Liner material.

[jdm61]

Assuming that I pass my JS performance test next Saturday, I was thinking about making my first small to medium sized frame handled knife as a possible JS test knife. I am considering something in the San Fransisco style usinng mamoth ivory, rust blued 1018 for the frame, ferrule and guard and thin liners and spacers with simple filework. I was wondering what some of you guys use for liner material? How do you secure it to the frame? I was thinking that by using liners, i could avoid welding or braising the little strip to the frame for the tang pins and attach the liners to the frame instead with hidden pins or something. Also, how do you guys cut thin material and how do you keep it perfectly flat?

 

[Bruce Bump]

Hi Joe,
I have no doubt you will pass your performance test so let me be the first to congratulate you. Congrats!
I like to use frame handles and line them with 410 stainless sheet metal. At .040" thick it doesnt seem to warp unless abused and is handy for slip joint liners too. I generally drill two sets of holes, one set to pin the liners to the frame and the other set to pin the scales to the liners and frame. Makes a rigid frame because the scales alone are not holding the frame together.
A band saw cuts liner material like butter.