Want to try folders--what kind of lock?

Kevin Cross

Kevin Cross

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Sep 13, 2006
Messages
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[B After years of making straight blades, I want to make the jump to folders. I've played with a few kits and now want to do my own. The question is, what type of locking mechanism. It seems like the majority of knives are either back lock, frame lock or liner lock. William Henry makes a lot of button locks and I found a "compression lock" that seems to be part button lock and part liner lock.

Any advice on what type to make? No matter the type, I'm gonna have to destroy steel during the learning curve. If it helps, I have a mill but not a surface grinder.

Thanks for comments and advice,

Kevin
 
I currently have my first 4 folders sitting on the bench partially complete. I thought about it all for a while and decided to try liner locks. There were a few reasons I went that route. First, I liked that system better than a lock back-as in, my personal taste for closing the knife, not that it's somehow objectively better. Second, the Ti for a liner lock is a ways cheaper than the thicker stuff for a frame lock. Figured if I was going to screw up some knives, I'd rather do it with some cheaper material. Plus, I don't have a mill which makes some things on a frame lock a lot easier (like the relief cut for the lock bar and cutting the lock bar). I know a liner lock has some more parts than a frame lock, but the screws are relatively cheap and a guy can get away with full scales to start with (read to mean "cheapish" for the extras). Plus, I liked the option of different bolsters and the design possibilities with a liner lock.

Honestly, I'd say go with whichever you like more. If that's what you want to make, it's possible you'll work at and enjoy it a bit more. For some reason, making a lock back just doesn't appeal to me at all-which would likely make it a real chore and not as fun. Whatever you choose, good luck with it. Go slow, think out your process, and you'll likely end up with something great at the end.

Jeremy
 
I can't explain why but I've regularly used a few different types and the back lock is the one I'm most comfortable using. It is nice that there doesn't need to be a cut out up near the front of the handle as on the liner lock. Frame locks actually get narrower as the frame locks in so I do see disadvantages there from a use standpoint. I hated the way the spyderco sage 2 frame lock felt compared to the sage 1 liner lock.

Not sure if that helps your thought process or not.
 
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Hello Kevin.
I don't expect you will find the folders difficult - just different. I believe liner locks are the way to start. I have never left them. They give so much room for designs and materials. There is a thread in this forum that has a good show and tell. The one thing that can make folder making so much easier is a surface grinder. I don't but have been making them for years. I enjoy trying to help people. Post your questions here or if you want to go private you can email me at niro@telus.net Please understand in advance I don't do pictures but still have managed to help several people.
You can do it and you will be surprised how well ! To see some of my work you can go to Custom Knife Gallery Frank
 
Thanks to all. I think I will start trying to design my own liner lock and get to work. Maybe by the show I will have some intelligent questions for you Chuck.

Kevin
 
Frank Niro, I saw your message that only said "Double Post" and got all excited- "Frank is going to teach us a new and revolutionary lock called the Double Post!!"
It's so great having ADD now and then.
 
Hey, you ! How about a double bladed liner lock instead? I've been making several those both in what I call fancy and plain editions . Frank
 
I have made lock backs for a while and they are probably the hardest ones to start off with. I would go the liner lock . As others have said there is a larger scope for design, they are relatively simple , strong and reliable. I don't like the way frame locks look, to me they are only half a knife.
 
As long as it a Spyderco I don't care what kind of lock it has ~~ but it """"has to be SPYDERCO"""".!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I'd try a friction folder first then a liner or frame lock. I used a hacksaw to cut the lock bar on my first liner lock.

Button locks look relatively simple to me but I have never tried one.

Keep your materials flat, your holes straight and that is a good start.

Get the Terzoula book (download) if you don't have it, it is excellent.
 
Since we are on the subject of locks. I have never attempted a folder and dont know much about them but I really liked the axis lock on my Benchmade mini Griptilian. Anyone have any info on making something similar?

Thanks

John
 
All you have to do is make a spring for it, and you dont have that much machinery to make em. Ive made a bunch just with my belt grinder, drill press and files. I post a pic too on just on how simplistec it truely is:)51.pngGeometry-1.jpg
Those should help:)
 
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