Templates.

awesome idea IG now that i think of it i still have some of that blue plexi glass from you, and i have some more of it sitting behind my big antique refrigerator that takes up too much space and really annoys me
 
For folders I use 1/16" 01 or similiar so it can be hardened. Drill bits won't enlarge the holes. When I grind the template to final profile it lets me see just what contact wheels fit the curves.
On fixed blades the templates are from 18 guage sheet metal.
 
I use 1/4" press board stuff my wife got for house decorating. I like it because:

* I can glue a paper drawing to it with elmers
* It cuts and shapes very fast.
* It's thick stuff, so I can drill where the pins go with a 5/32" drill. Then, the automatic punch fits right in there and it centers pretty good.

Scribe, punch, punch, punch ready to go.

I really like Kit's idea, but I'm low enough volume (just a few) that it's not necessary for such a permanent template. Then again, I'm starting to get some knives I really like so a hardened template would be nice!
Steve
 
Michael,
It's a pattern of the knife, whether it be a folder (blade, liners, backspacer/spring) or a fixed blade. My technique is to make all the holes the smallest size of any one so you don't make the mistake of drilling any too large.
No matter how hard you try to build only one of that pattern, someone will want one like it. I still have manilla folder patterns of fixed blades that go back to the 70s :)
 
I use a bunch of old colored acrylic I got at a garage sale; if I need a big piece I use plexiglass too. The nice thing about plastic is if you decide to change the pin placement you can drill new holes and tape over the old ones (to remind oneself not to use em), rather than having to make a whole new template. But there's a lot to be said for hardened patterns if you're making a number of the same thing over time. Loveless does that too. :D
 
For folders you can't go wrong using Kit's idea for templates/masters!
He taught me that a while back when I started making folders and it makes a world of difference in keeping things all lined up.
Once I've made a folder that I like enough to know I'll be making more of, I go ahead and make a set of masters for that pattern.
Since you make both liners off the one master, all the holes are in the exact same places.
With the blade master, you're assured of having enough steel in the stop pin and lock up area for adjustment.
Thanks again for the tip, Kit!!
Michael
 
I'll have to try Kit's idea for folders, but for fixed blades I use plexy and acrilic, 'bout a 3/16-1/4" thick that I pick up in the form of old sign faces from a sign company that I used to work for. I like them for when trying out differant styles, it lets me hold the pattern and see how it fits my hand.
 
Corian sheet. Have a bunch of it laying around. If I ever brave folders though (hoping to try them by this winter) I'll go with Kit's idea of the hardened steel. I just makes too much sense.
 
Kit,

Do you actually drill with the template clamped to the knife blank? I set mine up and use transfer punches. Your way would certainly save a step. :)
 
I clamp and drill thru it. Make every hole the size of the smallest one. Easy to make a small hole bigger, but a pita to make a large one smaller :)

Like L6 said, I drill, tap, and counterbore a pair of liners then screw em together and grind to shape.
 
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