Making pocket knives from scratch is a rewarding task, but it can also be a bit of a slog. However, it’s worth the effort for some knife lovers who want to take their skills to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced knifemaker, these DIY plans will help you build your own handmade blades and make them a true work of art.
The first thing to do is decide what kind of folding knife you want to make. There are many different types of knife out there, and it’s important to know what they are so you can find the right plan for your next project.
Basically, there are three kinds of folding knives: slip joint, lock back, and liner lock/frame lock. These are the three main types of lock that you’ll see on most knives, and they each have their pros and cons.
A slip joint has a hinged liner that acts like a spring and slides over behind the tang of the blade when you deploy it. This allows you to open the knife with one hand without your fingers getting in the way, and it’s also a relatively inexpensive system.
In contrast, a lock back has a locking bar that runs up the handle and slots into a notch in the blade tang when you deploy it. This mechanism is significantly stronger than a liner lock, and it’s ambidextrous (which is handy for lefties), but it can wear out over time.
Another type of lock is a crossbar, which has a steel bar that passes through the knife handle and slots into a notch in its tang. This is much stronger than a liner lock and is ambidextrous, but it can be awkward to use if you’re right-handed.
You can also choose a locking system that’s easier to disassemble, like CRKT’s field strip technology. This method is designed to make it easy to remove the blade for cleaning, but it does require a little more effort than a slip joint or crossbar.
CRKT’s new Field Strip technology makes it super easy to separate the blade from the handle. The company has been experimenting with this concept since 2016, and it’s a great idea for anyone looking to keep their EDCs tidy and in good working order.
For the most part, you won’t be able to tell whether your blade is sharp or not until you test it with a piece of paper. If the paper isn’t slicing easily, you should sharpen it.
After you’ve sharpened your blade, it’s time to sand and file it. This is a time-consuming process, but it’s necessary to get the proper fit and accuracy for your homemade blade. It’s also a great way to clean up any scale or scratches that may have formed on your blade.
Regardless of which method you choose to build your DIY pocket knife, it’s always worth taking the time to learn more about the tools and materials that you’re using. By gaining knowledge and understanding, you can make your knifemaking experience more enjoyable and ensure that you’re getting the most out of it.