Looking for resources on switchblade construction and design

[Mason317]

Hello everyone I’m looking for more information on how switchblades are made like how springs are forged and how hollow bolsters are made I’d like to try and make my own switchblade from scratch or taking one I own and disassembling it and trying to copy the parts I’ve not made knives before and expect it to be a very challenging experience but would like to give it a try I see the blade, button and lock and spring being the hardest to make myself if anyone has made these themselves I’d love to hear about it and if anyone could point me to some books or other resources that would be great thanks

[OLDE CUTLER]

Hello everyone I’m looking for more information on how switchblades are made like how springs are forged and how hollow bolsters are made I’d like to try and make my own switchblade from scratch or taking one I own and disassembling it and trying to copy the parts I’ve not made knives before and expect it to be a very challenging experience but would like to give it a try I see the blade, button and lock and spring being the hardest to make myself if anyone has made these themselves I’d love to hear about it and if anyone could point me to some books or other resources that would be great thanks

I have made 2 folders from barstock ( not switchblades) , and I can say it is a lot of work. I had a large cigar pattern junker that I took apart to use for a pattern. The geometry of the hinge requires a lot of small detail to work correctly. I made the blades and springs from 1095 steel, search the web for instructions on how to heat treat the blades and springs as it varies by the type of steel alloy used. However, when you finish a knife that you made all the parts for, you will hold it in your hand and just go. Wow!

[Bill DeShivs]

Hollow bolsters are used on production knives because they are cheap and expedient. They are not necessary.

There are many ways to make the button and sear assembly. Again using modern knives (especially Italian and Chinese) models may not be the best route because- see above.

Making springs is relatively easy with 1095 steel, a propane torch, and a piece of firebrick or other heat-reflecting material. Heat it to red and quench in canola oil. Test with a file-it should not cut the surface. Sand the spring to bare metal and gently play the torch over the spring until the color turns uniformly blue, or just past blue. Let it air cool.

Backsprings should be tempered just a little hotter than kick springs.

Blades can be sent off for proper heat treating.

There are dozens of button mechanisms. Some hold the blade both closed and open. Others just hold it closed and another mechanism locks it open.

I suggest you look at many different types of automatic knives before attempting making one.

[Mason317]

I’ve tried to look at quite a few different styles like the standard 9 inch swivel bolster knives and ones that use a picklock similar to a older flat guard frosolone style knives but I don’t own a pick guard style knife like that to take apart but I see that being easier to make then some other styles due to the solid bolsters and other parts of their construction the knives I do have to take apart and copy are a Frank b with swivel bolster and a edge co with swivel bolster and I’m looking at buying this 9 inch Frank b kit from Perry knife works but it’s built different then other knives I’ve see where the locking tab is in two pieces that I havnt seen on other knives if you think one of these would be a good starting point over the others let me know and if you have a style of knife you recommend I start with trying to make or researching I really love your leverlock knives and trust your judgment on this thank you bill

[Mason317]

This is the kit I’m speaking about I haven’t seen the two piece locking bar I’m assuming it’s for easier machine production

[Folgore1]

i would not waste your time on that kit its parts are made mostly of zinc i think and not that great of quality , i would use a real Italian stiletto or practice on a china made stiletto .