Custom Fixed-blade vs. Custom Folders

[Kevin Jones]

I have always been a forged Hunter and Bowie enthusiast, however as my collector friends have warned sooner or later we all get bite by the folder bug to some degree. Yep, I bought an auto folder a few months ago and sure enough, I have another on order from one of my favorite ABS forgers.
I believe patience and education is the secret to building any fine collection, so I have been studying up a bit while trying not to buy on impulse. My intention here is to share some thoughts and assumptions I have developed from my very limited experiences and perhaps you savvier folder makers, dealers and collectors can comment, add and help us folder newbies learn a little.

• Seems that generally speaking custom folders are more expensive than fixed-blades of comparable status. If true, I assume it’s because of increased complexity of construction due to multiple pieces, movable parts, mechanisms etc?

• Seems like more custom folders tend to be embellished than custom fixed blades. Another BF member (a maker) and I were conversing, and he mentioned embellishments, particularly how engraving seems to add more expense to folders than to fix-blades. For example, engraving on a fixed blade typically adds a few hundred or so to a fixed-blade’s price but like engraving in style, quantity and artist tends to add much more to a folders price. I found this interesting. I have noticed there are more fix-blade makers that engrave their own knives than folder makers that also engrave. And a much larger percentage of custom folders are engraved than custom fixed-blades.

• The custom folder market is MUCH larger than the custom fixed-blade market. If true, what are some reasons?

• Seems like fix-blade collectors will cross over into folders more often than folder collectors will dabble in fixed-blades and more fixed-blade makers will make an occasional folder than folder makers will make a fixed-blade.

• Don Hanson has become one of the best and a well known fixed-blade maker after receiving much fame as a folder maker. Have other makers done this or the reverse of this?

Who are your favorite custom folder makers? Please post photos of your favorites.

 

[Unsub]

I am much more interested in fixed blades than folders and have never bought a custom until just a few days ago when I got an incredible deal on a Kirby Lambert Whar folder.
Sorry for the poor photo.

This is completly different from the primitive style fixed blades I usually like but sometimes a radical change can be a breath of fresh air. Now I can't wait to get one of his or Greg Lightfoots fixed blades and have bought an Emerson Commander and Spyderco Chinook folders for EDC. I know they are not custom but I can't bring myself to use the Lambert.

 

[Russ Andrews]

I think what makes folders attractive posessions is
that they DO something.....just by opening, closing,
and being handy.

They're also wonderful canvases for embelishment
and enginuity.

I haven't made one for almost ten years.....
startin' to get the itch....(dern ya Kevin...!)

 

[barrabas74]

For me custom folders means that I have a greater opportunity to carry them. I can carry them and show them off where as a fixed blade I cant as easily take to work or a picnic and show my friends.

 

[canineforge]

Fixed blade fans switching over to an occasional folder??? I guess I don't know what you are talking about???

Joe

 

[Kevin Jones]

I think what makes folders attractive posessions is
that they DO something.....just by opening, closing,
and being handy.

They're also wonderful canvases for embelishment
and enginuity.

I haven't made one for almost ten years.....
startin' to get the itch....(dern ya Kevin...!)

Great points Russ. :thumbup:

I love the way a quality auto folder feels when you hit the release and you feel that authoritative snap. :thumbup:

Perhaps folders lend themselves so well to such creativity and beautiful embellishment, exotic and exquisite handle material is that when closed and absence of a blade, the knife yearns for something more.

 

[Kevin Jones]

Fixed blade fans switching over to an occasional folder??? I guess I don't know what you are talking about???

Joe

I'm sure Don Hanson has made quite a few loyal fixed-blade enthusiast venture to the other side.

So don't feel bad Joe, It can happen to the best of us.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

• Seems that generally speaking custom folders are more expensive than fixed-blades of comparable status. If true, I assume it’s because of increased complexity of construction due to multiple pieces, movable parts, mechanisms etc?

That is correct.

• Seems like more custom folders tend to be embellished than custom fixed blades. Another BF member (a maker) and I were conversing, and he mentioned embellishments, particularly how engraving seems to add more expense to folders than to fix-blades. For example, engraving on a fixed blade typically adds a few hundred or so to a fixed-blade’s price but like engraving in style, quantity and artist tends to add much more to a folders price. I found this interesting. I have noticed there are more fix-blade makers that engrave their own knives than folder makers that also engrave. And a much larger percentage of custom folders are engraved than custom fixed-blades.

Haven't noticed the big discrepancies that you have, but I haven't really been looking either.

• The custom folder market is MUCH larger than the custom fixed-blade market. If true, what are some reasons?

At the user end it is because way more people carry folders than fixed blades. I'm not sure how big the difference is in the higher end market.

• Seems like fix-blade collectors will cross over into folders more often than folder collectors will dabble in fixed-blades and more fixed-blade makers will make an occasional folder than folder makers will make a fixed-blade.

I started off collecting folders and changed to fixed blades about four years ago. To me, folders are my every day work knives and fixed baldes are my passion. Many makers do stop making fixed blades entirely after they start making folders, not sure why that is. A larger market perhaps?

• Don Hanson has become one of the best and a well known fixed-blade maker after receiving much fame as a folder maker. Have other makers done this or the reverse of this?

I'm sure it has happened many times, but I can't give any examples

Who are your favorite custom folder makers? Please post photos of your favorites.

Shane Taylor

Don Hanson

 

[Durwood]

There is nothing more desirable in the knife world to me than a well made custom slipjoint...and I venture to guess that is the easiest of all custom knives to sell and probably the best odds of getting a return on your money too... This has been said on here before I believe when the liquidating your collection thread was made a while back.

If I want a really nice bowie knife I can start down the list of Mastersmiths--what around 100 now? On the other hand, If I want a really nice slipjoint...hmmm let's see can anyone name more than maybe 10 potential makers. Wait, I'm not sure I can get to 10. Do the math I could go a step further and say that if I only wanted a good "using" custom fixed blade I could probably put together a list of 100's of potential makers. On the other hand, the number of makers who can make a "good" using folder is still very low in comparison.

The custom knife world doesn't begin and end with forged blades. I do appreciate nice fixed blades, and of course, who wouldn't love the look of at least some damascus, but overall fixed blades don't appeal to me the way folders do and more specifically slipjoints. As has been said, I think part of the appeal of folders to me is the more practical option of carry, even if I never do

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

As a maker I started out making fixed blades like most makers do. Then I moved onto folders and haven't looked back. For me a folder is much more of a challenge. Each folder I make is a one off so I have to design, engineer, pick materials out and build each one. I learn something new with every knife I build.

I agree that folders sell more because you are paying for a mechanism that has to function correctly each time. There are many more parts that you have to make, fit and finish. I think that folders get more embellishment because it can be seen as a piece of pocket jewelry rather than just a knife.

They are smaller and easier to carry. I can walk into a show with 12 folders in a kangaroo case and still have an empty hand, try that with 12 fixed blades.

 

[george tichbourne]

I am known as a fixed blade maker but the challenge of making a folder that is mechanically correct appeals to me and I enjoy it. The bit about assembling and disassembling the knife many time to tweak the mechanical bits on the other hand can be very time consuming.

That time consuming feature is why my folder production is limited right now.

George

 

[Don Hanson III]

From my point of view. Yep, the folder market is larger, look at the dealer sites. Or maybe dealers just like folders more

I did it backwards, I learned knife making with fixed blades, got into folders and after 7-8 years of making just folders/autos, I moved back into fixed blades. Now it's about 50/50.

I really got burned out on the high-end folders/autos. The big forged blades were a very good boost to my creative interest in knife making. I still like making folders/autos but in a less embellished knife. Simple, clean lines and top shelf materials. Also moving more into slip joints and a little away from liner locks.

I spend more time on my average large fixed blade than I do on my average folder. That's right, I can make a folder quicker

Would like to hear from more makers who do both and more collectors who do both.

Another good one, Kevin!

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

I agree with Don about making a folder quicker. I'm sure he spends a lot of time grinding and hand finishing those big fixed blades, especially the non-damascus ones.

 

[Don Hanson III]

I agree with Don about making a folder quicker. I'm sure he spends a lot of time grinding and hand finishing those big fixed blades, especially the non-damascus ones.

You got it, Chuck

Keith, Joe, one old, one new Thanks!

 

[ryan9977]

i like alot of people here collect forged fixed blades but like kevin i have had an interest in folders for a little while now.....there is just something about the "pocket jewelry" aspect of it.....plus it is easier to afford a very embellished folder than a very embellished fixed blade.....if you spend 1200 or 1300 on a don hanson folder ....it is going to be much more embellished than a fixed blade in the same range by a top maker....i don't think i'll ever make the plunge into high end folders but i did buy my first one not too long ago....a little kershaw....nothing custom at all about it.....it's only up from there i guess......ryan

quick question for don......on that little folder with the fish on the handle....is that scrimshaw....how was that fish done...just curious because it is sooooo cool....ryan

 

[Bastid]

When I started collecting customs, I purchased two knives.
A bowie by Howard Clark.
A folder by Mel Pardue.

Still the same, I like them all for the most part.

 

[muddy672]

I own and have owned many ABS fixed blades and most by MSs. I also have a number of folders and most of them have and are MS folders.

I like both fixed and folders and each have their own use for me. A folder is the perfect edc in my opinion. Being compact and light is important to me for an edc.

When I'm up north I still carry a folder in my pocket or holster but I'll also have a fixed blade with me. If I am doing any medium to heavy cutting then the fixed blade is the way to go.

My ideal set up is to have my Tomes stag and 52100 muskrat in my pocket and a Hanson fixed blade on the belt (patiently waiting on my order to come up!).

I can understand the folder market being larger than the fixed blade market. I would guess most of the general public would never use or even have the opportunity to use a medium to large fixed blade. But most folders can go right in your pocket and be carried and used in most situations, the folders are just more convenient most of the time.

I love the Damascus Slim Trapper pic'd above by Don. I had one in W2 and miss it. A very well built slip joint folder.

 

[Don Hanson III]

quick question for don......on that little folder with the fish on the handle....is that scrimshaw....how was that fish done...just curious because it is sooooo cool....ryan

Ryan, the fish is scrimshaw, by my wife, Tina. I made this knife 7 or 8 years ago.

Muddy, it wont be much longer:thumbup:

 

[Kevin Jones]

Here are some of my favorite folder makers in no particular order:

WD Pease:

Johan Gustafsson:

Ken Steigerwalt:

Don Hanson:

Cliff Parker:

 

[jdm61]

Lousy pic of my one and only custom folder. A small Mark Sentz Moran style lockback in 1084 and ebony with a cape buffalo skin pouch by Kenny Rowe.