Custom Knives; What turns you on?

I'm new at the custom knife game, but my passion is definately the big tactical style folder. I really like the precision that goes into this style knife. I'm aware of CAD/CAM and as far as I'm concerned it just makes for a tighter tolerance, and thus a more precise knife. I've done a lot of looking on the internet to try and see what I would like to spend my money on, and so far it has been on; RJ Martin, and Pat Crawford. I have a Jeff Hall on lay away and will be getting it the first week of December. I would eventually like to get a John W. Smith tactical style folder as I've read a lot about his fit and finish. I also would like to get a Brad Duncan folder. Those will be my next two after the Hall, IF I can find one.
 
Michael Lovett said:
Pleasing to the eye, and a good feel to the hand. A knife that even though it may never be used for anything but visual enjoyment, could not only do it's job, but do it in a superior fashion.
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About as good a description as to what a knife should be as I have ever heard. :thumbup:

Roger, what's in your Avatar? You holding out on us?
 
Kevin - should be on its way from Coop to me some time this coming week - full report when I get my mits on it. ;)

Roger
 
• What in a custom knife really turns you on?

A knife that is "the complete package" . When you see it , you just say Wow. I like unique pieces that are not the status quo in design, and just another remake of designs from other well known makers. Something new.

• Types & styles? Materials? Embellishments? Features?

I like large knives. The materials arent as important to me as they way they look together.

• Favorite makers?

Way too many to list.
 
Feel free to post examples of knives that turn you on.

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Photo: complements of Jeff Velasco's Brazilian Bladesmiths website
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What turns me on with Custom Knives: when nothing is done to save time or effort with profit in mind. I love a crisp grind line joined with mirror polish. Chute knives are great! I like when they put a bolster or fingerguard and not just bring the handle material all the way to the riccasso. I love fresh designs and looks that still are very functional. Skeltoninzed and integral knives are my favorites. When the knife is so good, so well made it doesn't need decoration : no damascus ,no file work ,no engraving...nothing to take away from the basic knife then I get really jazzed about the knife.
 
Pics? Sure. Here are some of my favorite knives that I DON'T own, but wish I did:

Hanson:

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Fisk:

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Andrews:

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Dean:

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Farr:

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Broadwell:

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Fogg:

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Neely:

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Wheeler:

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Walker:

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Roger
 
Doug C said:
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ssunfish said:
What turns me on with Custom Knives: when nothing is done to save time or effort with profit in mind. I love a crisp grind line joined with mirror polish. Chute knives are great! I like when they put a bolster or fingerguard and not just bring the handle material all the way to the riccasso. I love fresh designs and looks that still are very functional. Skeltoninzed and integral knives are my favorites. When the knife is so good, so well made it doesn't need decoration : no damascus ,no file work ,no engraving...nothing to take away from the basic knife then I get really jazzed about the knife.
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This one seems to fit what you describe very well.
 
interesting to note that MANY of you guys are fixed blade knife fans.....very few photos or mention of "famous" folder makers.... Are we growing tired of high end, highly polished slivers of steel with funky mechanisms ?
My sliplock folders fly off my table at shows....forged pieces move more slowly and bead blast tacticals have bored me for years.
W. Loerchner ranks WAY up there for me, same for Owen Wood, and Ken Steigerwalt. Don Hanson who frequents this forum is among the best.
There are a growing number of we "old-timers" who started back before dirt and forged 0-1 and steels like F8 and 1095. We became converts as the BIG NAMES started grinding CM154 and D2 and our customers were demanding stain resistant blades. More and more of us are showing up at hammer-ins and slowly reverting back to our forging roots.
Folks like Don Fogg and Steve Schwarzer seem always available and open to help me with my hazy hamon on W2 or pattern tightness on ladder pattern stainless damascus. That's the way the Knifemaker's Guild used to be, that's the way it was way back when it was the only show in town and the only place we makers gathered for fun and fellowship.
The ABS seems to be trying hard to capture and maintain some of this while fostering a new generation of bladesmiths whose work is flat out amazing.
Much of our success depends upon the horses pulling the wagon working in tandem.....we'll figure the "game" out someday, but then something like these forums comes along and rewrites the rules. Those who can meet this and many other challenges will survive and hopefully enjoy knifemaking for years to come. It has been an interesting ride !
 
TimBritton said:
interesting to note that MANY of you guys are fixed blade knife fans.....very few photos or mention of "famous" folder makers.... Are we growing tired of high end, highly polished slivers of steel with funky mechanisms ?My sliplock folders fly off my table at shows....forged pieces move more slowly and bead blast tacticals have bored me for years.
W. Loerchner ranks WAY up there for me, same for Owen Wood, and Ken Steigerwalt. Don Hanson who frequents this forum is among the best.
There are a growing number of we "old-timers" who started back before dirt and forged 0-1 and steels like F8 and 1095. We became converts as the BIG NAMES started grinding CM154 and D2 and our customers were demanding stain resistant blades. More and more of us are showing up at hammer-ins and slowly reverting back to our forging roots.
Folks like Don Fogg and Steve Schwarzer seem always available and open to help me with my hazy hamon on W2 or pattern tightness on ladder pattern stainless damascus. That's the way the Knifemaker's Guild used to be, that's the way it was way back when it was the only show in town and the only place we makers gathered for fun and fellowship.
The ABS seems to be trying hard to capture and maintain some of this while fostering a new generation of bladesmiths whose work is flat out amazing.
Much of our success depends upon the horses pulling the wagon working in tandem.....we'll figure the "game" out someday, but then something like these forums comes along and rewrites the rules. Those who can meet this and many other challenges will survive and hopefully enjoy knifemaking for years to come. It has been an interesting ride !
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Tim, I was thinking the same thing. We haven't heard or seen much about folders on this thread. I have always enjoyed seeing and handling folders but have only recently gotten interesting in collecting them as I have been studying up on them a bit.

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We have some folder connoisseurs here. Jonathan? ;)
 
Thanks Kevin...your collection is superb....thanks for sharing this with us. Ken Steigerwalt continues to amaze me....especially like the way he carves and forms metal like it was butter ! He is truly the master of design..... The pure clean lines of your Hanson S guard bowie are impressive at another end of the spectrum.
Check out Howard Hitchmough next time you get a chance. I think that you will really like his folders.....super nice guy too. Regards, Tim
 
Hey Kevin. Yeah Im pretty crazy about folders. Ive posted these before but my collection is only so extensive..
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I dont own this one by Josh Smith but it does the job for me, and hope to have something like it in the future.
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exquisitely made folders...........Ron Lake, Steve Hoel, Jess Horn, Jack Busfield, Bill Pease, etc.


oh yea, Timmy Herman!!!! :)


but I like all the knives pictured above too!!! Hey, who doesnt!!! :0
 
What turns me on is the absolute thrill of seeing the beautiful pieces of art displayed for all to enjoy & learn more about. The excitement of a newly discovered knifemaker who has exactly what you have been searching for. The wonderful folks that share their insights & go above & beyond to help each other.
Finding a treasure & gaining a friend in the process is an awesome bonus!
 
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