There are a lot of things to consider when making a pocket knife. One of the most important decisions is what type of steel to use.
Knife makers are often faced with the challenge of choosing a steel that is both hard and resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel is typically preferred for this reason. However, a good carbon steel can be very useful as well.
Blade
Knives are made of a variety of different steels, each offering unique characteristics, including hardness, durability, edge retention, and rust resistance. The right blade steel for a knife is a compromise, and it depends on the kind of use the knife will get.
One type of knife steel that is common on pocket knives is D2 (an alloy that does not contain the 13 percent chromium required to be classified as stainless steel). D2 can be a good choice for a general-purpose knife because it is tough and holds an edge well but does not have all the corrosion resistance of some newer powdered-metal blade steels.
As you can see, a lot of thought goes into the construction and design of a folding knife. For instance, you want to make sure that the handle is comfortable and ergonomic and that the blade can be opened safely and quickly without damaging the blade. You also want to make sure that the knife’s spring is strong enough to keep the blade open when you need it and to prevent the blade from folding back up on itself.
Handle
There are many different types of pocket knives, and picking the right one is all about what you need. If you’re looking for something lightweight that can be quickly opened, a tactical folding knife might be best.
In the United States, you’ll find a wide range of quality pocket knives made by independent artisans. These smiths work from their own small workshops, and all of the fundamental steps of their production are done by hand.
Some smiths, particularly those in Japan, produce knives as art and not only for their utility. These artisanal knives are often the most expensive, as they require years of training and practical experience to create.
Other smiths, like those at CRKT (also known as Columbia River Knife & Tool), combine modern technology and craftsmanship to create cutting-edge designs that are both strong and stylish. These smiths emphasize excellence and affordability, believing that everyone should have the opportunity to own high-quality knives.
Sheath
Making a pocket knife is an incredibly complex process. There are many different steps, and some are more complicated than others.
Some knives are made in a very traditional manner, where steel and iron are poured into molds to form massive ingots. The resulting alloy is then cooled and forged to create a finished product.
However, other knife makers use powdered metal to assemble their blades. These knives can be very effective and often have high edge retention, durability, and corrosion resistance.
Knife makers also add other elements to their blades, including vanadium, which gives them incredible hardness. These types of steel are becoming more and more common, especially when used for folding knives.
A knife sheath is an important piece of equipment for storing and carrying a pocket knife. Leather sheaths have been around for thousands of years and are a great way to protect your knife from damage. They can be designed to fit any size of knife and are available in a variety of colors and styles.
Lock
Pocket knives are one of the most useful tools you can carry with you. They can be used for a variety of different tasks and have been around for centuries.
In the beginning, these pocket knives were simple and very basic – no lock, no spring, just friction. During the 1600s, cutlers in England began experimenting with ways to make them safer and more stable.
They discovered a way to keep the blade open by putting pressure on a flat bar that was attached to the handle. This flat bar became known as a slip joint.
This system is still widely used today by many knife makers, including The James Brand. In addition to being very safe, a slip joint makes a folding knife much smaller and lighter than it would be with no lock. It also reduces the risk of accidental blade closure and helps prevent injuries caused by dropping or opening the knife while it is in use.