Manufactured or Custom for EDC?

T

tickertrouble

Joined
Mar 9, 2005
Messages
5
Hi Folks,

As an intro I'm a just-signed-on newbie who is in the process of ordering a MercWorx Lachesis. However, it is pretty obvious that I can buy a nice custom for a similar price (around $400) but as I'm not a collector my main objective is to get a robust, reliable, multipurpose folder for EDC.

Therefore, forgetting aesthetics, collectibility, and resale value, am I best advised to go with the MercWorx or will the build quality of a custom knife be evident in it's long-term functionality.

BTW, if someone can come up with a better alternative to the MercWorx at a similar price (manufactured or custom) I will be very interested.

tickertrouble
 
Hi, I'm in a similiar position. I've got about $400 bucks coming my way and looking for a knife with similiar qualities you've described. I found myself looking at KnifeArt.com, and clicking the "knives under $500" tab.
http://www.knifeart.com/by-price-under-500.html

Look at this knife, tell me what you think: http://www.knifeart.com/comtacfol.html

also this one: http://www.knifeart.com/eltacfol.html

but you mentioned the word "robust", the first knife that popped into my head was a Benchmade Skirmish. Not a custom though. http://www.bestknives.com/be630sk.html
 
Though the MW fixed blades have gotten some great reviews, the folders have not faired so well. I haven't owned one nor even handled one but I have posed a question regarding there knives and that was the response I got. If you are willing to spend that much money on what boils down to a work knife then I would buy a custom. At 300 bones then I would consider a small Sebenza from CRK or a Strider PT but at 400 I would want something hand made hopefully with some input from me at least regarding basic options. There are a lot of awesome folders out there and I would take a hard look at Kit Carson, Rick Hinderere, Mike Obinofff just to name three that make serious using knives and seem very well respected here on BF. 400 dollars is currently way out of my price range for a single edc so I am just telling you a couple of the folks (I would consider if I were looking for what you des described.

Get a custom, they are just cooler.
 
A better question would be what can you afford to lose? Just speaking as someone who lost his EDC several years ago, still have nightmares about it.
 
There are a good number of makers who will get you a custom folder for the $400 and under price point. In my mind there is very little difference between losing a $400 production knife or a $400 custom. If you wouldn't worry abut losing a $400 knife then I would go for a custom.

I prefer custom knives because you can talk with the maker and get exactly what you want. If you go for a prodction model then you will need to make some compromises, as I doubt any production model will have everything you want. I also like customs because I can get involved in the design, materials, and overall look of the knife. Personally I feel that as long as you work with a maker, and let them know that the knife will be a user, you will get a good usable knife that should last many years if taken care of.
 
Hi Gary

Many thanks for your suggestions. The two knives you've selected look bloody fantastic, but here in the UK we have draconian laws regarding the carrying of knives (anything over a 3 inch blade length is classed as an offensive weapon and likely to get the owner banged up).

Therefore, while I may get away with a 3.5 inch blade (pushing it somewhat) I certainly would get harassed over a 3.75 - 4 inch.
And of course that's where the robustness dilemma begins. A 3 inch blade is usually made from thinner stock which imposes its own limitations. Therefore perhaps I've answered my own question and should get one custom made with a 3 inch beefy blade (if I can get one for $400).

Best

tickertrouble






Gary007 said:
Hi, I'm in a similiar position. I've got about $400 bucks coming my way and looking for a knife with similiar qualities you've described. I found myself looking at KnifeArt.com, and clicking the "knives under $500" tab.
http://www.knifeart.com/by-price-under-500.html

Look at this knife, tell me what you think: http://www.knifeart.com/comtacfol.html

also this one: http://www.knifeart.com/eltacfol.html

but you mentioned the word "robust", the first knife that popped into my head was a Benchmade Skirmish. Not a custom though. http://www.bestknives.com/be630sk.html
Click to expand...
 
How about something from A.T. Barr . I have heard nothing but good things of his work and he makes some < 3" models. I am sure you could find something that would suit your needs and fit your price range.
 
You can get an outstanding working folder with textured/heat colored 15N20 liners, titanium belt clip, differentially heat treat 52100 blade, and bead blasted G-10 slabs from Mastersmith, Ed Caffrey-400 bucks, plus shipping.
http://www.caffreyknives.net/available.htm

ProgressionII.jpg
 
my advice..........get a buck/mayo TNT ($200) titanium handle s30 blade framelock as a smallish gents knife..... and a spyderco manix as a hard use brute knife s30 blade....g10 scales....unbelivably strong massive lockup ($110).........both are incredibly SHARP!!


or look at william henry knives: elegant........and a great rep on this forum....($170-300)
 
Trick I don't know alot about custom folders but if you are after a 100% UK legal EDC I would go for the Spyderco UK penkinife. I just got one and am happy with it. As you may know you cannot have a locking knife in the UK as an ADC without a good reason. Ie you need it for work etc. This was why I got the Spyderco. It is well made, opens with a firm click that makes you think it locks (which it doesn't). It is sharp and a good steel (sv30) and when open I feel safe using it for most things with no risk of it closing on my fingers due to the design of the choil.
 
I would look at a small sebenza , in the $300 .00 range . Very strong and Sheeple friendly . Merc works is pretty overpriced for the quality . Take a look at Benchmade , the axis is a stout lock , solid stuff in the 3-3.5 " range .Cost wise you are in the $150.00 USD range . The problem with customs is replaceability and waiting time . A $300.00 knife now , may be a $600.00 knife if the maker takes off .
 
I say go custom....or maybe a Sebenza for production. I haven't heard much good about the MW folders.

For customs I would check out JW Smith, CJ Smith, Oebenauf, Hinderer, and Lightfoot. Just depends what style you are looking for.

I've been carrying a Hinderer Firetac as my EDC for a few weeks now and love it...it's the best knife I've ever carried I think. For something smaller, I still love the small Sebenza though, only production knife I've ever seen that comes close to a good custom.
 
Yes Sunraven, I see your point (no pun intended) but as usual the law is a ass and I'm therefore prepared to claim ignorance if there is any ambiguity regarding present knife carrying legislation.

If you check out the following web-sites you'll see what I mean:-

http://www.pteron.org/ukknifelaw.html

http://www.bkcg.co.uk/guide/law.html

BTW, to everyone that's posted some suggested blades I'm extremely grateful and am checking every one out. The trouble is, they're all so bloody good that making a decision is going to be pleasantly agonising.

tickertrouble


Sunraven said:
Trick I don't know alot about custom folders but if you are after a 100% UK legal EDC I would go for the Spyderco UK penkinife. I just got one and am happy with it. As you may know you cannot have a locking knife in the UK as an ADC without a good reason. Ie you need it for work etc. This was why I got the Spyderco. It is well made, opens with a firm click that makes you think it locks (which it doesn't). It is sharp and a good steel (sv30) and when open I feel safe using it for most things with no risk of it closing on my fingers due to the design of the choil.
Click to expand...
 
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