JPD1998
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2004
- Messages
- 3,561
Im sure youve seen these knives listed on the auction site categorized as custom knives. I was pretty curious about these knives myself. I knew they werent really custom knives and were made in Pakistan, but I decided to buy a bunch just to see what they were like. Ill also tell you up front, Im not writing this to change anyones mind about these knives, but rather give those that are interested some information.
Each of these were bought for $39 or less, shipped ($39 being the most and $32.00 was the least).
After getting these and examining them, the first thing I noticed was that even though they were purchased from different vendors, they shared many similarities.
For instance most of the liner locking knives were designed like nothing Ive ever seen before and even though they were purchased from different vendors they were identically constructed. The frames and locks are all brass and most of them have file-worked steel back spacers that resembled back springs. Im thinking that maybe these same parts are used on lock- back knives too. The back spacers look nice but really serve no purpose other than to act as a blade stop and add weight.
Another thing I noticed was the hardware; including the thumb studs were similar. Even the way the studs are peened onto the blade looked the same.
So I came to the conclusion that these are probably kit knives and the parts are being sourced from one major manufacturer in Pakistan. But assembled in smaller shops there as well.
The quality of the materials being used is similar on all the knives; however they are not all put together equally well. The scale materials are all organic; horn, stag, wood or bone and the blades were all reasonably sharp, with a few being razor sharp. The Damascus is generic Pakistani quality, but the blades and bolsters are folded steel of some sort and not a faux etching. Surprisingly, the blade steel seems to be of reasonable quality, no scientific testing, but the steel was hard when passed over ceramic rods.
Of the bunch, two were considerably better than the rest. They were just built better and the file work was of a higher level of detail. On the flip side a few looked hastily built with off center blades and careless assembly. Some have washers in the pivot area and some dont.
Ironically they all came with sheaths that were pretty nice and worth at least $10 - $15 on their own.
The lock back knife is constructed pretty well, no wobble and the stag is nice and fitted well too.
So in summary, these are definitely handmade (some hands are more skilled than others) and have a rustic look about them. I would say that these are best used for show or as desk knives.
These two are the best
Some of the others
Each of these were bought for $39 or less, shipped ($39 being the most and $32.00 was the least).
After getting these and examining them, the first thing I noticed was that even though they were purchased from different vendors, they shared many similarities.
For instance most of the liner locking knives were designed like nothing Ive ever seen before and even though they were purchased from different vendors they were identically constructed. The frames and locks are all brass and most of them have file-worked steel back spacers that resembled back springs. Im thinking that maybe these same parts are used on lock- back knives too. The back spacers look nice but really serve no purpose other than to act as a blade stop and add weight.
Another thing I noticed was the hardware; including the thumb studs were similar. Even the way the studs are peened onto the blade looked the same.
So I came to the conclusion that these are probably kit knives and the parts are being sourced from one major manufacturer in Pakistan. But assembled in smaller shops there as well.
The quality of the materials being used is similar on all the knives; however they are not all put together equally well. The scale materials are all organic; horn, stag, wood or bone and the blades were all reasonably sharp, with a few being razor sharp. The Damascus is generic Pakistani quality, but the blades and bolsters are folded steel of some sort and not a faux etching. Surprisingly, the blade steel seems to be of reasonable quality, no scientific testing, but the steel was hard when passed over ceramic rods.
Of the bunch, two were considerably better than the rest. They were just built better and the file work was of a higher level of detail. On the flip side a few looked hastily built with off center blades and careless assembly. Some have washers in the pivot area and some dont.
Ironically they all came with sheaths that were pretty nice and worth at least $10 - $15 on their own.
The lock back knife is constructed pretty well, no wobble and the stag is nice and fitted well too.
So in summary, these are definitely handmade (some hands are more skilled than others) and have a rustic look about them. I would say that these are best used for show or as desk knives.
These two are the best
Some of the others
