All About Pocket Knives

All brass frame. 1095 blade and lockbar. Toasted elk slabs. Locks up solid as a rock!
I started this one almost 5 years ago. I built a full scale working model out of plexiglas back then, but just couldn't seem to bring the whole concept together in my head. It's 5-1/4" closed and for a first try, i'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. Although, I probably should have waited for my new blade etching setup.
I'm no match for the great custom makers that show up around here, there are some awesome customs in these threads. But, I sure do enjoy building the occasional custom knife, it's very satisfying.

WB

Nice looking knife and not an easy knife to make. Well Done!

Mighty fine there WB. Mighty fine!

You can be proud of that one WB. Ya done good.

Very nice work!

I like the stag handles

Looks good!

You made that from scratch? That came out great! The best part is throwing it in your pocket and using your own knife that you made yourself, no better feeling.

Thanks guys!
Yep, 100% from scratch. Getting the lockbar to fall correctly in the open and closed positions is probably one of the bigger challenges, but not really that much different then on a standard slip joint. I pondered quite a bit on whether to go with a locking model or a slip joint. But, I have several factory slip joints, so decided to go for a lockback on this one.
Dimitri, that set of slabs is one that i've been sitting on for quite awhile. I knew I was gonna use them for this knife or they would have made a perfect set for hollowing out for the internal workings on an auto. Which, one of my next builds may be a flylock style auto in this pattern. I have a real nice set of sambar slabs set aside for that one...if it comes together like it's supposed to.
Thanks again for the nice comments guys and the chance to show this one off a bit.

WB

That is a beauty Rob.
Nice work!

Thanks Dale!

WB

Stunning to say the least !!!
Will

Nice work, really like the stag!! I'm thinking about making a lock back sometime in the future. Did you copy an existing lock back mechanism, work from a book or free styled it?

Thanks fellas!
I laid out the lock bar and notch myself. Having worked on a few lockbacks and making a working model helped a lot. Neat thing about using plexiglas for the model, is that you can see through to make sure the blade has all the proper clearances and help layout where the spring needs to go. Works just as well for conventional slipjoints too. Plus you have patterns to layout your parts. I highly recommend making the models if your building from scratch, it'll take all the guess work out later.
If there is one thing that I would have done different, I would have used a slightly smaller spring. It locks up tight, but it's just a little heavy on the release.

WB

He's good fellas,and has a character to match.Looks as good as any custom I've seen Rob,congratulations on a exquisite knife.

That's a beautiful knife WB. Your a lucky guy. Packin' one you made.

Well, thank you gentlemen!!
I feel blessed to be associated with so many great folks with a common interest here at AAPK. It keeps me inspired in so many different ways and I thank you all.

WB