Folders

My first two attempts at making folding knives were a straight razor and a friction folder.  I felt like non-locking knives would more practical given the fact that it would such a big leap for me.  As I had imagined, laying out and fitting a folder turned out to be much more tedious than making a fixed blade.  First I made the straight razor and used several lessons learned to improve the way I joined the friction folder.  With the friction folder, I found higher success by making each piece on cardstock, cut them out, and then made them work together.

Straight Razor

I have had a razor build in mind for a while. I thought it would be good opportunity to attempt a simple folder. I enjoyed the build, and look forward to applying what I have learned. Hopefully the next one will take less time.
3/16" 1095, 3.25" edge, hollow grind, acid stained. I wanted to keep it clean so I did not use a liner, not sure if that was a mistake. Time will tell.  I altered my tempering process from what I use for knives, in an attempt to have a harder steel that would hold a lower angle edge.  It in fact was ultra-hard, unfortunately a few days later I found two cracks in the edge that could only been seen under magnification.    Live and learn...

 

 

 

Friction Folder

3/16" High Carbon 1095. 3 1/2" Blade and 7 7/8" OAL. Full credit for the idea to Jeff over at BM, I saw that he made some friction folders about a year ago and have wanted to try it myself. I have carried this in my pocket quite a bit.  I think I will want to make more in the future, and maybe transition in to a liner lock at some point, but not anytime soon.  I still have a lot of fixed blades to build...

 

 

New EDC design

I took some design input from a friend and we came up with a new EDC design.  It is intended to be a discrete every day belt knife.  His biggest request was that it be a thin slicer.  I saved a template and plan to downsize it some as well as make a few stretched out versions. 

 

This is the original prototyle.  Red  spacer, torx screws and black canvas micarta handle.  1095 carbon 

 

7.25" EDC, Green micarta handle with blaze orange spacer.  Acid etched finish.  1095 Carbon

 

 

 

Micarta from fire Hose

  I made some Micarta from surplus fire hose.  The yellow fabric is the outer jacket and the white layer is the inner jacket.  The inner white layer was vulcanized to a rubber sleeve. I was able to throw the white section in to the oven at 300f and the rubber sleeve was able to be peeled off.  I used standard fibergalss resin and hardner to make 3 layered micarta.  It seemed to work well and is and the finished material has an excelent "Grip".  I have this material on a few knives now, trying to use/abuse it to raise my confidence in it.  My biggest concern is that because it a semi-impermeable fabric, it may not have absorbed much resin, possibly causing it to de laminate.   Time will tell! 

7.25" OAL.  Yellow from a rasp, White from 3/16" 1095 hight carbon.  Yellow-Not Available  White - Available$150+Ship

Parang

During May I worked on several larger projects.  A Machette has been on the list of upcoming knives, I went with a Parang style.  Also this month, I worked on making my own Micarta for handle material out of surplus fire hose.  Both products are being tested for function and durablilty by the CottarKnife Testlab group. 


12" Custom Parang with green canvas Micarta, from 1/4" bar 1075 High Carbon. $ Not Available

About CottarKnives

After years of following custom knife builders, I finally started building my own knives. I tried to demo and carry as many of them as possible and soon found an immense satisfaction came from letting friends and coworkers enjoy and test my products. At times it has been rewarding to repurpose files, rasps and saw blades. Lately I have enjoyed grinding of flat stock.

I try to draw from my own background and interest for inspiration. I try to include function and purpose while leaning towards a thick overstock of material. My current career as a firefighter and my previous stint in the US Navy probably contribute to my designs. I like 10% of my work to appeal to the eye but 90% to the hand.

The biggest suggestion that I receive about my knives is to use a longer handle. I have large paws and it is very difficult for me to want to extend the handle beyond my palm. It seems like any material remaining is just along for a free ride. Conversely, every inch of blade will be called upon to serve and contribute towards the purpose of the knife.

Most of the knives I have made have been either intended for use hunting of for carry at work. I utilize mesquite or micarta for the hunting knives and generally micarta for the work knives.

CottarKnives is located outside of Conroe Texas.