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Know what I want in a knife but can't find the knife
- Thread starter Mr zott
- Start date
There was a German knife company, Herder, that went bankrupt / had a fire / can't recall the whole story. But for a while the market was swamped with blank Herder blades. Cheap. They mostly specialized in kitchen and utility knives, but perhaps you might find something of interest from them?
Similarly, both Schrade and Camillus went bankrupt about ten years ago and many blank blades were left over at the factories. Schrade used 1095 and 440A primarily, but other steels as well. Their 440A is on par with the 420 and AUS6 you mentioned in your first post. I prefer 1095 carbon steel over most of those.
Have you browsed the For Sale by Maker forum section here on Bladeforums? I see quite a few small fixed blade hunting and utility knives in the $100-150 range. Perhaps contact one of the makers and see what they'd charge for just a blade? Not many custom makers normally work in such low-end steel as AUS6, 420, or 420HC though.
Grohmann sells their blades as do-it-yourself kits.
Some Scaninavian knife companies make their blank blades available for sale. Helle, Roselli, Mora, Karesuando, Brusletto... You needn't worry about the quality from any of those. A finished knife from Helle usually costs in the range of $100-150, but most of their blades when sold for knifemaking are just $25-$35.
AG Russell had some unfinished Paragon knife blades for sale a while back. They're no longer available, but one might show up for sale at auction. The blades I'm thinking of were quality Japanese steel, and were designed by famous American custom makers; Tommy Lee and George Heron both designed knives for Paragon.
Good luck in your search!
Similarly, both Schrade and Camillus went bankrupt about ten years ago and many blank blades were left over at the factories. Schrade used 1095 and 440A primarily, but other steels as well. Their 440A is on par with the 420 and AUS6 you mentioned in your first post. I prefer 1095 carbon steel over most of those.
Have you browsed the For Sale by Maker forum section here on Bladeforums? I see quite a few small fixed blade hunting and utility knives in the $100-150 range. Perhaps contact one of the makers and see what they'd charge for just a blade? Not many custom makers normally work in such low-end steel as AUS6, 420, or 420HC though.
Grohmann sells their blades as do-it-yourself kits.
Some Scaninavian knife companies make their blank blades available for sale. Helle, Roselli, Mora, Karesuando, Brusletto... You needn't worry about the quality from any of those. A finished knife from Helle usually costs in the range of $100-150, but most of their blades when sold for knifemaking are just $25-$35.
AG Russell had some unfinished Paragon knife blades for sale a while back. They're no longer available, but one might show up for sale at auction. The blades I'm thinking of were quality Japanese steel, and were designed by famous American custom makers; Tommy Lee and George Heron both designed knives for Paragon.
Good luck in your search!
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2013
- Messages
- 362
Bark River Essential.
I have problem where I obsess over the smallest things. One benefit is that I always end up with something I love.
Riz2530, thanks for the advice on fixing the handles. I have done quite a bit of woodworking, but have little experience when it comes to fasteners and pins for knife handles so it is always great to have someone point you in the right direction.
WuGod, onojoe yea I have done some research since and I understand the process of actually attaching the scales a lot more. Like I said above I knew how to make the handles, but just assumed that attaching to the White River would be hard. As a result I am definetly considering the White River mainly because it is in SV30 and I decided that if I am getting a knife that 420 and 420HC just aren't going to cut it.
Bob W. I will be looking into the For Sale by Maker as well, it is always reassuring when you know who is making your knife and where it is coming from.
GlockandBalls, Bark River makes some really great knifes, I would just rather make the handles myself just to feel accomplished. They are in the $200 range which is not bad for what you get when you consider that the all the woods they use are top notch.
WuGod, onojoe yea I have done some research since and I understand the process of actually attaching the scales a lot more. Like I said above I knew how to make the handles, but just assumed that attaching to the White River would be hard. As a result I am definetly considering the White River mainly because it is in SV30 and I decided that if I am getting a knife that 420 and 420HC just aren't going to cut it.
Bob W. I will be looking into the For Sale by Maker as well, it is always reassuring when you know who is making your knife and where it is coming from.
GlockandBalls, Bark River makes some really great knifes, I would just rather make the handles myself just to feel accomplished. They are in the $200 range which is not bad for what you get when you consider that the all the woods they use are top notch.
Sorry forgot to respond to you. I did look at the knife, but I was unimpressed with the overall design of the knife. Fallkniven does make some other knifes that I like, but they are unfortunately out of my price range.
daizee
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2009
- Messages
- 11,157
They have a huge catalog of blanks in various steels. Great place if you want to make your own handles.
Their print catalog is easier to browse, it might be worth ordering one. Most custom makers prefer to finish something they're going to put their name on.
Before this becomes more difficult for you, let me throw out something a little different, cheaper and simple. I'm into quality neck knives too but I found a little jewel of an affordable necker I've mentioned only a few times here. Other than the point it meets your criteria. This point is stronger.
It's the TOPS/Buck CSAR-T Liason. I'll let you study the stats on it. I wouldn't mind it being a little larger but it has been my surprise of the year. Not only does it make a perfect neck knife but, with the addition of two cable ties, the package becomes the slickest little stealthy horizontal belt carry rig I've seen. Key is it's sheath---it's very well constructed and minimal with great retention.
The handle should lend itself to custom scaling easily. The knife is very light, strong due to its grind, feels good in hand (I parawrapped mine), and easily sharpens to what I consider very nice edges. The point, obviously, is super strong---important to me in a neck knife.
Certainly not a high-end, expensive knife but one I've really grown to like for function, practicality, ease of carry and edge. And no rust worries. I have a lot of neckers and this is one of my most carried, often on my belt.
EDIT: Wasn't going to say this but read a post above have to: my original DPx HEST fixed blade by Rowen is my best necker. You may not like the look but it's one hell of a knife in practice. Second for me is my BK-11 san mai. The CSAR Liason is right there with both of them as far as satisfaction.
It's the TOPS/Buck CSAR-T Liason. I'll let you study the stats on it. I wouldn't mind it being a little larger but it has been my surprise of the year. Not only does it make a perfect neck knife but, with the addition of two cable ties, the package becomes the slickest little stealthy horizontal belt carry rig I've seen. Key is it's sheath---it's very well constructed and minimal with great retention.
The handle should lend itself to custom scaling easily. The knife is very light, strong due to its grind, feels good in hand (I parawrapped mine), and easily sharpens to what I consider very nice edges. The point, obviously, is super strong---important to me in a neck knife.
Certainly not a high-end, expensive knife but one I've really grown to like for function, practicality, ease of carry and edge. And no rust worries. I have a lot of neckers and this is one of my most carried, often on my belt.
EDIT: Wasn't going to say this but read a post above have to: my original DPx HEST fixed blade by Rowen is my best necker. You may not like the look but it's one hell of a knife in practice. Second for me is my BK-11 san mai. The CSAR Liason is right there with both of them as far as satisfaction.
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- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 19,385
I like that White River Backpacker. Nice little blade. What does the sheath look like? Belt or neck?
I just bought the CRKT Minimalist to give me something to work on for a little while. (The handles on the minimalist are machined and look like crap)
On another note, I really like the backpacker and I once I am done making some new handles for the minimalist I am going to get it or the hidden canyon hunter by Benchmade. It is a toss up.
Thanks to all those that posted suggestions and helped guide me through finding a knife I like.
On another note, I really like the backpacker and I once I am done making some new handles for the minimalist I am going to get it or the hidden canyon hunter by Benchmade. It is a toss up.
Thanks to all those that posted suggestions and helped guide me through finding a knife I like.