Material choice first folder please critique

M

mc556

Joined
Dec 6, 2008
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354
I think I'd like to take a crack at making my first folder but I'd like to make it with materials on hand to save $$$..
This is a practice knife with no intent to sell

Ive gotten pretty good with my 52100 HT and I have some .0937 stock that I will use for the blade
and I was thinking about using the same stock for the frame lock. ( I know a friction would be a better Idea)

Would there be any issue with the 52100 in the frame? If I do use it what should I shoot for in the frames temper and do I bend before or after HT ?
I have some standoffs I can sand to fit along with chain ring bolts for a pivot.
I am worried that the .093 might be to thick but thought as long as I milled enough of a relief it would be fine..


I am going to keep things simple IE no flipper or IKBS etc
I will use bronze washers and my design will be classic like a large Sebenza

So what do you all think is it worth the time to use the cheap carbon steel or should I spring for the titanium or Stainless?
I will be doing a paint stirrer prototype to check my design.

Feel free to offer advice I am all ears and your not going to hurt my feelings as long as your respectful..
 
The .093 should be fine for. a smaller, sat 3" 0r so blade . I went to .091 and .092 on a few because a lot of the available titanium and 416 will finish up at .122
That allows me to used .015 washers on each side. Can you size down the 52100 to say .040 to .050 or so for liners and then spring heat treat one that will be used on the leaf spring side? If not Alpha knife Supply will sell you very small amounts of titanium to use. Perhaps we will talk again. Frank
 
I saw the sizes AKS sells and I think I am going to order some supplies from them.

If it sucks I'm out a few bucks but if I do a good job I'll be upset I didn't use better supplies
 
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