I'm sorry to have to ask the same question you guys get on a regular basis, but hopefully, you can help me make a decision on a new custom, since everyone likes a different thing.
I am looking for a new custom, and I am partial to a 'gents' style folder. My favorite so far has been the William Henry T10 Lancet, for size, blade geometry, aesthetics, and workmanship. I also own a Koji Hara airstep (see below), but don't carry it, since it is too nice to use, and if anything goes wrong, it would be too much hassle to send it back to Japan for refinishing.
It needs to be something relatively small (Lancet- or WeeT- sized), have smooth handles/scales (don't care for jigged bone), relatively slim, have a liner lock, thumbstud, and must be comfortable and balanced, so that I can 'fondle' it in a meeting, kind of like you would with 'worry beads'. The budget is roughly under $700. My problem is that if I spend more than $500 on a knife, I'm afraid to use it, but I also like something unique, so I recognize that I'll need to cough up the bucks. I don't mind spending the money if this is a 'knife for a lifetime', or a 'pearl of great price'.
That said, I am looking for recommendations of makers and/or knives that you feel have the highest quality workmanship at this time, in the category I need. Some suggested names that have been made by friends are Terzuola and Centofante. Is there a benefit to buying something from a Master Smith? Are there any 'up and coming', undervalued makers out there?
Thanks in advance!
I am looking for a new custom, and I am partial to a 'gents' style folder. My favorite so far has been the William Henry T10 Lancet, for size, blade geometry, aesthetics, and workmanship. I also own a Koji Hara airstep (see below), but don't carry it, since it is too nice to use, and if anything goes wrong, it would be too much hassle to send it back to Japan for refinishing.
It needs to be something relatively small (Lancet- or WeeT- sized), have smooth handles/scales (don't care for jigged bone), relatively slim, have a liner lock, thumbstud, and must be comfortable and balanced, so that I can 'fondle' it in a meeting, kind of like you would with 'worry beads'. The budget is roughly under $700. My problem is that if I spend more than $500 on a knife, I'm afraid to use it, but I also like something unique, so I recognize that I'll need to cough up the bucks. I don't mind spending the money if this is a 'knife for a lifetime', or a 'pearl of great price'.
That said, I am looking for recommendations of makers and/or knives that you feel have the highest quality workmanship at this time, in the category I need. Some suggested names that have been made by friends are Terzuola and Centofante. Is there a benefit to buying something from a Master Smith? Are there any 'up and coming', undervalued makers out there?
Thanks in advance!
Other than the makers already mentioned, who else is out there? Again, the parameters are:
