Leafstorm 9 with Sliding Bar Lock

Kevin Wilkins

Kevin Wilkins

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 7, 1998
Messages
1,488
This Leafstorm 9 is the latest version of the Leafstorm Folder I've been evolving for years. I think they keep getting better. ;-) This is the first knife model I have done with a Sliding Bar lock and it is fantastic. All internal lock parts - liners, sliding bar and my tangent lock pivot - are fully heat treated and hardened. The torsion springs are custom made to my specs by a company who only make springs. Custom phosphor bronze washers. These grips are machined from solid bronze; black G10 spacer and spring tempered stainless pocket clip. Blades are hand ground from Pattern Welded carbon steel made by Norbert Bahls in Germany.

This type of lock is requires careful planning in the design phase and then precise execution of all parts to get it right. I have spent many years making grips for the Griptilian Series folders which also use this type of lock, so I am very familiar with the system.

The knives shown have been sold, however I plan on making more of this design!

LS9_01.jpg
 

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I’ve seen a number of folders with that lock-style recently....BM’s Patent must of run dry?

Nice little Folder...
 
I heard there patent ran out this year its a great locking system way stronger than i thought it would be at first glance
 
The Benchmade patent has run out, I know of only a few major companies making this type of lock. As far as I know, I‘m the only one-man shop using it. This type of lock doesn’t really lend itself to making one or two knives as detailed planning is critical to having the lock work right.

That said, I am making more Leafstorm 9 folders now and will be devoting all of my knifemaking efforts to this design for the foreseeable future.
 
That’s awesome Kevin. Hoping to pick one up. I’ve always wanted one of these knives.
 
I've only been making the Leafstorm 9 for a few months but they have been very well received by customers. I did a Wharncliff version which sold out quickly. More Leafstorm 9 folders and more folders using the sliding bar lock are planned for 2019. Unfortunately 2019 will see a price increase across the board for most of my products and substantial increases in shipping costs due to changes to the postal regulations. My webshop will shut down Dec. 26th and reopen in early January. Orders placed today and tomorrow will ship Friday the 28th. That will be your last chance to order products in stock at the current prices. All Leafstorm 9 folders have already been sold, but I have around 80 products in stock.
 
Very nice, Herr Wilkins. :thumbsup: Is that 02/75Ni8 steel?
 
No, I don’t know what steel you mean, but that’s not it.
 
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