I've been working on a frame lock design!

For me, it would be "go big and stay home". Anything over 3.5" is defined as a "dangerous weapon" here, so I wouldn't be able to carry it.
 
Thanks again for the feedback guys!

There are trade offs when making a folder, mine will have a good sized blade, full sized handle and the pivot and hardware will e beefy and take a bit of room. I can go bigger on the blade with less hardware, a smaller lock/pivot area or a bigger handle. I have played around with the design a lot and think it will be the best of hard use and still fit in the pocket. Of course that doesn't mean that we can't have it all, I have 4 sizes drawn up! :cool:

It is interesting when you draw comparisons (and I really look up to these makers! )

CRK Sebenza - lots of blade for he handle, sleek, no hardware in the middle of the scales

Strider - shorter blade but lots of handle and the blade is tall, lots of beefy hardware over the full knife and a wide handle/shorter blade to accommodate that

Hinderer - beefy hardware and a big blade - butt of handle takes up a lot of space to make the design work


In my opinion these makers make some of the very best knives you can get, it is interesting looking at the design elements and trade offs when thinking about frame locks. I went for a happy medium, maximum strength without a crazy huge handle.
 
I trust you to know what to bring to the table first, Daniel.
It's a smart move to go with the most popular blade length. :D
Unlike another maker I know, PL, who went Big and small first. lmao!!!
 
Lycosa said:
I trust you to know what to bring to the table first, Daniel.
It's a smart move to go with the most popular blade length. :D
Unlike another maker I know, PL, who went Big and small first. lmao!!!
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I agree, good stuff there. I occasionally go through the whole thread and will go with a design that is the average or most popular length. I'm thinking somewhere around 3.5 so far.

I know what I want, I drew up my designs separately for the different sizes and they almost look identical. Les George and Tom Mayo are big influences with their clean and tough designs.


Those folders Pohan made are awesome and I think he has some new ones out! I saw the review for the Sardeen and it looks incredible! I'd love one with his zero bevel fgrind, they are one of a kind and super cool.
 
I cant wait to see how these turn out. I don't know if I am going to make it until Christmas.
 
I'll have some drawings up soon, I need to finish up the frame side schematic and it will be done design wise.

I am likely buying a mill to make these, I need it to keep everything square and to mill the relief.

I'm going to keep knocking out my order list which is very close and I think after that these are on! Everything is coming together smoothly and I think I'll have my goal of a working prototype by the end of the year.
 
theflyingplatypus said:
What kind of mill are you looking at purchasing? I have had my eyes on one of these little guys for awhile now http://www.taigtools.com/mmill.html
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Something along those lines, that one looks nice. Sherline and littlemachine shop also have some like that, I am interested in some kind of higher end mini mill.

I need to do more reading, I just want something simple with hand controls I know that.
 
Buy USA made if you can. Most of the mini mills/lathes are made in China. I would talk to NathanTheMachinist here on the forum, that is, if you haven't already. It will be frustrating at first I assure you, start simple and don't just jump into cutting a lock out of Ti right off the bat. Learn the speeds/feeds you should be cutting at for different materials as well as your tooling. Do yourself a favor and don't buy carbide endmills right off, use HSS (high speed steel) and save yourself some cash because you will break some, trust me.
 
theflyingplatypus said:
Buy USA made if you can. Most of the mini mills/lathes are made in China. I would talk to NathanTheMachinist here on the forum, that is, if you haven't already. It will be frustrating at first I assure you, start simple and don't just jump into cutting a lock out of Ti right off the bat. Learn the speeds/feeds you should be cutting at for different materials as well as your tooling. Do yourself a favor and don't buy carbide endmills right off, use HSS (high speed steel) and save yourself some cash because you will break some, trust me.
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I agree, I do not want a Chinese made one for many reasons.

I had a chance to really look at the Taig online last night and they do look great. I like the fact that the shipping is reasonable too.

Good call on the endmills, I am going to practice quite a lot on scrap and make sure all my feed rates are right. Getting the mill will only be a small part of the battle, lol I have to learn how to use one! Tapping too, I have a hand tap (chucks on my drill press) that I still need to practice with.

Thanks!


IMWILSON said:
Daniel, drop me a line before you buy any endmills.
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Will do! Thanks again for all the help on this. :cool:
 
Lycosa said:
Will these framelocks be ready by Christmas??
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I'm trying for then, it depends on a lot.

It's mostly a money/lots of tools thing, I have successfully made a liner lock and several folders... I just know what I need now because of that to make a consistent rock solid folder. I think I'm going to wind up spending as much making the prototype as I did buying my grinder/kiln/drill press but it will be worth it! :cool:
 
Yup, good tools cost a hefty chunk of change. People drop their jaws when they see a custom knife for 500+ but they do not realize how much time and money is invested into making such an item. In this day and age of cheap factory produced items from packaged meats to clothes very few people recognize quality and craftsmanship when they see it.
 
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