looking for advice

M

Mutiny

Joined
Mar 23, 2026
Messages
1
I am diving into the knife world, and am pretty new to it in this depth. I am amazed at just how much knowlegde so many people in these forums have, I appreciate the abosulte love and care people have for knives in general. I have alwasy loved knives and all sorts of gadgets I could fiddle with ever since I was a kid, but I have neever collected or owned 10s or more knives. I have had a few here and there that I really enjoyed or were given to me by my family, nothing too expensive. I work in automotive design now, and I have been looking to pursue a project outside of work. I am taking on deisgning my own knife and clipping system. Maybe one day it will lead to something bigger than just a hobby! For now though I would love feedback from people way more informed than me.

I am designing a folding knife, etiher gonna have a liner lock or a frame lock, haven't totally decided. I have a 3d printer so I have been printing lots of protoypes to get the scale and feel just right. I am integrating a removable carbiner clip to base of the handle, something that will be secure when needed, then quick release (by use of a sliding lock) when you don't want the knife attatched to your beltloop or bag. There will be a removable pocket clip, but if you are using the quick release carabiner there won't be much need for it. I have never loved pocket clips, as I think that kinda get in the way and protrude from the side of the knife in an unpleasent way. I have taken great care to not let the clip mechanism encroach on the space in the handle fort he blade when folded, so that the ratio of the blade to handle doesn't become too poor. Think of the clip machnism as something sorta like a cobra lock, same funcitonality, just a different mechanism. The carabiner willl aklso clip into a key chain attatchment so I will have a little bit of an intercahngable ecosystem of carbiner clips for my knife and other daily carry essentials. I am not a serious knife user by any means, I don't take my knives out into the woods or thwack them. I just really appreciate mechanical design, and love a satisfying knife, and appreciate the usability of blade when needed thruout the day or while working on the house etc. I would love to know what people are thinkning of the overal idea for knife like the on I am describing and if there are any ideas to improve it, or if its dumb!

The main question... based on my statements about the intended use. What kinds of metals would really make sense for the knife like this? I don't want it to be rediculously expensive. I really like a stone washed finish so a metal that comes to a high polish is not important to me. I don't like to have to sharpen my knives regularly, and would like it to be a very rare sort of thing. I am super out of my depth when it comes to all the different metals and what they are best for. I would love to hear what someone more knowledgeable would recommend, or if there are any dope sources I should be ponited to read morea bout metals and what situations they are best used in. I feel like the amount of info out there is... overwhelming!

Hope this finds you well peace!
 
You mean like this?

28152415_362456210895891_70670246586875904_n.webp


Do you mean metals for the handle or the blade?
 
Umm...if you are new to knives and have not owned many, perhaps you should start by trying a few different knives from different designers to see what features appeal to you, rather than starting your knife journey by designing your own knife. Just sayin'.
 
Are you thinking a hidden carabiner like this old Leatherman design?

1000025824.jpg

I wouldn't focus on which steel type to use right now; that is a decision far down your to-do list that will probably depend mostly on what an OEM can supply when the time comes.

For now I suggest you purchase, carry, and use lots of different folders for a good long while to find what features you like. Then try 3D printing your own designs and posting pics/videos here for feedback.

Coming up with a great folding knife is not easy: there is a LOT of nuance in almost every facet which will make or break your design. Take your time.
 
Mutiny said:
I am diving into the knife world, and am pretty new to it in this depth. I am amazed at just how much knowlegde so many people in these forums have, I appreciate the abosulte love and care people have for knives in general. I have alwasy loved knives and all sorts of gadgets I could fiddle with ever since I was a kid, but I have neever collected or owned 10s or more knives. I have had a few here and there that I really enjoyed or were given to me by my family, nothing too expensive. I work in automotive design now, and I have been looking to pursue a project outside of work. I am taking on deisgning my own knife and clipping system. Maybe one day it will lead to something bigger than just a hobby! For now though I would love feedback from people way more informed than me.

I am designing a folding knife, etiher gonna have a liner lock or a frame lock, haven't totally decided. I have a 3d printer so I have been printing lots of protoypes to get the scale and feel just right. I am integrating a removable carbiner clip to base of the handle, something that will be secure when needed, then quick release (by use of a sliding lock) when you don't want the knife attatched to your beltloop or bag. There will be a removable pocket clip, but if you are using the quick release carabiner there won't be much need for it. I have never loved pocket clips, as I think that kinda get in the way and protrude from the side of the knife in an unpleasent way. I have taken great care to not let the clip mechanism encroach on the space in the handle fort he blade when folded, so that the ratio of the blade to handle doesn't become too poor. Think of the clip machnism as something sorta like a cobra lock, same funcitonality, just a different mechanism. The carabiner willl aklso clip into a key chain attatchment so I will have a little bit of an intercahngable ecosystem of carbiner clips for my knife and other daily carry essentials. I am not a serious knife user by any means, I don't take my knives out into the woods or thwack them. I just really appreciate mechanical design, and love a satisfying knife, and appreciate the usability of blade when needed thruout the day or while working on the house etc. I would love to know what people are thinkning of the overal idea for knife like the on I am describing and if there are any ideas to improve it, or if its dumb!

The main question... based on my statements about the intended use. What kinds of metals would really make sense for the knife like this? I don't want it to be rediculously expensive. I really like a stone washed finish so a metal that comes to a high polish is not important to me. I don't like to have to sharpen my knives regularly, and would like it to be a very rare sort of thing. I am super out of my depth when it comes to all the different metals and what they are best for. I would love to hear what someone more knowledgeable would recommend, or if there are any dope sources I should be ponited to read morea bout metals and what situations they are best used in. I feel like the amount of info out there is... overwhelming!

Hope this finds you well peace!
Click to expand...
You are struggling with not knowing what you don't know. There is no reasonable way to jump to the head of the queue and become a designer without doing all the other study required to get there. That doesn't mean that you should stop designing, but as you learn more you will find that someone else has done it before or find out why it was never done before. It all takes time and study.

The current best resource for knife specific steel is this website: https://knifesteelnerds.com/. Dr. Larrin Thomas is member of this forum.

Welcome aboard and keep reading!
 
Finding out what you like can only be accomplished by using different knives.

What I started liking about knives in the 90s has little to do with what I look for now.

There could be a few short cuts to knowledge here and there, but your post indicates a starting point that will require you using more and different knives first.
 
Mutiny said:
I am diving into the knife world, and am pretty new to it in this depth. I am amazed at just how much knowlegde so many people in these forums have, I appreciate the abosulte love and care people have for knives in general. I have alwasy loved knives and all sorts of gadgets I could fiddle with ever since I was a kid, but I have neever collected or owned 10s or more knives. I have had a few here and there that I really enjoyed or were given to me by my family, nothing too expensive. I work in automotive design now, and I have been looking to pursue a project outside of work. I am taking on deisgning my own knife and clipping system. Maybe one day it will lead to something bigger than just a hobby! For now though I would love feedback from people way more informed than me.

I am designing a folding knife, etiher gonna have a liner lock or a frame lock, haven't totally decided. I have a 3d printer so I have been printing lots of protoypes to get the scale and feel just right. I am integrating a removable carbiner clip to base of the handle, something that will be secure when needed, then quick release (by use of a sliding lock) when you don't want the knife attatched to your beltloop or bag. There will be a removable pocket clip, but if you are using the quick release carabiner there won't be much need for it. I have never loved pocket clips, as I think that kinda get in the way and protrude from the side of the knife in an unpleasent way. I have taken great care to not let the clip mechanism encroach on the space in the handle fort he blade when folded, so that the ratio of the blade to handle doesn't become too poor. Think of the clip machnism as something sorta like a cobra lock, same funcitonality, just a different mechanism. The carabiner willl aklso clip into a key chain attatchment so I will have a little bit of an intercahngable ecosystem of carbiner clips for my knife and other daily carry essentials. I am not a serious knife user by any means, I don't take my knives out into the woods or thwack them. I just really appreciate mechanical design, and love a satisfying knife, and appreciate the usability of blade when needed thruout the day or while working on the house etc. I would love to know what people are thinkning of the overal idea for knife like the on I am describing and if there are any ideas to improve it, or if its dumb!

The main question... based on my statements about the intended use. What kinds of metals would really make sense for the knife like this? I don't want it to be rediculously expensive. I really like a stone washed finish so a metal that comes to a high polish is not important to me. I don't like to have to sharpen my knives regularly, and would like it to be a very rare sort of thing. I am super out of my depth when it comes to all the different metals and what they are best for. I would love to hear what someone more knowledgeable would recommend, or if there are any dope sources I should be ponited to read morea bout metals and what situations they are best used in. I feel like the amount of info out there is... overwhelming!

Hope this finds you well
Click to expand...
 
Choose what makes sense to you. I would start with a steel that is easily tooled and then transition as you become a more accomplished blade smith. I wouldn't get to "gadgetity" unless its for yourself. For edc think slim, light weight and no bulk. Simple and to the point with quality materials and produced at a low buy in price. Personally I would start with a fixed blade and then develop that into a folder. Also...the sheath is important and many people look at the entire package vs just the knife itself. Good luck and cannot wait to see what you come.up with. With that 3d printer, you can make $$ making knife scales. As far as the blade steel tooling should be your #1 concern.
 
Mutiny said:
I am diving into the knife world, and am pretty new to it in this depth. I am amazed at just how much knowlegde so many people in these forums have, I appreciate the abosulte love and care people have for knives in general. I have alwasy loved knives and all sorts of gadgets I could fiddle with ever since I was a kid, but I have neever collected or owned 10s or more knives. I have had a few here and there that I really enjoyed or were given to me by my family, nothing too expensive. I work in automotive design now, and I have been looking to pursue a project outside of work. I am taking on deisgning my own knife and clipping system. Maybe one day it will lead to something bigger than just a hobby! For now though I would love feedback from people way more informed than me.

I am designing a folding knife, etiher gonna have a liner lock or a frame lock, haven't totally decided. I have a 3d printer so I have been printing lots of protoypes to get the scale and feel just right. I am integrating a removable carbiner clip to base of the handle, something that will be secure when needed, then quick release (by use of a sliding lock) when you don't want the knife attatched to your beltloop or bag. There will be a removable pocket clip, but if you are using the quick release carabiner there won't be much need for it. I have never loved pocket clips, as I think that kinda get in the way and protrude from the side of the knife in an unpleasent way. I have taken great care to not let the clip mechanism encroach on the space in the handle fort he blade when folded, so that the ratio of the blade to handle doesn't become too poor. Think of the clip machnism as something sorta like a cobra lock, same funcitonality, just a different mechanism. The carabiner willl aklso clip into a key chain attatchment so I will have a little bit of an intercahngable ecosystem of carbiner clips for my knife and other daily carry essentials. I am not a serious knife user by any means, I don't take my knives out into the woods or thwack them. I just really appreciate mechanical design, and love a satisfying knife, and appreciate the usability of blade when needed thruout the day or while working on the house etc. I would love to know what people are thinkning of the overal idea for knife like the on I am describing and if there are any ideas to improve it, or if its dumb!

The main question... based on my statements about the intended use. What kinds of metals would really make sense for the knife like this? I don't want it to be rediculously expensive. I really like a stone washed finish so a metal that comes to a high polish is not important to me. I don't like to have to sharpen my knives regularly, and would like it to be a very rare sort of thing. I am super out of my depth when it comes to all the different metals and what they are best for. I would love to hear what someone more knowledgeable would recommend, or if there are any dope sources I should be ponited to read morea bout metals and what situations they are best used in. I feel like the amount of info out there is... overwhelming!

Hope this finds you well peace!
Click to expand...
Greetings and welcome to Bladeforums.........:)

If you live in the U.S. my suggestion is investing in a trip to the Blade Show in Atlanta in early June. I can assure you what you will learn in that room from real experts in three days you will never discover online in a year. It will also give you a chance to see every sort of knife you are interested in and talk to some real industry insiders.

If you see a bedraggled looking chap searching through pockets to find some loose cash to buy something he can't live without, come over and say hello. It will be a pleasure to meet you! ;)
 
I've tried a number of different knives that had carabiners thinking I could attach them to a safety harness worn for industrial construction.
The clips were either too small or they were cheaply made.
The spring clips usually bent or broke.

None proved worth owning.
 
Attaching carabiners to knives has only ever seemed gimmicky to me.. and potentially super unsafe in the "worst case" scenarios. I'd be especially hesitant to carry any frame/liner locking knife attached to myself (or pack, or keyring, etc.) in such a way. I'd be more comfortable with something like the Spyderco Snap-It (shown above) and the closing bias afforded by a back lock, but still.. not my favorite idea..
 
Mutiny said:
I am diving into the knife world, and am pretty new to it in this depth. I am amazed at just how much knowlegde so many people in these forums have, I appreciate the abosulte love and care people have for knives in general. I have alwasy loved knives and all sorts of gadgets I could fiddle with ever since I was a kid, but I have neever collected or owned 10s or more knives. I have had a few here and there that I really enjoyed or were given to me by my family, nothing too expensive. I work in automotive design now, and I have been looking to pursue a project outside of work. I am taking on deisgning my own knife and clipping system. Maybe one day it will lead to something bigger than just a hobby! For now though I would love feedback from people way more informed than me.

I am designing a folding knife, etiher gonna have a liner lock or a frame lock, haven't totally decided. I have a 3d printer so I have been printing lots of protoypes to get the scale and feel just right. I am integrating a removable carbiner clip to base of the handle, something that will be secure when needed, then quick release (by use of a sliding lock) when you don't want the knife attatched to your beltloop or bag. There will be a removable pocket clip, but if you are using the quick release carabiner there won't be much need for it. I have never loved pocket clips, as I think that kinda get in the way and protrude from the side of the knife in an unpleasent way. I have taken great care to not let the clip mechanism encroach on the space in the handle fort he blade when folded, so that the ratio of the blade to handle doesn't become too poor. Think of the clip machnism as something sorta like a cobra lock, same funcitonality, just a different mechanism. The carabiner willl aklso clip into a key chain attatchment so I will have a little bit of an intercahngable ecosystem of carbiner clips for my knife and other daily carry essentials. I am not a serious knife user by any means, I don't take my knives out into the woods or thwack them. I just really appreciate mechanical design, and love a satisfying knife, and appreciate the usability of blade when needed thruout the day or while working on the house etc. I would love to know what people are thinkning of the overal idea for knife like the on I am describing and if there are any ideas to improve it, or if its dumb!

The main question... based on my statements about the intended use. What kinds of metals would really make sense for the knife like this? I don't want it to be rediculously expensive. I really like a stone washed finish so a metal that comes to a high polish is not important to me. I don't like to have to sharpen my knives regularly, and would like it to be a very rare sort of thing. I am super out of my depth when it comes to all the different metals and what they are best for. I would love to hear what someone more knowledgeable would recommend, or if there are any dope sources I should be ponited to read morea bout metals and what situations they are best used in. I feel like the amount of info out there is... overwhelming!

Hope this finds you well peace!
Click to expand...
If you work with an OEM the best you will be able to get will probably be M390, which is fine. It has pretty good edge retention. If you could get any steel you want, I would recommend MagnaMax (high edge retention, edge stability, and corrosion resistance), S90V (a little more edge retention, less edge stability and corrosion resistance) or Z-max (even more edge retention but non-stainless)

1000011840.png
 
Synov said:
If you work with an OEM the best you will be able to get will probably be M390, which is fine. It has pretty good edge retention. If you could get any steel you want, I would recommend MagnaMax (high edge retention, edge stability, and corrosion resistance), S90V (a little more edge retention, less edge stability and corrosion resistance) or Z-max (even more edge retention but non-stainless)

View attachment 3148643
Click to expand...

You Seem to Know A lot about Metals and Knife Steels, so Let me Ask you:

Why Is AUS Eight and 420 HC not on the chart?

Those Are the Two best Steels I have tried!!!

It Has gotten Tougher Finding AUS Eight Blades these Days which Saddens Me. Not many Makers Seem to Use it Anymore!!
 
Recon_Tanto said:
You Seem to Know A lot about Metals and Knife Steels, so Let me Ask you:

Why Is AUS Eight and 420 HC not on the chart?

Those Are the Two best Steels I have tried!!!

It Has gotten Tougher Finding AUS Eight Blades these Days which Saddens Me. Not many Makers Seem to Use it Anymore!!
Click to expand...
I'm merely a novice presenting the data Larrin at Knife Steel Nerds compiled. AUS-8 would be slightly below NitroV and 420HC would be slightly below 14C28N on the chart. I would suggest you try AEB-L or 3V if you enjoyed those steels.

And if you're looking for a AUS-8 substitute, 8Cr13Mov is basically the same thing and easy to acquire.
 
Last edited:
Synov said:
I'm merely a novice presenting the data Larrin at Knife Steel Nerds compiled. AUS-8 would be slightly below NitroV and 420HC would be slightly below 14C28N on the chart. I would suggest you try AEB-L or 3V if you enjoyed those steels.

And if you're looking for a AUS-8 substitute, 8Cr13Mov is basically the same thing and easy to acquire.
Click to expand...
I Had an 8C13MV knife And It Rusted A Lot more Than Any AUS steel has For me!! But Thank you for The Advice I Appreciate you!!!
 
Recon_Tanto said:
I Had an 8C13MV knife And It Rusted A Lot more Than Any AUS steel has For me!! But Thank you for The Advice I Appreciate you!!!
Click to expand...
ive had my sweat rust spot aus8 and not rust spot 8cr13mov....but different heat treats and finishes are gonna make a difference in corrosion resistance
 
Mutiny said:
I am diving into the knife world, and am pretty new to it in this depth. I am amazed at just how much knowlegde so many people in these forums have, I appreciate the abosulte love and care people have for knives in general. I have alwasy loved knives and all sorts of gadgets I could fiddle with ever since I was a kid, but I have neever collected or owned 10s or more knives. I have had a few here and there that I really enjoyed or were given to me by my family, nothing too expensive. I work in automotive design now, and I have been looking to pursue a project outside of work. I am taking on deisgning my own knife and clipping system. Maybe one day it will lead to something bigger than just a hobby! For now though I would love feedback from people way more informed than me.

I am designing a folding knife, etiher gonna have a liner lock or a frame lock, haven't totally decided. I have a 3d printer so I have been printing lots of protoypes to get the scale and feel just right. I am integrating a removable carbiner clip to base of the handle, something that will be secure when needed, then quick release (by use of a sliding lock) when you don't want the knife attatched to your beltloop or bag. There will be a removable pocket clip, but if you are using the quick release carabiner there won't be much need for it. I have never loved pocket clips, as I think that kinda get in the way and protrude from the side of the knife in an unpleasent way. I have taken great care to not let the clip mechanism encroach on the space in the handle fort he blade when folded, so that the ratio of the blade to handle doesn't become too poor. Think of the clip machnism as something sorta like a cobra lock, same funcitonality, just a different mechanism. The carabiner willl aklso clip into a key chain attatchment so I will have a little bit of an intercahngable ecosystem of carbiner clips for my knife and other daily carry essentials. I am not a serious knife user by any means, I don't take my knives out into the woods or thwack them. I just really appreciate mechanical design, and love a satisfying knife, and appreciate the usability of blade when needed thruout the day or while working on the house etc. I would love to know what people are thinkning of the overal idea for knife like the on I am describing and if there are any ideas to improve it, or if its dumb!

The main question... based on my statements about the intended use. What kinds of metals would really make sense for the knife like this? I don't want it to be rediculously expensive. I really like a stone washed finish so a metal that comes to a high polish is not important to me. I don't like to have to sharpen my knives regularly, and would like it to be a very rare sort of thing. I am super out of my depth when it comes to all the different metals and what they are best for. I would love to hear what someone more knowledgeable would recommend, or if there are any dope sources I should be ponited to read morea bout metals and what situations they are best used in. I feel like the amount of info out there is... overwhelming!

Hope this finds you well peace!
Click to expand...

Folders are significantly more complicated than fixed blades.

The obvious advice is to start with fixed blades to learn and understand the technics and methods of working with metals and handle materials.

When I started, the mentor I had gave me this book,
 
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