Knife Maker Question: Did you make your favorite knife?

B

Balls Deep

Joined
Jan 2, 2014
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342
TL;DR

I've been rolling this question around in my head for a few months now and with Stabman's excellent thread of him building a custom chopper(https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/behold-smashblade-variant-one.1520101/#post-17453002) for himself it prompted me to finally ask the community of those who would call themselves amateurs or professionals, is your favorite knife one that you made yourself or from another maker or company?

Full thoughts

I'm a step below novice when it comes to knife making but my goal is to get to a point where I can grind out a design, have even bevels, heat treat properly (or send it off), and competently put on handles. If I could do these things than there really wouldn't be a reason for me to not make my own dream knife. However, there is a magic that comes from a good knife that has features that you didn't know you wanted. I'm wondering if that's others have found or not so much?

I'm really curious to hear all of your responses.
Thanks,
Balls
 
I'll describe myself as amateur at best.
As to answer your question, NOPE. I do really like a couple of the knives I've made but I see room for improvement in every one. So I'm not there yet.
 
Yep

This was my own EDC for 3.5 to 4 years. I'm carrying another knife right now as a prototype. I liked this one.

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See these designs are way cool and not necessarily something you would see from a manufacturer. If my skill set increased I would make very boring looking knives, probably a lot of kepharts and things like looked like esee 6's but in all different sizes. The tiny file knife is awesome as is the Damascus utility. I love knives (obviously) though a criticism of many mainstream knives and (and something I understand) is they have to stand out in the crowd and be different. I would make a bunch of boring drop points.
 
I think that most knife makers (who make 'production' work) will likely produce work that takes a place along a spectrum, which ranges between knives that showcase features and forms the maker likes and desires in a knife, and/or knives that exhibit features and forms which the maker believes will be popular enough to ensure sale of the knives.

I like to think that the production work I design and produce embodies what I want to see in the knife market, as well as what I like to use! As for custom work, that's another matter; while I certainly advise and suggest, I produce what the customer asks for.

I like my designs, but I think I'll need to wait a little longer to see if I've produced my absolute favorite design. As of right now, it's certainly close!
 
I made this one for use in my shop as a utility blade a few years back, still carry and use it regularly. Love the overall design, and I continue to make them. While there's always room for improvement, its one of my fav's.

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As a knife enthusiast, when I began making knives 5 years ago I was super excited about each new design that I sketched out and brought to life. It really is a wonderful hobby for someone who loves knives. I've held onto a few knives I've made but for the most part I like sending them out into the world for someone else to enjoy.
I think there's a special pride in making your own knife. After I began making knives I sold all of my other fixed blades except for one maker - Mark Banfield. His knives often have intricate carving and are truly works of art. I also consider him a friend.
 
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