Guys I’m looking for some feedback on suitability of various materials for folder pivots. I have been using 416 hardened stainless pivots from USA knifemaker and am happy with their performance (although I really have nothing to compare to). I have had my eye on other pivots from Ti connector which I have heard great things about and they offer both Ti and hardened 416 stainless. Additionally I’d like to have a crack at making some of my own pivots now that I have bought a metal lathe.
So my question is what materials are considered appropriate for folders? I am only early in my folder career and have made friction folders, liner locks and framelocks so far. The framelock was a flipper, the others have been front openers (they open smoothly but not so much a flipping action. I have been using 3/16 size.
I quite like the idea of titanium and then anodising becomes an option. If I go stainless with my own manufacture and want them hard I will need to send out to HT. Locally (remember I’m in Australia) we can get various grades of stainless in bar stock including 440C which I thought would be an option if I turn my own. I am pretty comfortable with pros and cons of various blade steels but pivots are where I need some help. Would a knife made with a Ti pivot be at a disadvantage to one made with hardened stainless pivot? My knives are general use edc - not tactical overbuilt style and I am not trying to make something indestructible but want good operation and wear and tear over the years.
Thanks in advance
Ian
So my question is what materials are considered appropriate for folders? I am only early in my folder career and have made friction folders, liner locks and framelocks so far. The framelock was a flipper, the others have been front openers (they open smoothly but not so much a flipping action. I have been using 3/16 size.
I quite like the idea of titanium and then anodising becomes an option. If I go stainless with my own manufacture and want them hard I will need to send out to HT. Locally (remember I’m in Australia) we can get various grades of stainless in bar stock including 440C which I thought would be an option if I turn my own. I am pretty comfortable with pros and cons of various blade steels but pivots are where I need some help. Would a knife made with a Ti pivot be at a disadvantage to one made with hardened stainless pivot? My knives are general use edc - not tactical overbuilt style and I am not trying to make something indestructible but want good operation and wear and tear over the years.
Thanks in advance
Ian