Custom folding knife in the $500-$600 range?

Matteo Escobar

Matteo Escobar

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Feb 26, 2002
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I'm looking into getting my first custom folder, I've got about $500 to spend. I'm looking for something nice with a cool design and impeccable construction. Maybe a flipper, or maybe even a Bali. The only hard rule I have is no recurves. I really like Brian Tighe's knives, but they all seem to have some recurve to them.

Any suggestions?
 
Andrew Demko AD 10. I don't know if it is in that price range it was but it was. Super solid
 
YES, John W. Smith! Just Google SD-3 and you should find one at KA. I have two of these and they have the best fit and finish of any folder I've ever held. Everything about this knife speaks quality. He is famous for his art knives that sell for $1000's. He puts the same care and fit into his $500 tactical's.
Course this is a large knife with a 4.5" blade, but you may be able to find the SD-2, or one of his older knives with a 3.25" to 4.0" blade. Also look at AZCK as they have some JWS knives.

Here is a not so good picture. It's the middle two.

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Not quite custom, but I would still recommend a CRK Sebenza or Umnumzaan. The reason being that the fit and finish would rival or exceed that of customs in that price range. As well I carry them more than some of my customs. For that reason alone I feel it merits consideration.
 
I would recommend a Chris Reeve "Lisa's Pick of the Month" Sebenza. One of a kind handle design and as always impeccable quality.
 
Kirby Lambert was my first thought as well. The quality of his work is fantastic, and he's a great guy to boot. The only issue is that some of his main models (Incinerator, Inferno, Sniper, etc.) have recurves. But some don't, including his wharncliffe and spear-point models.

Incidentally, I have a similarly strong preference for non-recurve blades. I chatted with Kirby quite a bit at SHOT last month, and on one occasion when I mentioned that I love the design, ergos, and size of his larger folders (especially the Incinerator) but prefer non-recurve blades, he said that one of the new models he's working on would likely fit the bill of what I'm interested in. I don't have any more details on it beyond that, but just something to keep an eye out for if you like Kirby's work but none of his current non-recurve models quite fit what you're looking for.

Greg Lightfoot is another excellent suggestion (and, as it happens, another guy I spent quite a bit of time with at the Meyerco booth at SHOT). I have one of his customs -- a Thresher, which is a model he's no longer offering, unfortunately -- and it's a great piece: very comfortable in the hand, super-thick liner lock, well-made, and beautiful finish and choice of materials (CF scales with Silver Twill G-10 bolsters). As with Kirby, your options with Greg are a bit limited as far as non-recurve blade shapes, but he does offer some.
 
Check out Peter R's knives as well. They're pretty solid and in that price range.
 
Not a "custom", but the ZT 777 looks like something special. The composite damascus/N360 blade, the sculpted carbon fiber and titanium handles, and the amazingly smooth KVT pivot make it quite a knife. Plus it has a factory warranty, and has an adjustable lock bar so it'll last forever (and can be fixed if it doesn't). It's not out yet, but it's available for preorder at $480. If it were a custom, it'd be well over your price range. I understand if you'd prefer something hand made, but I thought I'd mention the 777.
 
One of the George Rockeye's would be pretty sweet, you could also get something from Ray Laconico... I have a couple by Ray and love them both. Oh, and Dave Mosier is in that price range also
 
Shawn B. said:
I'd give Mike Snody a call if had some scrilla like that laying around.
Click to expand...


A snody friction titanium with black diamond carbide is your knife...they are extremely rare only a few made but a real gorgeous and highly usable folder at that price point comes with a really really nice custom case sheath with lamb wool lined I believe


If u are looking to spend about double that u can get into some really one of a kind, king/world shit with a lot of man hours and high grade moku-ti materials and truly one of a kind

We may have some blades in the gallery that aren't for sale but we have doubles...I like these passionate kind if posts so if you are serious about caring for your blade and Educating yourself about how badass Mike Snody is, go on YouTube and u can watch videos of him making your knife...Watch the February auction video. We will certainly be bidding on that knife

Either way do some research and you can always contact us if you are looking for those rare unfindable pieces, they are all in the gallery and we are lucky enough to have some extras brand new with certificates and of course we come highly reccomended

They don't call me the 5 star stunta for doing donuts in the Lamborghini :D
 
Todd Begg. Darrel Ralph Trigger Maze isn't bad either, but might be on the smaller side. And here's one you will not see mentioned often since he's not as known: Lucas Burnley kwaiken folder. He also has a flipper model.
 
I asked Eric to make it with heat-treated thumb studs (trying to get a gold look on them, to stand out from the bronze titanium frame and dark blade). From reviews, it seems like he's offering a fine piece of work for the money, with extremely solid build and lockup. Can't wait! Just four and a half more months...
 
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