"Mega" Folder Design Update With Pics.

G

Gene

Joined
Oct 2, 1998
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First off, let me give a BIG "thank you" to all you wonderful folks who volunteered your opinions on this project. Secondly, I want to apologize for these lousy scans as I'm still not "up to speed" in taking pics, as I only have a 5 year old scanner that was a gift from a friend.

Here's the particulars that Rick Chandon and I have come up with for the first couple of examples and again, PLEASE excuse the lousy scans. The knife pictured IS NOT the finished product but a composite of what we decided for the first 2-3 examples.

Blade length: 6"
Blade Material: ATS-34 and Rick can heat treat this steel with the best!
Blade thickness: .155" and blade will be lightly hollow ground to the nice pointed tip for strength.
Meaty thumb stud for both right and left opening.
Also, this pic doesn't show it but the blade will have a nice but moderate thumb ramp and it WILL NOT have a false edge as the blade shows in this photo.

Double liners and liners and lock will be titanium.
Lock will be recessed for maximum security.

Note that the finished product will be slightly different from these scans and I still want more of your thoughts on this. Here's the first pic:
 

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The backspacer will be FULL and made from specially heat treated ATS-34. It will be .188" thick. Totally substantial for a folder this size. I like a full backspacer and I'm sick of makers nowadays not making them from steel of any type. I know folks sometimes like backspacers 1/2" or 3/4" length but this was my choice and I like a full spacer!
 

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Preaty sharp looking ;)

It's really had to tell the size from the scan. You got for spec. 6" blade. It just does not look that big in the photo. I'm not saying it's not 6" after all you should know :)

Maybe you could put something like a quarter in with the next scan of the knife so we can get a better idea of the size.

It does look really nice. I like the color of the handle and the shape of the blade.

Great work!
 
Here's a pic closed. Closed length will be 6 1/2" and with the 6" blade it will be 12 1/2" overall. Again, this pic is close but it won't be EXACTLY like the pics shown. One note is that it WIll have a lanyard hole and a beefy clip that the pic doesn't show. Notice how scales will cover that unsightly squared choil end. I chose this blue and subdued green G-10 because it's beautiful, (shows "grain"), and G-10 is the strongest and most durable of all the man-made materials available. Black is nice but I thought a nice color like this would make the knife sort of "friendly" in a hostile environment and especially a folder of this size! Also please note that the "black" in all the scans are actually high polished and appear as black. These initially will come with a matte or semi-polished finish. Options will be available later. Well, let the opinions flow!
 
pahl,
This is NOT the full sized folder but a smaller example Rick made up. You are right in that the completed example WILL look up to snuff. We just wanted to get an example up quick for pics. Thanks for the compliments and please come on with any critiques.

Sorry, here's the pic of the knife closed. Again, please note that it WILL NOT have a false edge and it WILL have a lanyard hole and beefy clip.
 

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ok, I understand now.
Sometimes I'm a little slow :)

It just did not look right for having a 6" blade :D

Anyway, I like it.
 
pahl,
No, you were right in bringing that up. I should have been more specific!:)
 
Love the handle shape. I want mine to be black G-10. That spear point is a bit too pointy for me. I'd like to see a bit more belly in the blade. I'm still concerned that full-length steel backspacer will make it heavy as a boat anchor. Otherwise, nice design. And, you're welcome for my input. I love this stuff! Leo G.
 
It looks great. My only question is why a clip for a knife this heavy? I think you'd be better off offering a good sheath and losing the clip.
 
Thanks guys. Leo, most requests were for a bowie style blade. I really like bowies myself but we wanted a compromise. I like a "pointy" edge because it's so practical and this one really does have a nice combination of point and belly. The point will be strong due to the size of the knife and the moderate hollow grind. The pics really don't do the blade shape justice though. As far as the backspacer goes, yes, it will add some weight but I want this thing to be as rugged as we can get it and sometimes you have to sacrifice some weight for strength. Besides, we may decide to make it from ti. We're just trying to keep the costs down as much as possible. Black G-10 would be no problem but I wanted these first ones to be slightly eye catching.

Burkstar, I appreciate the input and let's hear from more people! I think a clip is always handy even on a folder this size. As others have noted, standard pocket depth is 6" so this would only stick up 1/2" out of pocket. I don't think most people would want to carry a folder this size in a belt sheath. I have a folder from a famous maker that is 6 1/2" closed and it carrys very well clipped to a pocket.
 
Gene,

Upon reading a little more closely, that blade will look great without the false edge! As for weight, I also had an XL folder (it was all Ti though) that wasn't that heavy for its size. I agree with keeping the cost down. Any ideas on price range (I might have missed that too. Doh!) Leo G.

* edited for clip comment* YES, with a clip! I won't carry a sheath.
 
Great job Gene! Definately need a clip. I really like the handle shape also, it gives you something to hold on to. The blade I'm not sure about as I really had my mind set for a long clip bowie. But I will defer to your judgement and to the fact that you've said the picture didn't do the blade justice........and I know about pictures not doing a knife justice:eek:! What kinda time frame are we looking at, and more importantly, what kinda cost. Email me if you want.

btw, the full steel spacer should make up in the strength dept. what it loses in the weight dept.
 
Thanks Art and Leo. I appreciate your comments. I know Art, I also thought long and hard about a bowie blade but if you look at the pictures closely, you'll see a blend of both worlds in a very sharp, (almost clip), tip, with lots of strength and just enough belly to be useful. I think I mentioned this but it will have a nice thumb ramp that will flow nicely into the blade spine. The pics don't show it but there are nice, smooth finger holds in the handle that will fit most hands comfortably during hard use. I think you guys will be thrilled with the finished product! If not, screw ya's! :) Oh yeah, a folder this size takes some work but we should be able to keep the price in the $500.00-$550.00 range. Don't gasp. Just remember you will have quality comparable with anyone and it will be a useable, strong, beautiful monster that will serve you well!
 
For what your building Gene that sounds reasonable! Let me know as you get closer to completion so I can get my name in the pot.
 
Looks great Gene.., thanks for the pictures and specs...


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
You can count me in. Its a shame you can't get one done for the Arizona Knife Collector's show next month.
 
Thanks Pete and Burk! We should have it done by next month but unfortunately we won't be going to the AFC show. :( We're trying to get three done as quickly as possible.
 
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