Longest wait time you've had on a knife ...

gazz98 said:
Oof. Again, I'm sure most makers do good on their orders but I can't help but cringe when I read these types of stories.


On a semi-related note. What is the "usual" procedure when ordering a custom? Isn't putting 10-25% standard? Some folks have posted in this thread it hasn't cost them any money to be on the waiting list but that is not the norm correct?
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Waiting lists are typically for a production run. A true custom, at least to me, is something that you have some input in the features. Whether it's materials or the overall design.

I've ordered a few from makers here on BF and have never been asked to pay any amount upfront.

My usual procedure is to find a maker that makes knives close to the style or materials that I'm looking for to begin with. I think it would be a waste of the makers time to ask him/her to stray far from their style. I wouldn't ask someone that makes tactical knives to make me a stag handled skinner.

Once you find a maker, just introduce yourself and ask. "do you take custom orders?". Be ready to go and don't be a tire kicker. Be respectful of their time.

If at any time during the discussion, before work starts, something doesn't meet your expectations (price much higher than their regular offerings/too long of a wait time/money up front/PayPal F&F/whatever it might be) don't be afraid to respectfully break it off and move on.

Because you're in Michigan, if you're looking for something to get your feet wet on, look up Michael Morris knives. He's in Yale, Michigan and a super nice guy. I'm not sure if he still does the Wolverine show in Novi but it wouldn't hurt to ask him. It'll give you an opportunity to meet him and build a bit of a relationship before committing. If you like his knives of course. They aren't for everyone. His Peewee model is a very affordable starting point. A bit of a production model but you can get different handle materials and sheath. Somewhat "custom".
 
gazz98 said:
Oof. Again, I'm sure most makers do good on their orders but I can't help but cringe when I read these types of stories.


On a semi-related note. What is the "usual" procedure when ordering a custom? Isn't putting 10-25% standard? Some folks have posted in this thread it hasn't cost them any money to be on the waiting list but that is not the norm correct?
Click to expand...

most custom makers I've worked with ask for nothing up front. Same with custom sheath makers. They ask for payment only when knife is delivered.

This was the case with the Loveless customer. He didn't put any money down...but was shocked when his Big Bear was offered to him 27 years later, as he simply thought Bob Loveless forgot.

Bob Loveless stopped taking orders when he had more requests than his natural life allowed him to fulfill
 
I was on the list of a high end knife maker for 9 years. Unfortunately in that time he went from a Journeyman Smith to a Master Smith, and his prices went from around $2000 (which I could afford with a minor fight with the wife) to $10,000 which I simply could not afford. His stuff legitimately sells for that so I'm not upset at him or anything, but it was frustrating that by the time I got to the top of his list I couldn't afford his work any more.
 
gazz98 said:
Oof. Again, I'm sure most makers do good on their orders but I can't help but cringe when I read these types of stories.


On a semi-related note. What is the "usual" procedure when ordering a custom? Isn't putting 10-25% standard? Some folks have posted in this thread it hasn't cost them any money to be on the waiting list but that is not the norm correct?
Click to expand...

The "norm" is no deposit unless you are asking for something that couldn't be easily sold if you back out, or is made of very expensive materials. If it's super weird you may be asked to pay up front.

If the maker has a list you don't need to give a deposit, he can just go to the next name on the list. Plus in today's world, a maker can contact you before they start.


The GB&U forum is littered with people whining about wait times, deposits or even the full price paid in advance.

I waited almost a year for a Terzuola, but he builds knives in batches and forgot my order. I reminded him and he delivered on time, no money up front. It was well worth the wait, $450 for an ACTF about 6-8 years ago.
 
I’ve been waiting over a year to be contacted about a Grimsmo Rask... but now I sprung for the Shirogorov Neon Zero, so will probably pass on the Rask.
 
About ten months for a custom knife from a British knife maker. I had to pay 50 British pounds upfront. I also had to wait around 5 months for a couple of Tora kukris. These I paid in full upfront.
 
I waited 2 years for some s?k knives before securing a refund on the 3 knives that most likely still wouldn’t have been delivered almost 2 more years later.
 
Not a custom, but I tried to purchase one of these back in January of this year. Got on a waiting list and it just arrived today.

Killer knife, very well done. 20191107_224207-1494x2656.jpg
 
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