I'd like to commission a switchblade styled after a fictional knife that's dear to my heart. The design is simple: cutting blade with a point, straight handle with engraved japanese characters that read 'Nanatsuya'. I'm attaching two illustrations for reference.
In terms of handling I'd like it to be the kind of knife that looks simple and understated, but impresses when you open it up and use it. I would like to use it as an everyday cutting tool, mainly to open cardboard boxes, plastic containers, paper, at home. The blade should keep an edge well and be resistant to abrasion, and the handle (while straight) should be comfortable to hold. I'm looking to use it for a long timedecades ideally, and to pass it down some dayso robustness is generally desirable.
I've read up on different kinds of steels, locking mechanisms and materials to be a more educated customer, but I understand that can't substitute for real experience. Please take the following as a negotiable wishlist:
- I'd prefer the blade to be made out of a high-toughness steel like CPM-20V or M390.
- I prefer the handle to have some weight to it; metal might be a good material.
- I would prefer the finish on the handle to be dark, tending to either black or blue, and not to be glossy.
- I prefer a locking mechanism that is unobstrusive and tough: the less you can see of the blade and any exposed parts (screws, etc.) when folded, the better; the less the locking mechanism calls attention to itself when the blade is extended, the better. I'm open both to folder locks (lockback, liner, framelock, etc.) as well as to an OTF design. Whatever works best with the feel / aesthetic.
I understand that working with a knifemaker that has a good sense of design and the experience to transform this wishlist into reality isn't cheap. I'm okay with that. I'm fortunate to be paid well, and having this done (and done well) is important to me.
In terms of handling I'd like it to be the kind of knife that looks simple and understated, but impresses when you open it up and use it. I would like to use it as an everyday cutting tool, mainly to open cardboard boxes, plastic containers, paper, at home. The blade should keep an edge well and be resistant to abrasion, and the handle (while straight) should be comfortable to hold. I'm looking to use it for a long timedecades ideally, and to pass it down some dayso robustness is generally desirable.
I've read up on different kinds of steels, locking mechanisms and materials to be a more educated customer, but I understand that can't substitute for real experience. Please take the following as a negotiable wishlist:
- I'd prefer the blade to be made out of a high-toughness steel like CPM-20V or M390.
- I prefer the handle to have some weight to it; metal might be a good material.
- I would prefer the finish on the handle to be dark, tending to either black or blue, and not to be glossy.
- I prefer a locking mechanism that is unobstrusive and tough: the less you can see of the blade and any exposed parts (screws, etc.) when folded, the better; the less the locking mechanism calls attention to itself when the blade is extended, the better. I'm open both to folder locks (lockback, liner, framelock, etc.) as well as to an OTF design. Whatever works best with the feel / aesthetic.
I understand that working with a knifemaker that has a good sense of design and the experience to transform this wishlist into reality isn't cheap. I'm okay with that. I'm fortunate to be paid well, and having this done (and done well) is important to me.
