Custom knife for gift

[Fenris]

Dear Les and others,

I am going to purchase a custom knife for my brother's graduation which is in one and a half years. I want to allow some time just in case I have to order from the maker but I can and will probably turn to custom knife dealers. He is mainly interested in "tactical folders" and has a Benchmade AFCK, Stryker and Microtech HALO.
He seems to like Howard Viele's folders and has handled about three of them. I have handled a few myself, a couple at Les's table at knife shows in NYC.
Anyway, could you please some otehr makers that I should check out that would fit the bill and make a nice present? a brief review of Viele's tac folders if possible?

Thanks in advance,

Jason Yang

 

[Doug Mason]

You might also consider something from Robert Terzuola. His name is popular far and wide, which helps lend credibility to your gift, many of his styles have the tactical edge with the custom quality.

I always liked Viele's designs visually, but the few that I've handeled in person seemed rather fragile, as compared to the Terzuola stuff.


--Doug

 

[Mike Moore]

Jason,

I see in your post that you have been to a show in NYC. Don't forget the one coming up in March. I bet Les will be there.

There are usually a lot of good makers there. You can even bring your brother along to get his opinions without tipping him off.

[This message has been edited by Mike Moore (edited 02 February 1999).]

 

[sing]

Jason,

I also like the Viele designs. Good thing you have a year and a half set aside. I emailed him a while back for info and specs. He responded and said he would send me his brochure. I got the brochure almost two months later. In the meantime, I emailed Crawford who responded within a day, talked to him on the phone and lucked out in getting a burgundy handle KFF fairly quickly since he was just finishing up a batch. I didn't order through a dealer because I was looking for a knife that is other than black.

I still like the Viele designs and his motif (which has "sentimental" value for me) but suspect he is probably pretty busy. Just as well. I can save some money up and then order since I am no longer rushing to get it. (Oh, I bought his SpyderCo collaboration in the meantime.)

sing