Looking for a company recommendation

[KedrickMckenz]

A person I have been mentoring has decided to enlist in the Army. I am wanting to have a custom knife or two made for her as a AIT graduation gift. One to be used and another as more of a ceremonial/sentimental knife.

In my head I kinda imagine a modern and rugged design, but I’d also like to engrave or possibly laser her MOS motto, insignia, and graduation date.

any recommendations on good companies to reach out to? I’m really looking for the best of the best on this one.

thanks in advance and I apologize if this does not fit this forum!

 

[paneraica]

I like knives, but not a super knife guy. My opinion is just that.

I would buy her a standard factory knife for everyday use and used the extra for the presentation.

My father had a Ka-Bar military knife in WWII, so maybe the Ka-Bar Army model for actual use. With the glass nylon sheath.

Second model + money saved can be used on a really nice presentation model

Was going to recommend Forum knifemaker T.K steingass who makes a variety of models, but site says his books are currently closed. Can email (google search name)

Does very nice work

DON

 

[954Ink]

You could get her a Busse and then have it engraved. I believe Chris Reeves or Spartan makes the knife they give to special forces class graduate. You could go full custom builder theres a ton on the forum that rock. Is your goal for her to carry ut or something as a memento?

 

[KedrickMckenz]

You could get her a Busse and then have it engraved. I believe Chris Reeves or Spartan makes the knife they give to special forces class graduate. You could go full custom builder theres a ton on the forum that rock. Is your goal for her to carry ut or something as a memento?

I would like to do one of each. One designed for functionality and a second as a memento and mainly focused on appearance.

 

[954Ink]

You could check the knife makers market here maybe browse Arizona Custom knives, lookup a bladesmith near where you live. I dont mean to be vague. Have you determined your budget? Also Randalls are respected in the military arena. You could take it back to the Fairbarn knife.

 

[john april]

very impressive. how were you mentoring them? what is the budget for each piece?

 

[KedrickMckenz]

very impressive. how were you mentoring them? what is the budget for each piece?

I met her during her first job as a greeter at the restaurant I frequent. I saw a lot of myself in her. A shy kid with no voice and no confidence but she opened up to me in the short conversations we’d have while I was sitting at the bar. So over the last 3/4 years just trying to help her see she’s capable of more than she thinks. As far as budget, I feel like a thousand would be plenty to achieve what I’m looking for, but could be wrong.

 

[KedrickMckenz]

You could check the knife makers market here maybe browse Arizona Custom knives, lookup a bladesmith near where you live. I dont mean to be vague. Have you determined your budget? Also Randalls are respected in the military arena. You could take it back to the Fairbarn knife.

I appreciate your feedback and advice! I may go that route for the everyday use knife but really want at least one handmade knife as a keepsake for her.

 

[Ron Sabbagh]

very nice of you.

If she is graduating soon then going custom may be out of the question due to time constraints.

some companies like CASE and Chris Reeve Knives will engrave any knife from their catalog

some dealers will even engrave any knife on their website (Knifeworks in LA does this ..)

They may be your best bet given time constraints.

Personally speaking, a fixed blade and folder combo from Chris Reeve knives would be a superb choice if that is in your budget. They are not "custom" but are hand assembled/finished and quality is top notch

good luck!

 

[Lorien]

there are a number of extremely good female bladesmiths on the scene