Lookin' for a Folder at ECCKS

D

DanielD

Joined
Feb 12, 2000
Messages
6
I live in Maryland, but it's just my luck that I'll be travelling to Long Island during March. I already told my boss not to expect me at work March 10 because I'll be at the custom knife show in Manhattan. Anyway, if I describe what I'm looking for, can you guys recommend some artists I should look at. I'm not a collector (yet) and really don't know enough to go in cold. This forum is helpful and so are alot of the web pages you point to.

I'm looking for ...

- A working folder, blade in the 3 to 3.5 inch range, that comfortably fits in my pocket.
- I'm partial to high carbon, non-stainless steel. My everyday carry now is a 3 blade Bulldog. The dealer who sold it tried to warn me away from Bulldog. "That blade'll stain and turn black," he said. No kidding. Personally, I like watching a blade grow.
- I'm not a tactical nut. Thumb studs are fun toys, but in my 32 years I've needed instant access to a scary sharp razor for self defense purposes exactly ... never. I want something distinctive and attractive. Not scary.
- Well built and sturdy. I plan to use my first custom purchase as my regular carry. No point saving it for dress up day. Can't remember the last time I wore a tie.
- Cost. Well, I know custom works ain't cheap. I could go maybe five or six hundred. Not much higher (especially not if my wife discovers my plans).

Thanks,
Dan
 
You should have no trouble finding a great
working knife at the ECCKS. I was there last year, and had a hard time choosing between
many good working knives.

I'll be there Friday this year, when the show opens.
 
First of all welcome to the Forums.
You didn't mention if this was your first knife show or not, if it is you are going to be blown away, you're going to be in over-load.
My suggestion is look at everything on the first go around. Go outside for a few minutes to catch your breath, and to let your heart stop racing. Go back in for your second tour, stop at a makers table when you see something you like, smile make eye contact, and I always like to ask first before I pick up a knife. When a knife feels special in my hand I like to close my eyes and just focus in on that. The makers are great, friendly easy to talk to, so ask questions (all except "How long did it take you to make this knife?)
By this time you should have it narrowed down to 20 or 30. Now comes the tough part, how to decide? I would use the WOW Factor, which is how many times a knife can make me say "Wow!"
Looks, materials, finish, feel, action and the Biggie PRICE. Hopefully this will narrow it down to a reasonable number, the point to remember here is, you can't buy them all. Go with your gut, get cards or brochures from the other makers you like, you'll want to remember them for the next time. Oh yes, there will be a next time, because by this time you will be totally hooked. That's what happened to me first the magazines, then the shows and then this place. Yep, totally hooked, and loving it. I hope you do too. I'll be there Fri. afternoon, maybe I'll see you there.

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"Will work 4 Knives!"
 
I would think that if you are set on a carbon steel blade, that alone will narrow your choices considerably. The majority of folding knives at the shows I've been to are in stainless. If you have to have a knife without thumb studs (or other one-hand opening device), then that will further narrow the field.

One knife that immediately comes to mind is ABS Mastersmith Steve Dunn's tactical folder with a 52100 steel blade, although it has a thumb stud.

Good luck, and let us know what you end up getting.

------------------
Kelly

SenatorsPlace.com
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice


 
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