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Actually, "these" is just as correct as "this" or "that" in the given scenario. They all change slightly depending on how you are using it, but none are incorrect.
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How "custom" is it if its already made, really?
- Thread starter ultrafine
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Actually, "these" is just as correct as "this" or "that" in the given scenario. They all change slightly depending on how you are using it, but none are incorrect.
RayseM
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These many works in this case too as a qualifier, as in these very many decisions or these many many decisions*- not picking on you just having fun. Interesting thread. My vote is that "custom knife" means hand made and one off, unless noted that it is one of a very limited edition. The point is that it is not a production product made by trained makers but by one maker in control of his/her product & production.
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I do agree that the term "custom" is over used by many people making what I would call "customized" knives. However, if you read periodicals such as Blade and Knives Illustrated you will find that the term custom is quite frequently used for a knife created solely at the makers discretion. To me, it's meant to be a work of art. And yes, a one of a kind. Sort of like (sorry for the analogy) if I commisioned an artist to paint a picture. Why would I want to impede that by telling the artist how to go about it? You hire the artist most suited to your style, and then turn him loose to do his thing. You wouldn't hire Vincent Van Gough and then tell him you want him to paint in the style of Leonardo Da Vinci, right? Most custom knifemakers are artists. They create that which nobody else can without copying their style. They know their trade and what materials are best suited for their style of knifemaking. IMHO the only way to achieve a custom knife, according to all the criteria laid forth in the OP, is to become a knifemaker. Then and only then is EVERY option available.
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depends who im talking with.
with most of you guys here, there is no need to define a knife as custom, mid tech, or production, since most of us understand that these terms are somewhat ambiguous.
if im talking with non knife people, they often wonder why my knife was so expensive, or why it is so nice.
using the term "custom" clarifies this for them, and id rather not try and explain what "semi-custom" or "mid tech" means.
with most of you guys here, there is no need to define a knife as custom, mid tech, or production, since most of us understand that these terms are somewhat ambiguous.
if im talking with non knife people, they often wonder why my knife was so expensive, or why it is so nice.
using the term "custom" clarifies this for them, and id rather not try and explain what "semi-custom" or "mid tech" means.
It is THESE, as he was referring to multiples. THIS would have been about one decision. Sorry, I'm a sucker for correcting people when they try to correct other people.
Just a thought: if you have a knife maker make 2 knives to your exact specifications, and the specifications of each knife are the same, are they not custom knives because they're not one of a kind?
Further, if a dealer has a production company, Benchmade for example, make 50 knives to their specifications, aren't those technically custom if we say the knives in the first example are custom?
Further further, what value does 'handmade' truly hold? I could handmake you a knife, but it will be a piece of crap
Further, if a dealer has a production company, Benchmade for example, make 50 knives to their specifications, aren't those technically custom if we say the knives in the first example are custom?
Further further, what value does 'handmade' truly hold? I could handmake you a knife, but it will be a piece of crap
The terms custom and customized are very complcated to discern but also not really worth worrying about.
For instance a factory could receive an order from a company or distributor to swap out the sheepfoot blade of the their normal sowbelly for a wharncliffe blade. It would be a "Custom Order" something they don't normally make. Or an individual may hand make knives to his specifications or others. This too, would be custom, even if he only made one particular design, over and over.
Customized is when you alter your own knife or when a knife maker alters an existing pattern to meet your wishes or his/her own fancy. ( For instance the enormous number of Buck 110s that get new scales, Damascus blades, or other after factory alterations by some world class designers)
That's what I use to figure out custom vs. customized but I always leave lots of wiggle room.
But in the end I think this is all just semantics and a moot point. The bottom line for me is "like" If you like the knife and you thinks it is worth the price, does it matter if it is factory, handmade, custom, customized, whatever?
For instance a factory could receive an order from a company or distributor to swap out the sheepfoot blade of the their normal sowbelly for a wharncliffe blade. It would be a "Custom Order" something they don't normally make. Or an individual may hand make knives to his specifications or others. This too, would be custom, even if he only made one particular design, over and over.
Customized is when you alter your own knife or when a knife maker alters an existing pattern to meet your wishes or his/her own fancy. ( For instance the enormous number of Buck 110s that get new scales, Damascus blades, or other after factory alterations by some world class designers)
That's what I use to figure out custom vs. customized but I always leave lots of wiggle room.
But in the end I think this is all just semantics and a moot point. The bottom line for me is "like" If you like the knife and you thinks it is worth the price, does it matter if it is factory, handmade, custom, customized, whatever?