CETAN OR BOYER KNIFE?

Joined
Mar 9, 1999
Messages
7
I've narrowed my choice down to two knives: a Cetan or a Boyer. Both approximately 3 in. fixed blade, kydex mcs sheath, tanto or drop point blade, about $50 difference between Cetan and Boyer. Suggestions anyone? Has anyone dealt with either of these makers before? Cetan is ATS-34 steel while Boyer is 1095 steel. I plan to use the knife as an everyday carry as well as part time outdoor knife for small/med chores. (At times near salt water and in the field while on duty with the military). Approximately how long is the wait for either? All replies would be greatly appreciated by this fairly new knife lover. Thanks again for your time!!
-Mark
 
I have never dealt with Mr. Boyer, but I can give you my reaction to Rob. He is one great guy, and I mean that. Over the last 6 months I pestered(my word, not his) hime with questions relating to a $40 kit knife, trying to get exactly what I wanted. He helped me every step of the way, offering advice of info.

From what I found on a cursory look on the web, a Cetan will give you more choices, both in steel and handle materials. That is balenced out by a wait(I'm not sure of the time)

Have fun, the decision is the easy part(the wait is the hard part)
smile.gif

Aaron

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aaronm@cs.brandeis.edu
I like my women like I like my knives: strong, sharp, well-formed and pattern-welded!
 
Hmm this is a tough one. I hate ats but love my Cetan. Is rust or staining a concern? If it is 1095 will do both nicely
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. Mark makes some very nice knives from what I have been told. If you are after the best performer as far as edge holding and toughness goes. Pick the Boyer in 1095.

Regards,

Tom Carey

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My new web site is up.
Please check it out. :)

http://www.anova.org/cga/
 
Mark,

I have a custom Talonite Cetan on order from Rob. It will have titanium slabs on the full tang handle, so it will be impervious to weather and climate. So will the Kydex sheath. Have you considered this "new" blade material? It's also supposed to hold an edge much longer than most/all high end steels (ATS34, BG42, D2, etc.).

Rob is truly a gentleman, and a real pleasure to deal with. You couldn't go wrong. Check out his web site for more info, call him, or send him an email. You'll be glad you did.

AJ

http://www.simonichknives.com/
 
I respect both Mark Boyer and Rob Simonich as knifemakers but I believe the two blades in question are designed with different objectives in mind. Mark opted for a utilitarian approach that provides his customers with a practical knife which uses inexpensive yet time proven components such as 1095 steel. Rob's Cetan is more upscale especially with all its options and a higher degree of finish. I have the first Talonite knife Rob made, the Wambli.

Bottom line is that you may find that the lead time is significantly shorter with Mark than Rob at this time which may influence you to get a Boyer knife now and backorder a Simonich for later this year.

-=[Bob]=-

[This message has been edited by bald1 (edited 16 April 1999).]
 
I bought 2 knives from Mark Boyer a while back - before I started making my own :-) - and he makes good, solid working knives. Now that I know how much work goes into a knife I'd say his prices are REALLY a bargain. Before I thought they were really a bargain.

095 makes a good blade. He's an honest, fair man to deal with as well.

I don't own any knives from Mr. Simonich but from looking at his website I'd say his knives are a bit more upscale than Mark Boyer's.

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www.wilkins-knives.com


 
I own 3 of Robs blades, including a Cetan. Can't go wrong with it. It's uses far surpass it's small size, you won't be disapointed.
 
I'm also waiting for a Cetan (one in Talonite & one in D2), so while I think it'll be great, don't actually have my hands on one yet
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...sigh
But Bob, aka Bald1, seems to know what he's talking about, I think he's purchased a knife or two in the recent past.
wink.gif
wink.gif
 
Smoke:

Regarding waiting times, I'd recommend inquring directly with both men. But from what I've observed lately I'd say Mark is somewhere around a month and Rob at least 6 months. This is my best guess only! Custom makers should be afforded the courtesy of a direct sanity check if you're considering purchasing one of their knives.

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-=[Bob]=-

I did NOT escape from the institution! They gave me a day pass!

 
I have 5 knives from Rob (including the first Cetan tanto
smile.gif
) and he is making me a custom sword. I sound like a stuck record, I can't recommend Rob highly enough. In fairness I haven't seen or handled a Boyer blade, but Mark's work comes highly praised by folks whose opinions I respect.
I think the waiting period for Rob's blades is a bit more than 6 months these days...as Bob said, check first.

Regardless of your final choice, you will be happy with it
 
I ordered from Mark last week. If he keeps to his schedule, I'll have mine in a week to week and a half.

sing
 
I can't comment on Boyer, but I have one of Rob's Cetan tantos, and I like it a lot. I bought the blade in kit form and finished it myself, so I don't know what exactly his final products are like, although looking at his website will show his fine craftsmanship. The fact that he has a loyal following here on BF says a lot, too, IMHO! I think you would be definitely happy with anything made by Rob, and Boyer seems to have a good rep, too. Rob is a great guy to deal with, and was more thna willing to answer questions, offer advice, etc. Top-rate guy!
Steve
 
I can't comment on Boyer, but I have one of Rob's Cetan tantos, and I like it a lot. I bought the blade in kit form and finished it myself, so I don't know what exactly his final products are like, although looking at his website will show his fine craftsmanship. The fact that he has a loyal following here on BF says a lot, too, IMHO! I think you would be definitely happy with anything made by Rob, and Boyer seems to have a good rep, too. Rob is a great guy to deal with, and was more thna willing to answer questions, offer advice, etc. Top-rate guy!
Steve
 
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