Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Emerson Persian Frame Lock Conversion

First job to start off 2009 is this Emerson Persian that I converted from the standard factory liner lock to a beefy .140" thickness frame lock folder. It is 5.6 ounces of beauty here as shown. I've always loved the look of this particular Emerson but long thin lined folders that flex so easily have always scared me even when done by a great manufacturer like EKI. With the slab lock to make this baby more rigid than ever its a lot harder to flex and twist now than the factory clothes can possibly offer. I think it turned out quite well. As usual this one can be put right back to gether just as it came from the factory. Thanks for looking. . STR





7 comments:

Joseph "Doc" Fallon said...

Hello,

My name is Joe Fallon. I am a US Navy Hospital Corpsman (Combat Medic).

A while back, I was given a Timberline 18-Delta from my employer.

It is a nice knife, but the handle is way too thick. Actually, it is the scales that are too thick.
If I sent it to you, would you be able to make a set of thinner scales (Mikarta) and a more sturdy clip?

If you can't, do you know anyone that would be able to.

Thank you!!

Joe Fallon fallonious_monk@hotmail.com

Steve A/K/A STR said...

I'm sure I could and hopefully without modifying the existing hardware but if after making new scales the screws and pivot barrel and other things were too long the only way to make it go together is to shorten those parts which means it would never go back together again as it was shipped.

Vist my forum at blade forums in the makers section or email me and we'll discuss more. The forum has been on and off today with tech. problems with the site but once back up you can visit and find the post top the page titled "read this to mail me work". Its always there on page one.

All you need to get a job to me to help you out is in that post. Thanks for asking
STR

Ramon Daniel C. dela Paz said...

looking at the picture that shows the frame lock engagement with the blade and it looks like the lock does not fully engage the bottom of the blade? is this a partially opened knife or is that really how it was designed

Steve A/K/A STR said...

It is simply called an early lock up. Typically in no time at all the nature of the liner and frame lock by the design is that the lock self adjusts for wear. In the picture that you refer to the knife was opened only lightly and the lock would engage further with a good snap but also I'm sure that even a week after the owner received the folder from me the lock was already moving in a bit better to get behind the blade. That is typical even with factory knives.

You don't want the full lock coming in to be behind the blade on a new knife. Most people would complain about that sooner than what you see in that picture. Thanks for asking.

STR

Ramon Daniel C. dela Paz said...

i see, thanks for the explanation, i tend to pass on emersons where the liner does not fully engage the blade, but i guess now i know better.

Steve A/K/A STR said...

Yes. Well the liner on a frame lock is a bit different than one that is just a bit thicker than a standard pocket clip. I agree that its nice to see the full lock getting behind the blade on a thin liner lock. On a slab frame lock though even in the picture you see and refer to the lock is getting behind the blade for more to support the blade than a thin liner and its just getting started as a new folder lock not even broken in yet. On a slab model once the lock wears to go clear across the blade to the full thickness of the lock most owners are calling the maker or manufacturer to see about getting the lock refreshed so its not doing that anymore. Its just a matter of taste though. I've seen them left that way for years and so long as the blade does not develop vertical play I'd probably leave it alone until it did if it ever did. Thanks for stopping by. Come visit my forum on blade forums and we can discuss it more if you like. STR

Steve A/K/A STR said...

At this link is a picture of one of the hottest tactical folders in the industry at this time, the Hinderer XM-18 folder. Seen in this link is a typical lock up of a new Hinderer considered by many to be the new standard by which to judge all others. I've owned two of these knives myself and although they didn't suit my hand they were indeed flawless. Note the lock up of the slab locks on each of the two shown.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=643880

STR