Milled clip design

REK Knives

REK Knives

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Apr 3, 2011
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Hey guys, I'm working on a milled clip not only for my first folder, but also just to put into semi production for sale. Starting with the very common 3 hole design that fit on Emerson's and many Benchmade knives.

I am currently in the proto stage, having it 3d printed now. I realized that milled clips aren't for everyone but for those of you that like them, I'm curious as to any thoughts? I am giving a lot of thought into this, as in everything I do it must be a purpose driven design. For example the high 'nose' should allow it to slide over most pocket seams with ease (this is often not milled optimally on clips) and the middle section should be thin enough to retain decent strength but not enough to where it is too stiff - must have nice spring. And sharp corners... I hate them so they are gone ;)

Still learning CAD so bear with me =)

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In!

Biggest peeve of mine would be when the clip has corners or edges that cause hotspots when gripping it. Looks like you got that resolved :)

Are you trying to keep the "nose" from touching the scales (assuming a flat scale) when the clip is installed? I've seen that cause clips to resonate (like a tuning fork) in some cases, which can be annoying. I guess as long as the clip can be bent to fit the scale, it should be fine.
 
tyyreaun said:
In!

Biggest peeve of mine would be when the clip has corners or edges that cause hotspots when gripping it. Looks like you got that resolved :)

Are you trying to keep the "nose" from touching the scales (assuming a flat scale) when the clip is installed? I've seen that cause clips to resonate (like a tuning fork) in some cases, which can be annoying. I guess as long as the clip can be bent to fit the scale, it should be fine.
Click to expand...

Good eye on that and I completely agree... but yes it could be bent slightly down to accomodate. The reason I was planning on making the nose area to not touch the scales (only raised .020-.030") is to either accomodate sitting the screw area of the clip in a recess in the scales OR to curve the portion underneath the screw area for curved surfaces. In either of these 2 cases if I did not have this it would cause the clip to sit weird at an angle. I feel like this is the best option in all scenarios...
 
I do like the way that looks, but for me the clip has to go with the flow of the knife it is on. Once you get a 3D printed one, could you post some pictures of it on a couple knives?

Very nice work either way though!
 
xraso said:
I do like the way that looks, but for me the clip has to go with the flow of the knife it is on. Once you get a 3D printed one, could you post some pictures of it on a couple knives?

Very nice work either way though!
Click to expand...

Good call, you are right. Sure that is an excellent idea actually, I will definitely have to do that! No sense in making it if it doesn't flow well w/ many knives.
 
I really like the design of this clip. It looks like it will actually add something to the ergonomics of the knife. Some great knives have a clip that creates hotspots (benchmade mini crooked river comes to mind) and this one looks like it might be an answer to that problem. Well done!

I would like to advise you to pay special attention to the 'springitude' of the clip. The choice of materials may be very important here, but I am no expert.

You also have to watch out that the clip doesn't become too thick, or it will not function properly.

You could look at some Nick Shabazz videos and his remarks pertaining to clips to further refine your design. this one might be a good starting point: https://knifenews.com/knife-gripes-episode-16-clipocalypse/


Edit: language and addition of mini crooked river as an example of a knife where a clip creates hotspots.
 
I dig it! Simple and clean. The key, as you've already mentioned, is making sure it's thin enough to have some decent spring to it. It doesn't matter if it's the most beautiful clip in the world; if it's stiff as a board it's useless!
 
One thought to add based on some problems folks had with a clip made by Ferrum Forge; you might want to extend the flat, flex zone on the clip. You've got a relatively consistent slope on the underside of the span and that might tend to force all the "flex" into a concentrated zone, increasing the chance of the clip bending.

Maybe make the slope at the anchor point and ramp a little steeper to lengthen the flat zone on the clip? It may be nothing at all but there were issues with a FF clip with a similar, narrow flex zone.
 
Hackenslash said:
One thought to add based on some problems folks had with a clip made by Ferrum Forge; you might want to extend the flat, flex zone on the clip. You've got a relatively consistent slope on the underside of the span and that might tend to force all the "flex" into a concentrated zone, increasing the chance of the clip bending.

Maybe make the slope at the anchor point and ramp a little steeper to lengthen the flat zone on the clip? It may be nothing at all but there were issues with a FF clip with a similar, narrow flex zone.
Click to expand...

That is very helpful knowledge, thank you! I'm looking into this.
 
That looks nice, the curve on top definitely makes it look like it'll help fill the hand. I think I would prefer having a more angled end to the topside of the clip, where the screw holes are, instead of having it end in a 90 degree angle where it might dig into the palm. I also agree with the others about the springiness of the clip.
 
Looks good Josh. I can’t say I have ever owned a knife with a milled clip, but I like the looks of that one.
 
My advise is to make the part that pinches the clothing a broad curve. So many aftermarket clips make the curve/angle too acute and difficult to pocket.
 
archieblue said:
My advise is to make the part that pinches the clothing a broad curve. So many aftermarket clips make the curve/angle too acute and difficult to pocket.
Click to expand...
Can you explain more? Not sure I follow...
 
razor-edge-knives said:
Good call, you are right. Sure that is an excellent idea actually, I will definitely have to do that! No sense in making it if it doesn't flow well w/ many knives.
Click to expand...

The most functional milled clip I've handled is on my knives from JE Made. I can send you one to take a look at if you'd like.

Looks like this https://cdn3.bigcommerce.com/s-t7tz...MADE-3160__54313.1530219595.1280.1280.jpg?c=2

https://cdn3.bigcommerce.com/s-t7tz...MADE-3179__24299.1530219595.1280.1280.jpg?c=2
 
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