Veteran knifemaker Ralph A. Turnbull, has invented a totally new type of slip joint folder. He has completely
eliminated the back spring with the function of the spring now being done by a magnet. Not just any magnet but a Neodymium (NdFeB) magnet that is not only much stronger than a
conventional magnet but it is also permanent, that is, it does not grow weaker with age.
I had long been fascinated with magnets and magnetism but it was not until I discovered the ready availability of really powerful rare earth magnets that I considered the possibility of
using magnetism to provide a way to control the blade action in a slip-joint folder. After trying a large number of magnets of different sizes and shapes, I found that the blade could be
retained in the closed position and when opened, the blade could be held in that position also--all by correctly positioning a single magnet. The magnet is stationary and only the blade
moves. The blade, in fact, is the only moving part in the knife! stated R. A. Turnbull
Mr. Turnbull assigned the manufacturing rights to the Spyderco Knife Company of Golden Colorado and they have produced the knife to Turnbull'ss design. It features top of the
line, high tech materials, titanium liners with handle scales of carbon fibre and the blade steel is Crucibles CPMS30V stainless steel. Spyderco has named the knife the T-Mag (Turnbull magnetic) and his actual signature has been etched onto the blade. The T-Mag's'swas featured on the cover of Knives
Illustrated magazine on their December 2006 issue.
Spyderco has just started shipping the knives to their dealers world wide. With several countries outlawing pocket knives with locking blades, the T-Mag is expected to have a strong
overseas
market.
Turnbull Knives will be attending The Blade Show & International Cutlery Fair at the Cobb Galleria Center, Marietta, GA June 8-10, 2007.
For further information regarding the T-Mag Mr. Turnbull can be contacted thru his web site at www.turnbullknives.com.