Hi, I've been looking at getting a custom for quite some time now, but I've never had the money or experience with enough customs to buy one. But I've got a little extra cash right now, and I'm looking at getting my first custom, I'm not looking to spend more than probably 550$ and the only other thing is that I want a folder, I like flippers, and having a beefier knife, but that's just something I want, not that I need, so any suggestions to good first customs would be much appreciated, Thanks!
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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.
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First Custom?
- Thread starter DTK5101
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Well, at that price point you can look around on the Makers section of the exchange here to find some good deals on true customs. $550 is more "midtech" territory (edit: at least for well-known makers), meaning that many parts are produced by machines, but generally the blades are hand ground and the knife is hand assembled and finished - just usually not by the maker himself. You get all the quality of a true custom (though perhaps not some of the flashy details like exotic material/gem inlays, etc) at a much lower price.
If you'd be interested in midtechs, Brian Tighe makes some very interesting designs with cool materials and they generally go for around that price point. There's also the Grimmsmo Norseman which I've heard great things about (though I'm not a big fan of the blade shape myself). There are obviously many other options but those are the first ones that come to mind at that price point. Best of luck in your hunt!
If you'd be interested in midtechs, Brian Tighe makes some very interesting designs with cool materials and they generally go for around that price point. There's also the Grimmsmo Norseman which I've heard great things about (though I'm not a big fan of the blade shape myself). There are obviously many other options but those are the first ones that come to mind at that price point. Best of luck in your hunt!
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I would go with Kirby Lambert. He's an amazing maker, awesome quality and his knives are a little more unique. When dealing with customs? Its easy to get pulled into ti framelock flippers but the problem some people might have is you can get a production ti frame lock flipper. Lambert does some fun custom stuff, bolsters, mixed and unique materials, anno'd hardware etc.
Also, John W. Smith, Ray Laconico, Michael Vagnino, Tobin Smith are all well known, well established makers who regularly produce pieces in your price range.
Also, John W. Smith, Ray Laconico, Michael Vagnino, Tobin Smith are all well known, well established makers who regularly produce pieces in your price range.
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I've had a lot of folders. My highest-priced folders were both in the $700-range, and I didn't like them; sold them quickly.
In the mid-tech line, I'm a BIG fan of Chris Reeve Knives...the Sebenza (small/large) and the Umnumzaan. Great quality; proven over time and thousands of happy campers.
If you want a FULL CUSTOM for a price that doesn't break the bank, talk to Joe Hoover. I've had two of his knives; the latest one that I have is a full competitor to be used as my EDC...would replace my Umnumzaan which I've carried for several years exclusively.
Joe Hoover has no fancy equipment, so all of his knives are made by his hands. He started with fixed blades years ago, and has recently been making wonderful folding knives. I've owned two. IMO, they are great. Solid, no-stick locks, made according to your specs, full warranty...and a really nice guy. I am including a link to pics of my most recent folder from him...at the bottom of this post.
Here is Joe Hoover's email address: jvw336@centurylink.net
You can see several of his knives on the Knifemaker's forum...Folders at this link:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/753-For-Sale-Folders
http://s246.photobucket.com/user/Sonnytoo/library/Hoover second with lge reg seb
sonnydaze
In the mid-tech line, I'm a BIG fan of Chris Reeve Knives...the Sebenza (small/large) and the Umnumzaan. Great quality; proven over time and thousands of happy campers.
If you want a FULL CUSTOM for a price that doesn't break the bank, talk to Joe Hoover. I've had two of his knives; the latest one that I have is a full competitor to be used as my EDC...would replace my Umnumzaan which I've carried for several years exclusively.
Joe Hoover has no fancy equipment, so all of his knives are made by his hands. He started with fixed blades years ago, and has recently been making wonderful folding knives. I've owned two. IMO, they are great. Solid, no-stick locks, made according to your specs, full warranty...and a really nice guy. I am including a link to pics of my most recent folder from him...at the bottom of this post.
Here is Joe Hoover's email address: jvw336@centurylink.net
You can see several of his knives on the Knifemaker's forum...Folders at this link:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/753-For-Sale-Folders
http://s246.photobucket.com/user/Sonnytoo/library/Hoover second with lge reg seb
sonnydaze