Hey Kevin,
Let me first say that no matter what design you choose, you will come out ahead. The first difference is in quality of construction and attention to small details. The custom is always going to be nicer that the factory make. All the edges are rounded and smoothed out. The blade is BG-42 with a tiger-stripe option. All the pins, screws, and major components are made of the toughest materials you can find. I know that Mick and Duane took extra care to find the finest in hardware to make this one of the toughest folders ever made. The custom is larger in your hand than the Buck. What should be considered an extremely big folder (Buck) is made feel small by the custom. It is not a major difference in true measurements, but it is one of those things that seems to defy measurement. This knife (custom) is a tank. But, the quality and workmanship is extremely high. I haven't seen any of their competitors come up with anything close. The tiger striping isn't an added color, it is what is left from the heat treat, so it is very hard to get off. You would have to really put some effort into removing it, so everyday usage will not harm it. Plus, it makes each knife a "one of a kind" that makes your deal that much sweeter! I have had mine (Spear point #66) since Feb and would not take anything for it. It will stay with me until I am no longer able to lift it. With it's craftsmanship so high, it will probably stay in my family for a few generations before being sent back for a refit. Which, by the way, is free. You pay shipping costs, that's it. I own 6 so far and will have a few more by the end of June. Remember, you get what you pay for. For the price of this knife, it is one of the best deals in edged tools out there. Go with the custom, you won't regret it.
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Ryan Renuart
Aerial Gunner
"That Others May Live"
[This message has been edited by KnifeBomber (edited 05-29-2001).]
