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I was going to name this knife "Lemony Snicket" for the sub-title "A Series of Unfortunate Events" because it seemed like everything that could have gone wrong did. Three sets of liners, "soldered" bolsters falling off, etc. But I stuck with it and, learned some lessons. The blade is 3"...

Mike, I forgot to add that I wouldn't worry about the digital part of the gauge. Mine has a dial indicator that I don't use. If I'm marking a quarter inch blade profile I just set the gauge at 1/8 inch as measured by setting the point on some 1/8" pinstock as a guide or measuring with a ruler...

Mike, I think a height gauge is one of the most important tools in my shop and I have a very inexpensive one. Once you have it set for a blade to scribe the center line you can always re-scribe as you grind if you need too. It also helps making bolsters and guards the same thickness from the...

I agree with everything Josh wrote. All WIPs help members like me who are newbies. A subhilt folder is a tough build. And by posting what you are doing hopefully more experienced builders will offer advice. You aren't calling this a tutorial, after all, and I thank you for the effort to take the...

Barlow or Lanny's Clip? I'd just call it Awesome!

Aaron, Have you considered 303 stainless. It is inexpensive and very easy to finish and polish. About the same as brass and will match your blade. It will polish to a shine with 1500 grit sand paper if you don't have access to a buffer. Jay

Frank, I am new to making folders. I have learned a lot and would like to pass some of that on. I looked at your web site's gallery. You obviously know how to use a grinder, drill press, etc. If I were starting from scratch, I would use precision ground steel, the same for both the blade and...

Shokr, What I do applies when you are using a guard, like a Loveless hunter, but the same technique could be used for any knife. I cut a slot in bar stock the width of your blade before the taper begins and then clamp that in a drill press vice. Then I insert the blade in the slot and then...

Really nice! Thank you for posting the pictures!

Congratulations and have fun! One lesson I learned is to drill all holes either much deeper than you need to tap or through if possible. Building mine I broke one tap when the tap hit the bottom of a hole. One more twist and snap goes the tap. If that happens, just leave the broken tap in place...

Calvin, Thank you for the advice. Frankly, I didn't think about over heating the tip. I was thinking I'd use a fine grade belt and working very slowly. If this doesn't turn out to be an embarrassment (or even if it does), I'll post a picture. Jay

I'm working on my second slip joint and would like to use a swedge in the design. I'm used to making fixed blades where warping during heat treat is not that much of a problem, but folder blades are so much thinner. I was wondering if the swedge(s) should be ground before or after heat treat...

Shokr, I just checked Enco's web site and I see what you mean about the prices. I must have bought mine on sale. Least expensive is over $100.00. I think it is an indispensable tool, but.... Maybe you can shop around and do better. Jay

Shokr, Its metric. But to be honest I dont even use the guage. If I'm using 1/4" stock, I just raise the scribe until it measures 1/8' from the base, as measured by a ruler. I know that's not the right way, but it is close enough, because after I scribe the blade, I turn it over and scribe it...

Ed Val, Great! Wonderful history and suitable way of saying thank you! Jay

EdVal, That's an awesome sheath. Judging by the "vintage knife" I bet there is an interesting story connected to the sheath. Did you make this for a friend? Jay

Bruce, Where's your WIP, of a similar knife? I learned so much from your warncliffe folder WIP, I'd really would like to see this one. Thanks for all your help in posting WIP's and inspiration. Jy

MoblMec, Will the stencil maker use professional type set for your letters or use your hand drawn letters? I was wondering because, having no imagination, I just used my last name, then under that "Maker" then my town, ala Bob Loveless (only without the arcs). But, it would be good to be able...

I don't know much about steel, but I've used 303 and been happy with the results. 303 is what I think is referred to as "free steel" (as in free machining) which includes higher sulfer content than 304 so that it machines well and won't work harden. This Loveless type hunter has a 303 guard...

Thanks David, Jay