Slipjoint, how much overtravel?

[Hengelo_77]

I like to make working templates of slipjoints before I make them for real.
First in cardboard, then in ~1/16" paper micarta.

Is there a rule of thumb for how much overtravel to account for? I mean the extra distance from the closed position to the spring, so the edge doesn't touch the spring when closed.
I now leave app 1/4" including the spring moving up for preload.
The distance from the kick to the center of the pivot is a bit over 9/16" (15mm)

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I like mine seated farther in. The tip right at the edge looks great ... but after several years of sharpening the point will be proud of the end and poke your hand or snag your pocket.
I usually have maybe 1/8" clearance to start with, and sometimes only 1/16". Again, as you sharpen the blade over time it will move farther away from te spine.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I'm not as eloquent as Stacy.
The blade is supposed to fit down IN the handle when closed.

 

[Hengelo_77]

These are just templates.
If I move the spring like it will with pre load the tip of the blade will move past the end of the spring on the white one.
The cardboard one is still in the drawing phase.

 

[SBuzek]

I leave about 1/8" from edge to spring. That's usually plenty for over travel

 

[ea42]

I'd be more concerned with the blade contacting the spring in that area just before the center pin since you'll likely be dropping the blade a bit more to clear the tip. Make that curved cutout in the spring a bit longer so it ends closer to the center pin. It'll give the blade more room if it rebounds the spring and will also spread out the spring load better under stress.

Eric