A decent custom knife between $600-$800?

K

Kitchen Trout

Joined
Feb 5, 2015
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Hello all, I would like any opinions on a custom folder between $600 and $800. I really like flippers so thats what I'm mainly looking for though I will gladly look into other knife types if I like it enough. And if there are options that cost less I will slso consider them. I know if you really want the good stuff you're going to have to pay over a thousand but I've got to believe there is a reputable knife maker out there that isn't asking for your soul in return for a custom knife. Thanks in advance!
 
Quality, Price, Speed: pick two.

Do you actually want a custom knife, as in, you have input on the design? Because there aren't many good makers out there in your price range with open books right now.

Jason Clark was the first name that popped into my head as he does a lot of flippers (uses IKBS) and is very reasonably priced within your range. Unfortunately it looks like he closed his books recently, until all current orders are complete.

You can find a lot of hand-made knives on popular sites that specialize in re-selling customs but they won't be custom to you, and you'll pay a mark up.

Alan Davis, Chuck Gedraitis and Eliot Maldonado are just a few of the makers that regularly post work in the Exchange here (that make modern-style knives). Chuck is known for his flippers though the other two have a more gentlemanly style.

If you are interested in slipjoints and traditionals then the $600-800 range for customs opens up quite a lot!

Ray Laconico is another great choice but I have no idea how difficult/expensive his pieces are to acquire these days. Three years ago though...
 
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I really like Alan Davis' work. Had one of his bearing flippers that was awesome, especially for the price.
 
Might want to try Tobin Smith, an outstanding value in a custom Imo and probably well UNDER your budget.
 
Ray Laconico's small jasmines cost about USD 800 on the secondary market.

One maker that comes to mind within that price range is John W Smith. He makes presentation folder which can sell for USD 10k, but his utility models go for under 600. His books are open, too, iirc. Currently waiting my name to come up on his list, so I'm not saying this from personal experience, but I heard a number of guys say that he packs a lot more quality, fit, and finish into a USD 600 knife than could be expected.
 
Greg Lightfoot and Pohan Leu are currently taking orders last I checked; they do all the work by hand and will make you a really nice flipper with bells & whistles for the $600-800 range.
 
What about R.J. Martin? good stuff from what I've seen...
 
bronyblacksmith said:
Is he going to be able to find one for less than 1k though?

you may want to check out Todd Begg and Mat Diskin. Not "true customs" but darn close.
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Good point... I confess my ignorance. I thought these prices "starting at" seemed awfully low!! lol

cheapest I can find is actually $1300 +
 
There are 2 custom makers in the forums that can hook you up with an amazing flipper in that price. First is Elliot of efmknives I bought a custom from him, it is the smoothest knife I have ever held. It is on bearings and closes under its own weight. Second is Chuck Gedratis I have had him make me a custom and he walks through every step of the process. He made me a model 1 flipper that was out of sight! If you go to the custom makers section under folders there are a lot of good makers there.
 
Andre Thorburn makes one of the most amazing flippers out today. Comparable to Shirogorov in speed & smoothness. Beautifully designed too. His knives look like they shoulg go for over $1000, but can be found right in the heart of your price range. Pohan Leu also makes one heck of a snappy flipper, and mean looking to boot. just do a youtube search by either name & you will see what I'm talking about.

Thorburn L36 model
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Leu Bluephin model
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I'm pretty sure that Bob Dozier's books are still open. He doesn't do flippers, but his designs are canonical and his pricing is extremely reasonable.
 
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HammerHill said:
I'm pretty sure that Bob Dozier's books are still open. He doesn't do flippers, but his designs are canonical and his is pricing is extremely reasonable.
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I can second a Dozier, great designs and workmanship.

Also while probably not a true custom check out Olamic Cutlery. I just picked up a nice flipper at ECCKS, and since they try to aim for never duplicating an exact design are very close to a true custom in my mind, and right in your range.
 
I know you said custom but, I bought a Reate frame lock new for 200. bucks and it blows away some of my 600. dollor knives.
 
Ok, i got hands on on an El Patron Robertson flipper last night... amazing quality, smooth as butter, detent lock up perfect resistance, and semi thin edge - perfect all the way around. And it's in your price range!
 
Nice. I have a gen 1 patron flipper in 3v. While it is not as fast or smooth as my curtiss f3 it is solid as a rock. I think the patrons have been smoother and more refined with each generation while maintaining their badassness.
 
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