Custom knife advantage-challenge?

2knife

2knife

Joined
Mar 13, 2002
Messages
2,125
For the users/makers:
Do custom knives offer any true performance advantages over production knives, or is the single greatest value in service of the creative process and fulfilling the artistic vision?

For knife makers/ testers:
How often do use comparative tests against production knives in terms of cutting, destructive tests, or normal-extreme use? Particularly interested in knowing how performance knives such as Busse Infi steel rates in side to side tests. Would there be a clear and obvious winner? Do the "proprietary" steels deserve the reputation?
Thanks in advance,
David
 
I've found that the main advantage of hand made knives is thinner bevels and riskier heat treats.

This means that often they'll cut longer and better than their factory counterparts.

I am uncertain what the main advantage in custom sharpened pry bars similar to busse knives would be though.
 
LX_Emergency said:
I've found that the main advantage of hand made knives is thinner bevels and riskier heat treats.

This means that often they'll cut longer and better than their factory counterparts.
Click to expand...

This example is why I started making knives. I like most of my personal blades to be very thin behind the edge and harder than most production knives. It's also amazing to be able to develop a blade for a specific task at hand and see it through to a tangible object sitting in your hand. A pretty great feeling of accomplishment.

Justin
 
I don't own anything from a custom maker, but I believe the difference would be significant between a production knife and a custom from a well known maker. I would expect the fit and finish to be above and beyond what is possible on a production knife, and the materials to be top notch as well. You would also have a one of a kind product.
 
I agree with LX in post #2. Aside from "collector" knives which don't get used, but showcase the best in materials and workmanship, the main plus for my customs is in choice of steel and heat treat. I have customs in S90V, CPM-M4 and 3V, which all have thin edges, low angles and very high hardness, which allows them to cut much longer than the same steels found in production knives. Individual attention to heat treatment details makes a huge difference.
 
what are you getting at, David?
 
There are certainly aesthetic considerations that render a custom knife often superior to a production knife where preferences are considered.

For example, materials.....quite often with a custom knife, "exhibition" grade pearls or ivories are used in the handles....in addition...

My John W. Smith Evolution folder was CLEARLY superior in grinding and heat treat, in EXACTLY the way that Alexander mentioned...S30V blade heat treated HARD and ground THIN and performed significantly better than just about any other knife that I have owned, with perhaps the exception of an R.J. Martin flipper that was also ground very thin and heat treated hard.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
[video=youtube_share;EuHDtoxJlBc]http://youtu.be/EuHDtoxJlBc[/video]

Doug
 
Thank you for the comments, everyone.

I was wondering where the advantages might be. That's my motive for asking. Busse knives puts a big emphasis on the extreme use factor and surviving hard use, even destructive tests, and a generous warranty. I know others will sometimes make superior performance claims too. I am not a regular knife tester the way some of you are, so didn't really know how to judge the advertising itself. It is just curiosity. I also have assembled a collection of Custom knives, by one maker - in appreciation of the story of his craft or "art" and the dedication of his life to the craft. But he has had a lot of back lash for unconventional methods, while at the same time enjoying some success for advancing the techniques of differential heat treating. I find myself wondering if the knives he promotes are capable of everything claimed, or are the advantages of any custom knife real or subjective to the user. I am getting the most obvious answer in the specific tailoring of handles and expertly ground blades. Some customs are just so expensive no one would really give them the tests to prove one way or another. It is almost too cost prohibitive to really know. That is where makers' input is helpful to the customer.

"Cold steel" makes claims to the "strongest, sharpest knives in the world." I assume this may be just a selling point. Anyone can make that claim. I guess the proof is in the reputation a company gets, and warranty. Where this relates to custom knife makers has been made clear. They often push the envelope of heat treating and grind to make very thin edges and hard - to cut more efficiently. I appreciate that explanation. Great video from Joe, thanks Doug.
David
 
I believe most custom knifemakers worth their salt construct and heat treat even their higher end collectible knives/blades as if they were going to be used hard everyday.
Knives I commission generally undergo testing to some degree.

Double Click to Enlarge:


Blade Performance tested on a 2x6.
047 by Kyle Royer
 
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