silly question about friction folders

harkamus

harkamus

Joined
Apr 23, 2007
Messages
4,984
It seems to me that friction folders are becoming a lot more popular here. I've never heard of them until browsing these forums. Anyway, I was just curious, but how do the folders stay open? Is it supposed to be the person's hand grip that holds the blade open? I suppose that makes sense since the material being cut pushes against the blade. What's the "friction" part?
 
Usually the pivots are a little tighter than you find on a standard folder. And yes, the extended tang on the blade makes it so your grip holds the blade open. :)
 
Heres a pic I found that accurately describes how it stays open - would appear some grip on the 'lever' would be necessary.
(pic courtesy of deviant11 - British blades forum)
friction13.jpg
 
Friction folders generally have an extended tang that part of the hand, sometimes just ones thumb, covers to prevent the blade from closing.

If not for that, friction is the only thing preventing movement of the blade.

EDIT: bit slow in the reply
 
The tight pivot on this Ohta friction folder is basically sufficient to secure the blade when you take it slow and easy, but I keep my thumb planted on the tang extension when I'm digging in with the point. The extension also serves as a one-hand opening lever.

OhtaFF02.jpg


OhtaFF05.jpg
 
The FF is a nice, simple design. I really enjoy mine, made by Filip DeLeeuw.
 
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