Should I not try a folder?

M

Minibear464

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Jul 14, 2011
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I know I've posted about folder designs, but I find the task daunting, especially since I've only made one fixed blade so far. Would it be realistic to make a folding knife right now? Or is that out of my scope? I don't have great tools, just drill, and saws, files and sandpaper. Would it be possible to make a liner lock? I thought it would be possible to make a pinned liner lock knife, but I got stuck on how to cut the lock out, and drilling straight holes. Are straight holes critical? And am I jumping the gun a bit?
 
Yes, you're jumping the gun.
BUT- folding knives don't have to be nearly as precise as most makers make them out to be. Regular lockbacks are easy to make.
 
Once at a show after I had made a few dozen single blade folders, and like three 2 blade folders I
told a guy not to try a 2 blade knife because of the difficulty involved with making a multi blade knife.
His name is Ken Erickson.
Ken.
 
I made over a dozen liner lock folders before it ever occurred to me to make a fixed blade.

Only you will know if it is within your scope, though your tool list and questions are a step towards answering the question for you...
 
Last week I was late getting out of the house to a job site and I reached into my knife drawer and grabbed what I though was one of my work EDCs. When I reach for my knife it was one of my first work concept folders with a tanto blade, what a POS, it works, but its ugly, but it is all mine. Had a great time using it on the job. Go for it, take your time and dont be afraid of tossing something that doesnt fit and starting over.
 
You really have to do what's exciting.
I never wanted to make knives at all, preferring decorative smithing, until I saw Rantanen make Damascus at a 'smithing meet. Now I enjoy making all kinds of cutty things, but if I hadn't followed that initial excitement, I would have never had the fun of trying.
A simple friction folder can be about like making a fixed blade, look up "friction folder tutorial" on Google, I bet your next post will be "Look what I made."
Andy G.
 
Do what motivates you and try your best.

That and get a drill press! If you look around you can usually find one for cheap and it will be well worth the investment.
 
Thanks for the encouragement! I guess the worst thing is I lose some steel and titanium right? The parts that I'm unclear on all have to do with the liner lock. How do I cut out the lock is first, given my equipment, and also, people say to cut the blade at around 8 degrees right? So should I cut the liner lock to follow that 8 degrees, or just cut it flat across the top? And any methods to cut it to the exact degree?
 
To cut mine I chucked up a cutoff wheel in my drillpress, and ran it at its fastest speed. Then I clamped my liner to a flat piece of wood and ran it VERY lightly against the wheel. This cut me a thicker channel than I wanted, but nice and straight.

I'm not going to advocate anything that involved lateral pressure on your drill press... but I did it that way and am currently looking at a better option.
 
one of my early knives was a folder (its why i starteed making ) like some others have said its ugly as sin but i keep it to show were i have come from

i had a 1x42 delta belt grinder and a drill press (alonge witha dremmel tool)
i ll have to get a picture of it posted
 
Too many holes that have to be drilled at 90 degrees to the liners on liner locks to bde done without a drill press. You will also need taps and special sized drill bits. Draw your pattern on paper transfer it to some thinner cardboard like a serial box. Place a pin or nail through the center of the pivot. Does the blade fit inside the handle and is there space for stand offs or a back bar ? Now transfer the patrern to some thin mateial for a permanent pattern. You are set to start. .050 - .060 thick liners will work. Get the outline for the one liner shaped and with all holes drilled and use IT to make the second pattern. Frank
 
If you're going to do a folder, I'd suggest a liner lock. Much much more forgiving than a slipjoint in my opinion.
 
If you mark the holes with a punch, you could probably get someone to drill them for you. The lock could be cut with dremel, drill press, or jewelers saw. The first knife I started, marked as #1, was a linerlock. I made the blade once and the liners 3x, the scales 2x, and the back spacer 5-6x. 8° is probably a good number. I just made a slight angle with the grinder to match the blade to the lock. Buy a couple cheap liner locks and take them apart to study. Figure out why each part is the way it is, then make your own.

Good luck!
 
Go to http://www.mvknives.com/stuff.shtml and order Mike Vagnino's little book. It won't tell you absolutely everything about building a folder- there's just too many little things, but between that and the great advice on this list you'll get through the first one, then you'll know where you want to go with it.
 
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