Idea - Custom Opinel Lock Collars?

[Cyber_Demigod]

So I was thinking about Opinel lock strength, and how strong that collar could be in heavy duty or self defense - this got me thinking, we replace scales and backspacers with different materials all the time - so would a titanium lock collar for an Opinel be out of the question? (with the proper alloy, heat treat, etc...) maybe even Timascus or some of the combination alloys for the Damascus Opinels they sell.

Would this even be possible to replace let alone with a different metal all together? Just an idea, I would certainly pay for one even though it would cost more than the knife itself - I like to upgrade my knives when possible, even the cheaper ones.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I'd think the heat treat to proper temper might be tricky with some exotic steels or other metals used for the locking collar. The collar needs to retain enough springy temper to precisely hold it's shape and strength, even while occasionally being flexed widely open if/when the collar is removed and replaced for maintenance/repair of the knife. One of the great things I've noticed in Opinel's stainless collars is that very strong & springy temper, which minimizes breakage and/or a loosening of the collar over time, if it's frequently removed and replaced on the knife (as many 'tinkerers' of Opinels will be prone to do). I'd cringe at the thought of a high-dollar collar in damascus or Ti breaking or distorting permanently, when one attempts installing it or removing it from the knife one too many times. Seems like a project for the very brave...


David

 

[irona]

Sounds like something I'd really like if made into a product. A $45 collar for a $15 knife! I'd actually be tempted to pick one up


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[davek14]

I'd think the heat treat to proper temper might be tricky with some exotic steels or other metals used for the locking collar. The collar needs to retain enough springy temper to precisely hold it's shape and strength, even while occasionally being flexed widely open if/when the collar is removed and replaced for maintenance/repair of the knife. One of the great things I've noticed in Opinel's stainless collars is that very strong & springy temper, which minimizes breakage and/or a loosening of the collar over time, if it's frequently removed and replaced on the knife (as many 'tinkerers' of Opinels will be prone to do). I'd cringe at the thought of a high-dollar collar in damascus or Ti breaking or distorting permanently, when one attempts installing it or removing it from the knife one too many times. Seems like a project for the very brave...


David

I'm a machinist. At my previous gig I was able to do a lot of personal work, I just needed to get in there early and I could use the equipment.

I tried many things to rig up a replacement Opinel collar and ran into the fact that it is some type of stainless spring steel which is roll formed (I think). I machined simple stainless and aluminum "collars" which would not spring back when installed.

You would need the right machinery to cut the basic shape and then roll form it. And, yes, it would have to be the right material. Spring steel possibly?

 

[Cyber_Demigod]

Is there a way to treat titanium to get the right amount of tension for the locking collar? I think it would be well worth it and I really don't know how to work metal for this kind of thing or I would try it my self.
How does Opinel make their collar in the first place?
I imagine somebody with a CNC machine could make something that they could then roll and bend into the collar, with the right tension to fit onto it properly. But maybe I am wrong because I don't know what I am talking about and am just making educated guesses and nice thoughts.

 

[irona]

Is there a way to treat titanium to get the right amount of tension for the locking collar? I think it would be well worth it and I really don't know how to work metal for this kind of thing or I would try it my self.
How does Opinel make their collar in the first place?
I imagine somebody with a CNC machine could make something that they could then roll and bend into the collar, with the right tension to fit onto it properly. But maybe I am wrong because I don't know what I am talking about and am just making educated guesses and nice thoughts.

I don't think a CNC would be necessary, think more along the lines of stamped sheet metal that's been bent to have the ridge along the middle of it and then rolled to form a circle.


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