Slip joint folder

[greenbone]

I would like to know the best steel for making the spring for a slip joint? I'm making the blade out of s30v. Can I make the spring out of it also? What thickest are the scales on most custom slip joints? Thanks

 

[KnifeHead]

I used A-2 on my spring. One book I have says O-1 is good spring steel for a folder. The liners need to be strong enough to handle the spring tension. I used .040" 410 SS. If you use a softer material, like NS or brass, then you will want to go with a thicker material...say 1/16" maybe, but then your knife starts to get thicker and heavier.

 

[TinyDee]

I think any knife steel could be used as a spring with no problems. My maker friends all use ATS34 and one says it is the best spring steel, period. It is good, no doubt. Heat treat is the answer to the spring.

 

[KnifeHead]

I think any knife steel could be used as a spring with no problems. My maker friends all use ATS34 and one says it is the best spring steel, period. It is good, no doubt. Heat treat is the answer to the spring.

Ditto. Also, If you make the spring from the same billet you make the blade from, then blade/spring colors will match and the thickness will be the same. But it stands to reason anything that can hold an edge can be a spring too, but then you get into cost. Should you save the better blade steel for blades and use cheaper grades of steel for springs? That's a personal preference thing I guess.

Hey..I just occured to me, I know this is a new thread and all but there seems to be a lack of custom slipjoint makers around AND a proportionate number of posts about the making thereof. Whusupwitdat?