Custom Knife For EDC...Would You?

I use my knives everyday some days harder than others but they do get put through the paces. So no I don't edc customs. I find I only break them out for special occasions or very infrequently rotate them in.
 
Since all these rookies are showing you pristine knives, here's a custom that sees real use:

 
You are right Trey, I need to take new pictures of my Oeser, although being stainless it doesn't show any patina, just scratches and such :p

Fausto
:cool:
 
You read my mind Fausto. Try as I might I am finding it impossible to force a patina on my Ohta. Lol...

- Christian
 
Get one and carry it! It's only money. I'm sure most makers would be happy to know their knives are being used.
 
I'm questioning the motives of this thread. If you're really wanting to know if it's reasonable to spend that much money on a pocket knife that you intend to carry and use regularly, this is the last place in the world you want to ask that question. If you already know that you want to do that even though it's not reasonable and are looking for reinforcement, this is the perfect place to ask this question. I say this all tongue in cheek of course.

I'm of the opinion that if you have that desire in you you should go ahead and scratch that itch, otherwise you're going to be left feeling unfulfilled and what's the point of that? You might find that you derive no more enjoyment out of a custom than you do a production knife, then again you might find that you never want to carry a production knife again. You'll never know unless you give it a try.

Just understand that this thread is the equivalent of walking up to a group of pyromaniacs and saying "I hear voices in my head and sometimes they tell me to burn things. Is that crazy?" The people you're asking are going to say that that's perfectly normal, and that if it makes you happy you should go ahead and do it. The question is, does that mean that you're not crazy or that they are? :p
 
I like the idea of this topic.

That being said - I´d like to hear / read the opinion of our former fellow forum moderator member Blues. I remember he had a great number of customs from several members - often shown in the "What are you totin' today"-thread.

I haven´t heard from him for a long period of time, though.
 
Yup!

I have a guy at the country, where my parents live. He makes a mean handmade puukko. Non descript carbon steel blade (a bit soft but easy to sharpen), just the right size to be reeaally handy. Genuine one ups! I carry those when fishing or hunting or at the cottage, or just roaming the forest. I've already lost two; one's gone, not sure where, the other one I lost at sea, it just fell overboard. The sheath wasn't very secure on that one. Anyways they don't look much, but they don't cost much either, so I can afford to get a new one. Since the dude's pretty old already I plan on stoking on his puukkos for the future, since I don't know how long he will remain in business.

So yes you could say that I edc a custom, when I'm edc:ing a fixed blade. On the other hand those puukkos aren't true customs in the sense that they are bare utilitarian tools rather than art like these fancy and often even beautiful customs that one can covet after in these forums.

I'll post a picture when I get down to it.
 
I look forward to that picture. A handmade puukko is a joy to use. I keep one in my pack at all times; they are my preferred fixed blade during my jaunts outdoors.

The answer to the OP's question really depends on what you want from your knives. I never wanted to be a curator of a bunch of museum quality pieces. Instead I wanted to be the guy having exciting adventures with a good gun and a fine knife. Granted my adventures are more mundane than I'd like, but the few custom knives I have are right there helping me to make fond memories.



- Christian
 
No, to a custom.
You traditional guys brought be back to my senses. A knife is used to cut things and it does not need to be a custom. imo.
rolf
 
Ultimately you will choose what is best for you. I use every knife I have purchased and wouldn't buy it unless that was the plan. Things change and it might not always be that way but for now, it works. I own 1 custom a Jared Oeser Moose and I rotate it in my edc and use it like I would any other. I certainly get asked about it more than any other I own and being custom it is certainly my best made knife. I couldn't fathom not using it and in fact, when I see it on the shelf and I think to my self....man its been awhile since you carried that guy....it will usually see a couple days in a row use(hard to put down). I say enjoy it and have fun! No matter what that means or how it plays out. I have also found that the customs hold their value better and if you pick a well known, respected maker. You will have no problem getting rid of it to the fast finger savages on the exchange :D


 
Thanks Jeff. It's actually a bit plain compared to the dressed up puukkos you see around. Its true beauty lies with its utility. Just a great "forever" knife that my kids will fight over one day.

- Christian
 
To me the question is "Why buy a custom knife and not carry and use it?"

If you never use it out as a tool, you never experience the knife as the maker intended.

A customer helps the artist complete the circle of their work, if the customer does not use the knife, the circle is incomplete.
 
Gene Wiseman is one of my favorite makers and his knives are very affordable. For just a hundred or so more dollars than most factory knives you can get an excellent custom knife that you won't feel bad about edc-ing due to its cost.

Here are a couple barlows I recently got from Gene.




 
I have one custom slip joint and carried it for over a year everyday, I still do sometimes. I know a fellow that owns a expensive custom sub-hilt bowie that he uses to clear fence rows and uses it hard. It's all about what you choose to do.

I also have a hand forged camp knife that I use hard around deer camp. I clear shooting lanes and trim trails every year with it. I promise I have never used a factory made knife do what this camp knife does.

Chris
 
I would say carry a spare until you get used to the idea. I do have customs that I have not used. But last year I made the decision that any new knives I purchase are to be used or at least available to be used. I can't bring myself to carrying my ivory Northwoods Madison Barlow yet since I have a jigged bone version.
 
Sure, I carry these two among others a lot. Once you get over that first blemish they feel right at home.

 
rockgolfer said:
Ultimately you will choose what is best for you. I use every knife I have purchased and wouldn't buy it unless that was the plan. Things change and it might not always be that way but for now, it works. I own 1 custom a Jared Oeser Moose and I rotate it in my edc and use it like I would any other. I certainly get asked about it more than any other I own and being custom it is certainly my best made knife. I couldn't fathom not using it and in fact, when I see it on the shelf and I think to my self....man its been awhile since you carried that guy....it will usually see a couple days in a row use(hard to put down). I say enjoy it and have fun! No matter what that means or how it plays out. I have also found that the customs hold their value better and if you pick a well known, respected maker. You will have no problem getting rid of it to the fast finger savages on the exchange :D


Click to expand...
You probbie get asked about it more because it's stunning!
 
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