Custom or Not

OilMan

OilMan

Gold Member
Joined
May 6, 2004
Messages
4,283
Hey all,
I was just wondering what everyones take on a custom maker who won't deviate on their designs to make a customer happy. Someone a while back was upset because CRK wouldn't change his NICA tanto. While I understand why the person wanted it done I also understand why Chris wouldn't do it. He runs a high end production shop, not a custom shop.

But then you go to a true custom maker who has established lines of knives who won't change them to make them 'better' for the specific user/customer in question. Like tip up versus tip down clip placement. Some custom makers almost sound pi55ed off if you ask them to change it to your preference but some don't mind at all and are very decent about working with the customer to make it something that the customer loves instead of what the maker personally likes. Brian Tighe is a good example of a great maker. I already had 2 My Tighes and I loved them both but I personally prefer tip up and asked Brian if he could change it for me on a new one. No questions asked, no whining or acting like his original placement was the end all be all of clips. He changed it for me. Hense the 'custom' custom knife. This leads me to be very loyal to Brian because he does care what the customer wants and he's willing to change his designs a bit to make them happy. I would definately deal with him again. Rick Hinderer is another one who was happy for MY input on MY knife. Rick also earned my loyalty by caring about what the customer wants. (Can't wait for my next FirTac to get here)

I ask because I recently asked a custom maker to make me one of their established lines of knives with different placement of the clip and they flat out said they wouldn't do it. No explanation, just no, we don't do that.

Now you can call me a whiner and tell me to go buy from someone who will do what I want but why would you call yourself a custom knife maker if you really aren't? And why would I spend so much money on one of your blades that isn't what I want but what you want? Especially for something as little as clip placement.

/rant off

Just wondering what your take is on the issue??

later,

Whiner
Oops, I meant Oily
 
As far as I am concerned if I am ordering a custom knife, and the maker isn't willing to do what I want then I just wouldn't buy it. Honestly though I can see the makers side too. If you are ordering a certain design that they make, and ask them to deviate from that they might feel the results don't live up to thier own standards.

I guess this also goes into the definition of what a custom knife is. Does custom mean handmade, designed by the buyer, designed in conjunction with the buyer?? If you order an established design form a maker, is that really a custom knife, or is it more of a very small production knife? In my mind a true custom maker is one who is willing to work with a customer to design and build a knife that will satisfy the customer. That is not to say that there is anything wrong with a maker who makes established designs only. They are just differnt things.
 
Oily,
I agree with Erik. It seems to me that you should be able to get what you want in a "custom" - although expect to pay a bit more to compensate for features that deviate from that maker's 'mini-production' run. When anybody tells me "no" without an explanation I just move on - no hard feelings, but they ain't getting my hard-earned $$ either. Free country all the way around. And I don't think you're whining, but helping to clarify what we may expect when we go to a custom knifemaker. I'd guess that most of us won't go the custom route too often, so it's good to have some idea what to expect ahead of time. Probably talk with two or three different makers too - makes sense with something we're probably going to have for a lifetime.
Steve
 
I could see if the clip is totally integrated into the design.... I can't even coome up with a reasonable example, but maybe it's tied into the pivot assembly somehow, or something. I don't know. But at least an explanation of "Gee, sorry, I designed this knife to look EXACTLY the way it is here. I am willing to change materials, but on this knife I really just can't switch where the clip goes... But on THIS model here, no problem" would be understandable, but to lose a sale over tip up or tip down because of no reason at all seems a little silly. Of course, it would help to know the knife to see if it matters. I'm also sure that in some instances it's tough to mess with depending on the shape of the handle and placement of hardware, but like I said, if it can't be done or you won't do it, explain why and offer an alternative to the customer. Maybe all the parts are already laser or waterjet cut and just sitting on the workbench ready to be assembled. :rolleyes:
 
In most cases I agree with you. However some people seem to feel pretty strongly that tip down carry is much safer and if this is the makers justification I can respect that. I personally don't beleive that, at least not for the way I carry my knives. I do prefer tip up carry, though all my customs are tip down so I've gotten used to it as well.
 
Maybe the knife maker contracts out his handles and they come predrilled for clip placement. Take a look at his line, does he have 20 or more identical knives for sale or is each one unique? Another reason could be the knive design, maybe there is no way to anchor the clip if its placed differently. A third reason is the guy doesn't take custom orders, but does things his way only...that's his perrogative.
 
I once read a post where Bob Dozier, in describing what he would produce for customers, said something like "it has to please me" among his other criteria. I think he has a point. If a customer wants something with a blade or handle that are completely out of balance with each other for instance, you could end up with a butt-ugly knife, or one that won't do it's job. What knifemaker wants a "thalidomide baby" floating around out there with his name on it? They may be willing to lose a sale in order to protect their reputation. I will say that I've never seen a Dozier knife that wasn't graceful-looking and functional.
 
TorzJohnson, ugly as he may be , has got it right. I buy a particular makers knife because I like his style.
If you want your design, shop around. Somebody will make it.
 
If a certain design change isnt advised...I explain why and suggest an alternative to what the customer wants. Mind you I said an alternative to what THEY want not what I want. I feel it is my job to make the customer happy and use my experience to know when what there asking WONT make them happy because its a bad design change.

Simply put, I try to always find a happy medium and get the customer a product that will satisfy them, and myself :D
 
severtecher said:
TorzJohnson, ugly as he may be
Click to expand...
Y'know I lost a bunch of weight and the Rogaine was bringing my hair back... I was starting to feel good about myself again. :(

mullet.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top