Andre Thorburn Questions

wtlj

wtlj

Joined
Jun 30, 2014
Messages
2,957
The time has finally come to order my very first custom knife. I've had many customs but nothing I've ever had built to my specs directly from the maker.
I would like to ask a few questions on BF before contacting Andre as I've read he has terrible communication.
1. Are his books always open for orders?
2. What's his current lead time?
3. Does he accept PayPal?
4. Does he have someone in the U.S. that takes care of warranty & service issues?
5. What's the best way to contact Andre?
6. What else can I add to my material list below to save back and forth communication with Andre?

After some research Ive put together a small list of details for my knife.

-L36 S (Small frame)
-3.25" M390 blade
-Hand rubbed satin (entire blade & liners)
-Front flipper
-Milled rigid clip (not spring clip)
-Full Carbon fiber scales
-No bolsters
-No file work
-No polished flats/liners

I'm hoping these specs are doable as I can't find even 1 L36 without bolsters and file work. I just want a super simple, no frills, "field grade" knife I'm not afraid to carry.
Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide!
 
Last edited:
andrethorburn@

[remove these brackets and working]

gmail.com

PS. None of his clips are stamped. Either laser or water jet cut and then bend by hand by Andre.
 
Marthinus,
Thank you so much for the response. I was hoping you and/or Blues Bender to chime in!
I obviously used the wrong terminology explaining the pocket clip.
I'd like this one:

Not this one:

What does Andre call that top rigid clip?
Also do you see anything else I'll need to specify to Andre that will stream line my order?
Thanks again


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I have ordered from Andre before and had good communication. All emails were with his wife. I bet he can do what you want and the more specific the better. Unfortunately only he can give you the answer. Not sure if he works with any purveyors or dealers for warranty work. Good luck.
Cheers
 
You will likely be looking at 1-1.5 year lead time. Ask for the milled clip and they will know what you mean.
Both Andre and Marietjie are wonderful people to deal with.They were very helpful and understanding when I asked stupid questions.
Communication can be sporadic at times, but you will always get a reply within a reasonable amount of time.

My first custom was an L36 L lefty. I can't recommend Andre more highly. The quality to price ratio is completely over the moon. I have no doubt that if they were in the US his knives would cost double.

BTW
Not trying to change your mind. Nor am I speaking for him, but I am pretty sure Marthinus can build a knife to those specs..... He's picked up quite a bit from his SA brothers, and is one heck of a maker in his own right.
 
wtlj said:
-L36 S (Small frame)
-3.25" M390 blade
-Hand rubbed satin (entire blade & liners)
-Front flipper
-Milled rigid clip (not spring clip)
-Full Carbon fiber scales
-No bolsters
-No file work
-No polished flats/liners
Click to expand...

What you are asking for is a very basic knife for Andre. He will begin scheduling his Blade Show delivery's in the next few weeks so you should get hold of Marietjie and place your order asap. She might be able to get your knife built in time for Blade.

Andre does all his own warranty work and the only other person he would trust to do warranty work on his knives is Andre Van Heerden who is also in SA. Don't let that concern you as he visits the US regularly and if you have any problems (doubtful) he can take care of them reasonably quickly and get your knife back to you.

I should tell you though that although the milled ridge clip looks nice, its not very practical for daily use. If you are going to edc this knife I would suggest reconsidering that choice.

Let us know how you get on.:)
 
Steven65 said:
What you are asking for is a very basic knife for Andre. He will begin scheduling his Blade Show delivery's in the next few weeks so you should get hold of Marietjie and place your order asap. She might be able to get your knife built in time for Blade.

Andre does all his own warranty work and the only other person he would trust to do warranty work on his knives is Andre Van Heerden who is also in SA. Don't let that concern you as he visits the US regularly and if you have any problems (doubtful) he can take care of them reasonably quickly and get your knife back to you.

I should tell you though that although the milled ridge clip looks nice, its not very practical for daily use. If you are going to edc this knife I would suggest reconsidering that choice.

Let us know how you get on.:)
Click to expand...

Thank you for the response. Who is Marietjie and how do I contact that person?
Yes this will for sure be an edc and I just love the look of the milled clip. So that's more of a collectors option and not actually for use?
 
you couldn't have picked a better knife for your 1st custom.you will not be disappointed. I have only one of his knives, and it is just an incredible work of art. pictures do not do them justice.The polishing, engraving fit finish flipping action is second to none. good luck and I hope you find what your looking for.
 
wtlj said:
Thank you for the response. Who is Marietjie and how do I contact that person?
Yes this will for sure be an edc and I just love the look of the milled clip. So that's more of a collectors option and not actually for use?
Click to expand...

Marietjie is Andre's wife and you will probably be talking to hear when you e-mail your order to him. Marthinus has given you his e-mail address above.

The milled clips look nice but don't have the practicality and retention of the spring clips. As I said if you are going to edc this knife regularly you should consider which one you choose.
 
Steven65 said:
Marietjie is Andre's wife and you will probably be talking to hear when you e-mail your order to him. Marthinus has given you his e-mail address above.

The milled clips look nice but don't have the practicality and retention of the spring clips. As I said if you are going to edc this knife regularly you should consider which one you choose.
Click to expand...

So Andre's wife answers his emails and the milled clip isn't for use but rather pretty looks. Got it. [emoji1303]

Do the clips have the same screw pattern? If so I'll order 1 of each.
 
Good choice!!

I don't have many knives but of the ones I have and I have a few from Rockstead, one from William Henry, two from CRK, and one from Andre Thorbirn. I just received the one from Andre Thorbirn a few months ago. Although I was looking forward to getting one since the beginning of last year, I would say after finally getting one it greatly exceeded my expectations. The finishing and detailing on his knives are nothing less than fabulous. Oh and the action is fabulous as well.
 
I had a massive reply to all your questions and as I was leaving for home and pressed reply I somehow deleted most of it :grumpy:

As others mentioned. The more specific, the better. The more detail in your order, the better. This is the same with placing any order with a knife maker in my experience. It limits any misunderstanding.

wtlj said:
So Andre's wife answers his emails and the milled clip isn't for use but rather pretty looks. Got it. [emoji1303]

Do the clips have the same screw pattern? If so I'll order 1 of each.
Click to expand...

As recommended the more rigid screw is not recommend for EDC. In all honesty, I understand people want a pocket clip to look good, however in my years of using knives I have moved to more spring type clips because they just work better in my experience than the very beautiful clips. But that is my preference.

Only Andre can answer that question regarding the screw pattern. In my visits I have noticed Andre experimenting a lot with pocket clips, screw placement etc and it might vary between these two patterns. So best is to check with him.

Lastly. Here is one of Andres newer clip designs. These work well.

95746_5_n.jpg
 
One of Andres new clip designs, think this might be what you are looking for and from the ones I have seen and handled will be able to work for EDC.

IMG_5665.jpg
 
^^^Now that's what I'm talking about! Perfect clip! What's Andre call that one?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
wtlj said:
^^^Now that's what I'm talking about! Perfect clip! What's Andre call that one?
Click to expand...

I spoke to Andre Van Heerden (Andre Thorburn's partner) last night about the clip and he sent me a pick of this new one. Marthinus beat me to it posting it.
This one has a ball at the retention end and he said that they work really well and look good. So I would include this picture in with your order.:)
 
wtlj said:
^^^Now that's what I'm talking about! Perfect clip! What's Andre call that one?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

As Steven mentioned just include the photo into your email. I dont know what it is called but do know it is a 3D machined clip that works well. Ads some cost to the order of coarse, but what is this hobby if we cannot indulge in what appeals to us? :D

Ps. Looking forward to your thoughts when you get the knife.
 
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