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

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.

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

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

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 :)

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.

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.

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. :)