A slip joint is a type of folding knife that relies on a back spring to open and close the blade. It’s a very old form of folding knife that can be very handy for everyday use.
Sales of slip joint knives took a hit during the tactical folder craze of the mid- 1990s, but they’re making a comeback. They’re a great non-locking knife to carry around, and they’re legal in the UK!
Backspring
A slip joint knife uses a back spring to keep the blade open. The back spring usually runs the length of the handle and maintains constant pressure on the tang as the blade opens and closes.
The backspring is a small piece of metal that sits between the blade and the handle. It is usually milled out to have a wide base and a thin, straight top section that interacts with the tang and maintains constant pressure as the blade opens and closes.
It is generally hard to see on most slip joints, but it is a vital part of the operation and must be made from high quality materials. The spring must be made to be strong enough to hold the weight of a fully closed blade without breaking.
The back spring is usually fitted with a pair of 3/32″ pins that allow the backspring to be set flush with the blade in the closed, half open and full open positions. This makes fitting the backspring much simpler and eliminates a lot of time spent testing the fit of the blade and spring.
Pins
Having the right tools and the right frame of mind is a good start but having a bit of luck is the next best thing. Its not easy assembling an elegantly finished blade on a busy broom or even in a cluttered kitchen. A quick sanding and buffing may not be as difficult as it seems, but that can mean a whole new set of tools to schlep around later in the day. You may also want to take the time to read your manufacturer’s manuals to find out if your knife is eligible for a warranty. Luckily, we offer a no-fuss, no hassle return policy on all our wares.
Blade
Slip joint knives are a classic, traditional, and classy type of folding knife that has been around for hundreds of years. They are far from a relic; they’ve been carried by military, law enforcement, sailors, pilots, and civilians worldwide for generations.
They can come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and blade configurations (like the Victorinox Swiss Champion, with over 33 tools, for example). These knives are small enough to carry in your pocket or attach to your key chain, and have an amazing array of useful tool options.
The best part about slip joint knives is that they are generally safer than lock blade folders. They can fold back on you if used improperly, so they need to be handled with respect and care to avoid injuries.
Handle
The trick to a successful slip joint is the same as it is to a successful knife of any type, proper handling and technique. A well made and conditioned slip joint can be a rewarding experience. With the correct tools and ingredients you can make one in your garage in no time. The resulting masterpiece is sure to turn heads and keep you sharper for longer. The key to making a great slip joint is choosing the right steel, the correct temper and a firm grasp of the requisite hand tools. It also helps to have a good understanding of the rules of thumb associated with knife building. After all, you don’t want to get caught aft et doxy. The following tips and tricks will go a long way to ensuring your success.