Framelock folder lock making problems

KHKnives

KHKnives

Well-Known Member
Ok so I'm trying to make a karambit folder. After making it work on paper I made my liners, blade and installed the pivot. I then traced the point where the lock would be and cut it out with my dremel. I'm just wondering how most folder makers cut the line for the lock, is it something that most have done by laser? I don't see how a bandsaw could make such a sharp turn in the middle of the metal. When I traced the lock portion of the blade I should have cut in front of the line, so I learned that lesson, but as for regularly cutting in locks I'm just curious to the average makers process. These are definitely not problems I have with my fixed blades for obvious reasons. I'm really itching now to make a compact, streamlined folding karambit that's easily concealed and reliable without ripping off other makers.
 
I don't make Karambits and don't expect to, but I have seen what have been some strange looking spring shapes in order to fit in the lock. You didn't give us a picture. Perhaps you are like me and don't know how to post one. I don't think you will find many wanting to make more than one copy if it's unique and that is legal. It could be a great way to get an answer. I only make liner locks but not karambits. Frank
 
Thanks for responding frank, I have three pics ill post, one is of the messed up unfinished lock (please don't laugh), the next is the other side so you can see what the knife looks like, the third is a version I drew on photoshop. Thanks again and bear with me because I'm posting from my phone.

<img src="http://KnifeDogs.com/gallery/files/5/9/5/5/img00024-20101220-1649.jpg" alt="rough lock" />
 
Take your dremel cut off wheel and put it in your drill press.set your drill press fast as it will run.Put you liner in a drill press vise and set the table so the wheel will run along the line you wish to cut.Start the drillpress and slide the liner along the wheel to amke the cut.To cut the lock face stand the liner up in the vise.Also you need to drill a small hole at the end of you cut and at the junction of the long cut and the lock face.

Stan
 
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Excellent advise stan, I owe you big. I'm totally new to folders. Never would have thought of that in a million years, again thank you very much sir for the direction and more importantly your time.
 
Pick up Bob Terzoula's book "The Tactical Folding Knife". A ton of good information in there about lock geometry and how to make liner and frame locks.
 
Also, make sure the face of the lock bar and the lock face are perpendicular to the cut you make. The way your is angled will not make for a good lock.
-John
 
You can go with a straight line cut. It will mean relieving the spring at the end - a groove placed perpendicular -to make it bendable. This is a very common fix on liner locks with thick liners. Hey, I'm sure not laughing . Stay with it !!! Frank.
 
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