Opinions needed on first quality custom knife.....

R

reflex_0

Joined
Mar 3, 2002
Messages
7
Hello all,

I am a newbie. I have been researching custom folding knives for the past weeks. It has been overwhelming. There are many good knives out there.

I plan on using the knife for an EDC.
These are the ones I am looking at:

Carson Model 4 (large)
DDR EDC3 (Talonite Blade)
Mayo TNT
Dozier Workhorse
Or others……

I am not rich, but I would like to invest a good custom knife for my life time.

Your opinions on one or more of these will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
WOW, that's quite a list that you have compiled!

It looks like you want a "tactical" style "using" knife so permit me to add to your list (I can't choose from your list...I have a Carson M4 on order so I would be a little biased :) )...there's one name that keeps popping up no matter who I speak to...JW Smith...many say that he makes the best "tactical" folder...his knives are said to be supreme quality and they hold their value well in the aftermarket (he supposedly sold out in ten minutes at the New York show a couple of weeks ago!!)...

I'd also look at Lightfoot, Crawford (oops, have those on order too :) ) and Terzuola.

I think any of these would serve you well as an EDC for a lifetime :)

RL

PS Welcome to the forums!
 
Any of the above would be a great choice. You couldn't possibly go wrong with any of those makers. The one that I would probably be the most interested in right now would be a DNT or is it TND (Damascus and Titanium or vice versa) from Tom Mayo.

A couple of other folder makers that I would take a look at would be Rick Dunkerly and Ed Caffery, just because I think they are so darn nice.

If you are interested in more of a tactical style don't forget Bob Terzuola.
 
Many great suggestions here but I would add for a budget minded purchase of a knife that is rock solid you can't beat Mike Obenauf.

He has dominated my collection with 5 and 1 en-route, his consistency and quality are hard to beat at any price.

Can't go wrong with a Mayo or Terzoula either.

Could also check out Peter Marzitelli, guy makes an awesome knife and very reasonable prices too :)
 
YOU GOT TO CHECK OUT JEFF HALL..!
YOU CAN GET HIS MODEL 2 or 3 in the SUB $350 range..
You should also look at LARRY DAVIDSON and his SE FRAME LOCK..it is around $395!

BOTH GREAT BUYS in the sub $400 market!
 
Reflex- you're doomed! Kiss your savings account good-bye, nobody can own just one. Good choice, can't wait to hear how you like it and what you get next.:D
 
I have a Obenauf large #2 (love it) that I paid $350 for. I am due a small #2 with some "special features" any day now for $300. And if you like the Carson model 4, you'll like the Obenauf. Mike is Kit's son-in-law, so there is some influence there.
As far as other knives, I would like to see a JWSmith some day.
I also have a very nice DDR EDC and a Dunn that are very well made.
Good luck picking!
Barry H
 
If it comes up Heads get the Carson, if it comes up Tails get the DDR, if it stands on Edge get the Mayo.
Bwahahahahahaha

I'm just kidding they're all fine knives, as well as the other names mentioned.

Hey, nobody mentioned Aaron Fredrick who is JW's SIL. I saw his knives at ECCKS and I was very impressed, but more important than that I'm sure they had to get the JW stamp of approval. ;)
 
I'll second or third the choice for Mike Obenauf. You can tell the Carson influence, but Mike has a style all his own. I have three of his knives in my colection with more on the way. They offer a lot of value. Good quality at a good price. as an added bonus the wait isn't too bad either, but I believe that is going to change soon.
 
Reflex, great choice, but it isn't technically a TNT because it doesn't have the Tallonite blade. I am not 100% sure what Tom calls these knives, but whatever they are called I think they are some of the nicest knives available anywhere.
 
Great choice:D . It is no secret I am one of Mayo's acolytes. I searched for quite a while to find a folder that suited my every folder-need. The TNT is my Holy Grail of folders.

You chose a beautiful knife. I believe Tom calls it a "DMT"...Damascus Meets Titanium.

Welcome...it won't be your last Mayo:D :cool: :D
 
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