Ordering a custom...

[SIFU1A]

If you want a custom made knife, as long as it's either a Buck 110 Folding Hunter or Alpha Hunter fixed blade, Buck's 'Custom Shop' will make you one with a choice of blades, bolsters, handles, sheaths, etc - and engrave it, even. Prices are a tad up from last year, but delivery spoils you - 2 to 8 weeks. And... they don't hit your card until it's shipped. Nice folks, too, up there in ID. The middle below is a BG-42 blade/Ni-Ag bolsters/orange Fiji wood scales, the bottom is teardrop Damascus/Ni-Ag bolsters/flaming Koa wood. The top one is a Cabela's 'Alaskan Guide' 110 with an Al-Ti-N coated S30V blade.

Stainz

those are not custom knives FWIW.

nothing wrong with them, but they are not customs.

they are mod'ed buck 110's.

 

[So-Lo]

I am sure you can find a great maker here to get what you want.

 

[mmarkh]

I guess it all depends on the experiences one has had. I feel just the opposite. I only purchase directly from makers, because I find it by far the most enjoyable to get a knife.

I agree with that.My experience has been very good.He sent me pics of the progress of my knife through many of the steps.It makes it more personal.

 

[GaryTx]

In the past six months I've tried four times to order a custom knife. Failed all four times from disinterest from the maker. Trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong. Should I just mail them a check and see if they pay attention then? Not going to put in names, but this has been my attempts/results:

1. Sent email found on custom maker web site. Responded saying he could make the custom. When I responded asking a few more clarifying questions, never responded again.

2. Emailed maker off of web site. No response.

3. Contacted maker on phone (this maker does production and custom) was told to contact the custom guy by email. No response after several emails.

4. Contacted maker on phone. Was told that his web site info was outdated and he only made knives for shows now, no more orders. This one wasn't as big of a deal as he we extremely polite and up front about it, but it would have been nice if he updated his web site (last date was 2005).


I'm not trying to whine, just trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong here.

Dave

I'm new here so my opinion is probably worth about $0.02, but I've experienced similar problems. I emailed two "custom knifemakers" using the Contact Us Link from their web sites. My question was simple..."What do I need to do to contract with you to build me a knife I have in mind."

I never heard back from either of them. I blew it off thinking that being talented with your hands doesn't mean you know how to run a business.

 

[J_Curd]

One of the reasons I dont buy Busse knives anymore is that all my attempts at getting quotes on specific customs have been ignored.

I find poor service completely rude and in general distaste.

Any company that turns down business obviously doesn't need mine.

 

[marcangel]

I've found many makers do not want to do an individuals design, particularly when you're looking at a knife under $1000. That being said, I've also had makers who bent over backwards for a modification or alterations to my specifications. I think going to a show is a good idea. If you could tell us what you are looking for, I'm certain that people here could steer you in the right direction. I actually had similar experiences early on in my collecting, but I attribute that to my ignorance. Many makers get a lot of call from guys who are not "for real" and sometimes it's difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff.

 

[T.K.C.]

If you want a custom made knife, as long as it's either a Buck 110 Folding Hunter or Alpha Hunter fixed blade, Buck's 'Custom Shop' will make you one with a choice of blades, bolsters, handles, sheaths, etc - and engrave it, even. Prices are a tad up from last year, but delivery spoils you - 2 to 8 weeks. And... they don't hit your card until it's shipped. Nice folks, too, up there in ID. The middle below is a BG-42 blade/Ni-Ag bolsters/orange Fiji wood scales, the bottom is teardrop Damascus/Ni-Ag bolsters/flaming Koa wood. The top one is a Cabela's 'Alaskan Guide' 110 with an Al-Ti-N coated S30V blade.

Stainz

That is NOT a custom knife. Those are modded Buck 110's. Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with them, they are just NOT a custom knife.