finding a custom knife

Q

qboy

Joined
Nov 16, 2005
Messages
62
Hi all:

I am in the market for a custom folder and I am trying to use the web to do so. I am a bit confused--not unusual. It seems that for the most part, I will probably need to buy from BladeArt or another online dealer, even though a number of custom makers have websites that they use to showcase models. Is this correct? Or, is it okay to contact the maker directly if he has a price list on his site? I do not know the protocol here.

Thanks,

Qboy
 
I have E-mailed a maker about one of his knives that I am interested in. He had an "inquiry form", for lack of a better description. We E-mailed, and I ordered. I have also contacted a maker regarding some work on a knife I received in trade. I have talked directly to several knife makers, and they are all so very nice. Does this help?
 
Contact the maker! I prefer to deal directly with the maker & have done a lot, they'll help & let you know whether they can meet your needs & you make new friends.:D
I can understand your apprehension I was nervous the first time. If your not real sure use this site lot of good makers who are more than willing to help.
Mitch
 
Buying direct from the maker may save you some bucks and may allow you to have input into exactly what you want. There is also some degree of pleasure in having contact with the guy who makes a knife for you. There could very well be a wait time. Buying from internet dealers gives you instant gratification which is also nice.
 
One definite advantage to talking with the maker is that no one knows the knife better than they do. If you want to know what the performance expectations may be, why the design or construction is done a certain way, etc., they can tell you. Knowing more about the knife and how it relates to what you're looking for before you buy is going to help you make a better choice in the end I think, regardless of whether you buy direct from the maker or from a retail site/store. Don't be hesitant to contact them.
 
Hi all. thanks for the helpful comments. I am currently interested in a couple of Karambit folders. I am looking at a couple by Warren Thomas and also at a collaboration between Liong Mah and Rick Hinderer. Basically, I am looking for a nice custom Kerambit folder and these are good condidates for a reasonable price.

So it is okay just to contact these guys? Should I expect to be able to pay by Credit Card? How does payment generally work if not?

Thanks.
 
Nice choices!! Rick Hinderer is an AWESOME guy to deal with!! He is one of my FAVORITE knife makers!! I have a Flashover on order with him. His website isn't completely back up yet. You have great taste. I have sent money orders to Rick. I sent a down payment to Rick. It depends on each person. I have an order with another knife maker, and he doesn't want a down payment. I sent Rick good faith money. Rick's work is outstanding. And from the pix I have seen (and drooled over, by the way.), he is also an amazing knife maker!!
 
qboy said:
So it is okay just to contact these guys? Should I expect to be able to pay by Credit Card? How does payment generally work if not?
Click to expand...
YES! It's okay to contact these guys. That's one of the best parts about being a Knut, you actually get to speak with the people that make them. How often does that happen in other hobbies!
 
qboy said:
So it is okay just to contact these guys? Should I expect to be able to pay by Credit Card? How does payment generally work if not?
Click to expand...

It is definitely okay to contact makers directly. The main advantage is that you will get the exact knife you want. You will also get to converse with some makers and that is almost always a pleasure. The biggest drawback is that you may have to wait a long time to get your knife. That is where purchasing from a dealer or purveyor is a definite advantage.

Many makers take credit cards, many do not. If they don't, you will have to pay by money order, bank transfer, possibly by cheque (either certified, or having to wait until it clears), or maybe by Paypal.
 
I personally do not mind waiting for a knife!! There is something about knowing that a knife is being made for ME, makes waiting not a problem at all for me!!
 
There are huge andvantages to talk to a maker directly.
You can get EXACTLY what you want that way.

Of the makers you listed, I have only spoken to Warren Thomas, but I learned so much from that conversation that it was worthwhile in its own right.

Disadvantage: buying from a dealer can be a little more expensive (although not always) , but they have the knife now. Most knifemakers that I deal with have nothing in stock, and you may have to wait for quite awhile.


good luck.
 
Good morning and thanks again. I have two personal references to the two knifemakers I am considering. This is very helpful. I appreciate the encouragement also. So far, I have left messages at the number listed on Warren Thomas' website (three days or so, no answer). I have also left a message at a Texas number for Warren Thomas Knives--as yet with no replay. I just emailed Mr. Hinderer yesterday, so we will see.

Regards,

Q
 
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