Custom?

A

Apalachicola

Joined
Jun 24, 2019
Messages
83
Hello!

I’m asking for advice. Looking for my first custom knife. It has to be a folder, and not too big - no more than 3.5 inches per law here. The blade has to be utility: sharp point, something in the wharncliff area - only interested in stabbing boxes and bags, not persons or skinning things.

I’m fully prepared to ask a maker to do exactly what I want, and pay for it, and wait for it. I’ve carried a 3.5 inch Hinderer for a long time- like any good tool it does exactly what you tell it to. I got one of the Chinese Demkos early this year and absolutely love it as well. The blade is *perfect.*

have y’all had experience with custom knives and makers? Pretty sure you have.
 
I feel like custom knives aren't really something to be recommended. You'll be paying significantly more for no functional advantage compared to a high end production. It only really makes sense if you zero in on a particular maker and specify a particular knife that really speaks to you like no other does, and only you would know that when you see it.
 
If you want something that's all yours, unique, then custom is the only way to go. The thing is, what style are you looking for? Most "modern" types don't have true Wharncliff blades. Traditional style knives are more likely to meet that requirement. But that's really not a big deal for some people.

You can get a custom for your budget, but you'll have to look around. I've bought several this past year for less than you want to spend. Bought a few over that too. I highly recommend you take some time and look through the stuff offered on the knifemakers forum, and also look over the custom knife forum. That should get you some ideas on types and who makes something you like. Then you can pick one of their patterns, or a knife you like, or draw something up, and determine the materials and dimensions that work for you.

Here's a picture of my Wharncliff folder, custom by Charley Bell, mastadon ivory scales, 3 5/8" closed. About twice your price point, but look around. I carry this very often.

John Lloyd used to sell knives for $100 on this site (and he's not the only one), and there's opportunity out there. If you still can't find anyone, PM me and I may have a name for you. But get a more specific picture in your head first.

MIFD59N.jpg
 
Seamus knives are really nice, as are Cheburkov. I'd recommend Biryukov, but his knives are very large. I also like Alan Davis. I've handled a Jason Clark, and it was very nice, I've yet to buy one though.
 
Making a one off fixed blade is much easier than a one off folder.

Most custom folder makers will only make their own folder patterns because of tooling and geometry requirements. Modifying an existing folder pattern is much easier than making a new one off.

That said it may be easier for you to find a folder you like and ask the maker to adjust it, within reason and geometry, to your tastes.
 
It's not really a utility blade, but I'd argue the Arno Bernard iMamba is one of the best entry level custom folders you can buy. You can get a plain jane for $450 and there's a bunch of other options if you want to dress it up a bit. You can chose whether you want washers or bearings too. If you go with bearings, it comes with Skiffs installed.

iMamba-GE-solid-titan-3.jpg
 
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