Just had to try one - Long way to go

Robert Dark

Robert Dark

Joined
Aug 27, 2004
Messages
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I have made only fixed blades, but I thought I would try my hand at a slip joint. Only thing I really had to go by was a small photo of a kit slip joint in a catalog.

This is actually my second attempt. My first came out fair, but this one is a little better. I still have a long way to go, but at least its a start.

Robert

3/32" O-1
416 Bolsters
Cocobolo Scales
Blade - 3 1/8" from tip to bolsters
4 1/4" Closed

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Robert,

That's a very nice looking first, congrats.

Look forward to seeing more from you.
 
Looking at the photos I would have never known you were new at making slip joints.
Very nice looking knife.
 
Robert,

You never cease to amaze me. The usual clean lines that are always apparent in your straight knives shows in this fine folder.

Congrats, Fred
 
Thank you gentlemen. After 8 years of making nothing but fixed blades, this was a new venture for me. It was almost like starting to learn to make knives all over again, as I didn't really have much to go by.

I still have mixed emotions about making these. I know the "new" will wear off soon, and I know I could get faster and better at making them, but I really wonder what the market would be.

My market position at this point is still rated as "Robert Dark, who the hell is Robert Dark?" Who knows what the future will bring? I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. :)

Robert
 
jonathan brand said:
Its a good start and looks nice. How does the action work?
Click to expand...

Jonathan, it has lots of "snap" to it. It snaps to the half-open position, then snaps to the full-open position, then of course, snaps in the closed position. The spring on this one may be a tad "stout", if you let it "snap" fully closed, it has a tendency to let the tip of the blade just barely touch the back spring. Not a problem if you close it like it should be closed, but a problem nevertheless.

This will be corrected on the next one (if there is a next one).

Robert
 
I know what you mean I had a slip joint do that. Can the spring be shaved down a bit on the inside or is it not that simple?
 
Robert ,
I think this looks fantastic, love the Cocobolo scales
if you part with it let me know!
eds
 
jonathan brand said:
I know what you mean I had a slip joint do that. Can the spring be shaved down a bit on the inside or is it not that simple?
Click to expand...

The only way to shave the spring now would be to take it back apart. More work than its worth. I just may take about .003 to .005 off of the tip edge and resharpen.

Robert
 
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