Commissioning First Custom Knife

[dryflytrout]

I'm currently discussing having a knife made. This will be a first for me. I was hoping others who have gone through this process could share some insight with me. Is there anything you wish you did differently?

 

[KAEDC]

Don't put down any more money than your willing to lose. Most of the builds I have done have been no deposit, or at the most 50% material cost (not total cost) and that was only for fancy materials (Damascus etc). I always assume 50% more lead time than quoted as well.

 

[Grandmaster]

some. makers will ask for money down, if they are well respected I dont see a problem, always ask every doubt you have, if they can provide pics even better, you have every right to send as many emails as it takes until you get your build sheet done. Ask for pictures as how the knife is coming along (great for last minute changes), and if the completed knife is not what you want, dont buy it. But in my experience they always answer pretty quick, and really great customer service.

 

[marchone]

I'm currently discussing having a knife made. This will be a first for me. I was hoping others who have gone through this process could share some insight with me. Is there anything you wish you did differently?

If a good relationship precludes financial issues first define what you want. Is it a maker's signature style and model? Maybe you'll have choices in scale material and blade steel. Otherwise, you are getting a refined design you can dress up or down.

Or do you want an original design of your own? Many more choices have to be made.

I'm having a series of three custom fixed blades made primarily for kitchen use. The first one was largely the maker's pattern with modifications requested by me. The second is due soon. I had far more input on it. The third is still in rough design phase. Details will be worked out on that one in the next couple months.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

Do a quick search of the Feedback forum. If they get good marks, go for it. If there is something shady that pops up or they are notorious for lack of communication, maybe rethink it.

There are a couple of absolute crooks who will take your money and leave you flapping in the breeze. There are some makers that know that whatever they make, short of something so customized that it's weird, will sell at a profit to someone and ask for nothing upfront short of a seriousness deposit.

I've only dealt with two custom makers. One is garbage, one is one of the best guys I know. One asked for a ridiculous amount of money upfront. The other told me not to send anything until it was done.

Do your homework and you'll probably be fine.

 

[Danke42]

Yeah normally payment up front leads to regret. If it's full payment up front it's a real gamble.

Someone only Insta-Famous and asking for payment up front? Walk away.

Someone at the end of their career with a huge wait list asking for payment up front? Walk away.

Someone on here with a reliable record and good engagement asking for a deposit. Pretty safe.

Be aware that if you're commissioning someone to make a knife in a steel they don't typically work with there can be a lot of issues. They might have trouble getting what you want, or if they use a belt that was used on another steel your knife could be contaminated.

You really want to make sure you balance your request to the maker's niche. If they're great at making kitchen knives then don't press them to build a tactical folder.

 

[Bigfattyt]

I'd also recommend picking a maker that already makes designs similar to what you want.

Don't ask a maker who hand forged carbon steel , and heat treats in a coal forge to make a stock removal knife out if wizz bang super steel hest treated to 65 rc..... (unless they are set up for, and know how to do it).

Also, super fantasy designs, be prepared to pay up front. By that I mean, that if your design is so out there that no one else is going to buy it, the maker really may have to take money up front to protect their time and work output.

I've seen makers try to sell outlandish designs where the cmoriginal buyer backed out. The maker usually takes a huge loss at that point.


I've had a full custom, where the maker and I worked our design, size, material, number of blades, steel, strength of pull, etc, etc. No money up front. Super Fast turn arround time, and nothing but absolute satisfaction on the best knife I've ever held. (But, I knew the maker before he started making customs).

What ever you do, they to research feedback on the maker, and get info/pics, and if at all possible handle some of his work if you are able.

I have customs that I would have never bought in the secondary market if I had been able to handle them in person.

Avoid big deposits. 10, 15, 50 dollars to hold a spot in line (and discourage looky-loos who are not going to pay is one thing). But even a small deposit where the maker is 8 years behind on orders is going to gall you if it does not work out

 

[pholder]

As a matter of fact i did place a order with a independent maker. Communication by e-mail was wonderful and i was told the order would take 3-4 weeks. the origional e-mail was October 5 2019. here we are almost in February, not one word, shame actually as i really wanted 1 of his knives. What would i do differently? choose a different maker. His loss as at this point ,if he were to contact me now he has no sale.If i were to be asked about him or his business i would say look else where.

 

[kvaughn]

Check out Daado in the Knifemakers sub forum. Doesn't everyone need a custom made knife from Croatia?--Great quality, service and price. On the spot ergonomics for me.--KV