Advice needed on a custom maker for a folder

[iht@intekom.co.za]

Dear all,
I am looking for advice on a custom maker who could do me a folder with the following specs
Blade length 4.25 - 4.5 inches.
Hollow or preferably flat ground. I like a wide but thin blade, this gives good strength but a very thin edge I think for first class cutting
Recurve shape (this is non negotiable)
Spydie like serrations on first 40% of blade (ie closest to handle) - again non negotiable
Thickness .125 - .165 (thinner is better)
S30V to around 60/61 rockwell
Titanium handles with or without inlays
easily taken apart for cleaning(very important)
Framelock - obviously with at least fit of Sebenza
Phosphor bronze washers
preferably with a bushing a la sebenza (but I know this is a difficult one as few do it)
tip up or tip down carry but prefer tip up

I came up with these after using a Sebenza and a 710HSSR for a couple of months and I guess the above is a fusion of the two for my particular uses which involve not only general every day use bu also a fair bit of work light to medium pruning in the garden and I have found the recurve with serrations to be superb for this - the 710 really shines here. I would like a little extra length though for some more cutting power for slicing.

I would be most grateful for your advice - I have contacted a few makers but I am slowly crystallising my ideas and am in no hurry - though sometime next year would be ideal for an eta.

Cost - I guess $500 would be about right

 

[Scott Dog]

Boy, that sounds like a tough bill to fill. The recurve blade with serrations might be tricky. Shooting from the hip I would say that John W. Smith and Pat Crawford come to mind and also RJ Martin.
Good luck!

 

[arawn]

What about Matt Cucchiara?
While I've never seen serrations on his folders, other than that they look to fit the bill.


Good luck,
B.

 

[iht@intekom.co.za]

Scott,
thanks for the reply, yes its quite a picky specification, but surely part of "custom" is getting exactly what you want - within the bounds of the reasonable and possible. Not too many things in life can be had like that - but perhaps knives are one of those.
I have been in contact with RJ Martin and really like his Avenger, but he can't do the serrations at present. I am working on a few other possibilities, but if nothing fits the bill then I get to keep $500 so that's a good incentive to keep looking for what I really want.
I do think too many designs are focused on the tactical myth - knves made too thick and hence inferior cutters, though of course if thats what people want thats what gets made.

 

[A T Barr]

Recurve shape (this is non negotiable)
Spydie like serrations on first 40% of blade (ie closest to handle) - again non negotiable

Your going to have a problem with this request. The recurve shape is no problem. The serrations would have to be hand filed to fit the contour of the recurve. A lot of makers can file decent looking serrrations, but they will not cut (IMHO) as well as serrations ground with a wheel. A large company like Spyderco can afford such a wheel for a specific blade.

Most makers can not justify that expense. And, since most of us hand cut and grind our blades, that wheel would not work on the majority of our blades.

If you can find a maker that uses CNC, then you should get what you want.

Good Luck,

A.T.