the thumb hole, personally. My only question with a nail nick, is would opening be easier if the nick was a little more centered, rather than so close to the pivot? Looks as if it would pinch open pretty easily if the blade were gripped near to the tip... Either way, proto looks like there's some flaws, you should send it to me so I can verify/debunk this myth. :rolleyes: :D

DD
 
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