Do and don´t in custom knifes

M

Mick

Joined
Oct 11, 1998
Messages
24
As kind of a beginner in custom knifes I just wondered on how one should start. Are there some advices for the newby to consider? I have some ideas about what I would like to have. How does one go about and select a maker, what do you look for and how does one tell quality from, well not so quality? How to discibe what one wants to get etc. Anything to think about when you are not able to meet someone at a bladeshow or otherwise personally?
Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks and greetings
Michael
 
As far as getting started, I read a lot of magazines. I noticed a certain group of makers who kept showing up in the magazines. I used those as a base to work from. Once I went to a local show, I had a chance to see some of those custom makers and got a good idea of what to look for in other makers who weren't as well known or publicised. Use this forum for reference and questions. Everyone I have dealt with here has shown great knowledge of knives.
 
Go to some knife shows. That will give you a real-world idea of what level of work you can get for what price. Once you have an idea of what you like, you can shop from magazines, brochures and web sites, but be sure and ask about the maker's work on the knife forums. Buy some moderately priced factory knives with good reputations, you can use them as metrics of quality.

Harv
 
I've been collecting custom knives since 1982 when my folks gave me an Owen Wood "Cats Claw" for my 21st birthday . . .

- I read all the knife magazines, annuals, books I can.
- I attend as many shows as possible.
- I now browse the Net a lot.
- I try not to favour any group of makers (i.e. well known names), in searching for them you might miss out on an up-and-coming star.
- I write to, and e-Mail, makers all the time to obtain their catalogues and prices.
- I've bought a number of knives which I no longer like.
- I've bought many more which I will hang on to forever.
- With time I have streamlined my buying into "theme's" (i.e. folders, ivory handles, etc), but don't get too hung up on this in the beginning.
- I look for three things in a knife : quality, quality and quality! (designs come and go, but top class fit & finish will last forever).

My advice would be to :
1. start simple (with the emphasis on quality),
2. steer clear (for the moment) from the flashy knives,
3. get some variety into your collection (fixed and folding)
4. build up a library of reference books,
5. get the communication channels going with a variety of makers, but most of all
6. have fun with your collection . . !!

Regards, HILTON
 
I agree with Hilton completely. But, would like to add a few more tips. Quality has been mentioned, but it doesn't mean the same to everyone. To me, quality means you will not find scratches in blade finishes. You will not find gaps between guards on fixed blade knives, nor gaps between lock bars and liners of lock back folders. With liner locks, the spring will disengage smoothing on closing, and will fully engage the rear of the blade when the blade is fully opened. The knife will possess clean lines, like everything is meant to go together. In short, it must have style. Don't buy every knife you think you'd like to own. Discriminate, and buy knives you like. If they're custom, they should offer a lot more quality than factory knives. That's why you pay more. New makers don't charge as much because they haven't built up a reputation yet. Don't buy knives hoping to make a killing later. Even if you buy from a new maker, and the knife is quality and the price is right, you won't have to worry if the guy stops making knives a few years later. You buy because YOU like the knife. Bud
 
Mick,

Hilton and Bud have made very valid points. Heed their advice. Steve is also right on target with his "attend shows" advice.

I posted in the thread titled "are custom knives bad investments" that you must do your homework.

Hilton's point about staying away from "flashy" knives is right on. Take your time, spend the money you can afford.



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Les Robertson
Moderator
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
 
If you want to make kives, just make them for yourself and show them around, if they are good people will order and you are in business. I make my own because I cant afford to buy anymore,(Three kids eat all my spending money) but I am able to trade some of mine around
 
I plan on attending a knife show here in Coconut Grove, FL on 15 May 1999. (Yes there are guns too, but I go for the knives.) Last time my friend dragged me, or was that holding me back???
wink.gif
I saw some nice knives by a local custom maker. I thought they were very attractive with a lot of attention to finish. I bought a Small Sebenza at the show so I did not let myself be tempted. I hope he is at the coming show.

The point of this post: I would appreciate a list of things to look for and ask regarding his knives, so that I may better evaluate his or any other knife maker's quality. If you run off at the fingers like I do, please do it before of after "THE LIST."

He used a stock removal method and ATS-34 or D-2. I was more interested in the D-2. The main thing I forgot to inquire about was the heat treat or cryogenic quench.

Thank you for your attention.

Donald.
 
Figure out what it is you want that expensive custom knife to do that a good production model won't? Are looking for a piece of art? Do you wnat a rugged using knife? Do you want to impress your friends and co-workers with some big name maker?

Assuming you have owned and USED a couple of Benchmades, Spyderco's, EDI's, etc. so that you have a good frame of reference of quality, I would suggest you look at a Sebenza. This is a knife that most people are drawn to initially because of its excellant fit, finish and, function. If you tire of it, they are easily sold in the used market in most cases for reasonably close to what you paid for it if you find yourself able to part with it. Once you get the basics out of the way, look around for people that have similar interest to yours and see what they have or wish they had. Look around a whole lot once you find the qualities you seek that aren't available in a production piece. There are many good makers and dealers who can make or sell you the knife to meet you needs and desires. Become an educated consumer.

Sid
 
The above advice is dead on, as a maker of folders and mini's who has been around a while, I would add one more thing. Will the maker back up his work? Look good and feel good have a common ground in both the best
of anything and their counterfit. While standing behind the product may not tell you that it is top quality, the refusal to do so should wave a caution flag. You may gain a
reputation by B.S. if you are good at it, but B.S. will not keep you there, only good quality will do that.

Lots of luck on your trip through the wonderful world of knives.


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old pete
 
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