"affordable" customs....

diamdave

diamdave

Joined
Nov 29, 2001
Messages
3,283
I'm always on the look out for 'affordable ' customs, that is small to midrange fixed blades with decent ergonomics and steels, tempers, etc. I've had good success with John Greco and Gary Bradburn, both who make high quality products for under or around $100. Who out there can enlighten me about others of similar ilk?
 
Well, there's always Bob Dozier's D2 utilities and hunters. The way Bob heat treats his D2 blades make them outstanding cutters.

Andrew Limsk
 
Taz!Taz!Taz!

Also, keep an eye on ebay for inexpensive knives sold by the knifemakers themselves.

Dave
 
You can get awsome customs from Geno Denning for VERY good prices..
 
As much as I like Taz (and that does not make a difference), I had to cut out the post.

Sorry, but this is not the place to directly try to garner orders.
Gus

In general I think folks would be surprised at the quality of a working knife they can obtain for under 200.00 if they just ask.
I know that someone was working on an article regarding knives made by ABS Master Smiths on commission for under 200.00. Have not heard of any progress since Blade, but they did have a stack of cards of Smiths willing to take on the job.

The first that comes to my mind is Ed Caffery. There are others but Ed makes a very fine knife no matter what the price and at times he makes a batch of inexpensive ones. I would also check with guys like Ray Kirk and the Dozier suggestion is another good one.
 
If you find a show near you and walk around you will find lot's of good Customs in the $100 to $200 range and many of the makers will have excellent Fit and Finish.
 
Bob Dozier
Scott Cook
Geno Denning
Larry Page
Wayne Hendrix
Ross Norfleet
Some of Al Polkowski's stuff is fairly reasonably priced IMHO.
Dan Warren
 
I just did a review of a nice custom folder I picked up for $250 here.

That's a sale price but it's a bargain IMO.

I also have a nice Mike Irie fixed blade I paid about $120 for.

Crawford makes a couple in the $100 range. They have a utility neck knife I'm thinking about for $89.

Also may check out Dick Atkinson.

Arno Bernard makes some wonderful small fixed blades for under $100. I met him at a local show a few weeks ago and he's a very nice fellow as well..
 
If you like slip joint folders, then Gary Crowder does excellent work for the money. I just recently bought a sing blade minitrapper with fully file worked liners for $150.00. It is a beautiful knife that will be a daily carry. Big D1
 
Taz has one in progress for me at $100. I also have a Dozier K-1 (now $145), and at the BAKCA show a couple of months back I bought 3 (one each for around $120) from Jo Lynn Dawson, B.F. Fraley (not Graley as first posted), and Barry Posner. I think going to a local show is the best way to see and compare these "lower price" customs. All of these were small fixed blades (3.5" blade or so). The Lynn is the fanciest fixed blade I own now, an upswept skinner with nice file work on the spine and a very innovative handle.

If you are looking for something a little tougher like a 5" (blade) survival knife for $150, have a look at knives from Newt Livesay.
 
Don't forget the international knifemakers. Some of the non american knifemakers ofer a lot of bang for the buck. Take a look at Ivan Campos, The boys from Korth, Dobruski, etc. Knives of that quality would cost more if made here.
 
Sorry, Gus..i was trying to give examples of what would be around $100 from me in terms of materials, steels, tempers and styles and stuff. Guess I can't describe any stuff in terms of what someone is asking for to give examples and say email me if they want to know more...
 
Keith Coleman makes some great knives at excellent prices and I think Geno Denning has some of the best bargains in the industry.
 
I have stag handled knives around $100 from, Mike Irie, Russ Easler and David Manley, all beautifully done. Max Burnett and Mike L6 Cooper also give you a lot of knife for the money.
 
Lately I have been discusiing a knife with Bill Buxton. The price he gave me for a forged knife of incredible quality was lower than I thought possible. Take a look at his knives before the price starts to go up. I can't believe they will stay this much of a bargain for to much longer.
 
Mike Irie
mike_irie_sport_300.jpg


Murray Carter
murry_carter_neck_ironwood_.jpg


Mike
 
Originally posted by matthew rapaport
at the BAKCA show a couple of months back I bought 3 (one each for around $120) from Jo Lynn Dawson, Gary Graley, and Barry Posner.
Click to expand...

Is that another Gary Graley? I didn't think the one I know had made that many knives, and if he had been at the show I would have spotted him for sure!
 
Originally posted by matthew rapaport
...couple of months back I bought 3 (one each for around $120) from Jo Lynn Dawson, Gary Graley...
Click to expand...

Huh? Oh it must be my long lost twin!
Otherwise I'm not sure what knife that could be as I can count the one's I've made on one hande and know where most of those are at any given moment, so this threw me when I read it???

Strange things are a foot at the Circle-K ;)

G2
 
Check out Doug Mondt, too. He's making some small fixed blades that are well within that price range, in a variety of steels. I just got a little 10V fixed blade from him a week ago (it's the one pictured on his knives available page) that I'm very happy with. It won't be the last, and I especially like the look of his "Rifleman":)
http://www.mondtknives.20m.com/
 
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