How To Michael Walker D-Lock

T

Ten_Mile_Knives

Joined
Feb 9, 2018
Messages
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Does anyone know anything about the D-Lock mechanism used in some Walker folding knives? I'm interested in making folding knives now and with the tools I have available, and if I understand how it works correctly, then I think it will be the easiest for me to make.

From what I can tell from pictures there is a paddle which pivots on the Z-axis (rotates about a pin which sticks through the top face of the knife) this paddle has a face on one side of the pivot that you push in to lift up the other side which disengages from a slot cut in the blade tang .

I am able to machine accurate slots and lock paddles, but my question is where does the "wedging" action come from? All other lock types wedge the lock to create a strong and wear-tolerant interface. I can't work out what in the D-Lock creates this effect .

I would really appreciate any information you gentleman might be able to provide, it would really be a dream if someone had a D-Lock knife and could send pictures.

I will post some CAD drawings of what I think is going on later today so that I can clarify what I'm saying.
 
nfQXB97

MXSBItn

nRanJ0R


here are the links in case the posting feature doesn't work:
https://imgur.com/MXSBItn
https://imgur.com/nfQXB97
https://imgur.com/nRanJ0R

Here's the Imgur post:
https://imgur.com/gallery/jfAfwpE


Here is a quick model I put together to play with a design. I'm thinking that the sides of the paddle need to be chamfered at a 3 degree angle or so to jam into the slot.
 
One more thing, which might help answer my question:

I found a number of patents which seem to describe a lock where the pivot assembly plunges in and out under spring pressure along it's rotational axis in order to lock the blade. It does this by having either a separate short pin off to the side and connected to the pivot bushing that plunges into a hole to lock the blade, or one side of the pivot head has a flat like a D-shaft that interfaces with the frame to lock the knife.

Do any of these describe the D-Lock or is it something else?

https://patents.google.com/patent/U...ichael+Walker&num=100&oq=Michael+Walker+knife

https://patents.google.com/patent/U...ichael+Walker&num=100&oq=Michael+Walker+knife

https://patents.google.com/patent/U...ichael+Walker&num=100&oq=Michael+Walker+knife

https://patents.google.com/patent/U...ichael+Walker&num=100&oq=Michael+Walker+knife

https://patents.google.com/patent/U...ichael+Walker&num=100&oq=Michael+Walker+knife
 
I am not familiar with the d-lock but if it is patented wouldnt that mean its off limits ?
 
Have you considered reaching out and asking him ? He’s on Instagram
I’ve met him several times and he’s quite personable and approachable
 
Spalted said:
I am not familiar with the d-lock but if it is patented wouldnt that mean its off limits ?
Click to expand...

Yes, I wouldn't be able to sell any knife if it used a mechanism described in these patents, although it doesn't seem like my design does. What I guess I'm struggling with is not knowing weather any of the patents describe the D-Lock, or are they just some of the dozens of other locks he's designed. My CAD drawing is based on this picture of one of his folders:

http://imgur.com/6pegpDa

HSC /// said:
Have you considered reaching out and asking him ? He’s on Instagram
I’ve met him several times and he’s quite personable and approachable
Click to expand...

No I haven't, that probably would have been a good place to start I guess. I'll message him and post if I get any good information.

Thanks!
 
I reached out to Mr. Walker this morning and heard back to evening . He informed me that he never patented the D-Lock, and the way he described it's operation is the same as the CAD Model I posted. The only difference is that the locking paddle is pinned into the pivot bolt, and on my design it is pinned to the top of the frame.

I am impressed and honored to have been able to talk to him directly, thanks for the tip H HSC /// !

I think that clears up my question, if I am able to get a knife built I'll post pictures.
 
Ten_Mile_Knives said:
I reached out to Mr. Walker this morning and heard back to evening . He informed me that he never patented the D-Lock, and the way he described it's operation is the same as the CAD Model I posted. The only difference is that the locking paddle is pinned into the pivot bolt, and on my design it is pinned to the top of the frame.

I am impressed and honored to have been able to talk to him directly, thanks for the tip H HSC /// !

I think that clears up my question, if I am able to get a knife built I'll post pictures.
Click to expand...
U Welcome, now I want a free knife... just kidding :-)
Yeah Walker is great to talk to, I see him at the solvang show every two years and met him last September at sicac paris.
He’s always very nice to me
 
May be a dumb question but wouldn't a standard frame lock be easier?

That lock looks interesting but also looks like a bear to pull off of correctly
 
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