Are you like me? - I started with productions and now I crave customs

[dogman]

Like most us us, my knife interest started when I was a kid. I remember having an Old Timer, a Schrade, a Buck, and a SAK (which ones I don't remember).

Once I got into Special Operations in the military, I had a true need for a tactical blade (both fixed and folder). Like most SOF guys, I was happy with whatever the PX had available. First it was Spydercos, then Benchmades. A small percentage of guys carried customs. I still have my SOG Gov't Recon haging on my LBE. My first expensive (in my eyes at the time) piece was a Microtech D/A SOCOM. Being in the type of unit I was in, I carried it on base with no hassles (its cool when your SF one star wants to handle your piece).

Once I put a few bills into a knife, my appreciation for customs grew. I have been trying to build my knowledge base and my collection. Both are growing at a very slow but steady pace. One thing that does turn me on is how friendly and open collectors, purveyors, and makers are. There are very few exceptions to the rule. I love shooting and guns, but talk about a paranoid bunch. Because we are such a small community, I feel the responsibility to turn my friends and acquaintances on to the beauty and functionality of a well put together piece. I bring new knives into work for show and tell. I have people looking at my knife magazines now, that had no inkling as to what a custom knife is. They may never buy one, but they certainly appreciate the craftsmanship.

Now, in the back of my head, is that little voice, "I wonder if I can do that?" I know I am not the only collector to get that feeling. As my knowledge of the community grows, so does my desire to become a more integral part of it. 10 - 15 years down the road, i want to be the smart guy everyone asks questions about. I am in that position in my current industry, and I like the feeling of being respected for my opinion and experience.

Then again, maybe 10 - 15 years down the road, you guys might be picking up one of my hand made pieces.

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Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

 

[maddog2020]

dogman,

I am pretty close to where you are in terms of getting into the customs. I am still in my production knife phase, and have started to seriously look into the custom knives. I would much rather own a few folders than say 30 of them. I own a few custom fixed blade skinners that are essentially users for hunting. It is amazing how much more $ a custom folder is - scary.

A lot of folks buy customs, never user them or even sharpen them. I would love to be in a position like that financially, but chances are I won't be for a while. Sometimes I wonder if my hobbies are just obsessions

.

I try to encourage people to fish, hunt, and shoot at every opportunity. You can never stress enough safety when it comes to firearms, or SHARP knives IMHO. We are the teachers to the youths of the world - hopefully our children will share the same loves we do. Shoot straight and keep em sharp

Ray 'md2020'

 

[HJK]

I prefer to collect customs now, but when I see a great knife, custom or production, I break out into a cold sweat... All the classic symptoms of an addiction

 

[Double Edge Dave]

I bought a Spyderco Endura at a gunshow because that`s what a good pistolero was supposed to carry as part of his self defense equipment.Got a good deal on that Spydie too.From there it evolved into the all consuming passion it is now.My pistols collect dust while I pour over every magazine and website,looking mostly for customs.As it turns out,that little Spydie cost me an awful lot in the long run!
David
AKTI#150