Concern that custom makers can use very sophisticated equipment.

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koolstof

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Sep 21, 2002
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Does an average custom maker has the room to use costly, high end machinerie... Computer-controlled angles, laser ground angles.

And another thing, is that kind of equipment really necessary for custom knife making. I mean, can a really outstanding blade be engineered without the state of the art machinerie.

I can't just believe like that that "custom" should automatically imply the blade will outperform a similar blade of a big brand. Those blades are not unique but doesn't mean they are real highend. If a brand is able to fit itself with a solid reputation then why wouldn't. I believe that most of the hardcore knife lovers are willing to spend more if the blade will be up to what the user desires. If a have to put it bold, I do not give a damn how unique my blade is, it's also fine with me if it has never been touched by human hands. I want one thing from my blades and that is technical superiority, beauty is a random bonus. Personal or not, if my knife does what I want it to (cutting...) that's enough to me.

My question is actually, what are the specific advantages of custom bladesmithing, why should I give it a try. Some of the downside I already know: wating period and higher cost price but those are acceptable provided the custom gives me the extra edge I crave. What can a custom maker do that the modern brands can not. What's the customs makers big asset?
 
What can the custom maker do? We are the dreamers, we also, if chosen wisely, can make dreams come true. If you make the wrong choice, nightmares may reign. Ours can be a product of love, life long desire and dreams of the past great knives blended with the technology of today. Some of us make knives because we have to, kind of like an addiction. The finances will be tight for many years, but the addiction drives us. If we never sold a knife we would still make knives. When our dreams blend with those of the client all is well.
 
You sure seem motivated, that is half of a job well done, i think :-)

I'm getting more and more convinced about the qualities of customs. Maybe I should grant them the credit they supposedly deserve, won't know for sure till it is in front of me, do I?
 
Koolstof, you are going to have to handle a custom made knife before you will know why they hold such an exhaulted place in so many knife lovers hearts. Once you do you will know for yourself what we see in these objects of desire.

By the way, I have one of Ed's knives and you won't find a better one anywhere in my opinion. When I hold it, it becomes part of my hand. Never have I had a knife that fit me so well.
 
Custom continue to gather more and more of my attention. They seem to be entitled to at least a little credit from a freshman like me. wich other custommakers should I adress. Wich one has offered you more then you expected?
 
The use of high tech equipment by knifemakers is limited by equipment cost and availability. Most custom knifemakers I know have nothing more than a grinder, drill press, saw, and a milling machine if they are well equipped. Digital readouts on milling machines are rare and computer driven equipment is unknown.

If you want to know how a particular knifemaker makes something just ask. Knifemakers are remarkably free with information.
 
Rather than depending on expensive machinery a custom maker depends on experience and attention to detail. A factory has all the expensive tools... but their economy depends on volume, so their primary concern is how to make things cheaper... not better.

*In general* a custom maker is going to pay more attention to obtaining quality materials and heat-treating them properly, resulting in a better knife.

...that and a custom maker can make... well... a *custom* knife!
 
In terms of value (bang for bucks), and only speaking of objective caracteristics (quality of the steel, HT, machining, etc), I think it's going to be hard to beat the good production brands. CRKT for example offers a lot of knife for the price, but even Benchmade and others seem amazing.

Where custom knives can make a difference is that the overall quality is (should be) higher. It comes at a much higher price, so the bang-for-buck might be a little to their disadvantage. It all depends how much you value this extra notch of performance.

However, on top of the overall quality you've got what is for me the most important, all the subjective aspects: the romantic side of a blade that was crafted 1 at a time by a craftsman or an artist in love with what they do, unique designs, infinities of fancy material combinations, way too many to be offered in any production line.
 
Koolstof,
Why a Custom or Handmade Knife. Keith is absolutely right about Ed Fowler's knives. I was fortunate enough to buy a "Lefty" from Ed at the BLADE Show a few years ago. It fits my hand like Ed had my hand measurements when he made the knife....just FANTASTIC! And to say the fit and finish is outstanding doesn't do his work justice..
What other makers and why....there are a lot more TOP makers than I am familiar with....but her goes. Slipjoint folders: Eugene Shadley, Terry Davis and a group of others.. just super fit and finish.
Straight knives Ed Fowler, D'Holder, Jerry Fisk....I can't go on, would leave too many great makers out...
If there is any way you can arrange to attend either the BLADE Show in Atlanta Ga. or the Knifemakers Guild Show in Orlando Fl., or a similar size show, some time, do so...you won't believe what you see. First time I went to these shows as a customer, I could not believe the knives I saw and the obvious skill that was required to make them.

I started a number of years ago as a collector, now I am a full time maker as well as a collector.

Good Luck Choosing Your first Handmade or Custom Knife...it is definitely an addicting habit to collect...then try making, and you're hooked for life!
 
Just a little story to give you the sensation.

I was selling some of my production models that have gone unused, so I took one or two out and started taking pictures and detailing them. As I handled them and wrote the specifications, I started thinking, "Damn! What the hell am I selling this knife for?" "This feels and looks pretty good; operates pretty good and is sharp as ever."

When I was finished, I then went over and picked up, say, my J.W. Smith recurve titanium framelock. A world of difference does not fully express.

What can I compare this to without seeming redundant? OK, say you saw a new low cost automobile and closed the door. Sounds pretty good and secure. Then, say you slam the door of an elaborately made sedan. The sound and the engagement is completely different. On another planet.

If you're needs are driven soley by utility and frugality and you want a good knife to get the job done, many beautiful production knives will fill the bill. If you have the means and love tools and, perhaps, have an affinity of the "tools of yesteryear", where they have a certain sole to them, then nicely hand-made custom knives are the way to go. They can be very rich, fulfilling, a joy to use and, by their materials and appearance, make you look for reasons to use them.
 
I can point you to maker after maker who will not let a flawed product out of their shop. (ask Gus about Big Johns Dagger at the 2002 blade show)
There is not a mass production company of any kind that can match that quality control. The objectives of the mass production company is driven in a large part by the bottom line.
If they can not see monitary return for increase expence, then it's not done. The purse strings govern period.
Competition between production knife companies is real, Competition between them and true hand mades (one at a time by one person with whatever tools he/she has) is pure fiction.
 
Some good answers here and in my experience Pete hit the nail on the head. In all honesty I would have never seen the flaw on John's dagger if he had not pointed it out and he could have covered it up. He like all others I am close with would not even be tempted by letting a knife out of their shop with a flaw he was aware of.

People like that have made me a better person (outside of the realm of knives) just by getting to know them and become friends with some.
 
Quite a few responses, I was expecting that.

Yes, brands and bucks... well...

I know what you talk of if you talk about a exeptionnal sensation with a custom, I think.

Thanks to my parents I have learned that paying somewhat more for your food or an outstanding restaurant are more satisfying then a hotdog. Not to often... just once in a while ;-)

So it seems that customs have an elevated emotional value... I can see that it's worth quite alot for many knifers.

Thanks!
 
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