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Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
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Nealy - Comments?
- Thread starter Paul Davidson
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 3, 1999
- Messages
- 2,052
Yanus,
I have owned a first generation Aikuchi (damascus blade, rubber handle, micarta pins) and I presently own a Pesh Kabz (stainless (ATS-34?, micarta scales) both in the 3.5 blade length. I let the Aikuchi go to a friend and have kind of regretted it because my Pesh Kabz is not nearly as sharp. I like the security that the Pesh Kabz has with the dropped blade but for some reason the hollow ground part on mine has a very thick edge with a steep bevel. With the reinforced point I would have preferred a thinner edge such as the one on my Aikuchi. I've had my eye on the second generation ones as they look more secure with the redesigned handle profile. Love the sheath. Bud Nealy has at least a couple of other knives that he outfits with the MCS that don't get advertised very much-you might want to give him a call and see what he has in his line up. Hope this helps a little.
I have owned a first generation Aikuchi (damascus blade, rubber handle, micarta pins) and I presently own a Pesh Kabz (stainless (ATS-34?, micarta scales) both in the 3.5 blade length. I let the Aikuchi go to a friend and have kind of regretted it because my Pesh Kabz is not nearly as sharp. I like the security that the Pesh Kabz has with the dropped blade but for some reason the hollow ground part on mine has a very thick edge with a steep bevel. With the reinforced point I would have preferred a thinner edge such as the one on my Aikuchi. I've had my eye on the second generation ones as they look more secure with the redesigned handle profile. Love the sheath. Bud Nealy has at least a couple of other knives that he outfits with the MCS that don't get advertised very much-you might want to give him a call and see what he has in his line up. Hope this helps a little.
Ivan Campos
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Apr 4, 1999
- Messages
- 2,499
I have handled a couple of Nealy knives and found then quite interesting in design as well as quality.
One of my customers here in Brazil - one who is really serious about choosing his personal carry knives and has almost limitlaess options - owns three or four of then and he likes then a lot.
One of my customers here in Brazil - one who is really serious about choosing his personal carry knives and has almost limitlaess options - owns three or four of then and he likes then a lot.
Now, I know this was question about Nealy knives, but I'd like to suggest that RJ Martin's knives are a series competitor. They are a little more expensive, but personally they cut much better than the Pesh K I carried for a while. His sheath system is great, but is really meant to be carried in concert with a jacket, while the JR Martin sheath can be rigged for ITWB carry with with little of the handle exposed. As with everything, try to handle both. But a Zokuka is the best fixed blade small carry piece I have ever owned and cuts like no other knife I have. RJ is one heck of a nice guy to.
[This message has been edited by chrisJohn (edited 07 April 1999).]
[This message has been edited by chrisJohn (edited 07 April 1999).]
Yanus, I own three different Bud Nealy knives, and not because he has the same first name (I'm sure I used Bud first, because I am a lot, lot older). Have also handled many of his knives. They are all very clean, well made, hard to beat. I own one knife by R.J. Martin, a utility model, and it's a very nice knife, too. Most of the custom makers that have been around for 10 years or so are producing excellent work. Newer makers, often learning from the vets, are producing quality knives at a faster pace, thanks to this help. Where I've seen problems is with some of the new folder makers. Too many guys are rushing into this field and the quality is often lacking. That's my humble opinion, though.
Les Robertson
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 3,565
I agree with Bud 100%. The inexpensive neck knife (in comparison with most custom knives) has attracted a lot of new makers.
This trend is appearing across the board though. There are several new makers who are charging equal or just a little less then the established makers.
While their work may be equal and in some cases a little better. The truth of the matter is that makers have to pay their dues.
This is especially true in the after market. Like it or not the name is a big part of helping resell a knife. Usually, if the guys have been around long enough to make a "name" then the work is the quality you are looking for.
This does not mean you should not look for new makers. I personally try to find one new maker every show I attend.
I recommend to every new maker I work with. To keep their prices reasonable and get your knives out into the hands of the collectors and users. As your quality goes up so does the price. By doing this, the maker rewards the customer for buying early.
Two classic lines I have heard, came from my Partner in LDC Custom Knives, Bob Neal. The first was when a well known custom knife maker (who through lack of attendance of knife shows and no advertising had lost touch with many of the customers buying knives today) he told Bob he should give him a free table. Bob looked at him and used the line from David Spades character in SNL..."and you are?"
The second came when we talked to a new knifemaker in Arkansas. He told us he didnt need knife dealers as he sold every knife he could make. Bob asked him "so what do you do when all your friends have one".
While these may have sounded like harsh responses, they were not. Bob was just pointing out the reality of the situation, in his own charming way.
The first maker discussed, has never returned to the spotlight from which he fell. He may one day, he is truly one of the best makers in the world. But, because he did not keep his name in the public, he lost "his place in line."
The second maker, is now working with dealers and offering a substantial discount. However, his pricing is not in line with his position in the knife community. Again, this individual has an exceptional amount of talent. However, this individual's pricing was not commensurate with his position in the custom knife world. Fortunately, he is a part-time maker and hopefully will one day build a clientel that a maker of his ability should have.
Dont misunderstand, any knife maker can charge whatever they want and any customer can pay whatever they want.
But when both go to sell their wares on the open market. Their fortunes are based on the age old economic rule of "suppy and demand". The custom knife world is Micro-Economics at its finest!
Please understand I view things from a different perspective then most of you. I realize that there will come a time when you or your loved ones will sell or give away every knife you own!
So buy what you like, but be an informed consumer. Information is your greatest allie!
Les
This trend is appearing across the board though. There are several new makers who are charging equal or just a little less then the established makers.
While their work may be equal and in some cases a little better. The truth of the matter is that makers have to pay their dues.
This is especially true in the after market. Like it or not the name is a big part of helping resell a knife. Usually, if the guys have been around long enough to make a "name" then the work is the quality you are looking for.
This does not mean you should not look for new makers. I personally try to find one new maker every show I attend.
I recommend to every new maker I work with. To keep their prices reasonable and get your knives out into the hands of the collectors and users. As your quality goes up so does the price. By doing this, the maker rewards the customer for buying early.
Two classic lines I have heard, came from my Partner in LDC Custom Knives, Bob Neal. The first was when a well known custom knife maker (who through lack of attendance of knife shows and no advertising had lost touch with many of the customers buying knives today) he told Bob he should give him a free table. Bob looked at him and used the line from David Spades character in SNL..."and you are?"
The second came when we talked to a new knifemaker in Arkansas. He told us he didnt need knife dealers as he sold every knife he could make. Bob asked him "so what do you do when all your friends have one".
While these may have sounded like harsh responses, they were not. Bob was just pointing out the reality of the situation, in his own charming way.
The first maker discussed, has never returned to the spotlight from which he fell. He may one day, he is truly one of the best makers in the world. But, because he did not keep his name in the public, he lost "his place in line."
The second maker, is now working with dealers and offering a substantial discount. However, his pricing is not in line with his position in the knife community. Again, this individual has an exceptional amount of talent. However, this individual's pricing was not commensurate with his position in the custom knife world. Fortunately, he is a part-time maker and hopefully will one day build a clientel that a maker of his ability should have.
Dont misunderstand, any knife maker can charge whatever they want and any customer can pay whatever they want.
But when both go to sell their wares on the open market. Their fortunes are based on the age old economic rule of "suppy and demand". The custom knife world is Micro-Economics at its finest!
Please understand I view things from a different perspective then most of you. I realize that there will come a time when you or your loved ones will sell or give away every knife you own!
So buy what you like, but be an informed consumer. Information is your greatest allie!
Les
- Joined
- Apr 19, 1999
- Messages
- 3,560
Interesting point Les about the maker keeping his prices affordable to get more product out there. The suggestion to use dealers is also a good idea but for some makers this is a catch 22 situation.
in order to attract a dealer that will work for the maker there must be a certain profit margin for that dealer. I have some difficulty with the concept of both keeping my prices low enough to attract buyers while leaving enough margin to attract the dealers to my work. It would not do to have my work priced below the dealers price on the net or at a show in the dealers home market. How would a maker get around this problem without inflating the price of his product to allow th dealer a fair profit margin.
Don't get me wrong I am not criticizing dealers or begrudging them a fair markup. After all for the dealer to represent you in a market that you would not otherwise reach there are expenses involved and the dealer can not be expected to subsidize the maker.
What would be a fair margin for a dealer to expect?
George Tichbourne
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george
in order to attract a dealer that will work for the maker there must be a certain profit margin for that dealer. I have some difficulty with the concept of both keeping my prices low enough to attract buyers while leaving enough margin to attract the dealers to my work. It would not do to have my work priced below the dealers price on the net or at a show in the dealers home market. How would a maker get around this problem without inflating the price of his product to allow th dealer a fair profit margin.
Don't get me wrong I am not criticizing dealers or begrudging them a fair markup. After all for the dealer to represent you in a market that you would not otherwise reach there are expenses involved and the dealer can not be expected to subsidize the maker.
What would be a fair margin for a dealer to expect?
George Tichbourne
------------------
george
Les Robertson
BANNED
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 3,565
Hi George,
You can expect to give a well known dealer between 20%- 30%. New dealers should get around 10%.
As you stated dealers can introduce you to new markets.
This is part of the reason you give dealers their discount. Additionally, makers such as myself and Arizona Custom Knives, will put your name and on occasion your knife in our advertising. Again, more advertisment for you. Not to mention Jay and I have two of the better custom knife sites on the web. Again, more advertisment for the makers we represent.
Too many makers view their relationship with dealers as antogonistic or as you stated a catch 22 situation.
I personally have found it's best when the makers and dealers work together to provide the best quality product at the most affordable price.
Geroge, I do agree that dealers should do something to enhance your knives to receive the discount you are giving. If they are just buying and reselling that may not be the best situation to enter in.
As to how you find the right mix, only you can determine that.
------------------
Les Robertson
Moderator
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
You can expect to give a well known dealer between 20%- 30%. New dealers should get around 10%.
As you stated dealers can introduce you to new markets.
This is part of the reason you give dealers their discount. Additionally, makers such as myself and Arizona Custom Knives, will put your name and on occasion your knife in our advertising. Again, more advertisment for you. Not to mention Jay and I have two of the better custom knife sites on the web. Again, more advertisment for the makers we represent.
Too many makers view their relationship with dealers as antogonistic or as you stated a catch 22 situation.
I personally have found it's best when the makers and dealers work together to provide the best quality product at the most affordable price.
Geroge, I do agree that dealers should do something to enhance your knives to receive the discount you are giving. If they are just buying and reselling that may not be the best situation to enter in.
As to how you find the right mix, only you can determine that.
------------------
Les Robertson
Moderator
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
- Joined
- Apr 27, 1999
- Messages
- 620
I've carried a Bud Nealy Kinzhal 5" for about 5 years now. Mine is Damascus with rubber scales. I love it. Lightweight and easy to carry/conceal, even in tropical weather. Minimal maintenance keeps it sharp and rust free.
Bud is a really down to earth human being who values his reputation and his customers. A true professional in every regard. You can't go wrong with a Nealy knife.
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Bud is a really down to earth human being who values his reputation and his customers. A true professional in every regard. You can't go wrong with a Nealy knife.
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Hey everyone!
Paul, I know what you mean about the Pesh. Mine has a super sharp hollow grind but the reinforced tip cant cut butter
That is until I took my belt grinder to it and changed the bevel oh so slightly. Now it is all super sharp!
It's a great knife.
Paul, I know what you mean about the Pesh. Mine has a super sharp hollow grind but the reinforced tip cant cut butter