Looking for a custom neck knife. Any Ideas??

[zx14maniac]

I have been looking at Carter Cutlery and I am impressed but what is another neck knife in that price range that is as good or better?

 

[somber]

I may be biased, so bare with me. I doubt that there are any other knife companies offering knives to the caliber that Murray Carter produces, each knife is assured to be 'perfect' through the whole hand-forging process and inspected through each step by the master bladesmith. If you look at his 'seconds' the flawed knives he may sell, he deems them not worthy to have his official stamp (stamps it and actually crosses it out) due to the most minute flaw. I think that is a high standard, and in conjunction with the top quality materials he creates his knives with... you would be hard pressed to find a knife of similar construction, let alone quality with the pedigree of Murray Carter.

As far as other knives in that 'realm', Kikuo Matsuda makes some nice knives, similar price, and different materials (VG-10 cores) or Watanabe, too. Watanabe uses a kintaro-ame steel, a core similar to White Steel sandwiched between 16 layers of wrought iron and a low carbon steel.

Kikuo Matsuda - Damascus with VG-10 core $245

Watanabe - Kintaro-Ame steel $300

To me the main difference is that no Carter knife is the same, each are completely individual using premium materials.

 

[zx14maniac]

Thanks for the input. I was kinda thinking the same thing about Carter's knives. I read somewhere that he has an apprentice making some also so I was a little concerned with that. I am just one of the odd people that always wants something a little different than other people got. That Wantanabe tanto is awesome man..

 

[somber]

I don't know, that might be misinformation. I remember a misinformed individual saying something like that a few months ago. If someone were helping him I doubt I would still be waiting for my custom to come in... he's a busy running a one man show

I know that he has hired people in the past to sand-blast the knives before he cold forges them, but as far as the creation process - all Murray.

Most recently he did open an apprenticeship program, but I sincerely doubt that the knives will be made with Murray Carters' name on it, or in the same sections as the knives that he makes.

to edit: the program is for people to learn the skills and take it to start their own business, not to work with him, from what I read.

 

[zx14maniac]

That is good to hear..He has a couple in stock that I really like.. I guess there is only one way to find out. What style did you order?

 

[somber]

It will be exactly like this one, except for Redwood burl handles (I picked out and sent the wood to Murray, actually ) and a polished finish instead of the forged finish.

 

[zx14maniac]

That is one sweet knife man! It is really cool that you got your own wood to use on it. How long is the wait on something like that? Was your knife scary sharp when you got it?

 

[whetrock]

What steel is in the core of murray carters knives I've heard both hitatchi white and blue steel?

 

[pierced]

I've had good results with Murray's Blue Super Steel.
His customer service is second to none.

 

[somber]

You are correct, Murray uses Hitachi Shirogami (White Steel) and YSS Aogami Super (Blue Super), which is something different than what a lot of other knife makers use. I've been researching other cutlery companies (mainly kitchen knives) and while White Steel is abundantly used, I haven't found very many companies using Blue Super (not even high priced companies like Korin, Suisan, Masamoto, Kikuichi, etc). In fact, quite of few of them will use just Hitachi Yellow steel just listed as "carbon steel" or even the lower grade, SK-5.

White steel carbon content : 1.3%
Blue Super carbon content : 1.4% - 1.5%

zx14maniac - I'm still waiting for the custom to come, but I suppose it shouldn't be much longer. As far as sharpness, everyone always says that their knife is "incredibly sharp", but this knife... I could take a single hair, hold it from one end, touch the knife to the hair and you could actually feel the contact the knife had with the hair as if there was tension on it. Then it just whittled it.

The great thing about carbon steel is that it's incredibly easy to sharpen yourself. Even with a high HRc, about ten minutes on the stones and it's good to go. I have yet to bring it to the level that Murray gave me my wharnie to (the one in the photo) but I'm sure it can hold its own with the other forum users.

 

[zx14maniac]

The knife I ordered is the white steel. It should be here in a few days and I will let you know how sharp it is. This knife will have maple burl handles. I have yet to have a knife that is hair whittling sharp.

 

[whetrock]

Thanks for the info somber,one of these days probably pretty soon, i'll break down and buy one.

 

[somber]

Awesome! I'm really excited for you. I'm guessing you got the Vex Clip - it's quite a fantastic looking knife!

The great thing is that they look even better in real life, functional pieces of art - but in no way should you treat it like a piece of art. Use it, enjoy the satisfaction from it. Each knife just fits like an extension of your hand, they have the look of art but are completely functional in every way, and sadly, it'll make other knives pale in comparisson.

Please do take pictures when you receive it, I'd really enjoy it.

 

[audiboy711]

Super blue steel with Armadillo handles
I am just blown away by the ergonomics, sharpness, overall fit finish and beauty of this knife...The best birthday gift ever! I carry it everyday.

 

[T.K.C.]

I am a huge fan of the Todd Begg Tree Frog. It is the perfect neck knife for me.

 

[audiboy711]

I am a huge fan of the Todd Begg Tree Frog. It is the perfect neck knife for me.

That necker looks great! Does he still custom make that model?

 

[Jaxx]

Murray Carter's neckers are seriously fine little knives! I'm a fan of them myself, and own 2...One is a damascus fishing necker and the other is a premium quality forged finish necker that I was lucky enough to snag during his big sale a couple of months ago.

While I can't say if these others are the same or better, I also own fine neckers from Rick Hinderer:
Flashpoint

Neil Blackwood:
Mini Neck Ninja

Bob Dozier:
K-15

David Mosier:
Spektor

Tom Krein:
TK-1

Busse Combat:
HACK Bear Cub

They are all great in their own ways. I would say that my Carter neckers are superior in the category of fine edged slicers...he gets 'em sharp! :thumbup: Runner(s) up for sharpness are the Blackwood Mini Neck Ninja and my Krein TK-1's.

 

[zx14maniac]

Those are some really nice knives. I decided to go with the wood handle over the man-made materials due to the individual character that each piece of wood has. You are correct I got the vex clip. I wanted something different and I think thats what I am getting. I am a machinist and I am used to trying to make perfect parts and nice finishes but the Carter knife seems to be truly original and individually unique in character so that itself I think puts it over the top. As a machinist you strive to make identical parts and with the repeatability of cnc machines makes life pretty easy. These knives being all hands on from start to finish without the use of the modern conveniences truly has got my respect. Thanks guys for all of the info and the pics will be coming as soon as I get the knife.

 

[paulblade]

Very good!!!
very fine job!!!

 

[mykulmorris]

I guess I hafta chime in on this one... These are a couple from me, made from Nicholson files... On a couple, the sheath 'snaps' right into the handle...
-M