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With some masking tape on the jaws, I take a pair of heavy pliers and twist the lock toward the inside of the frame. Using a chainsaw file, I cut some thumb notches along the front lock edge. Next, the socket for the detent ball is drilled with #53 drill ( I use .062" diameter 440C detent...

Next step is cutting the long lock slot. I use a carbide saw in my bench mill. It takes a while to do this, but you get a really clean cut. (I run the saw at about 120 RPM.) While I'm at the milling machine, I cut the relief notch using a carbide ball end mill. This is a simple little...

Next, I pop the blade out and texture the thumb ramp using a checkering file. I remove the pivot, put the aluminum spacer back in, and clean up the lock side of the frame on the disc sander. With the side of the frame all cleaned up, I'm ready to layout the lock. Here the relief hole...

I make my own washers out of .032" thick Nylatron, using a set of arch punches and a urethane backing pad. You can see the steel guide that keeps the large punch on center with the small holes. Now, I can assemble it all together to make sure everything fits and the blade travels open and...

Next, I clean up the profile on my belt grinder. And use the Micarta template to layout the thumb stud and pivot hole locations. Note the centerpunch marks. After the holes are drilled and reamed, I start working the blade profile to match the frame. Checking it in the open position...

The blade is laid out onto bar of steel (Damasteel, in this instance) using the Micarta template and an Ultra Fine Sharpie. And the profile is cut out on the bandsaw. I stay just outside the lines, except for the tang area - where I leave a little extra material. Next step is surface...

While we have both sides of the frame screwed together, might as well clean up the profile a bit. That was easy! Now we need to do something about that stop pin sticking out too far. I've made an aluminum spacer that is the same thickness of the blade plus both washers. Here it is installed...

The two scales are clamped together and I start match drilling the frame screw holes, using the tap drill diameter drill bit. Drilling just deep enough to make some decent marks in the non-locking side scale. Then, I use the proper clearance drill and countersink for the screw heads...

Next, I'm going to start match drilling the opposite side of the frame. I clamp the two scales together, match drill the pivot hole, and match ream the pivot hole. I use a .003" undersize reamer because my pivot pins are press fit into the frame. After the pivot hole is match drilled and...

Now that I've introduced some fancy terms, let's see how the layman applies them to folder making. We'll start with perpendicularity - also known as squareness. If you ever watched anyone building a house, you probably notice that some of tools they constantly use are a level, a plumb line, and...

I'll describe my drilling sequence before posting more photos so you understand why certain things are done in a certain order. First, I drill (and deburr) all the holes in the lock side of the frame. Then, I clamp the two sides of the frame together and match drill the pivot hole through the...

Staying just outside the lines will ensure you have enough stock when match grinding the frame scales. I use a 10-14 tooth variable pitch bi-metal bandsaw blade running at about 110 fpm. Next, I prepare the frame scales for flattening. To make sure they don't go flying when I touch them to the...

This was originally posted online in 2002, but it was lost - so I resurrected the photos and added new text.... Starting with the drawing: I use CAD to design knives, but you don't have to. Regardless, it's a lot easier to make your first frame-lock folder after you have a drawing that shows...

Thank you, Sir! :)

What's a "lathe?" huh1 Oh! You mean that spinny thingy? I gots me one of dem! :D Hiya, John! hello there

Thanks, stabber! :) Guess I should show the rest of it, huh? wow wee

Just wanted to say "hello" and thank Scott for the invite. hello there Some of you might remember me. (I always use my real name on knife forums.) I'm not actually making knives, but if you'd like I can show you some of the stuff I am making out of titanium. (Just finished this today)...