First Custom Folder Suggestions

PurpleHaze

PurpleHaze

Joined
Mar 8, 2010
Messages
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Hello all, i am looking at getting my first custom folder. I have had plenty of custom fixed blades, but they never seem to stay in my collection very long as i always seem to want to not use them. The folder however, i am looking at making it my main edc and plan on using it heavily. Of the suggestions below or any others, what would you recommend? Anyone owning or previously owned one of the knives listed, please give me any useful info on them. Thanks!

Tim Galyean Pro Series Large or Small JYD
Tim Galyean Pro Series Small Lahar
DDR Trigger Maze
Hinderer XM18 or 24
George/Elishewitz Collaboration
Lambert Inferno
Yuna EQ 2
 
I own a Galyean Pro Series Large Lahar, a DDR Trigger Maze, and a Hinderer XM18. All are unique, and each one would be a wonderful EDC if I chose to do so. Fit and finish are first rate. However, like you, I tend not to use them and they all are safe queens. They are just too nice to spoil by carrying them. So... my EDC is a Kershaw Volt, designed by RJ Martin.

Any and all of your choices would be good users IMHO.
 
I own two Pro Series knives by Tim (a large Lahar and a Turbulence) and a 3.5" Hinderer XM18. They're very good knives with outstanding fit and finish, however they're considered as mid-techs instead of full custom folders. The plus is that for the Galyean Pro Series is reasonably priced near the $400-$500 range while his full customs are about double that.

Only other custom knifemaker I have experience with is Randy Doucette; I've ordered a knife directly from him, and overall the experience was a good one and the knife came out fantastic.
 
PurpleHaze said:
... The folder however, i am looking at making it my main edc and plan on using it heavily. ...

Tim Galyean Pro Series Large or Small JYD
Tim Galyean Pro Series Small Lahar
DDR Trigger Maze
Hinderer XM18 or 24
George/Elishewitz Collaboration
Lambert Inferno
Yuna EQ 2
Click to expand...

Of the ones mentioned I've owned a DDR Trigger and an XM-18. Both would make good EDCs, but to be used heavily in all conditions I'd unequivocally go with the Hinderer for its cutting ability and overall ruggedness.
 
An Epicenter or Differential from Todd Rexford is the creme de la creme of custom folders IMHO and he is taking orders now.

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Can't help on any you listed, but I'm going to suggest another maker to look at; John W Smith. He makes some of the slickest, well built folders around. I'm speaking of his tactical style knives. His prices do not represent the quality of knife he delivers. Just my opinion, but I think a lot will agree with me.

I added some pics; first two are of the Extreme SD-3 I have, while the other is a F5 model.:thumbup::)

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Some of those knives you listed I wouldn't consider custom. Are they made to high tolerances and are well built, yes. As for custom I would suggest a Terzuola : )

my 2 cents.
 
The EQ2 would fit the bill best. The hollow ground blade is excellent for cutting tasks. Whereas the XM-18 is too fat to cut an apple without breaking it to pieces. I personally carry an R.J. Martin Overkill for EDC. Flipper + Bearings + hollow grind + titanium + Super Steel = :D

Following the same train of thought, I've been looking into a CUSTOM custom flipper knife with M390 blade steel at my choice of hardness range:thumbup:.
 
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