First Custom - How to go about it

[mdsmith]

This may sound like a dumb question, but I'm considering getting my first custom folder, but I don't even know where to start. I have a few things in mind like the size (3.5 in blade), opening mechanism (flipper), and lock (lefty frame or liner), but that's about it. I don't have a particular design in mind, and have no idea who to contact about it. I know there's a lot of talented makers out there, but it's almost too many to chose from. Could anyone recommend a particular maker for me to check out?

 

[Bigfatts]

Take a look in the trader forums here. The Custom Individual section always has a plethora of folders to look at in a wide array of prices and configurations. Just take some time and browse the threads. This will let you see some of the more popular makers and some not so popular. Get a feel for which makers knives you like or dislike. If you see one you like, do some research on it. Also check the Maker's Market under folders. We have some very talented makers that regularly post knives for sale here. And many of them accept orders. That's the best advice I can offer, just look look look until you start to pick out what you like.

 

[PURPLEDC]

Honestly there is no easy way to find a custom. Its very much luck of the draw. You simply have to be at the right place at the wrong time if you want to buy online. The crappy part is that the well known custom knife sites the inventory flies off the shelf so fast its like winning the lottery if you find what your looking for. Many times these dealers being popular they get exclusive models you cant get anywhere else. The lesser known dealers are great for finding the diamonds in the rough but you dont know how the knives were acquired (collectors, purveyors, knife show or direct from maker) and many times the descriptions are very sparse. If I were you and were the patient type I would research if any custom knife shows will be in your area. If you live near a big city chances are there could be a show coming to your area at some point. Shows are great because you can create contacts with industry folk and make friends with makers and dealers. And while production knives are usually sold at highway robbery prices I find that the customs are usually much cheaper than buying from a dealer on line especially if you can deal with the maker directly. First what I would do is narrow down exactly what model you want from what maker. Then if possible see if you can either get on their list (if its not closed) and if not see if they will be at any shows and when. If you dont get lucky in that sense then its time to hit the dealers. You pretty much have to check the same dealers every single day sometimes multiple times a day. Inventory can hit at any time. And it doesnt hurt to call and ask for something specific. But if you do that have your credit card in hand. Knife dealers get a lot of BS inquiries from people not ready to commit to a sale. Having your credit card handy and profess your willingness to buy that day will persuade dealers to open up their safe and see what is lingering. I know of at least one dealer who actually has a large inventory they dont list on their site. This way they have something to put on their table when they do custom knife shows.

 

[mdsmith]

Thanks guys. So do most custom makers just produce certain knives and selling them, or are they actually talking to individuals who want something made for them and coming up with a design together?

 

[Cereal_killer]

My recommendation is to get more experience with production knives first to learn what you like, the worst thing would be to spend a bunch of time/money working with someone to design you a custom, you like how it looks on paper but you get it in hand and decide you don't like some of its features.

Use a bunch if different knives, figure out the features you like best and then combine those into your custom so your sure to like it. Figure out lock style, handle material and shape, blade size/shape, opening mech., everything else you like best.