Update on my progress:
Dieselcheese, if you don't want a friction folder, I'll keep this for myself and send you a puukko that I forged on the same day. Honestly, I couldn't say whether the picture of the hot steel was this blade or the puukko, as they were from the same forging session. But I like this one better.
Here is the trial-fitting of the pieces. I'm using maple for the handle because it is a very stable wood that I know and trust. Not as fancy to look at as some, but I love it for its utilitarian value. Once the handle finish cures, I will work on peening the pins. It may be ready to go as early as Wednesday.
-Patrick