Questions about folders

[Theknifeaddict]

I'm relatively new to knifemaking, but I've made 7 fixed blades in the past two weeks or so and I'd like to move on to folders. The easiest would probably be a friction folder, right? Do they require any special hardware or can I just use the steel rod that I have and whatever I can get at Home Depot? Could someone post a picture of the mechanism if you could?
Thanks a lot

EDIT:
I was planning on following this video to make it, if that helps. [video=youtube;TtAmMc_tpR8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtAmMc_tpR8[/video]

 

[Fellhoelter]

A friction folder is likely the easiest, yes.

There is no real mechanism, just a stop pin.

Your other questions have no answers.
Can I use the steel rod I have on hand? Yes.
Can you use the steel rod you have on hand? Nobody but you has any idea what you have on hand.
Or, what you plan to do with it.
Same with the hardware, we don't even know for sure what you are trying to build, or how, so we can't tell you if you can get your supplies at HD.

Go to a reputable supplier like Alpha Knife Supply, USA Knifemaker Supply, or the Halperns, and see what they have.
Formulate a plan around what you can buy, or have on hand.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Getting a book on building folders, or at least doing some on-line research will help answer most of your questions.

I would say that you might want to slow down. Seven knives in two weeks for a brand new maker will not teach you the skills you need. It takes a bit of patience and work to make a good quality knife. Most knives will have 10 to 40 work hours plus at least 10 waiting hours ( Tempering, glue drying, etc.). Post some photos of your knives and lets see how they are coming along.

On friction folders, here are some links:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/631768-Friction-folder-tutorial-(Lots-of-pics)
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/451641-Friction-folder-tutorial
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?14882

 

[Theknifeaddict]

Most of them are out for heat treat right now, but I'll try to post a new thread. The only thing I have on hand is just a plain cylindrical rod of stainless steel. Sorry, I didn't know there were different ways to go about doing this. I'll try to be more clear in the future if possible.

 

[C_Claycomb]

You might find something of interest at Knifekits.com. They do parts, and kits of parts that require tuning and assembly.
I too am new to folders. They require a whole other level of fit and finish compared to fixed blades. A friend of mine (who had made a few dozen fixed blades) started trying to make folders, back locks, and didn't worry about all the "rubbish" to do with reamers and polishing and hardened pivots. The result sort of locked open but the action was pretty rough. Rougher than any commercial knife made in China, too rough to use really, so it was a nice project, but could only be seen as a stepping stone. If he had slowed up, read a bit, bought a few components in (pivot and washers) and worried about measuring and de-burring a bit more, he would probably have had a working knife on his first try.

The rod you got at Home Depot will not be hard, will probably be a pretty soft, very corrosion resistant, type of stainless. Okay for pins for handles on fixed blades, but not really good for a pivot pin. The hard blade will wear against it really fast.

I would recommend Wayne Goddard's books, the Wonder of Knife Making and The $50 Knife Shop. He makes some friction folders in there. The Chris Crawford DVD on slip joint making is very good indeed.