Friction Folders

S

Sebastian Ornstein

Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
39
Hey guys, I've been doing a little looking around and have recently found myself increasingly interested in friction folders. How do people like these knives as opposed to those with locking mechanisms? And for those that own a Michael Morris friction folder, how do you like them?

Thanks everybody, Sebastian
 
My personal opinion on slipjoint type friction folders is that they make great EDC knives, there is no reasonable cutting task that can not be completely safely and effectively by a slipjoint. In my mind they are a bit classier and more homely than a locking folder. They also close easier than some locking folders, especially old style lockbacks.

That being said they do have drawbacks when you need a little bit more than a knife to really power through something you maybe shouldn't be cutting in the first place. I currently carry a Strider SnG and would hate to be without it sometimes, but I have been on the lookout for a nice friction folder to carry for most cutting tasks.
 
I happen to love friction folders. I mainly love them for their old school looks and feel but they also just plain make a lot of sense. No extra little pieces to break on you and they have about the strongest lock on the market. As long as the knife is in your hand and you have a snug grip on the handle it will not close on you. For a cheaper option than Morris' knives check out svord.
 
For basic cutting, a fricky is all you need.;)
I did, however, order a Wakifrickie from American Kami for SD. I will rely on my knife skills, not on a lock.
 
I don't care for them. I have a huge scar on my left index finger from one folding up on me when I was a teenager. Of course it was 99% my fault, but it wouldn't have happened with a lockback or fixed blade
 
I have the impression that some people are mistaken, hence:

A friction folder IS NOT a slipjoint!

In a friction folder, it is simply the friction between the blade and the tight handle slabs that cause the blade to more or less stay put.

I have 3 friction folders. They are quite charming for slow deliberate use.
 
coolhandluke4 said:
I don't care for them. I have a huge scar on my left index finger from one folding up on me when I was a teenager. Of course it was 99% my fault, but it wouldn't have happened with a lockback or fixed blade
Click to expand...

Same point as the above response...was this from a friction folder or traditional slipjoint. Big difference between the two.
 
Dagon said:
I have the impression that some people are mistaken, hence:

A friction folder IS NOT a slipjoint!

In a friction folder, it is simply the friction between the blade and the tight handle slabs that cause the blade to more or less stay put.

I have 3 friction folders. They are quite charming for slow deliberate use.
Click to expand...

Thanks for pointing out. I just watched your review on three friction folders and have a question on the Viper Senese: when you open it, it snaps, what causes that sound? It is a beautiful knife, think I should add a nice friction folder to my collection.
 
Thanks for everyones opinion - for clarification, I was thinking about friction folders, not slipjoints. That aside, does anyone have experience with a Michael Morris friction folder? I am very much thinking about purchasing one in the near future
 
Here's a pair of traditional Japanese friction folders for those who haven't seen this type before. The knife on the bottom is an Ohta custom in Desert Ironwood, while the top knife is an unmarked, unknown custom. I'm not sure what kind of wood it is, but it has pockets of amber scattered throughout the scales.

Ohta is one of the masters of the traditional style and also makes some incredible slipjoints.
 
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