Inexpensive "gentlemanizable" folder?

Quiet Storm

Quiet Storm

Joined
May 17, 2002
Messages
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What I'm looking for here is an inexpensive factory folder that can easily be customized. It needs to have a "gentlemanish" shape, simple lines, slim overall appearances and a thin blade. Overall quality should be good, and (faux) bolsters would be nice but are not a requirement.

The materials aren't that important, steel should be AUS-6/440A or better, the scales will be removed and replaced by wood or polished CF (haven't decided that yet) anyway, so it doesn't matter if they're Zytel or something similarly cheap. The blade finish is also not important, it will get polished or satin-finished.

The result should be a personalized, one-of-a-kind gentleman folder without the price tag of a custom folder.

I was thinking along the lines of the CRKT Tighe Tac.

Any suggestions?
 
Hm, that's a pretty good idea, thanks! I'll look into those knife kits.

Other suggestions are still welcome though.
 
Cold Steel med Voyagers have great blades. I have been kicking around the idea of rehandling one for awhile. Of couse, anything that looks good is more than I care to spend...
 
Rehandling a Zytel lockback would be more trouble than just making a whole new knife, wouldn't it?
 
I'm going to guess Crickets, but then you got all those pins/rivets. Maybe some fully lined BM put together with screws.The kits are a good idea too.
 
Keep your eyes open, there are definately models that were made to be customized, most of the stainless steels from Spyderco, but SOG has one also, (IIRC, the mini-gentlemen)
 
Quiet Storm I rehandle zytel/frn handled knives all the time by rebuilding the bodies of the folders. It isn't that bad really. It takes less time and heat treating isn't necessary to slow things down like when you make a blade from bar stock.

In fact it is kind of fun and in my opinion a great way to get to know your knife and customize it at the same time. I simply use the old knife as a pattern. Sometimes I make what I feel are improvements in the designs of the handles and they are certainly stronger in tintanium clothes than zytel so it seems to work out pretty well, at least for me.

FWIW you can see my latest one here for the last photo. It is a Salt 1 I made a new body for.

http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?p=145407#post145407


and here for the beginning of the thread if interested.
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14971

In the next few weeks I'll be doing three Ka-Bar Dozier folders the same way.
 
Texas knife makers supply has several folder kits that come complete down to the sharpened edge of the blade in many configurations and skill levels. You can also order custom scales to apply to the kit if you dont like what they offer on them. I just finished up a beautiful folder in Au-8 bead blasted satin finish stainless with cocobolo scales. I did have to grind the blade down just a tad on the inside in order to make it fit perfectly to the locking mechanizm. However if you dont like a lock blade Texas knife makers offers several folders that look alot like CASE clones with out the scales and you get everything it takes to build the knife and just add your personal touches. Some of the kits can be assembled in about a hour and other vary in the degree of work needed to finish the knife. I grant you this much if you do one kit they can get addictive and it is nice to have that knife in your hand and know you did a great deal of the work in order to get it like you wanted it.
 
How about a Spyderco Viele?
I know it's not very "inexpensive" but I always thought they would look GREAT with wood handles instead of the micarta ones.

CRK&T M-16 might be another option. I've seen one of them with wood scales and polished blade, it was a great improvement from the factory look.

SAKs are very useful, for a great price, and their scales can be swapped for any number of other materials.
 
If what you want is a classy inexpensive gent's knife, check out the wood handled Buck Taclite, currently $20 at SMKW.

If what you really want is the customization, or doing the work yourself, my suggestion won't help.
 
Spyderco SS Cricket for certain.

Just because you are looking for something inexpensive, there is no need to compromise on quality.
 
I used to get some all Stainless steel Gerbers which had flat handles and I would do some simple engraving a use them as gifts.
 
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