Friction folders are very simple folding knives. There is no backspring (distinguishing them from slip-joint folders), lock, or any other machined mechanism. They are basically just a handle, blade, and pivot pin.
The blade is often forged with an extension that fits into a groove in the top of the handle when open. Hand (thumb) pressure will hold the blade open. When closed, this extension (tang) will stick up over the handle, allowing for quick opening by flicking the tang backwards into the handle.
A nice piece of stab horn tip is often the handle of choice. The stag is mortised at the cut end to accept the blade, and a pin is passed through both sides of the handle and the blade. It is usually peened to fix it in place. Sometimes, an adjustable screw with a sleeve is used as a pivot pin. Some are made with a steel frame, allowing the use of handle scales of wood, bone, and horn.
Friction folders are primitive knives that are memories of the past. A few makers still make this style, notably Daniel Winkler, Wayne Goddard and a few others. You can see a couple examples of Daniel's friction folders at
www.nordicknives.com
Paracelsus
[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 10-16-2000).]
