My first slip joint

Darrin Sanders

Darrin Sanders

Knifemaker
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May 6, 2009
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I finally decided to get off the fence and make a slip joint. I wanna thank Stan Buzek, Todd Davidson, & Bill DeShivs for answering questions and sharing knowledge with me. It paid off because I had no idea that the first one would be worth keeping but it is. At least I think it is. I need a few more tools to so a proper one and will be ordering what is needed to do a decent nail knick soon.
About the knife. Its a Texas Jack pattern and is 3 7/8" long closed, has a 3" blade, and is 6 7/8" long open. The steel is Z-FiNit and is at 59 HRC. It has a full flat grind with a 600X belt finish. The scales are O.D. green canvas Micarta. The pull is perfect in my opinion and the walk & talk are really nice. It is flush in all 3 positions and the blade is perfectly centered.
It has a few flaws but I learned a ton and I hope they get progressively better because I'll definitely be making more.
Comments, questions, & constructive criticism are welcomed.

Thanks for looking,

D
 

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They're fun aren't they Darrin? Excellent first. I'm not a fan of the pull hole personally, but I understand making due with what you've got as much as anybody.

If you need any input on your nail nick cutting options, give me a call. I've got some opinions, and played around a long time before I got them the way I like them.
 
Nice first slippy Darrin!

Last time we talked I could just hear your enthusiasm evolving into a plan. Glad to see you jump down this rabbit hole finally ... and come up with a keeper (I'm not surprised though :D).

Is your spring Z-FiNit too? Also I'll be emailing you some stuff I've had from MS Steve Culver on slipjoint fab; the man has a way of getting to the point at just the right time.

Congrats buddy! Looking forward.
 
Javan- YES, they have renewed my enthusiasm for knifemaking. I stayed in the shop until midnight last night. LOL The pull slot does look like crap but it actually allows for a very quick & positive pinch grip. I'll definitely call soon.

Andy- I was just about to email you the pics and specs.. Yes, both the blade & spring are Z-FiNit. The blade is at 59-60 and the spring is at 46-47 (hats off to Brad Stallsmith for the H/T info.). I've seen some of Mr. Culver's work so please do send that to me. Give me a call when you have some spare time.
 
Good for you Darrin, and welcome to the world of fun. Just getting one good enough to carry for your first is
a big deal. The cool thing is in your pocket,-- and you always have a knife you made with you. A bit harder
to do with other knives.
Ken.
 
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Yeah I still carry my first successful slip with me most days. I still consider it a pivotal achievement and the first knife I was ever truly proud of. I wasn't interested in pocket knives when I started, but it's all I seem to be interested in anymore. There's nothing more rewarding than building a tight and right slipjoint, and there's something nice about knowing how complicated they actually are to pull off correctly, compared to the misconceptions about their simplicity.


Welcome to the rabbit hole. ;)
 
Don't do it! There is still time to put it down, turn around and run for the hills. Slip joints are the most diabolical invention. Getting it right is chasing one problem after another.
 
Taximanny & Shing, thanks for the compliments and warning. LOL

Matt-The steel was just some scrap pieces I had left from another project. I used it because I was positive that it was gonna wind up in the trash. HEHEHE
 
Wow,
it looks like the slipjoint fever is spreading!! I wish it become an epidemy :)
I like your knife, it begs for being used!!
Culver's indications are very useful, showing the key points in a very straightforward way, and Javand's kind advices are always to be taken in great consideration!!!
 
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