Is it ok for the owner to modify a Custom knife?

T. Erdelyi

T. Erdelyi

Joined
Feb 3, 2001
Messages
32,359
Some modifications are cosmetic,(file work, different scales, blade coatings) and some are functional,(change grinds, add a wave, finish,(like bead blasting)) is it ok to modify a makers custom knife, or is it like painting ears on the Mona Lisa?

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Last time I asked this question the majority favored not changing a makers knife.

For the record, if I own I have a right to modify it, although as mentioned in an earlier thread if your gonna have a custom made, why not have the maker make a knife to your specs in the first place?
 
Sometimes modifying a custom knife can void the maker's warranty, so if that matters to you, I would recommend checking with them before you do anything to it.

I've only once made any kind of modifications to a custom knife myself, and it was a really minor cosmetic change. The maker, whom I talk to on a regular basis, didn't seem to mind, he just seemed amused at how long it took me to do it. :)
 
I have a Bud Nealy Aikuchi, a very old one in Blued O-1 I put a depression in the bolster for the sake of blade orientation(the handle on this knife is very symetrical) and an added advantage was that the Kydex sheath had a better/more secure grip.

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Bud saw the knife almost 15 years later at the ECCK show and was ok with my changes he even made me a new sheath to fit the dimple I ground into the knife.

I've done my own file work also
 
my response will be.

I think that your mod is a smokin' idea, and clean execution, but I would have centered it more, it looks skewed towards the front this way.

I'll try to post some pics in the next few days or so.

Best Regards,

The Garssonizer
 
As you noted, the knife is yours to do with as you please, as long as it is understood that you could quite negatively affect the resale value.

For most modifications I would contact the maker and see if he/she was willing to do them for me. Unlike Steven, I am not confident in my ability to do most of the things that modifying a knife would entail.
 
of course you can modify/use/abuse any custom knife you own

i have seen some modifications that really do improve the knife....soem are just atrocious though



i think the only rule is that you disclose any modifications f you sell the blade
 
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