Friction folders--own one?

[Summerland]

How many of you own friction folders, either the slotted-antler type or the type with two scales w/ backspacer?

Any comments on maintenance and using? Do you recommend a peened pivot pin or adjustable pivot pin?

Recommend any good makers?

 

[richard rosvall]

Summerland- a few years ago one of the leading knife mag's had a great article about a Boy Scout troop that built thir own friction folders with kit parts and minimum tools. If you are the least bit interested in trying one yourself, I'll try to find the article. The pictures of the finished products were great.

 

[Summerland]

Richard,
thanks, that would be great!

 

[Disco Stu]

It's not often I have to ask about a type of knife but... What is a friction folder?

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Disco Stu
A Finger Saved, is a Finger Earned

 

[Paracelsus]

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).]

 

[Summerland]

Disco,
what Paracelsus said

Picture an old straight edge folding razor as a pocketknife.

 

[Claus]

Hi Summerland,

in France, your type of knife is known as "Couteaux Piemontaise". Makers of custom knifes seem to like this pattern and make lots of them. Just look around in the net.

Good luck!

Claus

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A man without knife you can´t really call a man

My Grandfather

 

[tuhkis]

Once again - not an answer to a question:

This page is maybe worth of looking: http://www.kp-art.fi/ejt.html

Has also friction locks - and beautiful ones.

As I can see it, they are not cheap ones. 1 FIM is 6.9859 USD just now, so 3500 FIM is ... 501.01 USD

Far beyond my reach...

...

 

[tuhkis]

I'm sorry, folks!!!

I'm embarrassed

Ignore my earlier mail, pelase.

I didn't remember advertising foreing sources isn't allowed in this group...

I just was so enthaused - I find those knives so pretty

 

[Paul Work]

I have a small Kelgin friction folder. Stag scales, damascus drop point blade. Cool little knife even though I've never used it.

Paul

 

[Summerland]

Thanks for the info, everyone!

Claus, I'm afraid my Net searches aren't turning up that much. If you can give me any makers' names I'd appreciate it.

Don't worry, Tuhkis, you are not advertising--just sharing

Those photos are beautiful!