What do you need for a friction folder?

[Joss]

I'm working on a small friction folder. What kind of size and material do you recommend for the axis? Do I need bronze washers and where can I find them? And finally, what would you recommend for liners? (Titanium would be overkill on this, plus I do everything except drilling with hand tools...)

Thanks,

JD

 

[c.m. arrington]

I've made most of mine with deer antler, scrap copper, steel and brass. Gene Chapman and Dana Acker make some of the best looking ones. In my opinion, that style of knife is best left looking ''rustic''. As far as just using basic hand tools, that's about all you'll need for 'em anyway.

 

[Joss]

Thanks - personally I like them best when they're fairly sophisticated (Wade Colter, Jim Batson,...)

Anyone, I'd love to hear your thoughts on what would be the right gauge for the liners and the right size for the axis.

Thanks,

JD

 

[Sylvester]

When I make them, I use .032 for the liners
an 1/8in pins. Oh I use .005 teflon for the
washers.

 

[DC KNIVES]

Hi Joss,I haven't made any using liners but .032" sounds perfect.I use 1/8" pivot pins with a bronze bushing about .010" thicker than the blade.I did this one with a backspacer and no liners.Dave

 

[Dan Gray]

for the pivot I'm using
1/4"od x 1/8"ID x .098w shielded Bearings tight and smooth about $6.00 where get them.
liners depend one the size of the Folder I'm Making..