Hey guys I know this forum has a lot of amazing knife makers and craftsmen but I have a question for everyone that has experience with custom hand made knives. I recently became interested in custom knives and I would like to know how was your first buying experience was? Also what qualities do you all look for in a knife maker or knife when ordering? I have been searching for a while and I really love Todd Rexford's folders and I am considering purchasing one of his knives, anyone here have experience with him or his knives? Thank you and I appreciate your help.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
First Custom Folder Buying experience?
- Thread starter Knight88
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,336
This would be the equivalent of an 18 yr old coming in and wanting to buy a Lamborghini as his first car. Todd's knives are fetching fantastic amounts of money from buyers. There is a discussion concerning the extreme pricing of some makers now, and Todd's name was mentioned. Do the search.
This said, the Custom buying experience encapsulates many aspects:
Desirability, quality of build, pride of ownership, styling that works for you, price points, etc. One of the MOST gratifying aspects is the interaction with a maker, and their stature in the marketplace. Not everyone gets a chance to meet the makers of their collection pieces, yet when they do, it's a privilege. Lastly, you some consider resale value in purchase decisions. (I did not with my first folder. I just wanted what I wanted.)
Todd's work has all of this. However, you will be waiting a LONG time for an ordered piece or will pay a substantial amount more for one from a seller. He's on top of the world and his buzz is big right now.
First folder? So many choices I can't begin to start. Whatever you decide, look around and read/browse for hours so you are sure this is right for you.
Good luck. I'd like to hear your decisions.
My name is always posted. I spent time answering this with you. I hate anonymous names: What's yours?
Jim
This said, the Custom buying experience encapsulates many aspects:
Desirability, quality of build, pride of ownership, styling that works for you, price points, etc. One of the MOST gratifying aspects is the interaction with a maker, and their stature in the marketplace. Not everyone gets a chance to meet the makers of their collection pieces, yet when they do, it's a privilege. Lastly, you some consider resale value in purchase decisions. (I did not with my first folder. I just wanted what I wanted.)
Todd's work has all of this. However, you will be waiting a LONG time for an ordered piece or will pay a substantial amount more for one from a seller. He's on top of the world and his buzz is big right now.
First folder? So many choices I can't begin to start. Whatever you decide, look around and read/browse for hours so you are sure this is right for you.
Good luck. I'd like to hear your decisions.
My name is always posted. I spent time answering this with you. I hate anonymous names: What's yours?
Jim
Thank you for your reply Jim, it is good to meet you. My name is Duncan. I didn't realize that Todd was so in demand right now but it makes sense. I have owned quite a bit of production knives and what people call mid tech but lately I have become more picky about the types of knives I own and this is why I am curious about this route. As to prices I try to research but it is hard to find prices listed especially for customs.
Locutus D'Borg
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2012
- Messages
- 5,202
I just bought my very first after studying what seemed like thousands of customs. Until I receive it, I won't jinx it by mentioning the name.
I wanted a pocket clip, rock solid lock-up, and good resale, among other things. Many I liked had no clip, or were known to have blade play (I searched this forum on the names). I narrowed it to about four maker's knives, and then consulted with a known collector on this forum, as well as my wife, who has a good eye for mosaic bolsters that are too bright, that type of thing. The maker's all had year long waiting lists, or longer, so I settled for buying from a well-known custom dealer, of which there are quite a few.
It is a leap of faith in a way, because with a CRK or Hinderer or William Henry there is a build consistency and body of knowledge. But most reputable custom dealers will allow 3 days where you can return the knife if not happy. Or you can buy on the forum exchange at much better prices, but I'd suggest you should have good knowledge of the knife before doing that as returns are frowned upon in private sales unless the knife is not as described.
I wanted a pocket clip, rock solid lock-up, and good resale, among other things. Many I liked had no clip, or were known to have blade play (I searched this forum on the names). I narrowed it to about four maker's knives, and then consulted with a known collector on this forum, as well as my wife, who has a good eye for mosaic bolsters that are too bright, that type of thing. The maker's all had year long waiting lists, or longer, so I settled for buying from a well-known custom dealer, of which there are quite a few.
It is a leap of faith in a way, because with a CRK or Hinderer or William Henry there is a build consistency and body of knowledge. But most reputable custom dealers will allow 3 days where you can return the knife if not happy. Or you can buy on the forum exchange at much better prices, but I'd suggest you should have good knowledge of the knife before doing that as returns are frowned upon in private sales unless the knife is not as described.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,336
Thanks Duncan. Glad to chat and help you.
Prices on this forum are usually removed. No changing that now. Prices on dealer sites will also reveal much. You often can pay 10%-20% less through the forum sales, but you have to be there when they post.
dcoffe01: Sure the Laconico fits all the criteria, but an 'achievable goal' is not purchasing by chance to a potential sale on a forum. Not that method, anyway. Good maker, by every measure.
First time buyer: I would HIGHLY suggest a direct sale from a dealer (who will support a return if need be) or from the maker themselves. (If the wait is reasonable.) Advantage = Dealer, if you discuss your wishes with them. Dealers are VERY knowledgable and need to make everyone happy: their makers, their clients, and their wives.
Coop
Sounds like a good idea to me. I really appreciate all the help guys. I know finding the right maker can take some time so I will keep looking at dealers and searching for the best folder for me. But if I ever have the opportunity to buy a nice one from a maker I will 
I do love my hinderer but I just want something a little different. One day I will find the right one.
I do love my hinderer but I just want something a little different. One day I will find the right one.
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
A1 is a carbon steel made for railroad rails, am sure that it rusts quite a bit if exposed to any moisture. Would recommend the industry standard S30V or 154CPM for blade steels.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2012
- Messages
- 671
Very true. If you're not too familiar with carbon steel maintance it's always a good idea to aim for a stainless, but I've always had good luck with A2. Performs just like D2, but a little easier to sharpen. Just dont use it to cut up your fruit because it will develope a patina because of the acid lol
:thumbup:
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
The last Sal Manaro knife that I purchased was $1400.00....there is quite a wait for them as well.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,336
^^^ Yup. Sal's a good buddy of mine. Makes an EXCEPTIONAL folder. he's one of the privileged invited to attend the Tactical Invitational.
Duncan, methinks you are working off of what we call 'Buzz', and that's OK. The fellows you mention got the 'Buzz in spades.
However, I have a case filled with knives from great makers, who don't have a lot of buzz, yet my satisfaction level is unmatched.
Two established guys who have readily-available and historically-well-made pieces are John W. Smith and Bob Terzuola.
There are TONS of other names, and I've just aggravated all of them by naming these two makers.
I just don't think you need to jump into the upper reaches on your first, to get a sense of quality and satisfaction.
Coop
Duncan, methinks you are working off of what we call 'Buzz', and that's OK. The fellows you mention got the 'Buzz in spades.
However, I have a case filled with knives from great makers, who don't have a lot of buzz, yet my satisfaction level is unmatched.
Two established guys who have readily-available and historically-well-made pieces are John W. Smith and Bob Terzuola.
There are TONS of other names, and I've just aggravated all of them by naming these two makers.
I just don't think you need to jump into the upper reaches on your first, to get a sense of quality and satisfaction.
Coop
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 13,363
Bob's right, go to Blade Show. You are located fairly close.
Even considering your cost to attend you will be ahead of the game in actually being able to see and handle many makers work.
Probably your best chance for actually acquiring a nice piece as well.
Even considering your cost to attend you will be ahead of the game in actually being able to see and handle many makers work.
Probably your best chance for actually acquiring a nice piece as well.
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2002
- Messages
- 1,705
Hey Duncan, welcome. I'm from Charlotte, NC - not too far from Fayetteville and Fort Bragg. When I was of draft age in the late 60's everybody referred to Fayetteville as Fayet-Nam because of the famous direct non-stop troop transports that routinely shuttled between Fayetteville and Saigon. It's a nice area, and close to the coast!
My first experiences purchasing custom knives involved folders - didn't buy a straight knife for quite a while - and they were awkward, slightly uncomfortable affairs because I had no friends that shared my interest in knives - no intel, so to speak - and naturally I didn't know what was what about steel, handle material, the market for custom knives... nothing. Like everybody though, I liked a lot of what I saw and most of it seemed way too expensive. I made mistakes as a result... This is all true with no BS on my part.
1. I bought my first custom folder from a maker, and it was his first folder too! Makers who are reading this will probably not be offended when I say, "How stupid was that?" Ha. I paid $450. I contacted the maker shortly after to enquire about a weird spot in the damascus bolster - laughing right now as I type this - and, he said, "Oh - I probably should've told you about that." WTF... But hey, I guess I like the thing enough to still have it. It won't carry well at all - like it's corners and protrusions are a problem for any pocket. Jeeeesh!
2. This one almost drove me away, it was so awful. The short version... A name maker, whom I contacted via their website, ascertained my child-like innocence and got all my money before I ever saw the knife (and in fact I never saw the knife or even a snapshot of it in progress - a nice drawing was all that existed as far as I could tell). So, I'm really the fool this time but I confronted the maker via e-mail (we only had contact by e-mail and one brief phone conversation early on in the process). The outcome was I got all my money back (several thou) plus what the maker called 'interest' but I think of as 'damages' since a crime was committed, IMO. I think the only reason I didn't just wash my hands of the whole custom knife affair was that by that time I'd made a couple of forum 'friends' - and I was planning to attend a knife show for the first time. In other words I'd made some connections and I could see that we weren't all just signing up for the gas chamber.
3. Then the tide changed. It didn't take long to learn the basics from forums like this one and one day, at a weekend hands-on event - a 'hammer-in" - another well-known maker, one with integrity, had a little chat with me and my wife, saying, "Folks like you are important to what we do so I appreciate that you are here. But be careful because if people see that you are a 'buyer' you might get approached and pressured into something not so much in your best interests." He didn't try to tell me what my best interests should be. He didn't try to sell me a knife. And he didn't elaborate - which I thought was real professional. I don't collect his work (he's way up there and has icon-status - I can't afford his work). There was nothing in it for him - he just naturally did the right thing. To me that was an affirming experience and one that I will never forget. It turns out there are many like him in the custom knife world.
That's my story and I hope it helps you and/or anyone in your position, as we all once were.
My first experiences purchasing custom knives involved folders - didn't buy a straight knife for quite a while - and they were awkward, slightly uncomfortable affairs because I had no friends that shared my interest in knives - no intel, so to speak - and naturally I didn't know what was what about steel, handle material, the market for custom knives... nothing. Like everybody though, I liked a lot of what I saw and most of it seemed way too expensive. I made mistakes as a result... This is all true with no BS on my part.
1. I bought my first custom folder from a maker, and it was his first folder too! Makers who are reading this will probably not be offended when I say, "How stupid was that?" Ha. I paid $450. I contacted the maker shortly after to enquire about a weird spot in the damascus bolster - laughing right now as I type this - and, he said, "Oh - I probably should've told you about that." WTF... But hey, I guess I like the thing enough to still have it. It won't carry well at all - like it's corners and protrusions are a problem for any pocket. Jeeeesh!
2. This one almost drove me away, it was so awful. The short version... A name maker, whom I contacted via their website, ascertained my child-like innocence and got all my money before I ever saw the knife (and in fact I never saw the knife or even a snapshot of it in progress - a nice drawing was all that existed as far as I could tell). So, I'm really the fool this time but I confronted the maker via e-mail (we only had contact by e-mail and one brief phone conversation early on in the process). The outcome was I got all my money back (several thou) plus what the maker called 'interest' but I think of as 'damages' since a crime was committed, IMO. I think the only reason I didn't just wash my hands of the whole custom knife affair was that by that time I'd made a couple of forum 'friends' - and I was planning to attend a knife show for the first time. In other words I'd made some connections and I could see that we weren't all just signing up for the gas chamber.
3. Then the tide changed. It didn't take long to learn the basics from forums like this one and one day, at a weekend hands-on event - a 'hammer-in" - another well-known maker, one with integrity, had a little chat with me and my wife, saying, "Folks like you are important to what we do so I appreciate that you are here. But be careful because if people see that you are a 'buyer' you might get approached and pressured into something not so much in your best interests." He didn't try to tell me what my best interests should be. He didn't try to sell me a knife. And he didn't elaborate - which I thought was real professional. I don't collect his work (he's way up there and has icon-status - I can't afford his work). There was nothing in it for him - he just naturally did the right thing. To me that was an affirming experience and one that I will never forget. It turns out there are many like him in the custom knife world.
That's my story and I hope it helps you and/or anyone in your position, as we all once were.
That is a great idea, I was hoping to attend the blade show last year but work kept me from going. I definitely plan to attend this year so I can meet and see the makers and their work in person. I know things can look completely different from a screen than being able to experience and touch a knife in person. Thank you Buddy for the heads up, I always believed it is wiser to take and use other peoples experience and use it. Funny thing too some of us still call it Fayett-Nam but I thought is was something recent people started calling it eveyone here has been great and I hope to run into all of you at blade.
eveyone here has been great and I hope to run into all of you at blade.hey duncan. the blade show is great advice. greg lightfoot makes awesome folders sometimes prices 500 to 600 price range. if you know what model of his you would like greg might be still able to make one up for you to pick up at show. best to give him a call. he is a great guy in many ways and a must to meet. good luck al