any custom knife makers out there who can produce a nice folder for $100?

Kristofer . . . Apologies, I was being a bit naughty there. I know what a postman (and a mailman) is, it's just that where I'm from we don't have such beasts walking our streets. We collect all our mail ourselves from the local post office depot, so there are no postmen to pay.

Regards, HILTON
 
Hilton,
Agreed on all counts. It was one experience, but one that will not be repeated, because "the well is poisoned" from my point of view. Let's get things clear so we don't misinterpret one another.
I would STILL advise anyone who would like to buy a knife made in S.A. to buy it from a U.S. dealer simply as a matter of convienence. Suppose there is a flaw or you simply don't like the knife for whatever reason. The dealer permits a 3 day inspection period (usually) and any issue with the knife is HIS resposibility. (That was something I didn't mention, the knife I ordered was not really what I wound up with). So the buyer has the option of returning the knife for shipping costs...a grand total of $30. If he wants to return the knife to the maker in S.A. he's out $300, and there is no guarantee it will be right on the return trip!!!

FedEx and the other shipper you mentioned are actually SUBSTANTIALLY more expensive than UPS, so you (the buyer) are screwed again. Airpost from S.A. is comparable to UPS rates so why bother? You shipped under "Media Mail" which has a different rate.

U.S. International Postal Money Orders are equivalent to CASH in any country we trade with except those under sanction, so don't try to blame U.S. banks there. It has NOTHING to do with that.

As for "weapon", get real dude! Do you REALLY think I'd tell a maker to label a package "WEAPON"? But it is a knife right? Unless it's "kitchen cutlery" Customs looks at knives as "weapons" and I don't think you can ship a slingshot out of S.A. without "issues".
BTW, technically a uranium fuel rod is a "metal object" so that argument holds no weight.

Finally, I agree that the S.A. makers are REALLY damn good at producing a high quality piece at an extremely reasonable price, just buy the damn thing here and save yourself ALOT of aggravation!
 
looking at what Tom said I can not see a knifemaker selling a custom folder for under $100. Given all the materials that go into it even a basic no frills framelock folder would have at least $60 in materials and that is buying in bulk ( not so easy $$$ wise for the little guy ) plus you add in the belts and misc , lets not forget power and that aint much of a profit.

I can't even see a midtech folder for under $100.

The new guy who doesn't have the top of the line equipment will take longer thus reducing his $ / hr ratio .

While I have not attemted my own blade yet I have done knife mods and I can tell you this , we outta be dam lucky that customs don't go for allot more than they do with all the time involved .

I for one , still think allot of the knifemakers are selling themselves short $$$ wise .

just my $.02
 
marcangel . . . I'm sorry you have been left with such strong feelings, it seems a shame to tar everyone with one bad experience's brush. In your case it is probably a good starting point to look to KnifeArt, BladeGallery, or ACK for South African knifemakers.

Anyway, just to throw in a little temptation here's a photo of two of Brian Geyer's knives, both with m-o-p inlays, the lefthand one in blue carbon fibre (and damasteel blade), the right in micarta. Enjoy!

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/View?u=4130872&a=30759355&p=65456957&Sequence=0&res=high


Regards, HILTON
 
Originally posted by HiltonP
I'm in the throes of doing a purchase with Germany and it is a huge mission. They do not appear to use any form of credit card payment system, and this is a 1st world country?! The bank charges are making up 25% of my bill. PayPal is a very American system, it doesn't operate effectively outside of the USA.
Click to expand...

I recently received a custom that I had made by Günter Böhlke of Germany. He accepted my payment via PayPal. The whole transaction was simple and the transaction costs were no more than for buying from a US maker. And Günter is a wonderful person to deal with as well as being an outstanding maker. :)

--Bob Q
 
Bob . . . I'm pleased to hear it worked for you. I just wish more companies would follow suit. I'm dealing with two international Co's and they will only accept bank drafts or direct transfers, both of which take time and money. At the same time I'm working with a US Co. who accepts MC's, so much easier.

Regards, HILTON
 
.45 Guy, I'm with you. Heck I think it's hard to get a good production knife for $100 let alone a custom one. When you think of the time taken to learn and the cost of machinery and materials, it's surprising that customs don't cost more. I think knifemakers do it for the enjoyment of making the knife rather that to make a lot of money. Yeah some knifemakers make a lot of money but I bet a majority have to work real hard to make ends meet. Heck I'd love to be able to make nice folders. I don't think that I have the skill or the patience to do that kind of work but I really respect those that do. :) ;) :cool: :eek: :p
 
Gary Mulkey makes some nice small lockbacks for around $150 and I have seen a small Liner Lock from David Winston for $135.00. All these knives have blades under 2 1/2" The Mulkey knives have S30V blades and the Winston used 440C.
 
Some of my early folders sold for $150.00 dollars and after subtracting material costs I made 35 cents an hour. Its tough to stay in business with wages like that. I had to raise my prices.
 
Taken from this week's NYC knife show reports . . . "I would say the bargain of the day were the South African makers; they had some beautiful knives for great prices. I picked up a great little Arno Bernard fixed wharnie w/ belly in ATS 34 and warthog tusk with a cape buffalo sheath for $50."

They're out there.

Regards, HILTON
 
Hi,

John Greco is going out of the business due to health problems. If you'd like one of his folders for your father-in-law, visit www.grecoknives.com and get one now. They're going for $75.00. I own one of his fixed blades (wish I had 5) and can vouche for the quality. Hope this helps.

diablero
 
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