The "Quest" inter-frame lockback

SAR

SAR

Joined
Aug 15, 2005
Messages
710
Like the title says it was a quest, so it will be the name of the design. I had some help in this first one, a very cool old school maker from the golden age looking over my shoulder the whole way. John Leblanc graciously had me into his home and shop this last week for 4 days, in what would become the the last time a maker would ever be welcome to learn his ways of building knives. He told me it was a good note to leave on, this knife has a rich history out the door and will be cherished by me until its passed onto my son.

This is my design and needs a few changes but overall I am very happy with the out come for a prototype. I have my own Pana-mill coming so I will be doing more of this style in the future. I really like the lock-back I think it makes a kick ass folder that is rich in nostalgia, taking me back to the days when our fathers and grandfathers carried them with pride.

Feedback is welcome please remember its the first one and I understand it is not perfect like the pin showing on the lock-bar oh well i will learn.

Anyhow onto the "Quest"

CPM 154 blade 3 1/4" a modified wharncliff I think?
8" open 4 3/4" closed
416 SS inter-frame handle with Ironwood inlays
Hand satin finished blade and mirror polished handle ( I plan to change the finish to a all over satin unless engraving is going to happen, also a lanyard hole will be added.)

Thank
Spencer

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I love the blade shape, I don't think I have seen anything quite like that.

The interframe itself does nothing for me - it's been done so many times before. As a practice run it looks clean and well done.
 
Joss I flipped a drop point upside down and ran with it, as far as the inter-frame doing nothing for you oh well. My plans for the Pana-mill that will coming into my shop..well I have a few tricks up my sleeve some somewhat unconventional ways that I plan to employ it. But in order to learn how it works one must start somewhere. The level of fit this certain pana mill achieves is incredible to say the least

Spencer
 
Nice knife. Although to my taste there is too much steel and not enough wood in the handle. The bladeshape looks interesting (and useful).

Very nice work!

Nice pieces of wood you have there!
 
Very nice.

I really like the blade design. I think you are on to something with the modified wharncliff. Keep up the good work.
 
Interesting that you wouold choose the lockback interframe to endure. By every measure it is a familiar design, and as traditional as a Bowie. Creating lockbacks IS an old-school skill, and I am really pleased to see you interested.

Lockbacks have lost glamour in all but highest end gents folders. I find the opening and closing feel gratifying, and closing them with one-hand is a simple task, as you press the lock and wipe the spine of the knife against your leg to start the closing process.

This type of knife is still very popular among the higher end collectors. I'd love to see you expand that base to a middle level.

I like that John directed you to create that 'guard'. It serves two purposes: to act as a guard, and to sheild the tang's edge when closed (Where's the closed view?). that is a often overlooked aspect on a closed knife, and it appears you nailed it.

Good stuff. Be proud. Good for John to have a willing apprentice, too.

Coop
 
Love the wharnie kick you've been on lately, Spencer, and this knife is no exception (though still exceptional). I can't wait to see the other designs you'll make when your Pana-mill is all set up.
 
Awesome work Spence. I love everything about it.

Let me know when you are set up to make them as I am definately interested in getting one from you. Been searching for a custom lockback or slippy , thought I found it but the maker doesnt seem interested in responding , which I was ticked about till now as I like this way better than what I was going for.

you keep taking it to another level ... well done.
 
Great job Spencer, Love the guard you have integrated into the frame. Put me down on your list of interested parties as well. :thumbup:
 
Looks fantastic. Functionally it is exceptionally appealing to me- great blade length, awesome shape, love the lockback, the guard is functional. Would make a great hunting knife/EDC. Do tell, why the odd shape to the ironwood inlays? The ones toward the back of the knife look normal, but the inlay towards the front seems out of place to me, weirdly tapered- as if it was an afterthought instead of something designed into the knife.
 
SharpByCoop said:
Interesting that you wouold choose the lockback interframe to endure. By every measure it is a familiar design, and as traditional as a Bowie. Creating lockbacks IS an old-school skill, and I am really pleased to see you interested.

Lockbacks have lost glamour in all but highest end gents folders. I find the opening and closing feel gratifying, and closing them with one-hand is a simple task, as you press the lock and wipe the spine of the knife against your leg to start the closing process.

This type of knife is still very popular among the higher end collectors. I'd love to see you expand that base to a middle level.

I like that John directed you to create that 'guard'. It serves two purposes: to act as a guard, and to sheild the tang's edge when closed (Where's the closed view?). that is a often overlooked aspect on a closed knife, and it appears you nailed it.

Good stuff. Be proud. Good for John to have a willing apprentice, too.

Coop
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Coop the design of this knife was 100% mine to include the guard, it played a important aspect to the flow of the knife and allowed some room to play with the tang. Not sure what you mean about taking it to the middle level, I plan on building some very nice high end engraved types gold/black lip peal etc. The new mill allows a whole new aspect to my knife making, the things a guy can do with it are incredible. Coop I do have some plans for a user grade model micarta/G-10 etc with a actual pivot screw/bushing for a stronger.

This day and age everything has to be faster, lighter and have a gimmick, I can appreciate the lock back just as I can appreciate a 56 bell air chevy.

Here are some more shots for you guys, the last picture is priceless.
Spencer

Thanks for the great feedback

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Looks good bubba.........


I would make the interframes bigger!!!
It will look better that way, trust me!:p
 
tom mayo said:
Looks good bubba.........


I would make the interframes bigger!!!
It will look better that way, trust me!:p
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Tom if you increase the size of the interframe you increase the chance that you will shoot your eye out:D

Thanks for the compliment Tom it does mean a lot

Spencer
 
Hi Spence,

Credits back at you for the entire design. :thumbup:

Upper level stainless interframes are abundant: Kious, Osborne, Overeynder, Busfield, Hoel, Lake, Sawby, and others. Pretty tough field to compete with. I won't doubt you can match them.

NONE of these guys make a 'middle level' lockback, and you just alludded you have plans to. THAT'S a savvy move.

Your existing clients are your primary audience, and I will guess they are less of a gent's folder, engraved-canvas user. Hence my suggestion to find a different level target audience... ALSO.

Like you, I don't mind the weight. Like Tom Mayo mentions, give it some authority... ;) Go for it.

Coop
 
Spencer, I really like that knife. Great blade shape, and I like the interframe. When you start taking orders for that model let me know I am in for one.
 
SAR said:
..... I really like the lock-back I think it makes a kick ass folder that is rich in nostalgia, taking me back to the days when our fathers and grandfathers carried them with pride.

Feedback is welcome please remember its the first one and I understand it is not perfect like the pin showing on the lock-bar oh well i will learn.
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1. Spencer, you build what you like...and that says a lot right there. It is a fine looking knife.

2. Please explore the possibility of incorporating a mid-lock, pioneered by Harvey McBurnette, it allows for easier one-handed closing.

3. For your build style, I would recommend inlays along these lines, knife by Osborne:

4. There is nothing wrong with your build quality...I have seen many time-experienced makers put out lesser product(from the visuals only, as you know, you can't tell anything of value from a photograph;))

5. Blade to handle ratio is key, now more than ever...the handle is a bit too long for the blade length, imo....this could be changed by shaving the butt end, as far as I can tell.

6. Synthetics might be good material for inlay...G-10 or micarta....but that suggestion might be in the most serious of minorities, here.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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