My First Folders.... what do you think

J

John Yeackley

Joined
Oct 13, 1999
Messages
175
Hey Guys,

Well these are my first attempt at making folding knives. I guess a guy has to start somewhere. They are simple friction folders.
3" closed, about 5" open. Walnut, Cocobolo, and Purple Heart. The spacer is Maple. The only steel is the blade (made from saw blade steel), and the pivot pin. I like the shape and size because it fits nice in the pocket, and because it is very non-threatning.

Problems: I don't know about the rest of you, but I learn a lot more when I try to make something and screw up than any other way. So here is a list of problems and questions that I came up with, please add more. I won't be offended, I have to learn somehow.
#1. I did not use washers at the pivot point so it's wood against metal and will wear out eventually. Should I use Teflon washers?? if so what thickness.
#2. The spacer is maple. This is also the blade stop, the spine of the blade rests against the spacer to stop rather than the back of the blade. There is a substantial amount of contact but this also will wear.
What other things could I use as a spacer or blade stop.

I'm giving these three to friends so I can watch and see how they wear. Thanks for your help.

Here they are
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=216199&a=1598415&p=17460869&Sequence=2


Thanks

John Yeackley

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http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm My contribution to the world of knife fanatics.

http://www.sixgunner.com/blumagnum/default.htm

[This message has been edited by John Yeackley (edited 03-07-2000).]

[This message has been edited by John Yeackley (edited 03-07-2000).]

[This message has been edited by John Yeackley (edited 03-07-2000).]

[This message has been edited by John Yeackley (edited 03-07-2000).]
 
Hmm ... Opinels don't have washers and they don't seem to wear too rapidly ... and when they do you can tighten up the rivet.

I'm more concerned about the blade stop. There's a lot more pressure on a much smaller area. I suggest giving that a lot of testing before you sell any knives like that....

-Cougar :{)
 
Awww. Those knives are so cute.
biggrin.gif
People think I'm weird because I think knives are cute.

-Chang the Asian Janitorial Apparatus
 
WOW, I have always loved anything that you made first off, but I would definitely go for the teflon washers, BTW they look great.........
I also suggest metal coating for where the blade hits the maple.......
 
Well Those were interesting ,I cant say I ever seen any like that before but it looked like a hellova try are they slip-joint's or do they lock ,I am just curious as to where you come up with the design and do they have a specific purpose ,Tank

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TbarK Custom Knives
http://vip.hpnc.com/~tbark Therefore I erge you brother's in view of God's Mercy to offer your body's as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship Romans 12-1
 
John, you do work on a different level!
They are different, but have a comfortable look to them, neat idea. Sorry can't help in answering your questions as I've not made a folder but do admire the ones you have there, and I too think they are cute!
biggrin.gif


G2

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"The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions!"
Take the time to read your Bible Now, don't be left behind...


G2 LeatherWorks
 
Cute is probably the right word to describe your knives. Haven't seen anything like it. They leave me with the same impression I got when the gun industry started making gender specific products like the Lady Smith series. they Would make a nice gift for the other half.
 
Let me just say I would be happy to do product testing for you.

I would think that having metal on metal for the stop would be a good thing, especially if you cut anything requiring pressure on the blade. These knives look like light use knives, but even then, a little too much pressure on that maple, and there exists a chance of punching though it with the blade back... That said, they are very nice looking, and very different looking. I would readily carry one in a suit.


Stryver
 
Thanks guys for the suggestions. They are very much appreciated.

Cougar-- Good point about the testing

Comrade Chang-- I think they are cute too

Mickey77-- Thanks for the suggestion, the next ones will have Teflon washers. Metal coating....Hummmmmmmm

Tbark-- no slip-joint, no lock, strictly friction. Not intended for skinning an Elk, or protection (ha), just a nice little pocket knife for light everyday use. The design came as I was making them. No lightbulb in my head or dream, I can't claim to be an artist. Most of my designs come from a mess up of something else.

THANKS

John
 
Nice work ! Thats an interesting design that looks pretty comfortable to use. I would add a stop pin to reduce wear on the handle where it meets that back of the blade. And teflon washers could be a plus. Other than that their great. Those would make great knives for anyone who works in an office around sheeple, but needs a knife for small stuff like opening mail and packages.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
Gary-- I'm not too sure what level, but thanks, I take that as a compliment!! I do enjoy the odd-ball things (I guess that says alot about me).Check out the Twin-Blades on my site for something ODD. By the way I need a unique sheath for the Twin-Blades. THANKS

not2sharp-- I never thought about it being a good Ladys knife. Great Idea

Stryver-- Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it. The stop is one of my concerns also.

Matt-- I think I WILL add a stop pin. You hit the nail on the head about the sheeple. I think they would make good gifts or users for those who don't think like us, They would be offensive to very few people. Or like not2sharp said, they would make a good Ladys knife. THANKS Matt

Thank you all for the helpfull suggestions and compliments. The next ones will be much better for your help.

John

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http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm My contribution to the world of knife fanatics.

http://www.sixgunner.com/blumagnum/default.htm
 
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