One of the first tools humans created was the knife. Made from stone, bone, and later metal, it remained a companion from the homestead to the battlefield for centuries. Archeologists have discovered knives dating back thousands of years. Most of them are fixed-blade knives, meaning the blade is connected to a handle, usually wooden. They have also found folding knives, especially friction folding knives. The older specimen was found in Austria and dated around 600 B.C.. Roman soldiers of the 1st century also carried and used friction folders. A friction folder is a folding knife that uses friction to keep the blade closed and requires pressure from the hand to remain open. These type of folders where common worldwide for centuries, and still today remains popular.
Woodsmonkey Banana Peel
The Woodsmonkey friction folder or as it called Banana Peel is a step up of the traditional friction folder most people have in mind. The majority of the friction folders are made from simple materials ,like carbon steel and their handles made of plastic or wood. Traditionally, a friction folder is a low cost knife to build. Unless, you are talking for the Woodsmonkey folder. This folder is made from high quality steel like A2, Aeb-l even 3V! There was a version of magnacut too. Also it comes in different grinds,most common are the flat grind and the scandi grind. The shape of the blade comes in different styles too. You can choose between drop point, spear point, and clip point. There are versions with razor type blade ,and sheepsfoot style blade too. The handles are shaped like a banana and are made from micarta or G-10. The colour palet is endless. The most interesting feauture is the thickness of the handles. It comes either in 3/8 thick or 1/8. The 3/8 thickness provides great control,since it fills the palm better, but weighs more than a folder with a 1/8 thickness. The latter, with its thinner profile, is lighter and more easily adaptable for everyday carry in a pocket.
The knife that I currently own, comes with a spear point, scandi grind A2 blade. The thickness of the green micarta handle is 3/8”. The knife’s overall length is 18cm, when deployed, while the blade’s cutting edge is approximately 5cm. The thick micarta handles provide excellent control and a firm grip even in wet conditions. I have used the knife for feathersticking and making tent pegs; the scandi grind is working great. The A2 steel holds an edge very well. I really like the fact that the lever of the blade that is used for the opening and closing action is not as large as on other models, but smaller. It does provide a great safety measure and offers better carrying ability.
The handles are held together by three screws. Using a flat screwdriver you can unfasten them easily. That allows for a good cleaning of the handles and the blade. A very nice feature that isn’t viable in other friction folders.
The most amazing feature of the Woodsmonkey friction folder is the fact that you can change handles. You can change not only the color option but also the thickness of the handle. You can buy a set of 1/8 orange G-10 handles and change the 3/8 green micarta ones. The Woodsmonkey friction folder is truly a modular folder!
With so many feautures and styles the Woodsmonkey friction folder, took an old and proven design to the 21st century. Visit the woodsmonkey site and you will definetely find a folder taht will fill your needs.