Advice on commisioning a big knife

MVF

MVF

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I think I'm about to actually commision a knife. I do have a few customs, but they were purchased "off-the-shelf" sort of speak- either off a table or from photos. I would appreciate any advice you can give me on this process so I know what to expect when dealing with a maker.

What I want is a Bowie-shaped competion knife to be used as an all-around camp knife- or would that be a Camp knife made like a competition knife that looks like a Bowie? Anyway, I'm sure you get the idea! Is there anything I'm missing that makes this idea impractical?

I would also like to ask for recommendations as to makers that do a lot of this type/size of knife and would be as far under $1000 as possible. I am pretty much expecting the maker will decide which of the steels he likes to use would be best for this knife, and would like it to be a maker with some experience (& if possible in my price range, success) with competitions.

Thanks for any help, Mike
 
draw a picture of what you think you want, show it to a maker of your choice. If he says something that gets you more excited about your design, go with him.
 
Lin Rhea would be my first choice as he meets all criteria for giving you just what you want, including price. You will have to be patience though as that's the first attribute required for successful commissioning of custom knives. Their are other makers of course that also fit the bill.

http://www.rheaknives.com/
 
A number of makers produce knives in this style. A first bet might be to look for such examples and find one you like, then approach that maker about building you something similar.

A $1k limit opens up a number of options for this kind of knife, depending on how fancy or how plain you want it.

There really are a number of options. Depending on where I placed price as a priority, makers I would consider include (in no particular order):

Bailey Bradshaw (he made a forged CPM 3V cutter for someone on here - Doug?)
Dan Farr (not sure his list is open at present)
Burt Foster (his blue collar camp knife is a raging bargain)
Kevin Cashen
Tai Goo
Craig Camerer
Lin Rhea
Brion Tomberlin
Shawn Ellis
Matt Lamey
Don McIntosh
Tommy Gann
Brett Gatlin
Sam Butler
Jim Crowell
Dan Winkler
Reggie Barker
Tommy Gann (big talent and big value in a forged blade right now)

And some pics for you:

Barker:
orig.jpg


Farr:
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Crowell (Thomason photo):
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Foster:
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McIntosh:
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Cashen:
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Rhea:
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Foster:
orig.jpg
 
Most of the competiton knives that I have seen from ABS makers that have actually done well in the various cutting comps would be getting pretty close to your price limit and sometimes exceeding it. Making competition knives apparently requires a bit more heat treat/tempering voodoo and the attendant labor time to get that perfect balance between extreme sharpness and toughness. You probably don't need a knife quite so "perfect" unless you are planning to enter competition. There are not too many opportunities to cut seven water bottle with one swing in the woods.....lol. There are definately a lot of guys on that list who would make a field knife like you want without killing your bank account. I own knives by Jim Crowell and Craig Camerer and have been very pleased with both.
 
RogerP said:
Bailey Bradshaw (he made a forged CPM 3V cutter for someone on here - Doug?)
Click to expand...
Good memory,Roger.
It was Bailey's '06 Competition Cutter which he ended up being too busy to use and put up for sale here,I was just lucky enough to snag it before anyone else. :o

Kevin,
Good advice about Lin,IMO. :thumbup:
He's working on a big blade for me. :D

Lots of fine makers out there! :cool:


Doug
 
Thanks guys, and a special thanks to RogerP for the list and pics. I have 2 knives by Burt Foster, a Personal and a Damascus Blue Collar, so I know I like his knives, but I was hoping to branch out a bit. Also, I expect he will be very near if not over my price limit.

There was Bowie by Matt Lamey posted recently that I REALLY liked, but he never followed up with pictures when I contacted him, so he's probably busy. I also don't know if he has any competition experience. I'm just really sold on the idea of a chopper that can still cut that well- even though I'll probably never have to cut those 7 water bottles!

I just checked Kevin Cashen's website (what an education!). It says he is no longer accepting orders : (
 
Now this is an interesting thread!
So how would you rate a comp blade for military use?
Something that holds its own and can be counted on not to break?

BTW I am in love with Nielsons blades and Matts Bowie's. I just don't know how well damascus holds up to field use? I can't justify buying a knife and not using it!! It at least has to see combat once (or twice);).

The other hard part is justification to "Household 6 aka Wife" and waiting time since justification would ensue deployment orders which means a very short reaction time for a builder and Nielson's price for the Midnight Rider $700 would be my very max. Life is hard:(, I just need to win the lotto!!!:D
 
and I can't forget Ray Laconico's knife!!


I just need to win the lottery or somehow set up a secret bank account!
 
Scott Gossman can get you a great camp knife, as well as a good looking knife, at a very good price. Check out the Makers for sale area too, lots of guys with good prices.
 
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