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Looking for a sub-$500 Custom Folder

R

runger

Joined
Oct 30, 2005
Messages
39
I just sold one of my knives and am looking for a custom folder for (hopefully) less than $500. I just looked at the site for Kevin Wilkins Knives and am wondering what you guys think about his work. Those knives looks pretty high quality and the prices seem reasonable for a full custom knife. I don't own any customs, so any other knifemakers that you think I should look at would be appreciated. I will use this knife, so I'm not looking for a fancy safe-queen. I'm probably going to end up going with an all titanium frame lock.

Another question, will the extra $100 really get me that much more than I would get in a Sebenza?

~Runger
 
For makers I know in the $500 neighborhood, I'd give you the following list:

RJ Martin (especially his Devastator model)

Kirby Lambert (his prices are going to go through the ROOF shortly I'd guess, and he's a good bargain right now)

Mike Obenauf (I think his Model 2 is destined to be considered a classic)

Tom Mayo (You'll have to wait on the secondary market or dealers, but his work can be had in this price range if you're patient- he's not taking orders at the moment)

Bob Dozier

Mike Draper (makes the Sabra and I bet he'd do a framelock for you)

Bob Lum (especially the Chinese- 2 year wait)

That's what I've got at the moment for a list of makers.

I'll say this about your question regarding the Sebenza and value of that extra money: it depends. If you're looking for resale value, the sebenza holds it- but not as much as a well bought Custom. By that I mean picking up someone who's going to be big (like Obenauf or especially Lambert) when their prices are still pretty reasonable. Later you can often make at least a profit on selling these should you have to. Not going to happen with a sebenza.

If you're looking for function: probably not, but then again as is stated here all the time, there are a lot of knives that are CHEAPER than the sebenza that'll do the job (cutting) just as well.

To my mind, it may not be that you're getting a substantially higher benefit by spending the extra money on the custom, but you ARE getting a custom. I'm sure you'll get a lot of people who'll tell you how functionally perfect and well executed the sebenza is. They're right. However, at the current prices you are so far out on the cost/benefit arc that it really doesn't matter.

I've owned 3 sebenzas, and often said I didn't "get" them. If that's what you want, then more power to you, its YOUR money after all. I'd rather have the custom. It'd be a personal thing, for sure, and you can get a LOT of little things done right for the money if you choose wisely.

As far as Kevin's knives, he is a GREAT maker. His folders are done very well, and he takes a lot of pride in his work- which you can really see in his finishing work.
 
Great list guys.

I would add Scott Cook to the list. Last I looked the basic Lochsa ran at 490 if you can find one.
 
Can't believe I forgot Rick! Now, if you're looking for QC that is sebenza-consistent, then you can't go wrong with one of his folders. The Firetac is a very nice, ergonomic blade!
 
Does Mr. Hinderer sell directly from his site?
Not if I had spare cash right now, but I'd rather buy xm-18 then SNG.
 
Spyderjohn mentioned RJ Martin and I'd have to agree wholeheartedly. I just received his Contender model and it's awesome! Very light weight for a medium sized knife. It's a nice comfy fit in my medium/large hand(8.25" around the knuckles). The action is smooth if maybe a little stiff but it's brand new and I can tell it's gonna wear in nicely. Super tight lockup. The blade, beside looking totally bad ass with the striations, is SHARP! I bet I could shave the electrons off an atom with this baby. So put RJ Martin near the top of your list. He's right up there on mine. :D

Another maker I'll be on he look out for more of his knives is Peter Marzitelli. I love his designs which are influenced, by of all things, Dinosaurs. I bought his Digger model about a month ago and love this knife also. Top-notch fit and finish with very ergonomic handle. The Digger is another pretty lightweight medium sized knife. The blade is wide thin and scary sharp. It's a beautiful cutter but not meant for heavy use. As an edc knife it's outstanding.

As I love to see pics of the knives people are describing I thought you might like to see the Contender and the Digger in that order. A picture is worth a thousand words. :D
Contender

Digger
 
In addition to the makers already mentioned, who are all excellent, you can find knives in this price range from

Allen Elishewitz

Greg Lightfoot

Pat Nihiser

Mike Irie

John W. Smith

Brian Tighe
 
Since no one else has mentioned him look at some of Bill Vinings knives. He is just getting better all the time and his latest creations in Damascus are really really beautiful pieces. Just check out his gallery. I bought one from him a while ago and it is flawless.

http://www.medawebs.com/knives/default.htm

STR
 
I'm really liking the Rick Hinderer Knives. I just can't decide between the Flame Gen II and the XM-18. The Flame costs $65 more, and has both sides Ti, and the XM-18 has a .05 in. Ti liner on the non-lock side and a full Titanium slab on the lock side. What do you think?
 
Rick has shown video of the XM-18 being thrown into a target, as well as pics of him parking a car on top of the knife. Aside from some SMALL cosmetic issues, there was NO ill effect on the XM-18. I'd say its a good deal.
 
There's a John W Smith for sale in the Exchange forum here on BFC now that's certainly in your price range. His knives are buttery smooth.
 
GarageBoy said:
Can you get a $500 carson?
Click to expand...

You might be able to swing a Carson/Obenauf C2O at $500 or up. I've never seen any full-on custom Carsons at that price though.
 
Does anybody know what the dimensions are of the flame and xm 18 knives made by Rick Hinderer?
 
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