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- Mar 19, 2007
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This picture is from Bill's Website and is not my property.
Bill's Custom Cases Multi Knife Case Review:
Background:
I am not sure where this review belongs, but as it all holds Outdoor Gear for me - I will be putting it in this section.
I have been amassing a small collection of knives for some time. I try to limit my knives to only those I use - but I have a few that I simply cannot part with at this point - and they do make their way into the rotation - just not as often as I would like.
I live in Houston, Texas - which if if it known for anything - it is known for its humidity. I stored my knives in my sheaths and in plastic boxes for some time - but I was never happy with how I was storing my knives - they often were often gathering moisture and getting small pits. I was not happy with any of my storage methods.
I thought abut making my own knife roll (perhaps out of canvas) that would hold my knives. Another member on this board suggested Bill's Custom Cases. I e-mailed Bill, the owner, about what I needed. He instructed me to call him. Within a few minutes on the phone we had a case worked out for my needs and he told me how to pay him and set up delivery. He is a really, really nice guy - easy going, fun to talk to, and very communicative on the phone. He sent me an invoice after I paid him and a tracking number as soon as he shipped
Within four days I had the finished case in my hand - and put all of my fixed blades within the case. Bill sent a follow up e-mail thanking me for my business and making sure everything was received okay. Simply, this is fantastic customer service.
Dimensions:
The dimensions below are for the 12 knife multi case. Bill makes a myriad of designs for folders and or fixed blades - so these should not be taken as dimensions that are for all his cases.
Width: 16 inches.
Length (open): 24 inches.
Main Material - in Olive: 1000 Denier Cordura
Closure Material: One inch Hook and Loop (Velcro)
Piping: Inch wide Sturdy Nylon
Lining: Thick Imported Wool
Stitching: Double stitching on the edges and thick stitches in between pockets - all stitches reverse stitched over an inch at wear points.
Pocket Depth: Nine inches
Pocket Width: Two inches
Construction:
Bill told me that he gets his wool imported from Isreal because over time this was the best material he has found to protect the blade and the case. This is sewn to the heavy weight (1000 deneir) Cordura to line the Cordura. Then pockets are sewn into the joined fabrics and a separation space is sewn down the middle. One inch wide nylon material is double stitched around the edges and a hook and loop closure is used to hold it all tight. Every pocket opening and stop point has been back stitched over and inch to protect and secure the product.
Use:
As soon as I got this product - I took a Tupperware shoe box and stored all of the sheaths for the 12 blades in this box with a few desiccant pouches tossed in to remove moisture. I cleaned and lightly oiled every blade I had (this took some time) and slid them into their pouches. Bill instructs you to put the blades in handle first. As soon as you do it, it makes total sense. You will carry it from the bottom (where a spacer has been sewn in) and the blades will not cut through the material if they are stored correctly.
I have been using this case for over a month now - and it holds:
BRKT Kephart
BRKT Kephart Companion
ML Kephart (extended handle)
ML Straight Back Kephart (Extended Handle)
ML Bird and Trout Knife
Fiddleback Arete (Convex)
Fiddleback Arete (Scandi)
Adventure Sworn Classic Bushcrafter
Ray Laconico Un Scandi Bushcrafter
Koster 3rd Generation Bushcrafter
BRKT Rampless Gunny
All of these knives are literally swallowed in the deep wool and the depth is more than adequate for all of my knives. The Extended handle Kephart pushes the limit this case can hold as it is almost a 9 inch knife. This is the standard depth for this case - but Bill told me he can accomodate any design, within limits, given the right amount of time - and I am sure an upcharge for the custom nature of the case.
This case makes storage of my knives (a significant investment) a very easy thing. I simply use a cloth while putting them in - store them in my closet out of the reach of my kids, and don't think about it until I need to grab one out. I have carried this case from place to place (when showing blade to buddies or just transporting my kit) and have not had a single issue with stitching or material. The Cordura will likely last a lifetime and as long as I treat the case right (i.e. don't carry it upside down while doing jumping jacks) - I am sure it will be with me for some time.
One other thing I like about this case is that it easily sets a limit on my collection. If it doesn't fit in Bill's case - someone's got to go. I have two hands and 12 knives as it is - that is WAY too much for my tastes - but I keep what I like and use (at least from time to time). For now - the case has one open slot. That is for knives that I test and will likely sell. I like to catch and release knives - but if one does better than any other - the weak have to go.
Overall Feelings:
While not cheap (this case - his largest - was around 80 dollars shipped) the quality and design is worth every penny. I don't worry about my knives corroding anymore - and they have a place in my closet out of the reach of my kids and yet very organized. When I want a knife - I grab my case and my sheath box and grab what I want - put the knife in the sheath - and move out. The rest go back on the shelf to wait another day.
Dealing with Bill was a joy - and I have my eyes on another one of his products that I think I will e-mail him about tonight.
TF
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