Knifekits.com. Auto conversion?

[killerskill]

Can you buy one of these button release knife kits, and then buy a spring and easily install it in the button lock and make it an Auto. Have any of you guys ever done this, and if so what knind of modification is involved. How difficult is it?THE LINKS TO THE PICS OF THE KNIFE AND THE SPRING ARE ON MY QUICK REPLY BELOW.

 

[killerskill]

there is a button lock folder on there, then they sell these springs, and it looks like you can put the spring right in to the button lock while building it, and make it an Auto?ok here is the springhttp://www.knifekits.com/store/s-pages/kk_store_1mainframe.htm?kk_products_parts_coil50-main.htm~smainHere's the button lock.http://www.knifekits.com/store/s-pages/kk_store_1mainframe.htm?kk_prereserve_ddr3bl-main.htm~smain

 

[gull wing]

Yes you can make it an auto. Don't expect a perfect knife like a Benchmade or Bolker auto.
The Kit knife is thick and heavy. The AUS8 blade is pretty good.

 

[FlyingMuskrat]

You would have to do some machining to make it work.

 

[samwereb]

What "machining to make it work," FlyingMuskrat? And why can't it be a "perfect" knife, gull wing?

The spring pops right in and you finish the knife according to your motivation and skill. I assembled mine on my kitchen table with a Torx screwdriver set, and finished it with a sanding block, epoxy and elbow grease.

Here is a link to kits built by people with more motivation and skill than I have. http://knifekits.com/kk_1mainframe.htm?kk_gallery.htm~main

Killerskill, these make great knives. If you don't get more replies from people who have actually built one of these kits, you can go here to speak to people who have.

 

[gordonk]

I don't have the button lock one or auto (illegal up here), but I have built one of the DDR 3's and would agree - this is one heavy duty knife AUS8 more than covers off what I do..... I agree with samwereb - a little bit of care and elbow grease, plus some tools - you can get yourself "right in there". Depending on the handle materials and little creativity, you can also make it "unique". IIRC. you can even get a metal backspacer that you can file work if you wish. I've done more than a few kits from knifekits with good results - only one place to point the finger if something goes wrong

- gord

 

[hlee]

What size spring does the knife take? They sell a 0.5", 0.43", and 0.375" diameter spring in three toques (which get thicker as the torque ration goes up).

 

[rls111]

I made one of the DDR3's a few years ago.Tool wise you need a carbide drill bit to drill the base of the blade.You'll see a little dent in the blade for where you're supposed to drill it.That's for the high torque coil spring.The coil spring seats in the bolster end of the knife.It's a bit snotty getting the coil spring to fit,but all it takes is a bit of TLC and patience.Just follow the directions and make sure you have all the parts needed for the conversion.Don't be surprised if the carbide drill bit breaks.They're on the thin side and brittle.(https://www.knifekits.com/vcom/knife-making-kitsblades-ddr3-c-1070_13.htm)lI ordered two of them,the first one snapped in half while the bit was halfway through.

You'll also need the actuator spring for the button.