Shadow pattern pin washers?

jwesthurl · Jan 20, 2016

I'm thinking of tackling a slip joint and I like the look of a shadow pattern. What do most makers use for a "washer" around the pivot pin? Is it typically just a drilled stainless rod?
Also, are there taper reamers that will work well with 3/32 and 1/8 in holes? Thanks

JeridJohnson · Jan 20, 2016

I'm no expert so take this for what it is worth.. The few slipjoints I've made I used stainless steel washers that I made from the old school double sided thin razor blades. I simply made a punch jig to sheer them into washers.

I also use a small taper reamer for the 1/8" pivot hole. Something like this.. I'm not sure where I bought mine.. http://www.knifemaking.com/product-p/ra706.htm

coop7 · Jan 20, 2016

I used a brass rod 1/4 and had a machinist at my work drilled it out and cut it on a lathe

Jason Fry · Jan 20, 2016

I've used 1/4 and 3/8 stainless rod, brass rod, or bronze rod for the washers. Drill the pivot hole in your handle material, then mill out your washer pocket. Superglue the washer in the pocket, then drill back through the pivot hole from the back side. I find it works best with a 3/32 pivot rather than 1/8. Some folks match the pin to the washer, some folks do them contrasting, ie stainless pin on bronze washers. Either is acceptable if you peen the joint right. What's not cool is using a stainless pin on a brass washer, leaving a big ugly gap, and calling it a "birdseye" pivot.

argel55 · Jan 20, 2016

the ones Ive seen used for pivots are just rods that have been drilled out. The tapered reamer I bought several years ago was from K&G. they offered both 3/32 and 18.

kc custom · Jan 20, 2016

What's not cool is using a stainless pin on a brass washer, leaving a big ugly gap, and calling it a "birdseye" pivot.[/QUOTE]

I'm with Jason on this one, I prefer like metals for pin and washer and since I don't have trouble
peening them they "disappear"
Ken.

jwesthurl · Jan 20, 2016

Thanks for all the help guys. I thought that was the norm, but I wasn't sure. I definitely prefer the look of matching materials.

Jason Fry said:
Drill the pivot hole in your handle material, then mill out your washer pocket. Superglue the washer in the pocket, then drill back through the pivot hole from the back side. I find it works best with a 3/32 pivot rather than 1/8.

Nice tip! Thanks!

stezann · Jan 21, 2016

Jason indeed gave a good tip...you can always make a good job even if you don't have a lathe or a mill