Looking for Custom Maker of Old Fashion Working Blades

A

Abraham307

Joined
May 4, 2020
Messages
3
Looking for a trusted custom knife maker to build a hunting/bushcraft knife. Pretty standard design (4 1/4" blade, full tang, convex grind), I just like my knives to look really old fashioned (good wooden scales and nice finish on the metal). I usually like O2 (not a deal breaker) in the 61-62 rc range so again, nothing fancy. If you know of a maker who'd do a good job on something like this or are one yourself please point me in their direction or DM me.
Thanks
 
Budget? pretty vague on style...you want perfect grind or hammered forged finish?
 
jideta said:
Budget? pretty vague on style...you want perfect grind or hammered forged finish?
Click to expand...

Not really concerned about budget. As for style, I figured I'd just make a rough sketch for the maker when I found one. I would have done that to begin with if I could figure out how to post pictures here. As for finish, this is a link to a knife I had made by Lucas Forge (who I like a lot, just trying different makers with hopefully a shorter backlog) http://customhuntingknives.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Sears-Nessmuk.jpg
Can't remember what that finisg qualifies as, but something like it would be good. Just anything but bright shiny metal to be honest.
 
I would do a search on Etsy for hand made Nessmuk or bushcraft etc. Lots of smaller makers on there who work in different styles and you may find something readily available.
You can also check out the makers forum but I don't think all of them are active. Try the makers for sale section and look at some work and make contact there.
Personally I've done three customs with makers on Etsy. I liked their work, made contact and worked with them. Very happy.
Part of the fun of going bespoke is finding that right person to make your dream come true!
 
Get hold of Brazilian cutliero Ivan Campos. He does fantastic work -- I have one of his Scandi grind knives in 1070, awesome bush knife that is the sharpest in my collection bar none.
 
excellent idea ;) bf has many many great makers

For a traditional seax with style, check out @hellize
5LQ0Aps3u3aI.jpg
 
Look no further than the knife makers here on bladeforums. There are several. I can highly recommend TK Steingass. He’s a member and you can PM him with your ideas. Look for him in the custom and knifemaker sections.

here’s one of his more upscale hunters that I own

View attachment 1334377
 
JK handmade knives does a great job making knives to customers' drawings. I have an on-going collaboration with him where I design knives and he makes them so he does it quite a lot.

John did a Dall Deweese knife for one of his customers last year, which sounds right up with your desires (classic design).
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/concept-deweese-knife.1676147/

John uses O1 tool steel and does the job without computerized assistance so it's made in a traditional manner. No pre-cut blanks, CNC, and that kind of thing. I have a plethora of his knives and have a handful available for rent if you want to try one in-hand to see what his build quality is like, or I can send you images or video of his work.

It doesn't sound like you need any help with the design piece but that's something I could help with if you work with John as that's basically what I do. And sharpen and make sheaths.

Here's a recent take on a mora mixed with a classic puukko with a slightly sweeping clip point I had John make for me as a prototype. Paduk wood and 3/32" O1 with a scandivex grind. The knife on the right is my bushcamp, not really a traditional pattern but it is influenced by the marbles woodcraft. Two more examples of JK handmade knives work from the designs of one of his customers.
1FGZmeOl.jpg
 
Check out these fixed blade makers forum here, as mentioned, great variety and great values to be found. I have a fondness for JK knives, GL Drew, and Thomas O'Neall, just a few to mention.
 
Like others said, check here first. I've been satisfied with the work from Dan Graves, Milan Mozolic, Alan Warren, T.K. Steingass, Josh Rider, Ryan Bruzek, and Phillip Patton.
 
I also recommend JK Knives. I've had three of John's knives over the years and they are all solid work horses.
 
Thanks for all the help guys. I hadn't thought of checking Etsy. I'll probably message a maker here though. I remeber that I contacted GL Drew once in the past but he said he wasn't taking orders at the time. I might just have to check again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top