HELP! Looking for a maker that can do it all!

PhilL

PhilL

Joined
Oct 1, 1999
Messages
6,490
I have a dream of putting together a display of all stag knives, in several different classical patterns, and I’m wondering if it would be possible or even sensible to have it done by just one maker. Are there makers that can do it all?

What I would be looking for, (All Stag definitely, Damascus would be awesome)
Bowie
Fighter
Dagger
Boot knife
Loveless style drop point Hunter
Lock back Hunter
Liner lock
Automatic, possibly an Italian style Stiletto
Gents knife
Multi-blade, slip lock Trapper

Since I’m not a rich man this would be a project over several years, realistically probably only around $2000 to $2500 a year. That would obviously eliminate many top named makers, that’s okay. I would rather work with someone up and coming that would be excited about this project, and would rather not wait two years for my first knife. I’ve been thinking about this for some time, and trying to think of who could handle this kind of project, the late Jimmy Lile would have been a possibility, Johnny Stout would be great (although at the high end of my budget), and one of the Members here Goshawk might be an option, but I don’t know.

I would sure appreciate any input from you folks, even if it’s just to burst my bubble. I’m a couple of weeks away from ordering my first customs, from two different makers, neither of which I think could handle the whole project. Is there anyone that you can think of that could?

TIA
PhilL

I admit it, I don’t know much but I know what I like.
 
Not one reply yet! What are you guys stumpted? Please, put your thinking caps on, I need to find someone that can make several styles of knives, reasonable in price, and good to work with. Or I'd like to hear your opinion of this project, even if you think it stinks. I could really use your help with this...Yeah YOU!
 
Hi Phil, your proposal sounds good, but I don't do folders, just never had the inclanation to. I do have a damascus bootknife in the works though, been thinking about doing it with a moose handle and now thanks to Pawnbroker I have some moose.

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Jake Evans,War Chief of the Terrible Ironic HORDE, Wielder of the Mighty Blade SOUL STEALER
 
Your project sounds great. Unfortunately I have zero experience with custom makers so I can't offer any advice. I'll keep watching this thread to see if it generates new ideas of possible makers for my first custom.
 
Ed Kalfayan makes a very full variety of knives (folding and fixed), and he makes them all quite well.

From the BAKCA locator:
Edward N. Kalfayan
Address
410 Channing
Ferndale, MI 48220
(P)hone - (F)ax
313-548-4882

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AKTI Member #A000832

"That which does not kill me just postpones the inevitable."
 
My first thought would be to choose different makers to take advantage of their different strengths. A bowie maker might not neccesarily be the best maker of Italian-style autos or trappers. Personally, I would rather choose several makers who excel at a particular type of knife, but who would be willing to accomodate your desire to have a common style or theme among the knives. Using the same handle materials, fixtures, engraving, styles, etc... would put together a nice collection.

If you decide to use just one maker for this project, talk to fellow forumite Gene Osborn of www.centercross.com to see if he'd be interested in something like that. Gene's got many talents and is reasonable priced.

Good luck with your project. Sound like a blast! Keep us informed about what you decide.

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Kelly

SenatorsPlace.com
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice


 
I believe that Dale Reif would be up to making all of these for you. He's a great maker, and an even better artist.
wink.gif
Shoot him an email, drknives@aol.com and check out his website!!!

-AR

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- AKTI Member ID# A000322
 
Phil, just think of the fun and adventures you could have by hitting several knife shows a year and digging through thousands of blades to find the ones you need to fill your collection!

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"
 
Howdy There..!
I also like your idea, but I agree with Senator about using different makers to accomplish your task. I know a couple of local makers that the only handle materail they use is stag. But they have certain limits to their styles, both do autos and folder as well as fixed blades. They usually don't go into fighters or boot knives, but are both very talented.
"Possum"

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Thomas Clegg
 
Thanks for the replies guys!
Jake, sorry it couldn't be a member of the Horde, next time.
Brian, the name is familiar but i don't remember his work.
Jackyl, Dale has been in touch, I agree his work is great.
Senator, I respect your opinion very much, and at first that was the way I thought I would go. But there just seems to be something special about a one maker display. I took a good long look at Genes' work.
L6, it would be fun having one of your knives.

I have been e-mailing a maker, we're very close on the first knife design, and he can do it all, but I'm going to have to take it one knife at a time (budget)

I would rather not mention his name yet, until after we've come to an agreement. He is a Member here, ABS, Hammer and Forge, convex grind, and kind of reminds me of my favorite makers style. I'll be honest, I never thought I would be able to afford even one of his knives, but one at a time we can get it done.
I have a feeling because it's a nice project I'm getting a break on his price, in any case the price and the man are right.

For those interested, I'll keep you updated.

Thanks again to all!
 
Well I said I would keep you updated, and I'm sorry to report this project is on HOLD! 9 AM this morning I was fired! Wow, what a difference a day makes! I was really surprised but not too upset about the job, but even I can't make a commitment to start ordering knives while unemployed, and that's enough to p___ off the Pope!



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"Will work 4 Knives!"
 
WOW!!! Sorry to hear that Phil. Who was the selected maker? Hope things pick back up for you.

-AR

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- AKTI Member ID# A000322
 
Thanks Jackyl, the good news is I just lost a job and not the will to live. It's just another bump in the road.
wink.gif


I'd still rather not say who the maker is until our business is done, and that's not dead just on hold. Can you believe it I just lost my job and I don't want to jinx myself on a knife order? I will say this, I have mentioned him before.

Well, I guess I'll have more time to spend hanging around here. Every cloud has a silver lining.

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"Will work 4 Knives!"
 
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