Folding knife stop pin

M

Matthew Marolt

Joined
Jan 18, 2016
Messages
2
Hey guys,

I'm new here to the forum and I am brand new to making folding knives. That being said, I have designed a new blade using Fusion 360 and it is kind of a small knife. I was wondering about stop pin sizing and strength.
I was only able to fit a 3/32 (.09375) stop pin in my current design. I would like to be around an 1/8 inch but was unable to fit it. Do any of you guys have any experience using 3/32 stop pins? I am fairly concerned that it is not going to be strong enough.

Thanks!

Matthew Marolt







 
Matthew, first off welcome to Blade forums. If you ask this question over in the "Shop Talk" section will get a lot more responses and some great advice. Your question on 3/32 stop pin is valid. IMO if the knife is used for its intended purpose the 3/32 stop pin will be more that sufficient. I have never broke a 3/32 stop pin, other than if I beat the hell out of the knife testing to destruction. I like your design and good luck with your build. Please bring back the finish knife for show and tell.


Bing
 
Lots of knifemakers are using 3/32" stop pins. This size pin is very popular in knives with floating stop pins i.e., the pin is pressed into the blade.

I've discussed 3/32" pin strength with knifemakers. Most makers say they consider the smaller diameter pin as the "weak link" that will break if abused.

Beware of using soft steels like 18-8 (300 series stainless) or 416 stainless. When softer steels are used on flipping folders, the steel gets peened out of shape. Over time, the peening gradually allows the lock bar to move and the knife may be returned for warranty work. Use a harder steel like 440C that does not deform.

Chuck
 
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