attempting my first folder knife.

[Kevin Smith]

I had a old lock back knife I tore apart just to see how it was constructed.

Here's the knife I tore apart.



I'm not going to use any of the old knife, I'll be using a 440C blade with stainless bolsters, I'm not sure what handle material yet.

Anyhow, I got the blade rough cut today, I still need to cut the lock back and spring.



I'm not sure how long it will take but I'm going to try! Lol!

[Kevin Smith]

I got the spring cut, I changed it up some because I don't have the tools the manufacturer does.

I drilled 2 pin holes for the spring.



Mine is the one on top.

[Tx_Wader]

Watching this one Kevin...can't wait to see the finished product!

[Kevin Smith]

Since this is my first attempt I left the lock long so I can adjust it.

[Kevin Smith]

My dad always told me you can always cut more but you can't add any more.

[paintman]

wow that didn't take long,at least this knife has separate bolsters so you can make it 100% handmade

[coachk]

Sweet!! I wanna try a folder too...just haven't had much time! Looks good so far!!

[Kevin Smith]

I got the liners rough shaped, I missed on the lock so I'm going to have to cut a new one, live and learn.

[Kevin Smith]

That's just black sharpie on there so I can see my marks better.

[Kevin Smith]

I got it all heat treated and tempered today, what I learned is set the spring tension prior to h/t, I made 3 lockbacks to get one right.

[paintman]

looks great!!

[1shot]

Looks good. Following

[Kevin Smith]

I guess what I mean is, you can set the tension before heat treat, but after you figure it out leave it alone and do the h/t process for whatever steel you are using.

[paintman]

ya Im so lost I'm going to take a class on folders

[Kevin Smith]

After a lot of trial and error I might be heading in the right direction, on this knife I've made 4 locks and 2 springs, the 1st one broke on me, I'm working on #2 spring now.

What I've learned is folders are a pain, it's best to draw it on paper in the open and closed position and make your marks.

Anyhow, while I was waiting on the oven I cut the bolsters.