Ok.... I want a full custom folder.

[ZTFan]

I’ve been buying ZTs, Spydercos and Benchmades for years. My body is ready to take the plunge.

And I don’t wanna creep into the scene with a mid-tech. I wanna go full throttle right into the lion’s den.

I want something brutal. My work doesn’t require hard use but I believe an EDC should be a tool first and toy second, so something for both using and fondling. I like fat blades, my first knife ever was a ZT 0301. And I probably couldn’t swallow anything over $1,000.

I like the Curtiss F3 Medium. What would you recommend for a full custom, preferably American-made folder that’s beefy and built like a tank?

 

[BFS]

If those are your parameters, I'd go with a Don Hanson III folder. How does it get much better than this? He's a member here too.

 

[ZTFan]

If those are your parameters, I'd go with a Don Hanson III folder. How does it get much better than this? He's a member here too.

The only 2 “available” folders on his site were sold and between 2 and 3 grand....

 

[fishface5]

More info needed! Do you want fancy or brutal? Is this going to be a user or a fondler? What attributes do you cherish? And what are your price parameters?

 

[ZTFan]

More info needed! Do you want fancy or brutal? Is this going to be a user or a fondler? What attributes do you cherish? And what are your price parameters?

I want something brutal. My work doesn’t require hard use but I believe an EDC should be a tool first and toy second, so something for both using and fondling. I like fat blades, my first knife ever was a ZT 0301. And I probably couldn’t swallow anything over $1,000.

Edited the OP, thanks

 

[BFS]

The only 2 “available” folders on his site were sold and between 2 and 3 grand....

That's the lion's den. You could easily spend five/ten times more than that on a folder.

ETA-I see you went back and edited in your price point after I posted. Just trying to help.

 

[Don Hanson III]

If those are your parameters, I'd go with a Don Hanson III folder. How does it get much better than this? He's a member here too.

Thanks bud!

 

[Richard338]

I like the one on the right...and the ones on the left...Is there a bulk discount? How about a mid-MO resident's discount?

 

[fishface5]

Have you looked at Medford knives? Although a full custom may be above your price point. Hoback? Or the Dozier Little Workhorse is a great value.

 

[ZTFan]

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions, I really appreciate it! This is hard....

 

[The Shatz]

My favorite customs folders currently are from Peter rassenti great actions quality steel and the body is integral .If you watch the for sale section here I see them pop up in your price range. Don your folders look awesome!! Hope to pick one up some day love the stag handles, Harmon great combo

 

[betzner]

Thirds?

Thanks bud!

Those top two Hansons look strangely familiar. Has someone been casing my island?

I can absolutely recommend the boundless quality in Don's build, materials and mechanisms. These were made as a pair, blades from the same billet, same with the bolsters. But somewhat over that $1k budgie.

 

[BFS]

^
I'm jelly.

 

[Bmgillum]

Check out Bob Ohlemann’s web site...his prices start at about $800 and he just opened his books...

Cheers/bg

 

[fishface5]

Have you looked at the knofemakers for sale forum? Marthinus and Unkovsky have some very nice handmade folders at quite reasonable prices. Not to detract from masters like Hanson and Rassenti in any way, just thinking about price.

 

[betzner]

Check out Bob Ohlemann’s web site...his prices start at about $800 and he just opened his books...

Cheers/bg

And here is a really great example of Bob's very original work, as well:

 

[Dawkind]

If those are your parameters, I'd go with a Don Hanson III folder. How does it get much better than this? He's a member here too.

View attachment 912542 View attachment 912543

If those are your parameters, I'd go with a Don Hanson III folder. How does it get much better than this? He's a member here too.

View attachment 912542 View attachment 912543

D3’s work is off the charts, and I love it, but $2K-$3K would not buy either one of those folders, maybe add another $K....

 

[ArchVV]

Tobin Smith's customs can also be found on the exchange. The quality of his work is excellent and priced well under your limit.

 

[tyyreaun]

I’ve been buying ZTs, Spydercos and Benchmades for years. My body is ready to take the plunge.

And I don’t wanna creep into the scene with a mid-tech. I wanna go full throttle right into the lion’s den.

I want something brutal. My work doesn’t require hard use but I believe an EDC should be a tool first and toy second, so something for both using and fondling. I like fat blades, my first knife ever was a ZT 0301. And I probably couldn’t swallow anything over $1,000.

I like the Curtiss F3 Medium. What would you recommend for a full custom, preferably American-made folder that’s beefy and built like a tank?

Check out Sergey Rogovets - @ExtremAddiction. Extremely well built heavy duty folders, made in the US, by hand (no CNC involved). His prices start at around $1000 if you don’t go for fancy materials - damascus, timascus, etc.

Take a look at his website and Instagram feed for an overview of his work, and if you’re interested, reach out to him directly about placing a custom order.

 

[LCKT707]

Those Hansons are out of this world amazing. In my wildest dreams lol