Custom Folders....deciding what you want.

J

JDBraddy

Joined
Sep 20, 2002
Messages
217
Hi,
I'm saving up to commition a custom folder, and need help deciding on a maker and some features. Basicly I want a tactical folder about the size, weight, and shape of a large plain Sebenza, but fancier. A liner lock is ok, but it would have to be a heavy titanium liner with super solid lockup. It should have fancy bone or Ivory scales. I'm a fool for fancy and well executed file work, and finely engraved bolsters. I also like concealed bolster mechanism auto's, and the speed safe mechanism on the Ken Onion Kershaws, but am hesitant about this, as I plan to use the knife for everyday carry. Also, since I plan to use it for everyday carry, I'm not sure if I should go with Damascus or a modern tool steel. I've seen many knives I like, by various makers, but haven't found that special one. I guess the first hurdle I need to consider is deciding on a maker, as well as what steel to use for the blade. I'm not in a big hurry, and price isn't that much of an obsticle, but the more expensive the longer It'll take me to save up and place the order, so Ideas? Suggestions? Reccomendations?
 
Well i would say a TNT, but Tom not talking orders now and they come with Ti handles.

Ken Onion doesn't take orders either, i don't see any reason you wouldn't want one of them myself?

How about one from Larry Chew, he makes some killer knifes with hidden button's and locks, i believe he's still talking orders and he would be glad to make one in any handle material you want, he did that for me.

James
 
Check out Tom Anderson's work. His workmanship is on a par with any of the best makers and his design sense is very refined. Handle materials vary from choice exotic wood to stunning Giraffe bone and mammoth ivory. He also offers damascus. How much do you want to spend?

Neil Blackwood may have a few spots open for his Skirmish folder. Outrageous grinds and wonderful design. I'm tempted myself! :)
 
When I first started looking at custom knives, I fell into the Tactical fad and made a lot of the classic mistakes.

First, buy a knife you will use everyday!

I use a knife everyday for normal things, not once in a self defense situation. If push comes to shove, a good tool knife I use daily and know extremely well would suffice in that rare circumstance when it is needed to attack something other then bagels, envelopes, packing materials, tape, .........

A good custom tool knife for everyday carry will let you fully appreciate what a truly great custom folder can offer. I continue to be amazed at the qualities of a Kit Carson model 4. Sure I am tempted by other models and makers but, that knife is a classic. In all fairness, there are other makers that come close to Kit's work ;) so, you should consider them too :D
 
Peter,

I appreciate the mention but I'm JAMMED, way beyond the point of providing delivery ESTIMATES!!


Neil
 
Sounds to me like a Darrel Ralph EDC would fit your requirements just about perfectly. He even makes some Illusion hidden release DA's. His gold nugget work is also quite cool and he will put ivory overlays on his IBL's (Integral Bar Lock). Check out this one from his site;

http://www.darrelralph.com/1mainframe.htm

Oops, the link won't take you right there. Follow the link, click on "folders/autos", then click "EDC3".
 
Actually, I own a knife very similar to what you're describing, and bought it from the maker here on BFC. Price was $375, for a stellite blade, premium MOP scales, mokume bolsters and filework out the gazoo! Look up Jim Smyth in the for sale by maker column under knife exchange. Now, I wouldn't expect to see that same knife for that price, since it was his first fancy folder, but a call to him is probably worth shot. Also, learn which makers you really like by going to shows and then prowl the secondary market for deals, here, KnifeForums and eBay are the most productive. But you really have to know what you want and be careful. eBay is a done deal, so you can wind up with a clunker, most "Gold member" traders allow a 3 day inspection period, but clarify that up front.
 
With a 2 year backlog you will do much better to find one of Kit's knives on the aftermarket. But in all fairness there is another maker out there who can give you a sebenza like knife replete with frame lock and fancied up a bit if you want. In fact he is currently making one for me in the framelock version with a little thicker blade than normal and a titanium backspacer. These were the only things different I wanted outside of his standard model for this knife. I do have a liner lock version, in fact two of them, that could go as fancy as you would ever want. This makers name is, a drumroll please..................Mike Obenauf!!:D :D :D An up and coming maker whose list you better get on NOW!!

Btw, he is Kit's son-in-law:eek: :cool: :)

Btw2, Johm W. Smith is also another name to look at!:D
 
If I can add one possibly worthwhile experience:
I bought my first folder about a year ago from the great staff of Blade Art. My goal was to find one folder that would be "it". That's a possible mistake. A better approach might be to find a folder that you like a lot. And there's many so there's lots of value in taking your time and doing your research.
I had my "perfect" folder and then saw another that hit a nerve. Well, since I only wanted one it was time to move on. Had I not put a limit on the number of knives to buy (1) then I probably would have had an easier time of it, that is, putting undue restrictions on your acquisitions might lead to disappointment.
The "perfect" folder might not exist, but the perfect collection might be something to strive for. In my case it looks like I'm at 3 custom folders, 3 custom fixed blades, 1 production fixed blade and 3 production folders. I kinda hope that I'm done, but something tells me that I'm not (especially if Larry and Vince bring one of those Munroe Chimera's to New York next month).
It ain't easy being me.
 
Actually, add a bit of file work and perhapse engraved bolsters, and the Stag handled large Carson model-4 on Mr. Carson logo is pretty darn'd close to what I had in mind. Perhapse I'll look for a fancy model-4 on the used market, give Mr Obenauf a ring soon, or just order a Stars/Stripes graphic Sebenza. I recently bought a Brend SOCOM-A from Mr. Jim Smyth, he was great to deal with, and I'd been eyeing the sheep horn custom he had for sale on the exchange, asked him about another, but much like Mr. Carson, he said he's too backlogged to promice a delivery date. Thanks to all. JDBraddy
 
Once you decide what you want, look around right here. There are some fine makers who can make whatever you want. But may I suggest you leave them some creative room to do what they do best.

For me, my new list looks like this: [in no special order]
Carson
Onion
Mayo
Blackwood
Atwood
Simonich
Snody
Rinaldi
K. Davis
L. Davidson
Smith
Smyth
Doggett
Chew
Hossom
Obenauf
Mike Cooper
R. Hinderer
Duncan
you get the idea, there are seven more and this is the beginning of my list!!!!!

and of course they are all either swamped, not taking orders or have long waiting lists. I am so glad I am currently broke!!!!! The search continues cause I wanna have 12,000 knives made just for me:D
 
One maker who is absolutely worth checking out, given the type of design you like, is Charles Marlowe. He has a great rep but is apparently not as backlogged (or expensive) as some other makers who have been mentioned. check http://members.cox.net/cmarlowe1
 
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