An old "newbie" recently bitten by the knife bug

[Dan of Bazz Clazz]

I think as far as folders go everyone should give Spyderco a try

For fixed blades, Fiddleback forge and maybe Carter Cutlery (Murray Carter) would probably fit your fixed blades list

Both good! Carter makin' them the Japanese way. Not a bad tradition to follow.

 

[Dan of Bazz Clazz]

Take a look at AG Russell, DLT Trading, knives ship free, knife connection websites and you will see a lot different styles and makers. Google the maker or styles you like. If you like loveless style there will be some for you. Bark river has many traditional styles. Small to huge. I like the ones I have. More available than some makers, lots of handle materials. I have only had issue with some small handlesizes in some models. Same with a Surls I picked up. So I watch handle sizes. Sounds like you will want to watch that but in the other direction. The BRK founder has some critics from what I read mostly based on stories about a business mess years back and some issues that folks thought was overheating during grinding at some point. I have not seen any issues myself, I am no expert though. Russell usually has Dozier or Dozier like, always some loveless-style. This forum has lots of information and opinions. Learned a lot here. After reading a bit you can decide what to try out and whether to buy new or secondary market. The exploring is part of the fun to me.

Couldn't agree more. It is all in the hunt, very little in the actual kill. Knives Ship Free stoked my bon fire recently. Learned a lot there so far. Mostly learned that I am too poor to have another hobby. Particularly this one! lol

 

[Methuselah]

Ya, That's what I'm talking about!

I thought so having read yer post.. i've a list of makers i like(about 20) after i joined up w/ bf. i thought i should buy a 2x72 belt sander and start pumpin em out. then i continuted research on this site and decided at my age i'd better let those w/ real skill and trainning and knowledge and experice do what they do as i could never make a living at it .. i do love so many talented makers here on bladeforums. i'll dig up the list if you like ..
i hope OP that you consider a paid membership (gotta post pics) it is so worth it, so many great people to meet.
here a pic of a modded Fixed blade hunting knife you may find..

 

[Dan of Bazz Clazz]

Would love to get that list.
I have no illusions that I could be a knife maker. While I certainly have the technical and mechanical skill sets, to do it, I have neither the time, the room, the tools, or the desire. And probably not the patience. I likewise prefer to appreciate the skills and artwork generated by others who have honed their craft. I may someday dabble a bit with a "Kit" knife or two, but I don't see it going any further than that.

I do have a knife around here somewhere that my grandfather made. He was a DIY'er. But he probably over-estimated his abilities, on a host of things. The knife is of no use to anyone, even as a tent stake. But it is a connection for me to a man I never met. His homemade boat cost his life on it's maiden voyage. Almost took my dad with him, long before he was my dad. Life jackets folks!

Anyway, I'm having fun looking, and coveting. I know a few makers I will be buying from in the future. But I am now on the lookout for what else is out there. Some I really love the look of, but the $ is way out of my tax bracket. Rockstead in Japan comes to mind. Very unique, but if I was going to shell out money like that it would either be for a Loveless, or because I hit a lotto jackpot. If I did, they have 2-3 I would grab pretty quick. lol

I'm going to have to start looking for some shows to go to. Already aiming towards the shot show. I have a lot more experience and connections in the fishing world. And while they have a couple of knife dealers exhibit every year, they are mostly the "pick 3 for a buck" type of thing. If you or anyone else knows of good shows to check out in California, particularly So Cal, I'm all ears.

 

[Methuselah]

The knife is of no use to anyone, even as a tent stake.

it's tough to get me laughin that hard...thats hilarious

 

[adamlau]

California Custom Knife Show in OC and The Gathering in LV.

 

[mqqn]

Welcome to the forum.

You might want to check out JK Knives - he has a special this month on a knife that you might like, and he will modify any of his designs to suit.

http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/july-special-offer.1491404/

best

mqqn

 

[22-rimfire]

I have always had a fondness for Bob Dozier's knives. AG Russell sells a lot of them and you can get them through Dozier or at a show. Smaller hunting oriented fixed blades are their forte. I usually buy at the Blade Show just about every year.... something. But have purchased from AG.

Dylan Fletcher makes some very good knives. He has his own sub forum in the custom maker area. Lots of good custom makers and the smaller knives sell the best and hence they are the most cost effective and plentiful.

 

[Methuselah]

Would love to get that list.

I finally found "that list" so here you go ...

Also Dan, the reason I started the list was that I fell head over heels for Bill Bagwell's Hells Belle Bowie (16.5"). so I bought that and a Gambler made with Mr. Bagwells permission by Ontario Knife Company. (pitured).

 

[barmettlerjosh]

Chris reeve nyala is basically the the fixed blade equivalent to the sebenza

It is a Beautiful timeless hunting knife design and probably has some of the best fit and finish in the business

 

[P2P]

Small Inkosi Or 21

Chris Reeve

 

[Dan of Bazz Clazz]

I finally found "that list" so here you go ...

Also Dan, the reason I started the list was that I fell head over heels for Bill Bagwell's Hells Belle Bowie (16.5"). so I bought that and a Gambler made with Mr. Bagwells permission by Ontario Knife Company. (pitured).

Many thanks. Looks like I have my research work cut out for me!. Nice looking knives you have there. I like the unsheathed one there in the middle.