What do you use for liners on folders?

[Matt Shade]

I know most of you use Ti, I'm don't think I want to step up to that yet(don't have the right tools for grinding and cutting it). Right now I'm useing .040" 410 SS from koval. Everything I've read says thats too thin, and that 420 is a better steel to go with.

I have to say that I've been carrying a few of the folders I've made, and they lock up tight and aren't showing any excess wear and tear.The liners don't seem to flex any, but the thought keeps nagging at me that if I really want to make solid users I should switch to something different.

So what do you guys use? Or what would be your choice if you weren't using Ti? and any idea where to order from? None of the suppliers I've looked through carry stainless sheet, other than the stuff I have now.

Thanks

edited to add, I'm talking about liner locks.

 

[Kit Carson]

Matt,

I tend to have a bad habit of killing threads, so if I kill this one, just repost it and I'll be quiet

IMHO, a well made liner lock with thinner liners will function fine, if it's built right. .040 is pretty thin though. Customers like to "hear" the sound of a lock engaging and the visual effect of a thick liner (.060 and thicker).

I use 6Al4V Ti for almost all my folders, but I have used heat treated 420 and 17-4Ph and they have worked great. There are alot of suppliers out there and most of the knife forums have a Supplier section. You can always do a search.

Hope that helped.

 

[Matt Shade]

Thanks Kit
.060 or so 420 is what I'd like try. None of the knifemaking suppliers carry the stuff though (koval, TKS, Jantz)

By the way, your folder tutorial you did awhile back was a big help.Thanks for taking the time to put it together.