Replies to This Discussion

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on March 30, 2015 at 22:47

"What is a slackner and where to purchase? ......... A slacker is used to set the spacing between the blade and the bolster ......... I make mine out of 0.008” or 0.010” feeler gauges from the local au...."

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on March 30, 2015 at 22:50

" 0.008” slackner - made from feeler gauge"
Use a pair of scissors to cut a slot @ the end of the feeler gauge for clearance around the rivet.

......... under a minute for tool fabrication time.

Permalink Reply by Mike Botts on April 7, 2015 at 9:30

Thanks for the tip!  I've read about the feeler gauge method before, and seen it done on a You Tube video.  But I get so many different answers to a question, that it can get confusing.  I have The Complete Book of Pocketknife Repair by Ben Kelley Jr., And he shows a diagram of a slackner he made with micarta handles pinned on with brass pins like a knife handle.  It's 4" long and 3/4" wide, and made of ,050 "double shear steel" - whatever that is - which tapers down to .015 at the tip, which is 1/2" wide.  It seems the thickness varies with personal preferences.  Do you think The author's elaborate hand made version is more permanent than feeler gauges, and that may be the reason he goes that route?  Do you find that they - feeler gauges - wear out or break and need replacement?  If so, how often does this happen?  Can a person buy just the thickness of blade he needs individually, or do you always have to but an entire set of gauges? 

D ale said:

"What is a slackner and where to purchase? ......... A slacker is used to set the spacing between the blade and the bolster ......... I make mine out of 0.008” or 0.010” feeler gauges from the local au...."

Permalink Reply by tim payne on April 7, 2015 at 13:22

feeler gauges ought to work fine for you mike.  inexpensive and available at any parts store.