How do you score a custom?

Harry,I pm'd you with some info
-Vince
 
Harry Callahan said:
Yeah, and it probably lasted 20 seconds before somebody posted an I'll take it. Hence my post. No offense to you guys, but put yourself in my shoes. No familiarity with the custom knifemaking world. Looking for a semi-rare offering (locking single blade traditional). And totally overwhelmed by these three second for sale posts. There's just gotta be a better way.
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It looks like the last Ray Cover lockback lasted a week before it sold.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=708639
 
Blues said:
Yes, Ray's lockbacks are posted pretty regularly both here on the forums and on the purveyor sites.
It's unfortunate that Ray has decided that he no longer wants to make them, however. That said, he's getting on a bit and wants to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Ray's knives are an excellent value imho.
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Ray is a good friend of mine and we talk regularly. According to Ray he quit making lockblades for a number of reasons, not the least of which is he doesn't like making them;) They also never sold for enough over his slipjoint prices to justify the extra work in his opinion.

Ray's idea of quitting something isn't always as permanent as it sounds--Ray changes his mind a bit and I've quoted him several times only to look silly later:o If he got enough requests I'd be willing to bet he'd make a few more, it just wouldn't be soon.

Ray's lockblades show up regularly and trade in a fairly wide margin too. I saw a pristine one at the St Louis knife show (Gateway Area Show) the weekend before last at a dealer's table for at a heck of a price--actually Ray's last selling price for them. It was still there when I left the show and it really tempted me, unfortunately I didn't bring a lot of $. I even pointed it out to another avid fan of Ray's work and BF member. I know the dealer well and he sets up locally and may very well still have it:confused:


Bottom line is custom knives can be found, it's custom orders that take time...


Here are a couple from my collection, the smaller one 3 3/4" closed is long gone and the larger was a gift from Ray that I promised I would never sell:

bclb1.JPG
 
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I've only bought one custom from a purveyor. The others I've bought directly from the maker himself. I like this way best, as I can specify the size, knife type, blade steel, and handle material. I'd suggest taking a long look at the different makers before you buy anything, they all tend to have their own styles and favorite patterns.

Since you want a lockback trapper I'd suggest you take a look at Tim Britton's work. He offers a Remington Bullet Trapper in stag that is gorgeous. It might just be what you are looking for.
 
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Harry,
Save your money, go to the Blade show in Atlanta in June, get there early.
 
Jerry Halfrich makes a killer lockback.reasonable is a relative term..Most of the top guys will be a couple years out.


Harry Callahan said:
Okay then... Who does a good single blade lockback trapper or barlow style in stag or mammoth and can deliver within a reasonable amount of time?
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Patience will get you anything you want. That and a bit of homework.
I wanted a knife by Tony Bose, and called him about 6-7 years ago or so, prepared to wait on his then 6 year waiting list.
By participating on several forums, going to knife shows, and doing my homework, I didn't have to wait that long.
I have found my greatest rewards in this knifely business by contributing to the fun, and being encouraging.
You can do it if you try!
 
Harry Callahan said:
Yeah, and it probably lasted 20 seconds before somebody posted an I'll take it. Hence my post. No offense to you guys, but put yourself in my shoes. No familiarity with the custom knifemaking world. Looking for a semi-rare offering (locking single blade traditional). And totally overwhelmed by these three second for sale posts. There's just gotta be a better way.
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We have all been in your shoes , best advice so far was start contacting makers . You can't expect the knives to come to you , you have to find them.
 
If you definitely want a lock-back, you'll probably be limited on the makers that make them. However, if you're open to other patterns, I highly recommend searching the Makers F/S section, find a Maker or 2 that you really like & contact them & see what's what.

I got my 1st custom (A Rick Menefee Backpocket Shadow) last yr on a trade. I've since picked up 3 more customs. Of those, 2 were trades, but one of them was on the Makers F/S section. In fact, I contacted the Maker because all 3 of the knives were sold. Turned out one of the Buyers backed out & I had myself a nice Wharncliffe Shadow in Bos HTed A-2 & natural canvas micarta handles. Can you tell I like the knife?

Anyways, good luck on your quest & I imagine this won't be your 1st one.
 
You need to wait and establish a polite connexion with a maker, these things do take time. In the meantime, buying a GEC Linerlock may satisfy your need for a decent traditional with a lock.They will also be bringing out a lockback in the next month or so.
 
Harry Callahan said:
..... Lockback or linerlock a must. No slippies for these fingers. Thanks.
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Interesting :confused: I don't mean to sidetrack your thread or start a big pissin contest, but since you mentioned it and you're kind new around these parts, how do you use a knife that it requires a lock? All the slip joint users I know push the cutting edge toward the things they want to cut AND I know lots of slip joint users. They have all their fingers too.

Don't fear the slip joint :D
 
KnifeHead said:
Interesting :confused: I don't mean to sidetrack your thread or start a big pissin contest, but since you mentioned it and you're kind new around these parts, how do you use a knife that it requires a lock? All the slip joint users I know push the cutting edge toward the things they want to cut AND I know lots of slip joint users. They have all their fingers too.

Don't fear the slip joint :D
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i dont understand it either. this fear of slipjoint style knives must be a lack of confidence in ability to use tools. maybe. :confused:
 
I understand him not wanting to use a slip joint.I was the same way when I first started in traditionals.In fact I had Jerry Halfrich make me a lockback backpocket winchester.I thought al slippies were like that cheap pos I had as a kid.Then I scored a Halfrich slippie trapper that changed my mind.Trust me guy the high end custom slippies are not what you think.Now I am a big fan of the slip joint.
 
i would assume any self respecting member of BF has or has tried a sak which is a slippie too. just saying:D
 
Tim Britton was a good suggestion. When I called about a stag handled slippie, he had a few in stock and I had one in a few days. He may not have any lockbacks laying around, but I'm pretty sure his wait time is shorter than other makers who've been mentioned, he makes a very nice knife, and his prices are very reasonable for what you get.
 
Harry,
I've missed a few knives that are posted due to time zone differences. The best way to contact maker directly.
mitch
 
I'm surprised that we don't hear more about Al Warren in these pages. He's a fantastic knife-maker, his prices are reasonable and he always has slipjoints, lockbacks and fixed blades available on his web site (Google: Al Warren Knives). I have one of his mini Trappers and it's a great knife with a beautiful stag handle. All that and he's a great guy to boot. Give him a shout.
 
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