How do you order a custom when you know exactly what you want?

Shmackey

Shmackey

Joined
May 5, 2000
Messages
1,478
I have the idea for my ideal knife in my head. Do I just contact lots of makers to see if they can make it? Or maybe you know of one just like it:

Blade: Mirror-polished VG-10, 3" clip point flat grind

Lock: Lock back. (I don't know what the particular type is called, but it's the one where the mechanism is all the way on the back. And instead of a cutout arc [think Spydie, or almost all lockbacks], it's the kind where you push down on what appears to be part of the handle itself. That part travels up and down a bit. Think I saw a Centofante or Viele like this once.)

Scales: Rag micarta over steel body

Opener: Opening hole
 
Look at the work of a bunch of custom makers and see if anyone is making knives like the one you want. That way you know you already like their style and you know that they can and like to that kind of knife.

Or maybe you could post in the Custom Knives forum asking who wants to make that knife for you (note - I don't know if that kind of post is appropriate in that forum, but it sounds like a good idea).

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"Is not giving a need? Is not receiving mercy?" - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
"Cutting his throat is only a momentary pleasure and is bound to get you talked about." - Lazarus Long
"Knowledge is not made for understanding; it is made for cutting." - Michel Foucault
 
That`s a lockback. The other thing is refered to as a mid-lock.

If you want an opening hole, I know there are custom makers who have paid Spyderco for the use of their patent. I`m not sure if it applies to "one of`s" made for a customer`s specs.

P.S.- What you described sounds a lot like a Spyderco Calypso!
 
The VG-10 may be a problem to find in the USA. It is pretty specific to Seki Japan. You might need to find a Japanese maker.

You might take a look at the Spyderco Calypso Junior Lightweight and see if the size and blade shape would be reasonable for you. Then go and find a custom maker who will replace the existing handle material for micarta.


[This message has been edited by Jeff Clark (edited 06-08-2001).]
 
Thanks for the advice. I have a Calypso Jr. in micarta. The blade shape and overall build aren't really what I'm looking for. Here's a picture of that lock I'm talking about. (Thanks to whoever's hosting it.) Is there a name for it?

http://www.members.home.net/gregfeld/LockBack1.jpg


[This message has been edited by Shmackey (edited 06-08-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Shmackey (edited 06-08-2001).]
 
That is a lockback, I believe Ron Lake first made it. He and Frank and another maker did a book on making folders, you might want to look at that also.

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Peace

Paul
Custom Knife Purveyor
Circle P Knives
 
I'm not sure if that lock mechanism has a specific name other than lockback. Didn't Ron Lake invent it? Maybe we should call it the Lake Lock.

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Take care!! Michael
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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!

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Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
I have never ordered a custom, but I have always thought that part of the process was to discuss what you wanted with the maker and, if you and he could reach an agreement on price and general design, then part of what you were paying for was his artistic interpretation of your design. That would be a large part of the thrill for me. Of course, I would want to be clear on his interpretation.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
Here are some additional thoughts:

As mentioned above, some makers may not want to use some of the more exotic materials (talonite, etc.) so then you are limited by those makers who will use that material.

If your design is too close to a distinguishing "trademark" of another maker, many makers may not accommodate you, or will alter what you want quite a bit - not always a bad thing though.

The popularity of the maker or the maker's reputation can be a boon or bane.

Jerome
 
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