Forging folders

[son_of_bluegrass]

I am curious of who forges the blade and/or other parts to folders. On the other forums I read regularly, when folders are mention most everyone speaks of cutting and grinding the parts. Personally I find grinding tedious so those few slipjoints I've made I forged the blade and backspring, anyone else follow this path or am I psycho?

ron

[Rich Hale]

I forge all the damascus for my folders, then I cut and grind the parts I need. I really am not capable of forging parts to a couple of thousands thickness, But I can do that with my mill. For some of the other types of folders,,for instance a friction folder I think I could forge to shape and size.

[son_of_bluegrass]

I can't forge to a couple thousands tolerance either, but i can get close enough to make a working slip joint finishing with files and sandpaper. My biggest problem is keeping (or making ) everything flat enough to look good, it really doesn't take as close a fit to work (and work well) as it does to look professional. I think a belt grinder with a good platen would help alot over files and sandpaper. And if I was looking to sell folders I would certainly try that as for now this is a hobby (when I made my first one nobody told me I couldn't do it hot with a hammer so I did )

ron

[Ratel10mm]

Could you post some pictures please Ron? I'd love to see what you've come up with.

[son_of_bluegrass]

They are scattered about my website. The link is in my sig.
Of course being on a free hosting site, there is a bandwidth limit so if you find bandwidthe exceeded try again later.

ron

ps this way I don't have to do the work, I'm basicly lazy

[Nick]

The folder I made was almost entirely forged, with only some cleanup on the grinder. But then, it was a friction folder, so I guess the toloerances were a bit more forgiving.

[Glenn]

Son of bluegrass
There is plenty of room on the IForgeIron gallery for any of your images. Create your own folders (groups) and no bandwidth charges.

[Ratel10mm]

Originally Posted by son_of_bluegrass

They are scattered about my website. The link is in my sig.

Cheers Ron, I found it.
The knife looks like it'll work well. Hope I can do as well one day.