How Integral?

[Scott Cook]

When you think of a Integral Folder, how "Integral" can it get? And/or what would one like to see?

Curious

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Generally when you talk about integral folders you are talking about the locking system that is used. I have however seen folders that have integral liners and bolsters. This of course means that the bolsters and liners are made of one piece of metal. This does tend to lead to a folder with a very solid look and feel. I particularly like this type of construction when there are both front and a back butt bolsters.

 

[jbravo]

I've seen a ti handled folder that was one piece - handle slabs and back strap all carved from one solid billet. Strangely, instead of making it a frame lock, the maker used an inlay for the liner lock. That's about as integral as you can get without making a fixed blade!

 

[Rick Eaton]

Most of the folders I make have integral sides. It makes a really strong knife adding as well to the beauty of it.
If you would like to see some check them out at:

www.eatonknives.com

Thanks

 

[nifrand]

Welcome Rick.Nice to see you on the forums.

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

Welcome Rick. Glad to have you along with us.

 

[Gus Kalanzis]

I have a tendancy to think of an integral folder as one side piece comprising the handle and bolster with or without inlays and or overlays. In a traditional pattern I would use the term to describe bolsters and liners of one side milled out of one piece of steel.

jbravo, I bet that was a heck of a knife. There are not a lot of custom folders out there that have totally integral handles.

 

[stjames]

Speedtech made their folders from a single milled billet of aluminum, I know they planned on using titanium as well but I’m not sure if they ever managed to before the company folded. Those knives used a button/plunge lock, very smooth folders.

Since you know a thing or two about integral lock folders I’d be very interested where you are heading with your designs, Scott. Machining a single piece of titanium into a knife handle with an integral cut-out for the lock bar would be quite a feat!

 

[KenOnion]

Nice to see you chime in Rick!! You don't know it but I'm a huge fan!!glad your here.

 

[stjames]

I guess Scott had his own answer figured out

 

[Mike in Seattle]

Just in case some of you do not know who Scott Cook is, he was the Production Manager at Chris Reeve Knives for a number of years. Next to Chris, Scott is probably the most knowledgeable person around about integral lock folders.

Mike in Seattle

 

[Samurai6]

Scott,

The one piece handle is fabulous. How do you set the bend in the lock bar?

 

[stjames]

I am wondering if he used a ball detent, and if so how he got that in.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

To answer your question, about as integral as that folder pictured in the Gallery forum. That is one stunning knife.