Recently started changing my collection from more custom than production knives. Possibly more midtech? Overwhelmed with what's out there though. Kirby lambert, Peña, Jon smith, etc. custom knives are harder to find info on and also harder to get in hand before buying. Was hoping to get some tips or pointers on how you all buy customs.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
How to buy custom knives
- Thread starter TheSunny
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2002
- Messages
- 12,297
Blade Show next month.
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
You are in St. Louis?
Steve D'lack is in Springfield, Missouri. You can contact him at the Hawthorn Galleries. He knows more about buying and selling custom knives then I ever will, and also promotes a couple shows on the East Coast, as well as the TKI.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
Steve D'lack is in Springfield, Missouri. You can contact him at the Hawthorn Galleries. He knows more about buying and selling custom knives then I ever will, and also promotes a couple shows on the East Coast, as well as the TKI.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
That's the ultimate dream. One day...
Yes I am. Thank you! I'll look him up 👍
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 13,363
Observe as many types and styles of custom knives as possible, preferably in hand at knife shows, if not via photos on line to determine where your interest will most likely lie long term.
Buy what you like, but try to avoid buying on impulse.
Try to concentrate on buying quality, not quantity. A collection made up of a few dozen "quality" knives impresses me much more than a collection made up of hundreds of "so-so" knives.
Buy what you like, but try to avoid buying on impulse.
Try to concentrate on buying quality, not quantity. A collection made up of a few dozen "quality" knives impresses me much more than a collection made up of hundreds of "so-so" knives.
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
I see the use of what Kevin is saying about photos ONLY if an individual has handled many knives, even if at a Wal-Mart, to get a feel for things like weight, thickness and ergonomics, so the eye can be trained to "see" what the brain and hand know from experience.
That's true, better to have one or a few truly great ones than a few hundred less great, but I personally can't seem to make that jump up into Wolfegang Loerchner Folding Dagger territory....maybe someday!
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2014
- Messages
- 4,736
^this^ and I suggest writing down a list to keep and modify as you go. I save pictures of knives I like as a reminder as well.
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2002
- Messages
- 12,297
There is also a small show in STL that is worth a look. Gateway area knife show, usually in January.
Would like to avoid this as much as possible!
This is the direction I've been going. My collection has become smaller with higher value stuff. I would say I own about 8 knives that are pretty good but out of the eight, six are considered midtech or custom and it's 3 different makers. I'd like to expand to others but with minimal info I usually get cold feet trading or buying them.
Last edited:
St Charles convention center? It seems like one of the bigger shows, close to me anyway. I probably need to just check it out for myself. I really should get to blade in Atlanta though!
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2002
- Messages
- 12,297
It used to be in St Charles years ago, it was the first real knife show I did & that was in 1995. Now it's at the Carpenters Hall downtown STL.
Yep, Blade Show is the big one! I wouldn't miss it.
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2005
- Messages
- 27,877
the only way to avoid mistakes is to know what could cause them. To know what causes them requires experience that oftentimes can not be acquired 2nd hand
it's the learning to live with them part that will keep you interested in continuing your hobby
Last edited:
the only way to avoid mistakes is to know what could causes them. To know what causes them requires experience that oftentimes can not be acquired 2nd hand
it's the learning to live with them part that will keep you interested in continuing your hobby
Definitely a valid point. I was lucky enough to make mistakes that cost me $100 instead of $100's ha! I truly believe it's what's stopping me to expand into unknown territory. With the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram a rush of new knife makers seemingly rushed onto the scene. For me and my collecting I prefer craftsmanship and usability over flavor of the month. The line seems to get fuzzy though with the overbuilt rocky patterns that make striders look like fragile SAKS. My folders are for urban light duties. Mostly battle cardboard which is very rough on the knives imo. I feel like there is a good variety in the type of knives I like. Mayo, thorburn, laconico, begg, to name a few. I just have to know why a full ti framelock is $350 from one maker and $1,200 from another. Before I never would have even gave it chance until I started collecting shirogorovs. Started with a serial f95t. Then bought a custom division that looks exactly the same but cost is 2-3X's higher. Still not sure if the price is justified (to me) but they do feel very different.
The ABS & Knifemakers Guild are having a joint show in KC in Sept. There is a show in Little Rock in February. There is a Hammer-in in Branson (i think) in September. There is a show in IL but I don't remember when or where . In Troy IL GPKnives sells some customs and midtechs.
. In Troy IL GPKnives sells some customs and midtechs.- Joined
- Feb 24, 2002
- Messages
- 3,179
I have to agree with Kevins advice. Look and feel as many as you can.
I have purchased many at shows where the fondling made the sale.
Look at all the purveyors to see what attracts you.
I have purchased many at shows where the fondling made the sale.
Look at all the purveyors to see what attracts you.
The ABS & Knifemakers Guild are having a joint show in KC in Sept. There is a show in Little Rock in February. There is a Hammer-in in Branson (i think) in September. There is a show in IL but I don't remember when or where
I appreciate gpknives! I do get to see some cool stuff from their shop 😃 Any idea if the shows mentioned have nationwide makers? Is it a local thing?