New to custom knives... How much would something like this cost?

[Loneriderz]

I'm really new to this knife and knife collecting thing and I've just recently got myself my first custom knife from JT Clark, a nice frame-lock folder. Nice enough for me to get another one. It's a nice user but I've never had a fixed blade other than the kitchen knives (technically it's the wife's since it's in her domain).

I had the RAT3 in mind but I'm worried about rusting and that's a big problem for me. I do use my knives but not as often as I'd like and Singapore is wet and humid all year round, I also spend quite a bit of time near saltwater. I'll be using it for camping, general utility and fishing in (sweetwater and occasionally saltwater).

How much would a custom fixed blade of about 8inches overall cost with a Kydex/ Concealex sheathe?

What steel would work best for the use and conditions I have here?

What steel would work well for the conditions here and for my use?

Sorry if this is not in the appropriate section... Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Buffalohump]

I live in a humid environment myself and I do prefer stainless steel for these reasons.

However, you will find that most manufacturers of high carbon steel knives coat their blades and that goes a long way towards protecting the steel from rust.

Rust can be controlled quite easily by simply cleaning the blade afterwards and applying a light coating of oil.

Fixed blades are obviously easier to maintain than folders because there are less moving parts and small nooks and crannies where rust can start up unseen.

I don't own any RAT Cutlery blades myself but they are highly thought of by those who do.

If you're looking for a custom fixed I would definitely hang out in the 'Makers for sale' area. You can find some amazing deals there on custom blades.

Also, check out a maker here called NWA Knives. I really like the look of his work!

As to cost, that varies a lot, but if you shop around you can get a real nice custom piece with kydex for around $250.

 

[Lycosa]

Take a look at Mission Knives. These knives will NOT rust!

 

[Loneriderz]

I live in a humid environment myself and I do prefer stainless steel for these reasons.

Rust can be controlled quite easily by simply cleaning the blade afterwards and applying a light coating of oil.

If you're looking for a custom fixed I would definitely hang out in the 'Makers for sale' area. You can find some amazing deals there on custom blades.

Also, check out a maker here called NWA Knives. I really like the look of his work!

I guess I should be a bit more judicious with maintenance but there has been times when I got home feeling totally tired after a trip and forgot about cleaning my gear; only to find rust spots forming a week later. I had a Kershaw which rusted even though I've yet to use it (Sandvic steel).

Would love to get a knife from the "Maker's for Sale" site but most of them were not what I needed. There's a maker there whose mark is of a sitingray (can't remember his name) that makes beautiful knives but I'm always too late or the timing wasn't right.

Thanks for pointing me towards NWA knives... Found a model that fits the bill; the Stinger. Right size and yeah the price tag is a major draw too. I really like the look of the blade. I hope the maker makes Kydex sheathes. Not really fond of leather sheathes. I'll contact him over the weekend.

Take a look at Mission Knives. These knives will NOT rust!

Thanks... Didn't know about them before. Found their site and bookmarked it. Not really what I was thinking of because of the "tactical' look to their blades but who knows maybe in the future. Maybe I should have mentioned that. I prefer sedate looking designs for my users. I fish a river near this school that I teach in; almost every weekend. The kids knows I have a thing for knives and they don't mind... Their parents however think otherwise. I can imagine the look on their faces if they see me with something like that. No choice, got to keep a balance between work and fun. Really appreciate it...

 

[Keith Montgomery]

The higher the carbon content the more prone a steel will be to corroding/rusting. The higher the content of chromium, nickel and molybdenum, the more resistant the steel will be too corroding/rusting. All things in moderation though. I would recommend a steel with between .8 and 1 percent carbon, 15 to 17% chromium and if it has some nickel and/or molybdenum, all the better. 440C comes to mind, and it's not an expensive steel.

If you are prepared to take the extra care needed to prevent carbon steel from rusting/corroding then you might want to look at A-2.

Your best bet would be to find a maker that makes knives you like that are within your price range. Contact that maker and give him all the details and ask for recommendations on what steel to use.

A knife like you are looking for shouldn't cost a great deal. Let me ask this, what are you looking at spending?

 

[Loneriderz]

440C comes to mind, and it's not an expensive steel.

If you are prepared to take the extra care needed to prevent carbon steel from rusting/corroding then you might want to look at A-2.

Your best bet would be to find a maker that makes knives you like that are within your price range. Contact that maker and give him all the details and ask for recommendations on what steel to use.

A knife like you are looking for shouldn't cost a great deal. Let me ask this, what are you looking at spending?

440C sounds good... I Googled it up and it seems to be very corrosion resistant but I noticed most of the outdoor type knives being made in A2 and D2 which I assume are tool steels. Only steel I've used so far are S30V and VG-10 as most of my folders are Spydercos.

I'm not really in a hurry for the knife... I guess with a lead time of a month I'd be willing to spend USD150-180. Hope that's not too little. I'm looking at something around 7-8inches overall with a micarta handle. I'd be willing to push it up to slightly above USD200 with a bit more time to save up. I guess I'm not a big spender. Just want to spend within my means.

 

[Buffalohump]

Not a bad policy. Productions are cheaper than customs and there are some excellent ones out there.

I would also look at some of the Cold Steel line-up. They are hard-use knives and very affordable.

But you won't regret getting a nice custom either. Patience is the key!