$3,495? Just trying to learn why

91bravo said:
Lon Humphrey makes beautiful, functional working tools!
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Agreed! That one was a little over $300, 52100, and he did all the work... hand forged, ground, finished, etc... And he's a great guy that talks with his customers; I've got nothing but good things to say about him.
 
I've met him before, standup kinda guy. I had one of his Whitetail models that I used to gut, skin and quarter deer up during hunting season. I really miss that knife!
 
91bravo said:
I've met him before, standup kinda guy. I had one of his Whitetail models that I used to gut, skin and quarter deer up during hunting season. I really miss that knife!
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I think there are more to be found at DLT and KSF; although, he may be making more in 52100... which would be pretty great. I have a few from him--his forged 3v Kephart is an amazing knife.
 
91bravo said:
The Kephart is one that I need to pick up. I like the style, but have never owned a Keppie before, so I think I'll double down on one soon!
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you will not regret it:

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Aias said:
you will not regret it:

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That's such a beautiful blade. Being a knife nut for so long, I can't believe I've waited all this time to even start looking at Kephart style blades. I did get to hold an original Horace Kephart knife at the Becker booth at last year's Bladeshow. Evidently, Ethan Becker owns one of the original Kepharts that Horace made way back when. It is such an iconic knife in the knife world! So much so, that many makers have their own rendition of the Kephart.
 
91bravo said:
That's such a beautiful blade. Being a knife nut for so long, I can't believe I've waited all this time to even start looking at Kephart style blades. I did get to hold an original Horace Kephart knife at the Becker booth at last year's Bladeshow. Evidently, Ethan Becker owns one of the original Kepharts that Horace made way back when. It is such an iconic knife in the knife world! So much so, that many makers have their own rendition of the Kephart.
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That's pretty awesome--it would be hard to give back, once in hand!:D
 
Wow, thanks for mentioning Humphreys 3v kep - the pricing on them right now is only about 250 - Love the selection on wood also... cocobolo vs curly maple vs ironwood (also in micarta). Do you all like the heavy black forgings more or the variants with the lighter (less) black forgings? (pics below) ... I find I can't decide which I like more!
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Even just comparing time and overhead - say plumber or auto mechanic to custom knife maker. Local plumbers are charging in the $65.00 to $85.00 per hour - auto mechanics pushing $135.00. Me, as a custom woodworker i.e., furniture builder/cabinet maker and designer of same - with a full shop of overhead and 30+ years of experience - am tapping out what the market will bear at $ 58.00 to $62.00 p/hr. Add materials (parts) to the equation.

Does a custom knife maker of the caliber of Brend, or Lon Humphrey design and build a custom knife in 60 hours - maybe 40 or 100 hours? At $ 48.00 per hour and factoring (I'm guessing) the low side of a 40 man hour custom + materials has to be + $ 2,000.00. Easy to see a knife being a $ 3,600.00 product.

There is the high value of the art of great custom work of any kind but business realities must be considered otherwise the artist is working for public service. At that point these guys should just be creating their masterpieces for friends and family because they love it - keep their day jobs.

Not presenting here the normal take on this conversation but I think a valid perspective. Just sayin'.

Ray
 
One more thought...
The Brend knife in the OP costs that much because of the name on the blade.
It is a Brend. Mr Brend is not only a long time, established knife maker but and elite knife maker as well.
His name on the blade is a guarantee of resale value. A name that is recognized by knife collectors worldwide. Internet, pre internet and without internet.

Any one that can't see the difference between a hand rubbed blade and a belt finished blade really needs to take one of their knives (preferably one with a blackticle coating ;) ) and put a hand rubbed finish on it. Make it look like Mr Brend's knife. By hand.
I guarantee you'll appreciate the work a whole lot more.
 
it's like painting, you know, some value over 1 million dollars and if i'd do the same, i would be lucky to sell it for 10 bucks.

I would make this blade (and god knows i will never be able to do 1% of the work there is on this blade), it would value maybe like 700 dollars.
 
If I billed for time in addition to matrails (and electricity, abrasives, and other consumables)... I'd be making way below minimum wage.
 
If you're asking based strictly on functionality, they do the same things, but a new Hyundai and a new Lamborghini will both drive someplace, too.
 
Would any of you EDC a $3500 knife for regular to hard use?

Just curious as I would expect many of these “custom masterpieces” spend their lives in safes or display cases....
 
SharpieB said:
Would any of you EDC a $3500 knife for regular to hard use?

Just curious as I would expect many of these “custom masterpieces” spend their lives in safes or display cases....
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I would. I've EDC'd and used/abused the most expensive knife I've ever purchased... A full custom DDR AXD ($2300).
 
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