Inexpensive Customs?

Buzzbait

Buzzbait

Joined
Feb 25, 2001
Messages
6,676
Here's a good loaded question. There are tons of custom makers to choose from these days. Some knives are fairly inexpensive, some are serious bucks. Which custom makers are able to combine extraordinary craftsmanship, function, looks, and materials at the fairest price?

Yes I'd love to buy a Loveless, but my wallet cries Dozier. ;)
 
1. Bill Siegle*
2. Greg Covington*
3. Gary Cowder (makes slipjoints)
4. Ted Frizzell* (Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works)

*BFC Members (Knifemaker)

These gentlemen make incredible knives and charge so little.....
 
I'll second John Greco and Ted Frizzel. I've never handled a Greco, but the reviews are always good.

I'll also second some smaller knifemakers here in bladeforums. David Winch's (Ferret) knives look downright cool and David Mosier (DMKNIVES) has some nice looking blades as well. Their prices are well below what you'll normally find.

I'm speaking aesthetically -- for now at least. I've spoken with David Winch about a Firebrand folder and hopefully I'll have it by March. It'll be my first custom, hopefully to be followed with a Dozier. Let me also add that without custom makers, southpaws would be screwed.

Zero
 
If you want to see a maker whose work is of good quality, reasonably priced, and who works with a variety of "premuim" steels check out Doug Mondt: http://www.mondtknives.20m.com/
I've got the little 10V utility knife ("GMC") that is probably still pictured under "available knives". It is a great little knife, and his "Rifleman" model is calling me:)
 
There are many fine makers that offer fair or better than fair prices for there knives. Some that offer low cost knives that are a tremendous bargain are; Bill Buxton, R.W. Clark, Ferret, Geno Denning and Bruce Evans and many others. Please do not feel insulted if I missed you. There are far too many to mention. I also believe that many makers that have more expensive knives fit into the category you have described. Knives by; Ed Fowler, Bill Burke, Kit Carson, Darrel Ralph, Tom Mayo, Jerry Hossom, Audra Draper, Ted Dowell and far too many others to fit in this post are priced very fairly in my opinion. Knives do not have to be inexpensive to have tremendous value. I do not think that there are many makers out there who's knives are over priced. I am sure there are some, but for the most part, the knives that I have seen are priced fairly and some are under priced in my opinion. Some may cost thousands of dollars, but are worth every penny.
 
I hope this helps answer your question.

there are lots of newbie makers here on BFC who could make you a knife for low $$ and the craftsmanship would be surprisingly good! Guys like Taz and Chang make some neat stuff. This Crayola guy loves working with color too, and I heard that he ground out a few knives this week-end!

My point is, you may want to post in Shop Talk or maybe general or Custom asking for newbies to show you their work. I bet you'd be pleasantly surprised to see what you get to see. Taz has a great tanto made right now. A BIG improvement over the whole Ronin fiasco! :)
 
R.W. Clark - his small fixed blades are very nice and a steal at their price. Good steel and heat treat, great grinds, hand rubbed satin finishes, mosaic pins and his sheathwork is without peer in their price category.

GenO Denning has some of the nicest work you are likely to find in the $100-$150 range. His work is nearly flawless from what I have seen.
 
How could nobody mention my favorite. Bob Dozier!! His stuff is awesome for the price and he will work with you if you want to modify his design within reason. This would include different blade length, grip material, or put a charecteristic of one model on another. Wait will be about 3-4 months, or just buy one of his current models from him or the online custom dealers, like AG Russell and Bladeart and knifeart.
 
Don't forget to look at great knife makers from other countries -- it's easier now to do business internationally due to the magic of the internet! Ivan Campos' (Brazil) superb 'pocket swords' and forged knives are terrific and still affordable.
 
Speaking of Brazil, check out the knives from the Lála brothers Ricardo and Roberto of Cutelaria Korth. They produce beautifully crafted custom knives at affordable prices.
 
What do you mean with "cheap"?
In the custom knives world 500$ may be considered cheap, if compared with the work of many makers out there :)
I found Jason Jacks to be a really good knife maker.
The knife I bought to it wasn't very expensive, and I'm speaking of the price I paid in ITALY, after the italian customs placed a 40% tax over it and then made me pay 20% VAT on the "price + 40%" instead than on the sole price... (nice, eh?:mad::eek: ) and after retailer profit...
The knife is a liner lock folder with anodized titanium liners, carbon fiber scales, Robert Eggerling mosaic damascus bolsters and damasteel twisted pattern SS damascus.
The blade is an AWESOME cutter. Fit and finish of the knife are perfect, the whole thing may be took down with a torx screwdriver and an allen key.
I cut some wood and leather strips with it an still had no need to resharpen.
It sits comfortably in the pocket fastened by a polished and blued clip, that now starts to show the first wear signs from friction against my pocket but, hey, that what's a knife is supposed to do! :)
Italian maker Santino Ballestra makes many interesting pieces too.
He forges his own damascus and makes fixed blades only.
The fittings are more utilitaristic than fancy, as his knives are supposed to get used, and used heavily.

Here the links:
http://www.jacksknives.com
http://www.studionet.it/ballestra/Default.htm
 
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