Just had to clear something up with my custom knife maker.

[Glock26]

Well I received my new custom knives, first thing I noticed it was beautiful and the blade was short?! Then I questioned Mr. Stapel and he said "well you wanted a 3" blade and I followed your design, right?" Little later, I realized it is a 3" blade but it only has 2 3/4 of cutting edge, and I understand it's just the way it is. So after placing an order on another knife I made sure to put down on the specs 3 1/2" blade so i will get a minimum, full 3" of cutting blade. (On the side note can anyone post pictures up for me give me your email I would like to show off the blades)

 

[A C Richards]

If you had ordered a knife from me you would have gotten the same thing. Unless it is specified "cutting edge" in the length description the blade is measured from the front of the guard/bolster to the tip. It is always good to have a drawing that shows dimensions. It sounds that things went well though, you ordered another knife.

If you would like me to post your pics I would be happy to. You can send them to me at chuck(@)woodchuckforge.com just remove the parenthesis around the @.

 

[hydro2]

If I made custom knives I would probably clarify with the customer that a three inch blade would not give a full three inches of cutting edge. Most people ordering their first custom made knife may not be aware of that fact.

 

[Balislinger]

Still, blade length is measured guard to tip. The maker did no foul here and may not have known the buyer did not understand blade length

 

[Glock26]

Thanks guys for sharing your experience from custom knife makers yourself!

 

[Adam Reese]

One thing that I have found to work out pretty well is to take some of that modeling clay that you can bake in the oven to cure, and make the knife exactly like you like it. Spend time on it and get it perfect. Then send the clay knife off to the maker and 9.8 times out of 10 you will get that exact knife. This was a tip a older friend of mine shared with me when I made him his throwing knife.

-Adam

 

[Michael Starr]

As others have already stated about blade length - lesson learned.
Happy to see you have already placed an order for a second knife - good for you and the maker.

Welcome to the world of custom knives.
Although I love the knives, the friendships made are truly priceless!

 

[Glock26]

you betcha guys, the friendship is worth more than the knives! It is like meeting god and believing, drawing a knife on paper is one thing but seeing it in physical form is amazing!

 

[A C Richards]

Here's the photos. Glock26 if you could narrate

 

[Glock26]

Chuck,

Thank you sir I rarely get to show off my little collection of knives since I'm not able to post up pictures, so again thank you very much for allowing me to share the picture. And I want to tell you, your style of knives are very beautiful! Feather and Red Maple Hunter Caper set, is a nicely done! I like the size of it!

Back to my knives, first one with the stag is a custom knife made by Chuck Stapel, it's 7" over all with 2.75" of cutting surface (3" blade), sheath made by some good ol mexicans that have been making very nicely done leather goods for over 33 years! Second knife is what I called the handle bar knife which feels like holding a bar! It's same dimensions, but made with micarta. My main goal was to have an everyday toting knife that weighs 6oz's with sheath! Hope you enjoy the photos, I apologize for the dizzy photos.