I need hardware recommendations for making folders

J

J. MacDonald

Joined
Jun 8, 2000
Messages
3,140
I'm finally at the point that I want to try my hand at making a folding knife. I have already aquired so .125 and some .080 6AL4V Ti, some appropriate blade steel and a whole bunch of tools. What I need is advice on what hardware to order to put it all together. I want to try a frame lock first about the size of the benchmark Sebenza. I've looked online at all sorts of suppliers and am just baffled as to what size screws and pivots to order. There's too many choices. I could probably figure it out if I could go to home depot and just look at the stuff, but the sizes used for this stuff seem difficult to find in a local retail environment. I also want to try a liner lock and will need the right size to attach the scales.

Any ideas? Anyone want to send a care package in exchange for some Ti? I have some .250, .125, .080, .0625 sheet stock and some bar stock that is .500x 1.250 IIRC if anyone wants to try to make an integral. I think I could comfortably swap enough Ti to make three knives (any mix) for the right starter hardware kit. Or if Ti isn't interesting, I have a few of folder sized pieces of D2 I'd trade.

Trading isn't my primary motivation though, what I really want is advice.

John
 
John, what i use is,3/16" pivots on large folders with 4-40 threads, 2-56 screws to hold the scales and bolsters on, small folders,3/16" pivot 2-56 thread,0-80 screws for bolsters and scales, hope this helps,Tracy
 
I use 3/16" pivots on just about everything now. 4-40 threads on them, there are two types, 2 screw barrel type and you can also get a niced domed end pivot that only takes one screw. I generally use the 2 screw because they're cheaper and I think they look just as clean.
For screws, I've been using cheap stuff from Lowes, there is a drawer in the hardware section with miniature machine screws. I use 2-56 for scales,bolsters and all that. 4-40 for things like stand offs in a large folder.
I also buy pocket clips pre made, I like the large stainless ones from texas knifemakers, regardless of how big the knife is. Makes for a nice grip when the pocket clip coveres more of the handle instead of being a stub under your first or second finger.

Other than that I make my own stuff, like thumbstuds, standoffs etc. The pivot and pocket clip are the only things I feel like you should reall buy. Most fo the time its not worth the time and effort to make your own clip unless your doing something pretty high end, and I don't have the equipment to make a pivot.
 
John

I recommend contacting R.B. Johnson http://www.customknives.com/r.b.johnson/ He has all the hardware you need to start. Tell him you're new to folder making and he will label the packages, like what drill, tap goes with what screw, etc. he even includes an exploded view of a folding knife. Good prices and a great guy to deal with.
Dave
 
R.B. is who i buy most of my hardware from and he's very helpful, I probably wouldnt be making folders today if it wasnt for Ron. As someone else said, i use 3/16 povots for large folders and 1/8 for small, I use 1-72 socket head cap screws on handles and bolsters and sand and polish them smooth with the handle, depending on how you build your knife, you might use 1-72 flathead screws thru the liners and back spacer. Ron also has some nice thumb studs but i make my own with a 2-56 socket head cap screw or button head, and a small peice of 1/8 inch pivot pin.
it would be best if you coukld visit a folder maker and watch the early stages of setting up and initial assembly then adapt you own methods as needed.

Les
 
Thanks for the info guys. That's what I was looking for. LEs, I think you've got a fine idea about getting to watch an experienced maker up close, I'm just not aware of any nearby.

John
 
Unfortuantly i dont really know any makers from Cali, I live only about an hour from R.B. Johnson so that worked real nice. Try talking to them at shows, see if you can get an invite :D

Good luck

Les

I think R. B. used to give out drawings you could use as paterns, if you call him ask about it he might still do it.
 
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