Go custom or production for a fixed?

A

augostos

Joined
Sep 15, 2011
Messages
378
Hello!

I'd like to get a fixed blade, more or less conventional profile, around 3-5" blade length, in super steel – M390 and others, though I don't have yet any particular preference in steel type.

I was wondering which route to go? With custom makers or a production model?

Why I'm asking, maybe production companies won't harden the blade to the extreme hardness so the edge doesn't chip or other reasons.

Would be nice if you can list some production models that you think are well made.

And with custom makers, whom could you recommend from current custom makers here on BladeForums?

So, my intention is to try optimally heat-treated super steel.

Thank you very much!
 
Bradford makes good M390 fixed blades
Survive! knives high quality 20cv

My favorite knife is that size range is the benchmade 162.

I don't know of many custom makers on the forums but Battle Horse Knives will make you a custom for fairly cheap.
 
CPM20CV

[video=youtube;lo7Wsf_OokU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo7Wsf_OokU[/video]
 
+1 for Bradford. Its great that they use Peters Heat treat and their blade ground thinner than most other production brands.
 
+1 on JK knives, has 01 heat treat down pat, great practical user designs and will not be a bear to sharpen. Big Chris knives also makes a lot of knives in the different steels, though he is not taking custom orders, but does post what is available.
 
Another maker not here in the forums is Martin Tactical knives, he may be retiring soon so get one while you can, he makes a lot of nice mid size knives with some different steels. Lastly, give LT Wright and Battle Horse a look.
 
I have a bag full of knives waiting to go to Blade Show, all in Super Steels like M390, S90V, 3V, 10V, and S125V.
I run my knives very hard with rather thin edges.
Email me at BigChrisCustomKnives@Gmail.Com
We can discuss what I have available.
 
Chris makes good stuff. If he doesn't have anything that tickles your fancy email or call me. I can make pretty much anything you want and use just about any materials available. I firmly believe in tailoring the steel, hardness, & geometry in order to maximize performance. I can ask a few questions about what type of use the knife will se most and balance everything in order to maximize performance.
I will say that if you're looking for a sharpened prybar you should look elsewhere but if you want something that will cut & slice nicely and do so for a long time then you'll be quite happy with something from Chris or myself.
 
Darrin Sanders said:
Chris makes good stuff. If he doesn't have anything that tickles your fancy email or call me. I can make pretty much anything you want and use just about any materials available. I firmly believe in tailoring the steel, hardness, & geometry in order to maximize performance. I can ask a few questions about what type of use the knife will se most and balance everything in order to maximize performance.
I will say that if you're looking for a sharpened prybar you should look elsewhere but if you want something that will cut & slice nicely and do so for a long time then you'll be quite happy with something from Chris or myself.
Click to expand...

Thanks to this thread and your ^ post, I've got a Darrin Sanders bowie in 3V on order.
 
I enjoyed talking with you Matt and thanks for placing the order. When another maker commissions me to make him a knife, I consider that to be a great compliment. I look forward to working with you.
 
For fixed blades..custom is the only way to go in my opinion.

Here's a MLL that was just finished for me. Mario does tremendous work.

Hbydhpj.jpg
 
Hell, go on over and check out the fixed blades for sale over in the knifemakers market. There's some really beautiful stuff popping up every day over there.
 
I gotta say custom. I stalk the for sale custom fixed blades section every day. And i have noticed that there isnt that much of a price difference from production blades with alot of them. But in general there is way better materials, steels, and f&f with the customs, and you get to have a knife that someone worked their butt off on. I personally find a custom much more special and cool to own.
 
I'd say start with production stuff. There are some really good options out there - production stuff that's basically custom level quality. Once you absolutely KNOW what you like and require in a user, THEN you can check out the custom stuff and go crazy if you want. Just MHO...
 
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