Arkansas Toothpicks or Daggers?

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Sid Post

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Oct 14, 1998
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What sort of Arkansas Toothpicks or Daggers are available that compete pricewise with the factory knives? Or put another way, if you had $500 or less to spend where would you look if a Boker AF variant was not in your future? I'm looking at the Harsey editions of the Boker AF which seem to be priced in the same range as a real handmade knife. FWIW, I'm looking for something to carry and 'use' and not a pure collector piece. Ideally, it would be Texas legal for normal carry so I don't run into legal issues if I go 'off property' down the road a ways to my friends place.
 
Hi Sid,

Not EXACTLY sure what the question is.

The Boker USA A-F knife in the original configuration(black lexan handles, brass guard, bead blasted ss(440C in this case) is right around $200.00 street, which is not near what a custom version costs.

The Harsey made piece(which is a completely handmade knife) is selling on the aftermarket for around $1,400.00, which if that is what you are looking at, is not gonna be a user. They originally sold for about $400.00.

If you wanna spend $500.00 or less, look at a Randall Model 2, or a Spartan Blades Les George designed V-14 Dagger. There are probably a number of makers(Bob Appleby or TK Steingass come to mind as possibles) that could produce a slab scaled dagger ground knife for that price point if so motivated.

Happy hunting.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Yes, the normal Boker AF in 440C is a bit spendy. The Harsey editions from Boker are $375 and $450 MSRP.

After doing some forum and web searches, I didn't really turn up much in terms of a good dagger. I found a ton of cheap 'mall ninja' versions but, nothing in the sub-$500 price range that was handmade/custom. I was thinking that there are probably some pretty good custom knifemakers that could or do make daggers in the Boker AF ~$200MSRP range that might be a good option.

440C is a good enough steel but, I'm not a huge fan of the handle scales. I was hoping I could find a nice AEBL, S30V, 154CM or, similar dagger in the ~5" range with Micarta or stabilized wood scales at a similar or competitive price point. The Boker Harsey editions are well beyond my price range however so, unless I score something secondhand my next best option is a Journeysmith or custom knifemaker that isn't backlogged beyond all reason.
 
Kohai999 said:
<snip>
If you wanna spend $500.00 or less, look at a Randall Model 2, or a Spartan Blades Les George designed V-14 Dagger. There are probably a number of makers(Bob Appleby or TK Steingass come to mind as possibles) that could produce a slab scaled dagger ground knife for that price point if so motivated.

Happy hunting.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...

Wow! That is a beautiful knife. It is a bit spendy for me right now but, a man can dream can't he?

Spartan Blades Les George designed V-14 Dagger

Spartan_George_V-14_Dagger_LRG__68747.1445615946.1027.677.jpg
 
You are going to be AWFULLY hard pressed to find a maker willing to build a dagger ground knife and work in the materials listed for $200.00. Good luck!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Thanks! I saw a ~4" one a while back with nice wood and a Kydex sheath for $150 so it might happen but, I also expect it be more than $200 for what I want. It never hurts to ask because there may be someone out there I am not familiar with that does this sort of work for a reasonable price.
 
I'll date myself by saying I was a fan of the Gerber Mark 1. They can still be acquired on the bay; though finding them in great condition at a decent price isn't as easy as it used to be. The presentation model has a wood handle... and the 35th anniversary version is S30v with g10; though it didn't strike the same chord with me that the originals did.
Nostalgia?

I've eyed the Spartan V-14 many a time...but I've always talked myself out of it. (My state has some unfortunate knife laws)
 
Yes, double edged blades and blade lengths can be an issue in some jurisdictions while not in others. I wish I had picked up a Gerber Mark I or II back in the day but, I saw no need nor practicality. My how things change over time .....
 
Been a fan of ALL the Gerber dagger ground knives, the Mk series and the Guardian series. All of 'em have that danged aluminum handle, cold and prone to scratching. G10 is a major handle material improvement.

I have the President's set in stag and brass, which has been lacquered...it's lovely to look at, but heavy.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
How big a knife do you need?

One of my favorite daggers is the "The Kid" A early 80's Ka-Bar model. Small in size at about 6 3/8"

My rehandled one, but available on Ebay (when listed) in micarta or faux pearl handles

Model 2751

DON

KB2751.jpg
 
I know this is the Custom subforum, but I believe it's in place: Why not consider some good quality, classic and really well made older production pieces? As the aforementioned Gerber, some companies did make precious and effective daggers in the past.

I'd recommend taking a look at older Al Mar models, as well as the most excellent discontinued PEACEMAKER from Cold Steel, and their newer MAA Offerings (medieval dagger, Italian dagger, etc.) which are production pieces handmade in India like Windlass' and similar companies do nowadays. Do not fool yourself, these are not toys but lethal and deceivingly quick, neat looking blades.

For modern options, looks-wise you could check the Extrema Ratio Operativo, Extrema Ratio Supressor, Boker Swiss Dagger and Spartan V14

Good luck!
 
paneraica said:
How big a knife do you need?

One of my favorite daggers is the "The Kid" A early 80's Ka-Bar model. Small in size at about 6 3/8"

My rehandled one, but available on Ebay (when listed) in micarta or faux pearl handles

Model 2751

DON
Click to expand...

I have one of those....it defines "back up" knife.

It would never be my primary carry..i have easier to carry and deploy folders with blades close to or over 4" blades.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
Hi Sid,

Not EXACTLY sure what the question is.

The Boker USA A-F knife in the original configuration(black lexan handles, brass guard, bead blasted ss(440C in this case) is right around $200.00 street, which is not near what a custom version costs.

The Harsey made piece(which is a completely handmade knife) is selling on the aftermarket for around $1,400.00, which if that is what you are looking at, is not gonna be a user. They originally sold for about $400.00.

If you wanna spend $500.00 or less, look at a Randall Model 2, or a Spartan Blades Les George designed V-14 Dagger. There are probably a number of makers(Bob Appleby or TK Steingass come to mind as possibles) that could produce a slab scaled dagger ground knife for that price point if so motivated.

Happy hunting.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
Click to expand...



I can tell you from experience that Bob Appleby does top grade work.. I have had about 8 customs made by him over the last 5 yrs or so.. He is Numbah #1 as far as I am concerned as the individual who can put to realism the ideas that the voices in my head puts out.. He has made knives for me with the steels that range from D2 to my last two which were S35vn.. Needless to say I am very happy to see what I get from him..
 
I have this one from Gravelle Knives who trade here on the Exchange from time to time. Its not super expensive but not production prices either. Custom knives cost more, and so they should as each one is made by hand, one at at time. Steel is CPM-3V and scales are green canvas micarta. Its around 9 inches overall and blade length is 4 inches.

005_zpsfneb5ryc.jpg


006_zpsrsuy6g6b.jpg
 
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