Customized SAKs Added Value?

MattWRog

MattWRog

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I like many others appreciate SAKs for numerous reasons, primarily for their being a quality item at a thrifty price. I wouldn’t go so far as to say “disposable” but certainly not something one would lose much sleep dropping over the side of the boat or losing in the woods.

Now enter customized SAKs ranging from simple tool additions to fully milled titanium scales, acid washed tools, cerakote etc. I find myself ogling them from time to time. Being able to have built your perfect selection of tools with an improved construction of removable hardware is definitely appealing. The price on these can range from mild to wild also.

As with all things enthusiasts collect, only the individual can decide if the return equals the investment. I, still lean towards a customized SAK that costs $200+ is hard to swallow for something that was meant to be “cheap and cheerful”. I can also appreciate that sometimes you just want something because it’s too darn cool.

So, where do you stand? You shelling out for a fully customized SAK built your way or leave them alone and appreciate them for the inexpensive cellidor goodness that they are?
 
I would say that I generally prefer just to leave them alone. With that being said, I am open to changing a few things myself. For instance, I typically add plus scales to all of my SAKs that do not have them along with any of the additional screwdrivers, pens, etc.
 
Java1911 said:
I would say that I generally prefer just to leave them alone. With that being said, I am open to changing a few things myself. For instance, I typically add plus scales to all of my SAKs that do not have them along with any of the additional screwdrivers, pens, etc.
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The plus scales and mini driver do add some handy little features for not much coin.
 
I love SAKs because of their versatility. Their relatively obtainable nature has tempted me to try my own hand at customizing. If that doesn’t pan out, I may be inclined to fork out the dough to get one customized. The more I think about it, since I have no hesitations spending hundreds on customizing a folding knife (which I literally have hundreds of) getting one personalized makes a lot of sense.
1734937560165.jpeg
The ones on the blue cloth have custom scales and a few have been modded. The Ti scales are waiting for me to try a bladeless Scientist.
 
ontheriver said:
I love SAKs because of their versatility. Their relatively obtainable nature has tempted me to try my own hand at customizing. If that doesn’t pan out, I may be inclined to fork out the dough to get one customized. The more I think about it, since I have no hesitations spending hundreds on customizing a folding knife (which I literally have hundreds of) getting one personalized makes a lot of sense.
View attachment 2741560
The ones on the blue cloth have custom scales and a few have been modded. The Ti scales are waiting for me to try a bladeless Scientist.
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Are the Ti scales from Daily Customs? They make nice stuff.
 
MattWRog said:
I like many others appreciate SAKs for numerous reasons, primarily for their being a quality item at a thrifty price. I wouldn’t go so far as to say “disposable” but certainly not something one would lose much sleep dropping over the side of the boat or losing in the woods.

Now enter customized SAKs ranging from simple tool additions to fully milled titanium scales, acid washed tools, cerakote etc. I find myself ogling them from time to time. Being able to have built your perfect selection of tools with an improved construction of removable hardware is definitely appealing. The price on these can range from mild to wild also.

As with all things enthusiasts collect, only the individual can decide if the return equals the investment. I, still lean towards a customized SAK that costs $200+ is hard to swallow for something that was meant to be “cheap and cheerful”. I can also appreciate that sometimes you just want something because it’s too darn cool.

So, where do you stand? You shelling out for a fully customized SAK built your way or leave them alone and appreciate them for the inexpensive cellidor goodness that they are?
Click to expand...
People buy customized SAKs for all sorts of reasons, some of them include:

- Looking cool in Instagram photos
- Customized to match other (perhaps similarly customized) knives
- Needing/wanting specific tools in a single knife (very common!)
- They just look cool when done well

That said, I notice that customized SAKs generally seem to have secondary values all over the place. Some of them sell quickly, while others go unsold, or seem to take two or three significant cost reductions to sell. I notice this seems to be more common the more significant the modifications. Some modders command good money, but it's becoming increasingly common to modify your own these days. Etsy is saturated with guys making aftermarket scales for them, or even selling complete knives.
 
Quiet said:
People buy customized SAKs for all sorts of reasons, some of them include:

- Looking cool in Instagram photos
- Customized to match other (perhaps similarly customized) knives
- Needing/wanting specific tools in a single knife (very common!)
- They just look cool when done well

That said, I notice that customized SAKs generally seem to have secondary values all over the place. Some of them sell quickly, while others go unsold, or seem to take two or three significant cost reductions to sell. I notice this seems to be more common the more significant the modifications. Some modders command good money, but it's becoming increasingly common to modify your own these days. Etsy is saturated with guys making aftermarket scales for them, or even selling complete knives.
Click to expand...
All valid points. I don’t think there is a single facet of knife collecting or any other hobby for that matter that hasn’t been subjugated by folks doing it wholly for the ‘gram. I feel the modification to torx screw construction on the Alox models to be a worthwhile upgrade, although nobody has ever been let down by riveted SAKs.

The stone or acid washed tools, bright anodizing or cerakote, different liner materials, titanium etc. of course do nothing for the functionality, but variety is the spice of life I suppose. Probably like building a custom hot rod, your initial investment will be hard to recoup if you want to sell it, when it’s made to one’s specific taste.
 
I generally just use as it comes . Except functional mods on some knives , eg wave opener .

But , if you enjoy and can afford it ...why not ?

I never expect to make money on a knife , especially if any mod done .
 
MattWRog said:
I like many others appreciate SAKs for numerous reasons, primarily for their being a quality item at a thrifty price. I wouldn’t go so far as to say “disposable” but certainly not something one would lose much sleep dropping over the side of the boat or losing in the woods.

Now enter customized SAKs ranging from simple tool additions to fully milled titanium scales, acid washed tools, cerakote etc. I find myself ogling them from time to time. Being able to have built your perfect selection of tools with an improved construction of removable hardware is definitely appealing. The price on these can range from mild to wild also.

As with all things enthusiasts collect, only the individual can decide if the return equals the investment. I, still lean towards a customized SAK that costs $200+ is hard to swallow for something that was meant to be “cheap and cheerful”. I can also appreciate that sometimes you just want something because it’s too darn cool.

So, where do you stand? You shelling out for a fully customized SAK built your way or leave them alone and appreciate them for the inexpensive cellidor goodness that they are?
Click to expand...
I have never bought a customized SAK, but I have built a few myself. I have sold and gifted a few to friends and colleagues. Not making any profit of them, just trying to break even.
Getting the look and tools I needed/wanted, and for the fun of building, is what attracted me.
I have never thought about a SAK in monetary terms, it´s just a great everyday carry/tool. I can not really relate in that they are ment to be ”cheap and cherful”, that is just a consequence of what they are :)
I guess a custom build should cost extra for what materials and time put in to it equals?
 
The only customization I plan to do to my new Pioneer X is to grind off this key chain loop on the belt grinder. What a ridiculous placement.
 
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