Custom Chopper Wanted

Iboschi

Iboschi

Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
2,692
I am totally "green" :D to the world of custom knives and I was hoping to get some estimates on what price ranges I'm looking at for a custom CHOPPER. Large fixed blade 1/4 inch 10-12 inch blade etc. I know the prices vary greatly, just wondering who enjoys making large choppers most and roughly how much dinero I can expect to part with? Thanks!
 
Why don't you take a look in the makers section here? There are some incredible makers that participate here. That would give you an some ideas. I bet you find a knife there that you MUST have!!
 
I wouldn't spend any more than $400-$600 on your first custom chopper type slicing knife shaped thing.
 
Nothing in the makers area fits the CHOPPER description :( I'll have to wait for something to come along, or perhaps someone will custom build one for me:eek:
 
Let us know what you had in mind. One of us may do something that would fit your needs exactly. it is not a difficult know to have made unless you want extra features like a recurved blade. To me, the typical big drop point chopper is really just an upsized version of a hunter. Pretty basic stuff. The extra cost comes not so much from the additional materials (unless you are using some VERY expensive super stainless) but mostly from the extra time that it takes to pound or grind out a big knife.
 
Lorien said:
I wouldn't spend any more than $400-$600 on your first custom chopper type slicing knife shaped thing.
Click to expand...
You can get a LOT of knife in that price range, possibly including a really pimpin' sheath from one of the big time leatherbenders when you get closer to the $600 mark
 
You can get a LOT of knife in that price range, possibly including a really pimpin' sheath from one of the big time leatherbenders when you get closer to the $600 mark
Click to expand...
:eek:

I have to say I'm a little bit overwhelmed at where to start. I've been reviewing custom makers work all night and don't know who what where or when yet. Though with the help of all you kind folks, I feel more assured and informed. Thanks for all the advice and information =D very helpful!
 
How about something like this one? It's available. A little larger than your specs though...

DSCN2085.jpg
 
9 1/4" tip to start of ricasso, 15 1/2" tip to butt, blade is 2 1/4" from spine to edge at the widest point. 3/16" thick O1 steel, 400 grit hand sanded finish. Stabilized maple burl scales, stainless pins and thong tube. No pics of sheath but it's 8-9oz leather, mahogany color, fold over pouch style. Here is the full gallery of the blade...

http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/teksec/Large Bowie with Burl/
 
I'm just going to throw in my 2 cents. I have had a number of customs from various makers. Most of the larger knives I have are bowie knives (which can make a good chopper, but it's not really what they are designed for). I also have a habit of trying to find the perfect knife of each type I desire (bowie, hunter, utility, folder, etc). I had Burt Foster make me a chopper (he has several designs that I liked) and I stopped looking for another chopper. The one I had made I wanted for backpacking, so it's a little smaller than what you're looking for, but he has several styles and sizes.

Burt is a Mastersmith that achieves impeccable fit and finish and has some great designs. He knows ergonomics and can design to fit the knife's purpose (a lot of makers can, but I like Burt's execution). Price would probably fall squarely in the $400-600 range (depending on the steel, finish, handle material, etc) and he makes excellent leather sheaths. About the only drawback I know of is his wait list. Last I checked it was 9 months out, but that was a while ago. Could be longer or shorter at this point. Worth at least talking with him. Oh, and he's just a great guy to boot. He has some good pics on his website. It's someplace to start anyway.

Another idea would be to look through the various knife purveyors' wares and find a few you like. Then you can come back with names to vet out and see if their work is well liked. I also wanted to add that Burt happens to be one of my favorite makers (especially for this type of knife), but there are quite a few makers out there who do great work as well.

Hope that helps some.
Nick
 
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If you can forgive the horrible pics, here they are. Also, it is quite well "loved" and has a number of wood scuffs I didn't bother to clean up.

2ikyvpf.jpg

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This link is to a similar knife with paracord handle (I highly recommend getting one of Burt's sculpted wood or micarta handles over paracord for a hard use knife, this is just a better picture than mine). http://burtfoster.com/available/available_07b_popup.htm

Here's a larger version with a guard: http://burtfoster.com/bowies/bowie_38.htm

And another style: http://burtfoster.com/bowies/bowie_48.htm

He also had a bolo style I liked but couldn't find on his sight. You can also have him draw up something if you have a design in mind or want something different.

Nick
 
Nice looking blade! What's the blade length/specs. on that bad mofo? I would guess 8.5 inch blade OAL of 13.5 or so? I would really like 12 inches in blade length. Would you estimate Burt could make it a tiny bit longer? I don't really want to bother the makers until i'm ready to throw down. I'm not sure what exactly I want yet so I would like to keep the pestering to a minimum :D
 
Go to the makers area and scroll down to Horton knives sub forum. You will like what you see there.
 
generally speaking, the longer the knife, the higher the cost.
If you can get away with a shorter blade you'll save some money, and likely end up with a more usable knife.
 
Mine is about 12" overall with a 7" blade.
Burt can make a blade just about size/style you want...a number of makers can. As mentioned, you will end up paying more, but I don't know how much more. If you can stand a machine satin finish over a hand rubbed, it might not add significantly to the price.

I would say that for a chopper, mine is a little small (the compromise for something I can pack in when camping). However, I think 12" is a little big. With a custom knife, the maker can do a lot to balance the knife to get a powerful chop out of an 8-10" blade. Going much bigger might be unwieldy.

Nick
 
Thus far, I have been fairly vague about what my interests are, hoping to get some interesting idea's that I haven't before now, even considered or been aware of. I also, want one for backwoods use, but I'm a fairly light packer, so I can indulge with a few options. I never want to skimp on the knife setup, the most important tool I carry. Right now I'm rocking a ranger RD9 for the large chopper and my EDC for a smaller knife. I've come to realize two knives are better than one. I like one for wood processing and one for more delicate tasks like skinning and food preparation. I would really like to buy two customs: One for the Chopping and one for the delicate tasks, then have a single double sheath made for both, with a fire steel loop. The custom (or semi-custom) I've been most interested in thus far is the Busse NMFBM (satin finish), it has a belly so it CAN be used for some more delicate tasks if you choked up, a nice choil for choking up, and its LONG but not overwhelming, like a knife/machete hybrid. For the hacking I have read only amazing things about it. I'm looking at custom knives both to support the trade (small business is the heart of our country in my opinion), but because there is a personal touch you cannot duplicate when you have a knife made for you or buy a limited production run. I also hope, I can buy the second smaller (5 inch blade roughly) knife to match it, and toss those beauties in the sheath together with a matching firesteel. Anyway, I might be overly ambitious, but I certainly overwhelmed with the options out there. If there were a database with maker names and pics, i could narrow it faster, but there really are many many really skilled makers here. Everyone that has posted thus far has been an immense help. Thank you all.
 
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