entry-level customs

[Durwood]

Of those mentioned I can personally vouch for a consistent quality product from Ray Cover, Cliff Polk, and Henry Parker with Jeff Cover's work showing vast improvement in the last couple of years... I had some of his knives earlier this year that were fantastic. The likelihood of seeing a Ray Cover knife at Knife show is fairly low...especially on Ray's table, nevertheless shows are the best place to see knives in person.

Even on the inflated secondary market Ray's knives are a bargain.

Well said, Ray's knives compare favorably if not superior to some of the BIG NAMES...in slipjoints, though the styling is totally different.


I guess what it comes down to is what is a 2-3 year wait worth? For some it's quite a bit...others very little. I was lucky enough to get several orders in with Ray before the backlog got so long...But i'll readily admit it's this same thing that shys me away from some of the makers I'd love to own knives from...good old Instant Gratification

brownshoe, Amen on the nail nicks...I started a thread on this subject a while back in the custom forum, and I think you commented on it... I've seen some otherwise great knives with terrible nail nicks, and as you have noted...that ruins them for me.

 

[SpyderJon]

Howdy! Just 2 questions about Ray Cover Sr.:

1: anyone know just how long his backlog is?

2: What is the best way to contact him?

Thanks!

Sincerely,
Anthony

 

[SharpNJ]

Howdy! Just 2 questions about Ray Cover Sr.:

1: anyone know just how long his backlog is?

2: What is the best way to contact him?

Thanks!

Sincerely,
Anthony

When I ordered in 11/03, Ray said delivery would be in 6 months and it eventually took 21 months. Now he's quoting 12 month delivery!

The phone number I have is 573-749-3783.

 

[brownshoe]

Durwood,

I was at a show with my 10 yo girl. She saw a slipjoint trapper and pointed it out to me. It was flashy, looked good. However there were obvious mistakes in the nail nicks. One looked like it had been cut twice. I pointed it out to her, and she agreed it was a shame to have such an obvious flaw. I then told her the knife was 100 more than my crowder, and she found it hard to believe. I looked up and the dealer was giving me a look "that could kill." This type of "knife dealing" makes you wonder (a) did the maker sell it to the dealer at a discount because of the flaw (b) if so why didn't the purveyor pass on the discount, and (c) who buys knives from these guys with such an obvious flaw. I think sometimes collectors are either fools (PTBarnum kind) or get caught up in the emotional moment and forget to actually examine the knife.

 

[cpirtle]

... This type of "knife dealing" makes you wonder ...

I think you missed one, sometimes I think a dealer gets a piece from maker and is "stuck" with it so they hope you won't notice. Back in my tactical days I bought a $600 folder by a top 4 maker and the lock was so poor you could swing the handle and the blade would rattle between the lock and stop pin. Of course I sent it back to the dealer.

I agree on the nail nicks 100% though, they just show that added level of attention to detail.

Another one who's got his nail nicks down pat is Rick Nowland, but his prices are much higher than those of Gary or Ray.