This is not my first wooden pocket knife, but it is my first wooden automatic pocket knife. I have a friend in Covington Texas that makes beautiful custom knives. He made me the first DA auto conversion knife I'd ever seen several years ago and since then I wondered if it was possible to make one from wood. These custom knife makers keep there auto conversion mechanics close to the vest. I couldn't find any serious designs on the inter-webs, but I did run across a video of a guy restoring a Schrade M2 WWII Paratrooper switchblade knife.I like to restore pocket knives with custom wooden scales too and it reminded me that I had one in pretty bad shape somewhere in my shop. I disassembled the M2 and found it utilized a single spring to open the blade and a single button lock, which locks the blade when closed and open because of two notches cut into the pivot point of the blade.When I saw this I got started on prototype for no other reason than to learn what was required to make this happen. I started out with some old pine for the liners and original blade. I used Bois De'arc (Bodark, Osage Orange, Hedge Apple) for the button lock, lock spring and blade spring. The button lock pivots on a pin inserted through the liner.Next I started on the scales made from Walnut. After roughing out the scale I cut an 1/8” inch slice with the bandsaw to use as the top of the scale. I used a scroll saw on the bottom piece to cut out the portion that houses the button lock and spring.It was coming along so well I decided to add a bolster, new blade and badge, also out of Bois De'arc sap wood. I drilled a hole in the top piece of the scale for the button lock, shaped it accordingly then glued the badge to the button lock.After finishing the brass pins I finished everything with shellac using the French Polishing technique. I really learned a lot. Now I know what I'll do differently next time and I can't wait to get started.
This is not my first wooden pocket knife, but it is my first wooden automatic pocket knife. I have a friend in Covington Texas that makes beautiful custom knives. He made me the first DA auto conversion knife I'd ever seen several years ago and since then I wondered if it was possible to make one from wood. These custom knife makers keep there auto conversion mechanics close to the vest. I couldn't find any serious designs on the inter-webs, but I did run across a video of a guy restoring a Schrade M2 WWII Paratrooper switchblade knife.
I like to restore pocket knives with custom wooden scales too and it reminded me that I had one in pretty bad shape somewhere in my shop. I disassembled the M2 and found it utilized a single spring to open the blade and a single button lock, which locks the blade when closed and open because of two notches cut into the pivot point of the blade.
When I saw this I got started on prototype for no other reason than to learn what was required to make this happen. I started out with some old pine for the liners and original blade. I used Bois De'arc (Bodark, Osage Orange, Hedge Apple) for the button lock, lock spring and blade spring. The button lock pivots on a pin inserted through the liner.
Next I started on the scales made from Walnut. After roughing out the scale I cut an 1/8” inch slice with the bandsaw to use as the top of the scale. I used a scroll saw on the bottom piece to cut out the portion that houses the button lock and spring.
It was coming along so well I decided to add a bolster, new blade and badge, also out of Bois De'arc sap wood. I drilled a hole in the top piece of the scale for the button lock, shaped it accordingly then glued the badge to the button lock.
After finishing the brass pins I finished everything with shellac using the French Polishing technique. I really learned a lot. Now I know what I'll do differently next time and I can't wait to get started.