"If I had an Armani suit, I'd where it everywhere"... OR show me your EDC customs

I like the idea of this thread. I have trouble even carrying some of the Northfield branded GECs because they're so nice. I find myself babying the knife instead of using the heck out of it. I still use all my knives though, every single one, if I don't use it, I sell it or give it away.

EDC use is less stressful on a knife than real hard work though, If I knew I had to go clean a drainage pipe or something, I'd probably opt for something easily replaceable.

 

What I learned from having an Armani suit...I love having it, I hate wearing it. It is so expensive that I am paranoid with it on. I'm afraid I'm going to spill something or tear it. It's the same reason I won't buy an expensive 4x4, I would be too afraid to off road it. That is why I haven't pulled the trigger on expensive folders, I don't know if I could overcome my fear that I might lose it. I lost a microtech socom elite and it still stings.

 

I never carry my one custom slip joint. That's why I don't buy any more.

 

I EDC a couple of customs pretty regularly. I work in an office so they don't get used very hard (honestly nor do my modern folders most of the time) but they ride around in my pocket all day and make quick work of any envelope or piece of tape that dare fall in their path.

I've bought a few customs that for one reason or another I just wouldn't carry, so I moved them on to someone else. IMO these knives are amazingly crafted and made with great care but made to be carried and used! (Although I don't own any in the $1,000+ range so I'm not sure how I'd feel about carrying something like that. I'll find out one day ) Here are a few that I carry more than others.

Todd Davison




Ken Coats



Rick Menefee



Nathan

 

I have both of them on me right now.

Menefee.


And Lloyd.


I have another Lloyd on the way and it's going to get used and I have another being made right now.
I also requested to be put on Mr. Menefee's waiting list. If I can get that one, I'll have a great user for hunting season.

 

I don't carry it everyday, but my most carried custom is my Alsdorf trapper.


I've carried my Menefee back pocket for a bit but am not currently. Same with my Coats trapper jack.



Most of my others have been carried a day or two at least. Including this one but it was more of a home carry situation.

 

None of my custom slips is an EDC (Every Day Carry), but they do see regular use as part of a rotation. I tried to show the wear they've picked up, but my photography skills are subpar when it comes to reflective surfaces.



This one is not a slipjoint, but rather a puukko that I like to carry when outdoors.



It's even beginning to pick up the marks of usage. Is that a ding on the bolster?



- Christian

 

I have several custom fixed blades, but only one folder. I have carried it on a few occasions, but I do intend to use it more.

John C. Howser stag and stainless damascus 4" lockback



Something to think about: How many of you have expensive firearms that you do use regularly without even thinking about their value?
I have an Italian over/under shotgun worth about $1,200 that I hunt quail with in very rough country, yet have been leary of carrying my custom lockback in my pocket by itself. Silly, when you think about it.

 

Saw the thread, checked my pockets, found these.

 

I'm glad you posted this picture because I'm having trouble committing to carrying my customs. But these look great. The funny thing is that I really love a knife that shows its' experience.

 

Wow...Ken Coats knows how to make a pointy knife

 

They're knives. They were made to cut stuff. They can't do that from inside a safe.

Edit to add: Oh yeah, Steve, he does.

 

I have one custom that is a true EDC. It's ridden on my hip everyday for the last eight months. I've owned other customs but this is the only one that I've had made for me. I sold the rest. Using a knife doesn't hurt it, so stick it in your pocket.

Ben

P.s. Jeff, I sure like that Howser, really great looking.

Keith Johnson



And one of it in it's home

 

Do have an Armani
Have not worn it in 20 year
Does not fit me any more

Do not have any customs....

I have fine production knives that work well for me
I do not baby them, I just take care of them

 

I carry all my GEC's and several customs. I usually have a Tim Wright sheath knife on my belt everyday. He gets pretty cranky if you don't carry them. I probably have 3-4 of his in rotation, several others stay in a drawer. (I can't imagine carrying a large fighter, for example.) I also have several custom folders that get carried as well.
It's tough when you have a brand new knife and start carrying it, or anything really. For a while I collected watches, and getting that first scratch is tough. I think tools that have been used and cared for are beautiful things. A knife that has been carried for thirty years? Lovely. My Estwing hatchet that I bought forty years ago? Priceless.

 

Let me start by saying I have ZERO interest in some designer la tea da clothing, BUT I do have a lot of interest in custom handmade knives.

I have carried customs all the way up to 3k. Used and sharpened them. As my EDC for long periods. Even let folks borrow them...

Its just a knife and its just money. With that said, I go back and forth and I really do baby my customs a little more.

Its not even the price. Its the fact that you will never get another that is exactly the same for me. I love worn knives but I don't love worn out knives. That makes it easier for me to beat on a GEC that I can get a copy of down the road. Or even 1000$ choppers I have. If I was rich I probably would not care at all about any of this, and I probably wouldn't appreciate what I DO have quite as much

 

I had few customs and sold all of them but one since I couldn't bring myself using them. The one that left is on my rotation.



Oh, I don't have Armani suit though.

Mike

 

I carry this Tim Britton every now and then. I know a lot of people say a more expensive knife won't cut any better....but this custom outslices my production slipjoints by a mile.