What do you look for in slipjoints

Bailey Knives

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2004
Messages
3,818
OK, so I think I know how to put together a fixed blade knife and make it to sell, and not be the least bit concerned about whether it is put together right, because I know it is put together right. The scales fit up, or the guard fits to the tang with no gaps, the steel is heat treated correctly. I have recently started making slipjoints and although I like them, I am not nearly as familiar with what makes a good slipjoint as to what makes a good fixed blade. I know that the spring position at closed, half stop and open is important, but what else? How much tension should a good spring have? I don't want to break nails but I don't want to be too easy either.

Here are pics of my first two slipjoints. The full micarta handle one is my first. The nail nick is done with a dremel, and done poorly. The blade and spring are O1. The bone handle is my second. It is ats34 and I bought a dovetail cutter for the nail nick, which makes it much better.

IMG_2452.jpg


IMG_2453.jpg


IMG_2454.jpg
 
Buy Don Robinson's book, "Slipjoints my Way". Worth every penny and answers all your questions. It's a great how to on making quality folders.
 
Thanks, Just took your advice and bought it off of Amazon.
 
Back
Top