Lockback Folding Knife: A Step-by-Step Guide to Design and Build Your Own
The Lockback Folding Knife: From Design to Completion
If you are a fan of traditional pocket knives, you have probably heard of or owned a lockback folding knife. A lockback folding knife is a type of knife that has a blade that can be folded into the handle when not in use, and a locking mechanism that prevents the blade from closing accidentally when in use. Lockback folding knives are popular among knife enthusiasts because they combine simplicity, elegance, durability, and functionality.
the lockback folding knife from design to completion pdf free
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about lockback folding knives, from their history and anatomy to their design and completion process. Whether you are interested in buying, collecting, or making your own lockback folding knife, this article will provide you with valuable information and insights.
The History of the Lockback Folding Knife
The lockback folding knife is not a new invention. In fact, it has been around for centuries. The earliest known examples of lockback folding knives date back to the Roman Empire, where they were used as utility tools and weapons. These knives had a simple spring-loaded locking mechanism that kept the blade in place when opened.
Over time, different cultures and regions developed their own variations of lockback folding knives. For instance, in Japan, there was the higonokami, a traditional friction folder with a lever that acted as a lock when pressed by the thumb. In Spain, there was the navaja, a large folding knife with a ratchet-like locking mechanism that made a distinctive clicking sound when opened. In England, there was the clasp knife, a multi-bladed pocket knife with a back spring that locked one or more blades when opened.
However, it was not until the late 19th century that the modern lockback folding knife was born. In 1884, Charles Buck, the founder of Buck Knives, patented a new design of a lockback folding knife that had a rocker bar that locked the blade when opened and released it when pressed. This design was inspired by the Spanish navaja, but improved upon it by making it more reliable, safe, and easy to use. Buck's lockback folding knife became a huge success and set the standard for many lockback folding knives to come.
The Anatomy of the Lockback Folding Knife
A lockback folding knife consists of three main components: the blade, the handle, and the locking mechanism. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
The Blade
The blade is the cutting edge of the knife. It can have different shapes, sizes, and materials depending on the purpose and preference of the user. Some common types of lockback folding knife blades are:
Clip point: A blade with a concave spine that curves towards the tip, creating a sharp point. This type of blade is good for piercing and slicing.
Drop point: A blade with a convex spine that curves towards the tip, creating a strong point. This type of blade is good for general use and hunting.
Spear point: A blade with a symmetrical spine and edge that meet at the center of the tip, creating a balanced point. This type of blade is good for stabbing and throwing.
Sheepsfoot: A blade with a straight edge and a curved spine that meet at a blunt tip, creating a flat point. This type of blade is good for cutting and whittling.
Trailing point: A blade with an upward curved edge and a straight spine that meet at a sharp tip, creating a long point. This type of blade is good for skinning and slicing.
The material of the blade can also vary depending on the quality and performance of the knife. Some common materials of lockback folding knife blades are:
Stainless steel: A steel alloy that contains chromium and other elements that make it resistant to corrosion and rust. Stainless steel blades are durable, easy to maintain, and affordable, but they tend to lose their edge faster than other materials.
Carbon steel: A steel alloy that contains carbon and other elements that make it harder and sharper than stainless steel. Carbon steel blades are strong, hold their edge well, and can be easily sharpened, but they tend to corrode and rust if not properly cared for.
Damascus steel: A steel alloy that is made by forging together layers of different types of steel, creating a distinctive pattern on the blade. Damascus steel blades are beautiful, unique, and tough, but they are also expensive and difficult to make.
Ceramic: A non-metallic material that is made by heating and molding powdered minerals, creating a hard and sharp blade. Ceramic blades are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and retain their edge longer than steel blades, but they are also brittle and prone to chipping or breaking if dropped or hit.
The Handle
The handle is the part of the knife that you hold when using it. It can have different shapes, sizes, and materials depending on the comfort and grip of the user. Some common types of lockback folding knife handles are:
Straight: A handle with a straight or slightly curved shape that fits comfortably in the hand. This type of handle is simple, versatile, and easy to use.
Finger groove: A handle with indentations or grooves on the surface that match the shape of the fingers. This type of handle provides more control and stability when using the knife.
Finger guard: A handle with a protrusion or extension at the base of the blade that prevents the fingers from slipping onto the edge. This type of handle provides more safety and protection when using the knife.
Lanyard hole: A handle with a hole or slot at the end that allows attaching a cord or strap to secure or carry the knife. This type of handle provides more convenience and accessibility when using or storing the knife.
The material of the handle can also vary depending on the durability and appearance of the knife. Some common materials of lockback folding knife handles are:
Wood: A natural material that is made from various types of trees or plants, creating a warm and classic look. Wood handles are comfortable, attractive, and customizable, but they tend to swell or shrink depending on humidity and temperature.
Bone handles are comfortable, attractive, and customizable, but they tend to swell or shrink depending on humidity and temperature.
Metal: A synthetic material that is made from various types of metals or alloys, creating a strong and modern look. Metal handles are durable, resistant, and versatile, but they tend to be heavy and cold.
Plastic: A synthetic material that is made from various types of polymers or resins, creating a light and colorful look. Plastic handles are cheap, easy to mold, and available in many colors and patterns, but they tend to be weak and slippery.
G-10: A synthetic material that is made from layers of fiberglass soaked in epoxy resin, creating a tough and textured look. G-10 handles are strong, lightweight, and grippy, but they tend to be expensive and hard to work with.
The Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism is the part of the knife that keeps the blade open when in use and prevents it from closing accidentally. It can have different types, designs, and advantages depending on the security and convenience of the user. Some common types of lockback folding knife locking mechanisms are:
Back lock: A locking mechanism that has a spring-loaded bar that locks into a notch on the back of the blade when opened. To close the blade, the user has to press down on the bar at the end of the handle. This type of locking mechanism is simple, reliable, and safe, but it can be hard to operate with one hand.
Mid lock: A locking mechanism that has a spring-loaded bar that locks into a notch on the middle of the blade when opened. To close the blade, the user has to press down on the bar at the center of the handle. This type of locking mechanism is similar to the back lock, but it can be easier to operate with one hand.
Front lock: A locking mechanism that has a spring-loaded bar that locks into a notch on the front of the blade when opened. To close the blade, the user has to press down on the bar at the base of the blade. This type of locking mechanism is also similar to the back lock, but it can be faster and smoother to operate with one hand.
Button lock: A locking mechanism that has a button that locks or unlocks the blade when pressed. To open or close the blade, the user has to press the button and swing the blade manually or with a flipper or thumb stud. This type of locking mechanism is easy, quick, and fun to operate with one hand, but it can be less secure than other types.
The Design Process of the Lockback Folding Knife
If you want to make your own lockback folding knife, you need to go through a design process that involves planning, sketching, and prototyping. These stages will help you create a blueprint for your knife that you can use as a guide for the completion process. Let's see what each stage entails.
The Planning Stage
The planning stage is where you decide what kind of lockback folding knife you want to make. You need to consider several factors such as:
The purpose: What do you want to use your knife for? Is it for everyday carry, hunting, camping, or collecting? This will determine what type of blade shape, size, and material you need.
The budget: How much money do you want to spend on your knife? This will determine what type of handle material and locking mechanism you can afford.
The style: What do you want your knife to look like? Do you prefer a classic or modern design? Do you want a plain or fancy handle? Do you want a polished or matte finish? This will determine what type of aesthetic features and details you want to add.
Once you have an idea of what kind of lockback folding knife you want to make, you need to gather some tools and materials for the design process. Some common tools and materials are:
A ruler: To measure the dimensions of your knife.
A pencil: To draw your knife design.
A paper: To sketch your knife design.
A compass: To draw circles and curves on your knife design.
A protractor: To measure angles on your knife design.
A scissors: To cut out your knife design.
A cardboard: To make a mock-up of your knife design.
A tape: To stick your knife design to the cardboard.
The Sketching Stage
The sketching stage is where you draw your lockback folding knife design on paper. You need to follow some steps such as:
Draw the outline of your blade. Use the ruler, compass, and protractor to make sure the shape, size, and angle of your blade are accurate. You can also use a template or a reference image of a similar blade to help you.
Draw the outline of your handle. Use the ruler, compass, and protractor to make sure the shape, size, and angle of your handle are accurate. You can also use a template or a reference image of a similar handle to help you.
Draw the details of your blade. Add the edge, the spine, the tip, the notch, and any other features you want on your blade. You can also add some markings or patterns on your blade to make it more unique.
Draw the details of your handle. Add the scales, the pins, the lanyard hole, the button, and any other features you want on your handle. You can also add some carvings or inlays on your handle to make it more unique.
Draw the details of your locking mechanism. Add the bar, the spring, the pivot, and any other features you want on your locking mechanism. You can also add some markings or patterns on your locking mechanism to make it more unique.
Cut out your knife design. Use the scissors to carefully cut out your blade, handle, and locking mechanism from the paper. Make sure you don't cut off any important details or features.
The Prototyping Stage
The prototyping stage is where you make a mock-up of your lockback folding knife design using cardboard. You need to follow some steps such as:
Tape your knife design to the cardboard. Use the tape to stick your blade, handle, and locking mechanism to a piece of cardboard that is big enough to fit them all. Make sure they are aligned and positioned correctly.
Cut out your knife mock-up. Use the scissors to carefully cut out your blade, handle, and locking mechanism from the cardboard along with your paper design. Make sure you don't cut off any important details or features.
Assemble your knife mock-up. Use the tape to attach your blade, handle, and locking mechanism together. Make sure they are aligned and positioned correctly. You can also use some pins or nails to secure them more firmly.
Test your knife mock-up. Try opening and closing your blade using your locking mechanism. See if it works smoothly and securely. Check if there are any gaps or misalignments between the parts. Adjust or fix any issues you find.
Congratulations! You have completed the design process of your lockback folding knife. You now have a blueprint and a mock-up of your knife that you can use as a guide for the completion process.
The Completion Process of the Lockback Folding Knife
If you want to turn your lockback folding knife design into a reality, you need to go through a completion process that involves cutting, grinding, polishing, and assembling. These stages will help you create a functional and beautiful lockback folding knife that you can use or display proudly. Let's see what each stage entails.
The Cutting Stage
The cutting stage is where you cut out the blade and handle parts of your lockback folding knife from the materials you have chosen. You need to consider several factors such as:
The tools: What kind of tools do you need to cut out your blade and handle parts? Depending on the material and thickness of your parts, you may need different types of tools such as a hacksaw, a bandsaw, a jigsaw, a drill press, or a CNC machine.
The safety: How do you protect yourself from injury when cutting out your blade and handle parts? Cutting metal or bone can be dangerous if not done properly. You need to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, ear plugs, and apron. You also need to work in a well-ventilated area and keep flammable materials away from sparks.
material and cut along the lines. You can also use a template or a reference image of a similar part to help you.
The waste: How do you dispose of the excess material that you cut out from your blade and handle parts? Cutting metal or bone can produce a lot of waste that can be harmful to the environment or your health. You need to collect and recycle or dispose of the waste properly and safely.
Once you have cut out your blade and handle parts, you need to gather some tools and materials for the grinding stage. Some common tools and materials are:
A belt grinder: To grind and shape your blade and handle parts.
A variety of belts: To use on your belt grinder for different purposes such as coarse grinding, fine grinding, polishing, etc.
A vise: To hold your blade and handle parts securely while grinding.
A file: To smooth out any rough edges or corners on your blade and handle parts.
A drill press: To drill holes on your blade and handle parts for pins or screws.
A drill bit: To use on your drill press for drilling holes on your blade and handle parts.
The Grinding Stage
The grinding stage is where you grind and shape your blade and handle parts of your lockback folding knife according to your design. You need to follow some steps such as:
Grind the bevels on your blade. Use your belt grinder with a coarse belt to grind the bevels on both sides of your blade. Start from the tip and work your way to the base. Keep the blade at a consistent angle and pressure against the belt. Check the symmetry and thickness of your bevels frequently and adjust as needed.
Grind the scales on your handle. Use your belt grinder with a coarse belt to grind the scales on both sides of your handle. Start from the front and work your way to the back. Keep the scales at a consistent angle and pressure against the belt. Check the symmetry and thickness of your scales frequently and adjust as needed.
Grind the bolster on your handle. Use your belt grinder with a coarse belt to grind the bolster on both sides of your handle. Start from the front and work your way to the back. Keep the bolster at a consistent angle and pressure against the belt. Check the symmetry and thickness of your bolster frequently and adjust as needed.
Grind the contour on your handle. Use your belt grinder with a coarse belt to grind the contour on both sides of your handle. Start from the front and work your way to the back. Keep the handle at a consistent angle and pressure against the belt. Check the symmetry and comfort of your contour frequently and adjust as needed.
Smooth out any rough edges or corners on your blade and handle parts. Use a file or a fine belt on your belt grinder to smooth out any rough edges or corners on your blade and handle parts. Be careful not to remove too much material or change the shape of your parts.
Drill holes on your blade and handle parts for pins or screws. Use a drill press with a drill bit that matches the size of your pins or screws to drill holes on your blade and handle parts. Mark or trace where you want to drill the holes on your parts before drilling. Make sure the holes are aligned and positioned correctly.
Congratulations! You have completed the grinding stage of your lockback folding knife. You now have a blade and handle parts that are ready for polishing and assembling.
The Polishing Stage
your lockback folding knife according to your preference. You need to consider several factors such as:
The tools: What kind of tools do you need to polish and finish your blade and handle parts? Depending on the material and finish of your parts, you may need different types of tools such as a buffing wheel, a polishing compound, a sandpaper, or a metal cleaner.
The safety: How do you protect yourself from injury when polishing and finishing your blade and handle parts? Polishing metal or bone can be hazardous if not done properly. You need to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, ear plugs, and apron. You also need to work in a well-ventilated area and keep flammable materials away from sparks.
The quality: How do you ensure that your blade and handle parts are polished and finished to a high standard according to your preference? Polishing by hand can be challenging if not done carefully. You need to use the right tools and techniques for different materials and finishes. You also need to check the appearance and performance of your parts frequently and adjust as needed.
Once you have polished and finished your blade and handle parts, you need to gather some tools and materials for the assembling stage. Some common tools and materials are:
A vise: To hold your blade and handle parts securely while assembling.
A hammer: To drive your pins or screws into your blade and handle parts.
A file: To smooth out any excess material or burrs on your pins or screws.
A screwdriver: To tighten or loosen your screws on your bla