Suggestion on an improved FRN handle

dialex · #1

I read oftenly at this Forum about a not so smooth opening (and closing) especially if the knife is new. Playing a lot with my FRN Delica, I have also noticed that a lot of friction takes place not between the lock and the blade, as I was tempted to think priorly, but between the blade and the scales. Now I've been thinking that a simple way to reduce friction is by making some grooves in the interior of the handles, just where it meets the blade. As you can see in the picture, I have chosen this particular shape because I think it would easen the cleaning. It has that clockwise direction so when you open the knife, the dirt, pocket lint or whatsoever could stuck there would be pushed outside. Of course, you'll say that when you close the knife the dirt would get into the grooves and be pushed inside. I personally clean my knife before closing it, (a good habbit for everyone, I think <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. I also think that the overall resistance of the scales won't be affected, on the contrary, it will even get better.

As usually, I'm waiting for your oppinions and suggestions.

Edited by - dialex on 6/13/2002 7:34:14 AM
<a href="/forums/attachmentarchive/5032-8-Frn.gif" target="_new">View Attachment...</a>

Sword and Shield · #2

Very interesting. I would like to see <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> take this in hand and try it.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

#3

Hi dialex. your thinking is clear. keep it up. Innovation and creation, like any other skill must be developed and honed.

The state of the art in this area has developed to the point where there are a number of different "solutions" and "opinions" as to what shapes of raises and depressions would work best to reduce friction and carry lubrication.

Other factors are; keeping the blade as rigid as possible while still providing smooth action, the pivot pin diameter, tightness, etc, and kieeping all of this in balance with the integrity of the locking mechanism.

sal

Knife Knut · #4

Did you have this in mind for a tip down or tip up design?

Knife Knut on a shoestring budget. RKBA

dialex · #5

Why, I guess both are suitable.

<marquee loop=infinite ><a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex">(my page)</a></marquee>

Knife Knut · #6

I was thinking that the slots pointing up during tip up carry would collect even more junk in the pivot than otherwise, but I do not see the same thing happening w/ tip up.
I would hate to drop it in the mud, though.

Knife Knut on a shoestring budget. RKBA

dialex · #7

Interesting point... I guess you are right. Well, we could make some vents in the scales so the dirt will come out eventually. Or pick a cross hatch pattern.
Many thanks for emphasizing this particular aspect.

I'll be back!

Tio · #8

I would think that any folder could be slicked up a bunch by getting a milky solution of household cleanser into the pivot, and working the action for a half hour. Then just rinse and work the abrasive out.

dialex · #9

Welcome aboard and thanks for the advice. You'll see that there are many "receipes" here to smoothen the action of a knife.
Besides, the Spyderco crew improve their products every day. The Native for instance has a much smoother action compared to Delica.

I'll be back!