Best sources for custom slipjoints and slipjoint makers?

Sisusari

Sisusari

Joined
Jan 29, 2016
Messages
593
Hey all,

The traditional bug has bit me bad, and I'm really interested in looking for custom slipjoints and custom slipjoint makers. However, I'm not really sure where to start, what some good sources/groups are in order to find those kinds of knives for sale. If you have any leads or advice, its very much appreciated.
 
The biggest draw custom slipjoints have is the ability to have it the way you want -- pattern, blade steel, covers. So it's straight to the maker for me.
 
kamagong said:
The biggest draw custom slipjoints have is the ability to have it the way you want -- pattern, blade steel, covers. So it's straight to the maker for me.
Click to expand...

In that case, how do you suggest discovering new makers, other than keeping your eye open on the forum?
 
You might consider signing up for A.G Russell's "Cutting Edge" catalogs. There are usually a fair amount of traditional folders and fixed blades offered that were made by various custom makers. If I'm not mistaken, A.G. should be posting up a new catalog soon but the previous one should still be active too. It's a computer generated document that you can view and/or download so you don't have to wait for a catalog to show up in the mail. I've never bought anything from The Cutting Edge yet but every time I view it I see several that I would like to own.
 
Many, but not all, custom makers are members of The Knifemaker's Guild. You can see a list of custom makers on the website but I don't think there is any indication of what type of knives they make. Perhaps you could contact someone at The Guild and ask for a list of traditional knife makers. Then do your own research from there.
 
Know what patterns/steels/covers you want. Know what "accoutrements" you want. Some makers are famous for different patterns. Do you want these patterns to put in a display case, or in your pocket? Will the knife be just for special occasions, or for hard work?

I would love to have nice bone or wood covers on my customs, but I only have two that have red bone covers, both from Dr Taber. A Zulu I commissioned and an LC I traded into.

Remember most important of all, makers are normally a one or, very rarely, two man operation. They may have someone behind the scenes apprenticing with them, or just helping them out. They don't always have free time to chat or email/msg about knife patterns, they need to get back to work. Not rude, just fact of life. I normally get caught up discussing knives and patterns etc with makers, and have to make a concerted effort to let them get back to work.

If you want a maker to produce a pattern that was created/refined by another maker, ensure the maker you've commissioned the pattern from, has permission to make their version of that exclusive pattern. Trust me on this one. Odds are, the maker will have thought of this already.
 
Several dealers, I'm not sure if they are Dealer Members on BF, have lists of all of the custom slipjoint makers names they've sold.
 
There are plenty of dealers that sell custom slipjoints. Google custom slipjoint knife and they'll pop up, then you can browse the sights to discover new makers/gather ideas on what you like.

Nathan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top