It was time to try my hand at making a Friction Folder. A friction folder is a folding knife that doesn’t use a lock or springs. It uses the handle’s friction against the tang to stay open. The design of a friction folder has an extended tang. This allows the user’s hand to keep the blade from folding shut.
When making a Friction Folder it’s best to make a prototype out of heavy paper or thin wood pieces. This allows you to get the pin locations close enough so it can be tuned in final fitting.
You’ll see my first attempt required an extra pin. I didn’t leave enough metal to tune it to a single pin. It actually worked out pretty well.
I finished these knives by sandblasting before heat treatment. They were hand sanded to 600 grit then sandblasted. I plan to leave the blade as it comes off the tempering color.
Making a cardboard working template will help ensure your success. It also helps gauge the size of your finished knife.
Looking closely at the images you can see the first folder I made has an extra pin. This wasn’t really by design, at least not the original design. It did however, work out well and added a bit to the knife. In the end, it works well and looks good, so I’m happy with it.
There are an endless number of designs and styles for friction folders. I will be making some different sizes and styles. They are fun to make and are a very useful and functional every day carry.
Using a friction folder isn’t much different than using any knife with the exception of possibly being a little more cautious if your going to use it in such a way that your grip isn’t going to keep it open. I really don’t think it’s much different than any knife. There is some inherent danger in using any sharp instrument. Use good judgment and know your devices limitations.
Wow Don that looks great. I’m thinking a belt pouch for it and the back end of the tang works as a handle to pull it out of the pouch…especially if the friction on the pin is a little tight so it doesn’t go flopping about. Very cool!
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
