KA Full-Custom Experimental Framelock Folder - The Vulture Eye

Every once in a blue moon, Dave wanders off the reservation and builds a one-off that that ends up being an exploration in a new idea, whether that be a different design, construction method, or mechanical element. Known as an "Experimental", most are one and done never to be duplicated, but almost all of them lend something to the creative process and evolution of future or existing designs moving forward.

In this instance, Dave wanted to explore the idea of creating a way to one hand open a knife that didn't involve thumbstuds, holes or ovals cut into the blade. Sort of akin to a large thumb nick, Dave placed a fuller detail that runs out the front of the blade and essentially creates a shelf that can be engaged with either the thumb or the middle finger on the opposite side for flicking. Challenged in the past by building folders for customers living in countries that prohibit the carry of "one hand opening" knives, one couldn't help but think this method would go largely unnoticed by the "you're not adult enough to have a knife that can be opened with one hand, and we don't mind discriminating against single arm amputees cause it makes us feel good" crowd. *rant off

And so if you're going to do a different element, why not also build a unique design as well? Firmly still in the Kingdom design language, this folder however stands alone. Literally. It will stand up on its tail like a little plinth of deadly "don't mess with me." An angular blade shape, that still incorporates a much appreciated drop belly... the whole vibe of the knife feels very "vulture" looking. In fact, Dave is just calling it the Vulture Eye Experimental (there's a story there about a hunting trip in Africa years ago, but we won't bother you with the details). Just know that Dave giggles a little bit every time he says "vulture eye" in a South African accent, and asks for drops for his dry eyes...

Finished in a two-tone satin and acid-washed finish, the blade has a very bird head with an eye appearance. The added fuller details on the Brass scale are placed in a manner to reference a closed wing when viewed in the closed position (especially if she's standing on end).

Constructed from .187 thick 6al4V titanium, every custom folder is completely hand built by Dave. This one, being no different had its frame first contoured by hand on a slack belt to create a nice rounded CC'd "melted" contour. Both the brass scale and the Ti framelock were treated the same to create a nice feel in the hand. All the Ti wears a wire wheel applied satin orange peel texture, while the brass was first antiqued black then tumbled for a nice antiqued vibe. 

Backspacer and clip are both fabricated from the same titanium, as are the pivot collars. Which in this application, work in conjunction with the pivot and lockbar to double as a lockbar stabilizer and over-travel stop. The "hub cap" pivot is an extremely streamlined and clean way to mechanically stabilize the locking system of a framelock without being obtrusive or overly complicated. Or more importantly, hidden inside of a frame where if it were to work itself loose... the end user would have to take the whole frame apart to tighten up their lockbar stabilizer. The insides should be simple, God knows our personal insides are complicated enough! KISS

Lockup is a solid 20% on face with a clean release from a carbidized lockface. Very flickable and smooth, the blade rides around a stainless pivot and phosphor bronze washers that will provide a lifetime of reliable function. Whether she spends her life in your pocket, or on display in a collection...this folder won't disappoint. 

7" OAL when open

4.125" OAL when closed