Timed screw? And I don't mean birth control....

fast14riot

fast14riot

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Oct 27, 2010
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So yesterday I was finishing up a remodel of a house, and when putting the switch plate covers back on I always time the screws to 12 o'clock. This got me thinking, about how it might look on a knife. I always seem to see Torx head screws exposed, or fancy engraved ones, but after some searching I haven't seen any with slotted head screws, let alone even timed. I think it would look nice and it was/is a hallmark of a good gunsmith. Has anyone done one like this, or seen one done this way? A nice touch would be an overlapping lock screw as well, I think.

What do you guys think?


-Xander
 
I think that would be a nice touch. Seldom do you see something so detailed. Much craftsmanship is never seen, its the difference between done and well done.
 
One of the most glaring defects that I see with new makers is with mosaic pins. They fail to "clock" or time them to use your term. The devil is in the details and the details are one of the reasons why people buy custom knives.
 
What's wrong with torx screws? They, to me, are far more attractive looking and practical in use? Slotted screws are commonly available at USAknifemaker.cm, as well as RB Johnson to name a few.
 
Back at my first ABS hammer in I had an MS who mainly makes folders take me aside and
explain why using slotted screws and having all the slots line up was a must. Basically,
he sells a lot of expensive folders to the high end hunting crowd who want something they
can carry with them but that goes with their $30K rifle, etc. High end firearms have slotted
screws that line up. Folders built any other way just won't look right to these guys even
though they probably won't see why.
 
Ditto Will's post.

I can look at a poor photo of a knife and if the mosaic rivets or screws are not clocked (timed) ,it will jump right out. In the hand, it is even more of a defect.
 
Timing slotted head screws involves removing metal from the undersde of the head, usually requiring a special screw with a thick head and plenty of metal between the bottom of the slot and the underside of the head.
 
There's the big reason I use Torx.

I feel like if you use flat heads, they MUST be timed...

I used a bunch on some fixed blades, and I spent way too long timing them, so I quit using them.
 
Yeah the mosaic pins deffinetly stand out when not clocked the same. I'm not putting down Torx screws on knives, they have their place and don't look bad when in it. I don't worry about timing the screws on my 10/22 but on my 1917 I'm building it is getting completely timed, along with other posh treatment. I was thinking along the lines of a folder built to match my rifle. I look at it as an entirely extra feature on a knife solely to display the makers ability and attention to detail. That mike williams knife is a good example, and I am actually thinking about using the same grip cap on my rifle!

Stacy, deepening the seat is one way, but on guns it is not always possible so tall head screws fill the gap. I think I may buy a folder kit and try it out myself.


-Xander
 
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