How did you choose your first custom?

SilverFoxKnows

SilverFoxKnows

Joined
Sep 25, 2002
Messages
3,179
Did you just like one guys work and say gimme one of those? Or did you have an idea and then find the person whose work most closely resembled your design? Did you draw out a design or do one in wood? Or did you just say I want a drop point 3" long? I think I'm getting to the point of wanting a knife that's EXACTLY what I want. Right now I'm on my lunch break whittling an idea out of an old ruler. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Frank
 
I had a pretty specific idea of what I wanted for a "wilderness carry" fixed blade. After reading the forums and looking at a whole lot of custom work I decided that Bob Dozier was the maker I wanted to work with. Finally I got up my nerve and called his shop.

Bob's wife Linda answered the phone and from there everything was easy. (She is one of the nicest people in the world!) We talked at length about what I wanted, exchanged a few sketches, and agreed on a price.

Before actually making the knife Bob called to make sure the size of the grip would fit my hand properly. Not too long after that a package arrived with my first custom, a Bob Dozier #6 pattern extended to a 5-1/2" blade and with dual guards. It fits my hand like it grew there. And the kydex sheath is a work of art in its own right.

I can't imagine having a more pleasant or productive experience with a knifemaker. The only downside has been that I just can't bring myself to buy anything else like it, since I know I will never carry anything else. ;)

--Bob Q
 
My first custom was chosen because I really liked the looks of a certain knife and had liked many knives from this maker I had seen in the past.

I now get an idea of the kind of knife I want and the materials I want it made from. Once I have given the maker this outline I give them the reigns and depend on their ability to make me the knife I want.
 
I was at the Vegas Classic this past January, and I was looking for a smaller sized fixed blade as an EDC. I picked up the Trace Rinaldi Enigma and I fell in love with it right then! I knew I had to have it! :D
 
I found a maker here in town and visited him to take a look at his work. I liked both the maker Keith Coleman and his work, so I went ahead and ordered a knife from him. :D
 
My 1st custom knife was just an idea 'bouncing' around in my head for several years. I was new to the internet & started searching out Knifemaker's websites. Submitted my idea on paper to my first maker & asked if he'd be interested in making my 'nightmare'? "Sure" was the response. A little correspondence back & forth about material, changes, cost, etc. & the idea became a reality! It was great dealing with someone who could turn an idea into a finely crafted knife that I went & did it again, & again, & again &.....! :D
 
Heres #1, #2, & #4 all were drawn on paper & submitted for knifemaker's critique before making.
 
My first custom knife was bought at my first visit to a knife show as a newbie. I got a Kurt Meerdink fixed blade at what was a local show.I got it because I liked it - nice size, beautiful grinds and affordable at the time.
 
I bought my first custom off a local guy Bud Nealy, ever heard of him? Back when I bought my knife no one knew too much about him, I met him at the first ECCK show, and figured that if I had a problem it was kinda nice that he was only 20 minutes away.:D :cool:
 
Got my first custom from David Winston here at the exchange. I first noticed his work when he started his knife giveaway thread. Now I own two of his knives :D
 
Easy...I attended two Canadian Knifemaker Guild shows...after both shows I decided that Greg Lightfoot had the best knives on display so I ordered an M1 to my specs.

RL
 
Frank,

I actually chose my first custom folder based upon pictures, reviews, and comments made on this forum. That goes for a number of production knives too.

However, I agree with others that first best is going to a knife show to meet the maker and handle the wares. Knives are such a "feel" item that looks alone can't tell the story about balance, handle ergonomics, and importantly - blade geometry and edge sharpness and thickness.
 
Darrel Ralph's Apogee used to be in a banner ad that haunted me every time I browsed here at BFC. Had to have it, so I bought one.
 
I was at the gun show and a guy had a bunch of knives he picked up at another show,he bought everything that one guy had left at the end.One of the knives was a small handmade fb,440c with micarta,looked like it was never used and had a nice little sheath.couldn't pass it up,$30.
 
I got my first custom when I was 16, so 11 years ago. It was a Jack Crain Life Support System 2.
 
My first custom was a John Greco Companion. I liked the design so I scanned the for sale forums until I found one for a VERY good price. Best $50 I ever spent! (Thanks bandaidman!)

My companion is one tough knife. I still carry it all the time. I have used it and used it and used it and I have only ever sharpened it twice. Most of the time it just needs steeling or a quick strop and it's back to shaving sharp.
 
i still havnt chosen but my custom i'll be designing myself and getting made from a smith i know in NY. :D cant wait till i've got enough cash for it.
 
My first was kind of an impulse buy. A Darryl Hibben fighter with California buckeye burl handle. My second was a little more well thought out. My design, found a custom maker whose work I liked, and contacted him about making my design. I am anxiously awaiting that one.
 
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