Can I find a cool custom for ~$100?

D

Dekz

Joined
Oct 26, 2007
Messages
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I have a bunch of production knives, I think it might be time to add a custom to my collection. The problem is that I don't have a lot of money to spend.

I would prefer a folder, but it would appear that they are usually more expensive than fixed blades.

Is the knife makers forum the only place to buy a custom? Which makers commonly sell knives in my price range?
 
The custom makers forum here is full of knives in your price range, but I've never seen a custom folder for anywhere near that.
 
Fixed blades for sure. Probably not folders. Keep your eyes peeled for second hand stuff or contact the maker to have something made for you.
 
Bigfatts said:
The custom makers forum here is full of knives in your price range, but I've never seen a custom folder for anywhere near that.
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True, I rarely see a folder for less than 200 and it is going to be a small one. I did see an Alan Davis for sale second hand for 210 with an OAL of 6 1/2" in the exchange. That's about the cheapest I've seen.

You can definitely find custom fixed blades in the ~100 range.
 
gooeytek said:
get a production folder and customize it!
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This word gets overused, and in this sense it is incorrectly used.

What you can do with a production knife is "modify" it, not customize it.

However, everyone is welcome to visit the for sale section because real customs do go on sale for around $100, typically necker-sized fixed blades.
 
Hello,

cus·tom·ize

Definition of CUSTOMIZE

: to build, fit, or alter according to individual specifications
— cus·tom·iz·able adjective
— cus·tom·i·za·tion noun
— cus·tom·iz·er noun

Seems like the right word to me,

Chris
 
If you want a folder, get a "semi-custom" knife kit like from knife dogs and build it how you like.
 
Getting a custom fixed blade made for me by Big Chris. He has some stuff for sale on the forums. Very cool knives.
 
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Yeah, you won't find a full custom folder for that much unless you make it yourself.

You could score a couple fixed blades for $100 though. I've picked up three from first time sellers, each for under $50. Keeping an eye out for new makers always pays off - you get a nice knife, and they get to start a reputation.
 
JerryIsAlive said:
Getting a custom made for me by Big Chris. He has some stuff for sale on the forums. Very cool knives.
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I second this...he has made 3 for me so far and he's working on a fourth. Top notch knives in CPM3V...just what the knife knut ordered.
 
socalkid said:
Hello,

cus·tom·ize

Definition of CUSTOMIZE

: to build, fit, or alter according to individual specifications
— cus·tom·iz·able adjective
— cus·tom·i·za·tion noun
— cus·tom·iz·er noun

Seems like the right word to me,

Chris
Click to expand...

Yes, but you're wrong and the English language is more complicated than you think.
 
meanwhile said:
Yes, but you're wrong and the English language is more complicated than you think.
Click to expand...
cus·tom·ize   [kuhs-tuh-mahyz] Show IPA
verb (used with object) cus·tom·ized, cus·tom·iz·ing.
to modify or build according to individual or personal specifications or preference
:rolleyes:
They are similar enough, and used in each others place enough, that I don't really see the point in telling someone they're wrong for using it. In addition, I don't think either side will get solid enough "proof" that one is more correct than the other. You'll think what you want, and vice versa.

On topic, as other have suggested, a fixed blade is your best bet. Seems like newer makers tend to put out few cheap blades to get the ball rolling.
 
Half Cut Skele said:
cus·tom·ize   [kuhs-tuh-mahyz] Show IPA
verb (used with object) cus·tom·ized, cus·tom·iz·ing.
to modify or build according to individual or personal specifications or preference
:rolleyes:
They are similar enough, and used in each others place enough, that I don't really see the point in telling someone they're wrong for using it. In addition, I don't think either side will get solid enough "proof" that one is more correct than the other. You'll think what you want, and vice versa.

On topic, as other have suggested, a fixed blade is your best bet. Seems like newer makers tend to put out few cheap blades to get the ball rolling.
Click to expand...

You can believe what you want, but when you don't start with a custom knife, you don't end up with a custom knife.
 
Any of the knives for sale on the forum aren't customs either. This argument is old and never gets settled. If it is made to your individual specifications, then it would be a custom. If it isn't, then it won't be. If you browse the exchange and get a knife that you had no input in designing or selecting materials, then it isn't your custom. If no one had input other than the maker, then it is about as custom as a knife you pick up at the store. If it is the tenth or hundredth knife by that maker in the same style, then there is really no connection to the word custom.
 
Seek out the SOSAK over on the other forum. They can point you to guys that will totally disassemble your Swiss Army knives, and rebuild them with whatever combination of tools and grip scale material you want.

That is as close as you are going to get to a custom folder for $100.

Unique hand made Fixed blades are in the $100 range all day long. I'm currently waiting on a beautiful fixed blade from Oleg Krymlin; Gorgeous hand made hunting knife with maple burl for $140. I've payed that much for black class Benchmade and USA made Spydercos before. Seems kind of silly now.
 
So the knives from the Busse Custom Shop aren't customs? How about those bolstered Emersons?
I'm having some production knives tweaked by having them made into titanium framelocks, re-bladed, etc. would those be considered customs? or just merely modifications?

I can see how the terms "modified" and "customized" can be used the wrong way interchangeably, like when it comes to cars. I've changed engines, body panels, interiors, brakes, suspension, transmission/rear, and wheels on a car. While the racing authority at the track considers it modified, the car show circuit considers it a custom. So which would be more appropriate?
 
hardheart said:
If you browse the exchange and get a knife that you had no input in designing or selecting materials, then it isn't your custom. If no one had input other than the maker, then it is about as custom as a knife you pick up at the store.
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I do agree there.
...but if I bought a production knife, and made new scales, laser engrave, or changed the finish, I'd prob say I customized it. If I changed a function, added a choil, or altered the blade shape, then I might say it was modified.
May seem like I contradicted my first post a little, but I believe it comes down to the situation. I think someone could say a knife has been customized, without it being the same as a, built from the ground up to your liking, custom.
I promise I'm not trying to argue for the sake of it. More so, trying to voice my thoughts, and maybe get a better understanding of others opinions.
 
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