pocket folder spring

[walker]

i'm new at this and have some questions. my project is a 3 in. single blade pocket folder. using 1/16" ats-34 i can't seem to get the spring tension right. the blade will close and stay closed properly, but when opened there is slack. the blade flops loosely. i tried adjusting the spring by bending it slightly, but after closing and opening again it's the same story. i'm using an old, schrade old timer blade for practice in getting the spring design pattern right. does the ats-34 need to be hardened first, or is my pattern just wrong? help, thanks ,walker (actually crawling at this point)

[Ray Rogers]

I'm not aware of many knife makers on this forum who make slip joint folders. The folder makers I know of, like myself, all make lliner locks. I've always wanted to make a slip joint but haven't had the time to invest in really learning the process.

That said, I would have to imagine that you will have to have that spring hardened properly before it will work consistantly. If it is shaped correctly, it may be bending under operational pressure and simply staying bent because it isn't hardened yet. Otherwise, I'd have to guess that it isn't shaped correctly.

Probably the best help I can offer is to point you to the best book I know on the subject: 'How to Make Multi-Blade Folding Knives by Shadley and Davis'. There is a wealth of info in that book about fitting blades and springs, etc

Hopefully, that will be of some help until a maker who makes those knives comes across your question...

[mike koller]

You will find that you will need to harden and temper the spring for it to function correctly, It can be adjusted some afterwards.

[mobiaxis]

Check out Chris Crawford's excellent tutorial on slip joint folders in the tutorials section of this site.

Essentially, the spring must be hardened and then drawn to "spring temper".

For O-1, I harden with a torch as usual and after it has cooled I set it on top of my kitchen (electric) stove burner until it turns blue (doesn't take long at a high setting). Remove and let it cool slowly. I have never used ATS-34, so can't advise you on the proper temps/colors for that material.

good luck

[LYNN DRURY]

ATS-34 HARDENS AT 1975 AND FOR A SPRING I USE
1160. IF I CAN BE OF ANY FURTHER HELP JUST HOLLER.

LYNN DRURY
POTEAU, OK

[LYNN DRURY]

I SHOULD HAVE SAID ATS34 HARDENS AT 1975
AND, FOR A SPRING, I TEMPER THEM AT 1160.


LYNN DRURY
POTEAU, OK