Ken Erickson Knives: A Retrospective

Roland,

Very good questions and observations! Glad you asked. Here are my personal thoughts on the bushing subject. I try and keep an openmind and hope by building some knives with bushings I will be able to gauge the effectiveness in the areas you pointed out. I do not think that bushings will make a marked difference in the "smoothness" of opening and closing. I believe this is more a function of proper tang/spring configuration,heat treat and finish. I do believe that I will be able to peen the pin tighter with a bushing, and that there will be much less of a chance of a pivot pin showing in the bolster after much use. This maybe one of the major benefits of bushing construction. This is also the reason that I chose to install a bushing in this knife as my first. A large, single blade , what I like to think of as a heavy use knife.

Thanks again for the questions Roland,
 
Ken,

I have always liked the idea of spreading the rotational friction to multiple areas to reduce the overall friction. I don't know what the hell I am talking about,
but kinda sounds good! Have you ever asked the "Old Dog" what led him to start using bushings? Talking to Keith Johnson about bushings he told me that he was able
to peen the pins more easily and got a better result.

My opinion only, Jeff
 
knarfeng said:
Boston Bronze?
Click to expand...


Frank,

Here is the ad copy from my supplier.

"Oil-Filled Bearing-Grade Bronze (SAE 841)

Also known as oil-impregnated bronze, this alloy is infused with SAE 30 oil for continuous self-lubrication, perfect for areas where maintenance is difficult. SAE 841 is corrosion resistant, so it’s great in applications such as water pumps, electrical generators, and motors. Not heat treatable."


Jeff,

I have not spoken with Tony as to why he started. Be a good question though.
 
Had a chance to fit the scales. I am real happy with the stag. The amount of bark left, the thinness, has a nice vintage look which I think reminds you of the Sheffield and German knives from the turn of the last century.

IMGP9447_1264_edited-1.jpg

IMGP9446_1263_edited-1.jpg
 
That's among the best stag I've seen you use, Ken, and as you know I really like the Jr. Michigan Pen.
 
You have "Little Mester" blood running through your veins, Ken!
A beauty in the making!
 
Thanks for all the kind comments on my "JR Michigan Pen". I had a chance to complete the knife today. Real happy with my first bushing install. REALLY happy with the stag on this knife.

4 1/8 closed
CPM D2 steel
Integral 416 frame/bolsters
Half-stop
Bronze pivot bushing
Flat grind, cut swedges

IMGP9454_1271_edited-1.jpg

IMGP9458_1275_edited-1.jpg

IMGP9459_1276_edited-1.jpg

IMGP9463_1280_edited-1.jpg

IMGP9465_1282_edited-1.jpg

IMGP9466_1283_edited-1.jpg
 
Ken: Can ....you....tell the difference with a bushing? How much thicker did you leave the bushing than tang thickness?
 
Yowza! That Stag oughta be proud he dropped his antlers for this knife!!!
Michigan oughta be proud to have its name attached. I would be real proud to CF and CE that knife.
Ken you are rightly proud, the way you channel the old-time greats!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top