Kabar/Becker friction folder?

O

ocnLogan

Joined
Jul 31, 2011
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This is just an idea really, but one that I think could easily make for a good product. So I figured I would check what everyone else thought (you know, to make sure I'm not just crazy).

What do you think about the idea of a Kabar/Becker friction folder?

Think about it. Kabar/Becker knives are known for being tough, made in the USA, and pretty affordable. A friction folder could easily be all of those things, while keeping the knifes production costs down enough to make them in the USA (which I know has been a problem historically with thoughts about designing a "conventional" folding BK2, etc).

Right now, whenever the inevitable "what folder is best to baton with" threads come up, basically everyone agrees that friction folders (like the svord peasant) are probably the best, since they are basically just short full tanged knives with folding handle extensions. However, the competition for friction folders is pretty small (basically just svord). So all you'd have to do is get better fit and finish, be USA made, and perform fine and I'd think you'd be competitive. Wouldn't it be nice to say that Kabar/Becker had some of the toughest folders out there, that were amazing "bang for the buck"?

Friction Folder Pro's

  • Strong. Even if the handles break off, the knife is still useable with its extended tang
  • Simple. Easy to make, even for the US factories. It wouldn't be much different than making a BK11 or 1117, just you'd be adding some scales and two screws.
  • Legal just about everywhere because it doesn't lock.
  • Cheap and easy to modify

Friction Folder Cons

  • Long extended tang makes it more difficult to pocket carry
  • Not as "common"/expected as a design.

The blade shapes can easily be things that are already popular, just shrunk down. I mean, who wouldn't want a mini folding USMC, or BK9?

Just make sure it can accept a pocket clip, and give me a mini BK9 in Cro Van for under $50, and I'd buy one.

Am I crazy in thinking something like that would be "neat"? Feel free to explain how crazy I am below :p.
 
ocnLogan said:
"snip......." for under $50, ".....snipp"
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And this is why it won't occur. Kabar couldn't make a quality product with that price limitation and make enough to pay for the prep work, stamping dies, assembly, etc AND make a profit.
 
zzyzzogeton said:
And this is why it won't occur. Kabar couldn't make a quality product with that price limitation and make enough to pay for the prep work, stamping dies, assembly, etc AND make a profit.
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You don't think they could make a BK11 with a funny tang, throw some Chicago screws and two zytel handle scales on there for an additional ~$15 over the BK11? The tweeners regularly go for $60-65, and have a bunch more steel, two handle scales, and a sheath. So it "seems" like it could be done, but then again, I don't have the inside knowledge of how much things actually cost.

So what if we say the product was ~$50-60?

Or am I the only one that likes friction folders?
 
I think a non-locking version of the Dozier folding hunters would be great -- and since most of the tooling is already there, shouldn't cost much different than their current price point. a full-fledged friction folder could be as simple as selling a set of add-on scales for the remora that it could fold into.
 
I wouldn't want one. Nope. Give me a choice between a 14 fixed blade that slips beautifully in my back pocket for $40 or the same in a folder for $50-60? No thanks, even if it was $40 or $30. I might not count because I'm just not into folders. I have a bunch, mostly been passed down to me, but they rarely see the light of day. I keep my old timers oiled so they get handled a bit but that's it. I think a friction folder is a novel idea and it would be "neat" but I'm sorry, I just can't see it happening made in USA for a line that's boasted as most bang for the buck.
 
I may also be somewhat biased, because it is illegal where I live to carry a fixed blade concealed (like in my bag). So far, the svord peasant is the next best thing that I can carry. I get the appeal of carrying a bk14/11/24, and if I was able to, I would.

Anyway, it appears I may be in the minority. That's fine, I was mostly curious if anyone else felt the way I did (never know, maybe it would be received well).
 
ocnLogan said:
I may also be somewhat biased, because it is illegal where I live to carry a fixed blade concealed (like in my bag). So far, the svord peasant is the next best thing that I can carry. I get the appeal of carrying a bk14/11/24, and if I was able to, I would.

Anyway, it appears I may be in the minority. That's fine, I was mostly curious if anyone else felt the way I did (never know, maybe it would be received well).
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Could you make your own set of pivoting scales for the 14/11/24? Would that work with the law? Or would you have to cut off one side of the 14 handle to make it more like the svord?
 
DunkEm said:
Could you make your own set of pivoting scales for the 14/11/24? Would that work with the law? Or would you have to cut off one side of the 14 handle to make it more like the svord?
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Thats a great question actually. I'll have to look into it. If I don't have to modify the blade/tang, I could rig up some scales most likely. If I have to drill pivots or things like that it probably wont work, since I don't have the tools to do that.
 
Be sure and post the answer. I'm curious and might even try and make a set myself at some point.
 
ocnLogan said:
I may also be somewhat biased, because it is illegal where I live to carry a fixed blade concealed (like in my bag). So far, the svord peasant is the next best thing that I can carry. I get the appeal of carrying a bk14/11/24, and if I was able to, I would.

Anyway, it appears I may be in the minority. That's fine, I was mostly curious if anyone else felt the way I did (never know, maybe it would be received well).
Click to expand...

Hey now, that's a whooole other can of beans there...
I never looked at it that way, wow. Your right man if its not legal, damn. I can see why you'd be adamant about it. Maybe its us who can carry that are biased towards the fixed because we take it for granted since they're not illegal here.
If you we're to make one. Prob the 14 would be the easiest to convert. Just cut the bottom of the handle and go from there.

I apologize for my previous post as I didn't fully understand your intent.
 
DunkEm said:
Be sure and post the answer. I'm curious and might even try and make a set myself at some point.
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Will do. I'm not quite sure where to start right looking right now, but if I ever find it out, you can be sure I'll post something about it here.

NCSlice said:
Hey now, that's a whooole other can of beans there...
I never looked at it that way, wow. Your right man if its not legal, damn. I can see why you'd be adamant about it. Maybe its us who can carry that are biased towards the fixed because we take it for granted since they're not illegal here.
If you we're to make one. Prob the 14 would be the easiest to convert. Just cut the bottom of the handle and go from there.

I apologize for my previous post as I didn't fully understand your intent.
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Yeah, its annoying sometimes, but you've got to go where the work is IMO, and sometimes that leaves you in places you didn't expect. That totally is the reason that I started looking at friction folders so much more though. And now that I have, I do quite like them for certain things. Then I started thinking about how there is really only one maker of friction folders (svord), and while they've got their HT down, the rest of their friction folders have pretty horribad fit and finish/quality, so I figured it might be an area that Kabar might be able to break into. The svords go for ~$13-15, so I was thinking that under $50 was a reasonable goal for Kabar. However, if the demand isn't there (which it appears it probably isn't), then it wouldn't make sense for them.

I guess I'll have to make my own if I want one. Doesn't mean I can't stop wishing for a Mini 1217 or BK9 though :p.
 
We got one......

p18838302enh-z6.jpg


Moose
 
Wait, isn't that just a giant slipjoint?

I was thinking of something with an extended tang, not just a non-locking folder.

Or am I missing something?
 
ocnLogan said:
Wait, isn't that just a giant slipjoint?

I was thinking of something with an extended tang, not just a non-locking folder.

Or am I missing something?
Click to expand...

Something like the Svord Peasant? Naw, we ain't got nothing like that.

That's as close as we get to a friction folder, and by all definition, it's a friction folder/slipjoint.

Moose
 
I dig friction folders, I carry one every day. Usually its a Svord Mini but I also roll with a Higonokami once in a while. I would love more relatively low priced FF offerings.
 
Moosez45 said:
Something like the Svord Peasant? Naw, we ain't got nothing like that.

That's as close as we get to a friction folder, and by all definition, it's a friction folder/slipjoint.

Moose
Click to expand...

I got ya. I knew Kabar didn't/doesn't make one. I was just curious if I anyone else would be interested in a Kabar "Peasant". It wouldn't be too hard for Kabar to take a BK14, or 1117, drill a pivot, trim off the parts of the handle tang that don't look like a peasant, put some Zytel/grivory scales on it and sell it for ~$50-60. I mean, svord can slap some plastic handles on a funny shaped piece of L6 and sell it for ~$15.

I'd take a 1095cv version. Just wasn't sure if there was anyone else that would ever want such a beast.

Ace Krampus said:
I dig friction folders, I carry one every day. Usually its a Svord Mini but I also roll with a Higonokami once in a while. I would love more relatively low priced FF offerings.
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And it looks like at least one person agrees :D.

Anyway, like I said, I'm not expecting this to happen. More just was kind of hoping if I posted this, there would be some massive outcry for the product, and maybe Kabar would eventually produce one. I know its a pipe dream.

Looks like the 14/24/13, Archeron and 1117 would be the best prospects for a mod like this. You'd just have to drill a pivot, and then remove the parts that aren't extended friction folder tang. Maybe someday I'll take a crack at this when I have more tools :D.
 
Yeah, all the other Dozier's are made in Taiwan.....wonder why that one wouldn't be?

Hey, OKB, I know I've seen Taiwan on thems before. Thoughts?

Moose
 
Yes, i would dig 1117 folder, just not sure about friction version.
Of course it should make it cheaper than some lock back or side lock or any other lock.
 
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