I've decided to make the leap into the custom world. I need advice on choosing a knife maker. How to go about ordering a knife. Most of the makers I know of have a two year wait list or their books are closed, are most knife makers that way? Any pitfalls to avoid and general advice would be much appreciated.
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Buying my first custom. Tips and advice needed.
- Thread starter ScottyE
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Folder or fixed?
Monofletch
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I'd say start with a little search time on BF. There are a lot of GREAT custom makers on this site that will be more than willing to make you happy. The hardest part is finding a style that you like that fits your budget. Not all makers have a long wait. I have only waited 2-3 weeks for most of mine.
Here are a few BF members/makers that I have used and every one of them have been a pleasure to work with and I ended up with some beautiful knives!!
Gimmejr (JGarrison)
Robert Carter
Big Chris
JK
Here are a few BF members/makers that I have used and every one of them have been a pleasure to work with and I ended up with some beautiful knives!!
Gimmejr (JGarrison)
Robert Carter
Big Chris
JK
Folder. I've been looking at Marfione, Southard, Tighe, Terzuola, blanking on the others right now. Mostly just the big names I've heard of on here.
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As far as custom folders, I can't recommend Darrel Ralph enough. I own 2 folders from him in Chad Nichols stainless damascus and I have 2 more folders in PSF27 on order. Turnaround time from order is usually 3 months.
Monofletch
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Most of the ones I listed are for fixed. Although, Robert Carter makes some nice folders!!!!
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I would contact the maker first and if you cant get on their books I would then start looking at dealers. Some dealers are better than others regarding price. I have found much of it is being in the right place at the right time. The key is to be patient and dont take the first thing that comes along. On the flip side of that if it is a killer deal and they have a good return policy pull the trigger before you are even sure if you want it. Because really good deals go quick and I have lost many grails due to procrastination. You can always think it over as it is being shipped and if it comes and you dont use it and find its not for you you return it. Sometimes you need the knife in your hand physically anyways to know if it is meant to be.
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Go into Knifemaker's market, Folders for sale. Look around for a week or so and you will see the guys that advertise with us. Not all are terribly expensive when they're "on their way up" and make good knives.
Here is some of Joe Hoover's custom work. I've had two of his custom frame-lock folders...both excellent, and both in the $300-dollar range. I gave one to my younger son and he loves it. CPM154 blade, about 3.3" long, titanium slabs. Smooth, tight, nice design and quickly made to YOUR specs.
Of course there are many others. But this is one that won't break the bank...and I've purchased two of his and they're excellent. Here are two pics of one of them...
Here is Joe Hoover's linerlock...third in the listing today.
My preference is a frame-lock, generally, rather than liner-lock, but that's a personal thing only.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1241768-Linerlock-EDC
You could also follow this link to pick up a custom that is pre-owned and usually less expensive. MANY of these have never been carried.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/748-For-Sale-Custom-Knives-(Individual)
You could also go for a "mid-tech" which is an "almost" custom from a custom-maker who doesn't actually manufacture the complete knife by himself. This is going to be much cheaper than his real "custom" job, with nearly the same degree of excellence.
One mid-tech that I'm enjoying right now is by Brad Southard. This maker collaborates with Spyderco occasionally and does great knives. His mid-tech is the AVO, which is almost, but not quite, a full custom. This one is a flipper, but is slim, light, well-designed, solid lockup and centered. Whatever, I am loving it. They're generally out of stock on-line, but you can find them here on the Exchange quite often in the $500 range...as NEW.
Here is one pic of mine...riding along with my large Regular CRK Sebenza...
Good luck; have fun. Caveat Emptor!
Here is some of Joe Hoover's custom work. I've had two of his custom frame-lock folders...both excellent, and both in the $300-dollar range. I gave one to my younger son and he loves it. CPM154 blade, about 3.3" long, titanium slabs. Smooth, tight, nice design and quickly made to YOUR specs.
Of course there are many others. But this is one that won't break the bank...and I've purchased two of his and they're excellent. Here are two pics of one of them...
Here is Joe Hoover's linerlock...third in the listing today.
My preference is a frame-lock, generally, rather than liner-lock, but that's a personal thing only.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1241768-Linerlock-EDC
You could also follow this link to pick up a custom that is pre-owned and usually less expensive. MANY of these have never been carried.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/748-For-Sale-Custom-Knives-(Individual)
You could also go for a "mid-tech" which is an "almost" custom from a custom-maker who doesn't actually manufacture the complete knife by himself. This is going to be much cheaper than his real "custom" job, with nearly the same degree of excellence.
One mid-tech that I'm enjoying right now is by Brad Southard. This maker collaborates with Spyderco occasionally and does great knives. His mid-tech is the AVO, which is almost, but not quite, a full custom. This one is a flipper, but is slim, light, well-designed, solid lockup and centered. Whatever, I am loving it. They're generally out of stock on-line, but you can find them here on the Exchange quite often in the $500 range...as NEW.
Here is one pic of mine...riding along with my large Regular CRK Sebenza...
Good luck; have fun. Caveat Emptor!
Last edited:
Thank you that's some really good advice.
eisman
Gold Member
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Have had several knives made to my specifications I tend to approach this from a different angle than you've been offered so far.
First you have to figure out what you want. That needs to include the pattern; if you want something to your own pattern it's going to make a difference, as some makers will not do anything they don't already have set. (Some won't do it because they don't think it will look good, but that's a whole 'nother issue.) Include specific materials, you may have to provide them. Ivory, precious metals, and jewels are problematic. Once you've made that determination start to look at who's known for the work. If you do not have a preference you can look outside the known community. If you're truly not able to find a maker you need help; I recommend going to a big show where you can shop actual makers; Blade is best. At the show you can meet and talk with makers and get input into your project. (In many cases that will be the best money you ever spent.) Then, once you know exactly what you want, and who you want to make it, commission the project and wait. It will be worth it.
As regards dealers - That's totally different than buying a knife made to your specification. It may get you a custom knife, but it's not the knife built for you, and the odds on it being one of a kind are considerably less.
First you have to figure out what you want. That needs to include the pattern; if you want something to your own pattern it's going to make a difference, as some makers will not do anything they don't already have set. (Some won't do it because they don't think it will look good, but that's a whole 'nother issue.) Include specific materials, you may have to provide them. Ivory, precious metals, and jewels are problematic. Once you've made that determination start to look at who's known for the work. If you do not have a preference you can look outside the known community. If you're truly not able to find a maker you need help; I recommend going to a big show where you can shop actual makers; Blade is best. At the show you can meet and talk with makers and get input into your project. (In many cases that will be the best money you ever spent.) Then, once you know exactly what you want, and who you want to make it, commission the project and wait. It will be worth it.
As regards dealers - That's totally different than buying a knife made to your specification. It may get you a custom knife, but it's not the knife built for you, and the odds on it being one of a kind are considerably less.