It does not take years to get a custom knife made. That's one of the worst assumptions we see often here on this board. Yes, the best guys are going to be booked way in advance. But not always, and it's your challenge to see what you can get done.
Having a knife built the way you want it is great! It's yours; no one else has one. And it's very likely that's going to be true forever. For as long as the knife exists you will be associated with it.
Even better, it's what you want. Single edge, double edge, swedge, diamond cross section, cruciform, something else. Wood, or stag, or bone, or wire wrap for the grip; engraved or not; with your name, or initials, or whatever. Damascus, cpm 154, A2, bright polished, blued, coated, with a hamon, the choices are yours to make.
You can get a good custom made knife for under $300 from a dozen makers, no problem. You can occasionally find a great deal on a knife for sale used. Or you can settle for what everyone else has and the knowledge you compromised.
The best I can do if you have to have production and right away, AG Russell's Sting. Look it up.