My Gentleman's Folder

T

The Savage Rabbit

Joined
Nov 30, 2006
Messages
351
I have mentioned before that I ordered my first custom knife from Al Warren. It is finished and I should receive it in the mail tomorrow. Al sent me photos of the finished knife.

I have to say that I had a great time with this. Al responded to every e-mail I sent him within 24 hours and I sent a lot of pesky e-mails. He was polite and helpful every time. Assuming it arrives tomorrow, this whole process will have taken less than a month.

The blade is a 3" drop point of Devin Thomas damascus. The handle is mammoth ivory. Al did the file work on his own initiative. It was a great surprise. Excluding tax and shipping, the knife cost me $455. (If I over paid, I don't want to know. I just want to enjoy the moment.)

Dealing with Al has been a great introduction to custom knives. It leaves me thinking that this is for me. His website is www.warrenknives.com.

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Before it was finished:
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Handle Material
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Congratulations on your knife - its a real beauty ! I'm a newbie to customs - haven't purchased, much less ordered my first one yet. - - Did you take a long time doing research before you decided to order your knife ? Why did you go with this particular maker - - - there seems to be so many out there, how did you narrow it down ? Hope you don't mind all the questions. Congratulations again ! All the best, - -
 
I met Al at the Pasadena knife show and bought a smaller version of this knife made with ironwood and S30V. I wanted a larger version of the knife so I ordered one made of fancier materials within a month of the knife show. I didn't really do any research before I placed the order. :o I knew I liked the one I had so I didn't worry too much. Having said that, I would've done the research before buying the knife that I've done since buying the knife.

I lucked out by running into Al.
 
Well, Jack, you scratched that itch nicely. :thumbup: That's a rich knife by all measures: Mammoth scales, damascus blade, touch of engraving, and engaging filework--all involved in a stylish and classic lockback.

The beauty of the experience is enhanced by the packaging: That would be your one-to-one dealings with Mr. Warren. Let no one underestimate the value of this engagement to you. By all means it can become the sweetest part of the deal.

Congrats on your first custom folder. I wish you many more! :D

Coop
 
The Savage Rabbit said:
I met Al at the Pasadena knife show and bought a smaller version of this knife made with ironwood and S30V. I wanted a larger version of the knife so I ordered one made of fancier materials within a month of the knife show. I didn't really do any research before I placed the order. :o I knew I liked the one I had so I didn't worry too much. Having said that, I would've done the research before buying the knife that I've done since buying the knife.

I lucked out by running into Al.
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Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it - - - and that is a wonderful knife that you have. May you enjoy it for many years - (bet you'll keep it no matter how many other customs are in your future). - - Regards, -
 
That is one heck of a nice knife. It looks to be very well put together, and Devin Thomas steel always looks great.
 
I would say you did very well of all fronts. Great knife, good value and a wonderful experence with the maker. That's what it's all about. :thumbup: :D
 
That is a gorgeous knife !
Vince
 
VERY nice - no wonder that you are pleased. Gorgeous mammoth - I love the stuff.

Roger
 
A portion of the black accenting in the bolster engraving came out when I rubbed some Breakfree on the knife to wipe off fingerprints and oil the action. At first I thought it was just some gunk coming out but then noticed that the accenting was coming off. I'm sure I could have been more gentle.

I'm not too worried about it though. I enjoy wiping my knives down and if I have it put back in, it will just happen again. Looked nicer with it in but it rides in my pocket and not in the safe.

Having said that, if anyone knows of some accenting material that would look nice and stay in, please let me know.
 
That IS a beautiful knife!! Congrats. I am glad to see that ARE going to carry and use it.
 
That's a nice looking knife. I'd carry it too! :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
The Savage Rabbit said:
A portion of the black accenting in the bolster engraving came out when I rubbed some Breakfree on the knife to wipe off fingerprints and oil the action. At first I thought it was just some gunk coming out but then noticed that the accenting was coming off. I'm sure I could have been more gentle.

I'm not too worried about it though. I enjoy wiping my knives down and if I have it put back in, it will just happen again. Looked nicer with it in but it rides in my pocket and not in the safe.

Having said that, if anyone knows of some accenting material that would look nice and stay in, please let me know.
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You can just brush some black lacquer or paint (for metal) over the engraving, let dry for a few seconds to set in, then wipe the engraved surface very lightly with a weak solvent on a paper towel. The paint will stay in the engraving reliefs yet wipe off the surface.

They make little leather folder pouches for packet carry to insure that pocket change and such doesn't scratch the knife.
 
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