Please rank these five custom makers

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RL

RL

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Hi All,

I am just about ready to make my first custom purchase and I have it narrowed down to five makes...I would ask about specific models but the truth is that I like several knives from each of these custom makers :D

So, how would you rank the knives from the following knifemakers in terms of overall quality, attention to detail, out of the box sharpness, collectibility and whatever other criteria you feel is important (please share that as well!)..in short, please rank them in the order that you would like to own them!

(alphabetically)
1) Pat Crawford
2) Andre Devilliers
3) Allen Elishewitz
4) Greg Lightfoot
5) Peter Marzitelli

I hope I don't offend any of the knifemakers with this request for ranking...I plan to one day own one of each...the question is which one first?? :D

Thanks,
RL
 
Some folks may be willing to rank these makers, but not me. I don't think that's particularly fair or useful, but I can only speak for myself.
I have knives from Pat Crawford, Allen Elishewitz and Greg Lightfoot. I know some of Mr. Marzitelli's work. I can't comment on Mr Devilliers except to say the work look great and he is very highly regarded.
As far as Greg is concerned, his tacticals, folders and fixed, are about as solid as they come. His Predator and Predator Backup were two of the first customs I ever got and I still think they are extraordinary. My most recent acqusition of his Nightstrike in 3V is one of the very best rugged fighters I've ever seen. Just this morning I heard it calling my name so I had to go and play with it :)
Of Mr Crawford, I have an older double edged odin's eye damascus fighter. Very fast and also very special. Completely different than the Lightfoots, to rank them is like comparing apples and oranges. But a very high level of craftsmanship in the Crawfords, to be sure. His Kasper fighting folders, especially the fancies, are to die for. Top quality work.
I'm a fan of Allanh Elishewitz's work. Less heavy duty than Greg's, but some of the designs are very attractive. I always liked the persian [which is what he calls it now]blade shape. I got one custom stainless damascus a few years ago from Les Robertson that I keep returning to as one of my favourite knives. He got that one absolutely perfect in design and execution.
Mr. Marzitelli makes simple and very heavy duty knives as well. I don't think he's up there, yet, with the others mentioned, but then again, his work doesn't cost nearly as much either.
When the makers are this good, it boils down to to particular model and your personal preferences - unless you are talking about investment value, in which case you need the opinion of someone like Les Robertson or Mr. Levine. I'm no expert and can only give my personal impressions, for whatever they're worth.
 
Hi HJK,

Thanks so much for your comments...I struggled to come up with a better word than "rank" but I couldn't think of anything better...yes, you are right, it is difficult to compare them because they all have their own strengths..the bottom line is that I can only afford one right now even though I like them all. Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to examine them "in the flesh" and it is difficult to make a decision based on pics alone...I have handled some Crawfords and Lightfoots but not the others.

RL
 
RL,
Do you have a particular use in mind? Is it more of a defensive carry, utility, hard-use or dress piece? Or investment/display primarily? That would make a difference.
 
I recommend you buy the knife that you LIKE the best. It won't matter if a knife is "slightly more collectable" than another, if you don't really like it.

I think it's funny that some people will buy based on anything other than what they like and want.

I realize you're just looking for some help on making a good decision on your first purchasel...but personally I think you should just go with your gut instinct on which one you like the best! :)

Nick
 
Hi guys,

Sound advice...but again, it's hard to determine which one I like the best based on pictures...I have found with my other hobbies (e.g. wristwatches) that, in real life, most products do not look (or feel) anything like they do in pictures...

take for example the Lightfoot M1 stellite...I have at least 10 pics of this knife and it looks slightly different in each pic...if it really does match the pic on Greg's website then it will probably be the one that I buy...first :D

In the meantime, if you really want me to be more specific then...Lightfoot M1, Devillier Military Pathfinder, Crawford KFF, or Elishewitz Oracle..so there ;)

HJK, in answer to your question...it will be mainly for defensive carry and collecting...I don't plan on using it much but I sure want to be able to depend on it if I have to (know what I mean??)...I am a big fan of "overengineering" (e.g. one of my favourite watches is the IWC Aquatimer..a mechanical with 2000M waterresistance).

RL
 
M1 or KFF depending on which one strikes your fancy and wallet as the better. Personally, I'd do the M1 because it's so tough and simple to operate.
How's that for being specific?
 
Ahhh, much better HJK...perhaps I should have started with that list but then again I do also like the Lightfoot LCC, Crawford Shark, Elishewitz Spector etc. etc.

From what I can gather from your posts, Lightfoot and Crawford are the more "tough" (or tank-like) while Elishewitz is better for presentation and Marzitelli is a notch below..ok, that helps.

I am really curious how Devilliers would compare with Lightfoots and Crawfords in terms of "toughness"...based on pictures, the knives sure look like they can survive anything...EUREKA, that's what I want...the "toughest" of these knives..HJK, you have helped me find my way!

Thanks,
RL
 
I'll throw in a vote for ADV to confuse the issue...the 4" woody operator I got from him was beautiful, comfortable and built like a tank...start anywhere on that shopping list and you'll be a happy chappy :)
 
I own customs from all five.
All are very good makers.
One is a lot less money.
For a every day user, go with Peters knives.IMHO
 
errr, thanks Ferret ;) Seriously though, could you tell us more about your ADV? I don't see much about his knives on the boards..I can't figure out why because they look INCREDIBLE in pictures. How would you say it compares to the others that I mentioned (especially in terms of being "solid")?

Nifrand..do you have any of the ones I mentioned? Would you feel just as confident "relying" on your Marzitelli(s) as the others in a tactical situation?? What do you think about your ADV? (PS I like your signature slogan)

RL
 
I have a ADV Pathfinder,Lightfoot Magnum Millenium,Crawford Kasper,6 Elishewitzs and 3 Marzatellis.
Peters knives are very well made and would trust it in any situation.
Pathfinder is also OK.
 
I can speak highly of Lightfoot's work, own two folders.

I haven't handled Marzitelli's or DeVillier's work.
 
I have 2 Elishewitz customs that get carry time and I trust both,
the specter is probably in the size range you are considering, however, you can kill 2 birds with one stone with the Elishewitz/Crawford Janus.
I am waiting on a Andre Devilliers damasus Bushking and will let you know how it performs shortly.

View


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recoil
 
Aren't the lines of that spectre blade gorgeous!
That isn't the central issue here, I know, but I just love that shape!
 
yup, the Spectre is the knife that made me first take notice of Elishewitz (saw it in a magazine a few years ago)..too bad he stopped making it!

recoil, I keep hearing about the Bushking but I have yet to see it (I could not find it on his website)...do you have a scan?

Speaking of ADV, does anyone have experience with his "button safety lock"?

Thanks,
RL
 
Well let's see. I have one ADV( a prototype), 1 PM( a Raven), 3 Crawfords( LDC, KFF, & a Falcon) 3 Lightfoots ( 460 Mag Tanto, LCC & Warhead#003) and 5 by Elishewitz ( Phantom, Ghost framelock, Shadow, Persian and a limited edition Elishewitz/Nealy). Figure out your budget and then which knife you like best. All make a great knife. ADV and Elishewitz are slightly more " stylish". The others a little more "tactical" But that's just a generality.
 
Here's a pic of the knife I got directly from Andre...my only reference is Allen E's knives and I'd say Allen has better attention to detail but Andre builds 'em more solidly :)
 
Originally posted by BLADELAW
All make a great knife. ADV and Elishewitz are slightly more " stylish". The others a little more "tactical" But that's just a generality.
Click to expand...

WOW, ADV is "slightly more stylish"...who'd a thunk it! ;)

Ok, based on everyone's comments, I am leaning heavily toward the Lightfoot M1..my one concern is that on some Lightfoots I have handled in the past, I found the liner to be very tight so it was hard to close the blade...has anyone else noticed this???

This purchase is especially difficult for me...not just because it's my first custom but also because I want to replace my production daily carry with a custom EDC...I will have much more "freedom" on my next custom purchase..in fact, I have just scoped out the Laci Szabo RAD...YOWSA!

Thanks for all the comments...please keep em coming!

RL
 
Crap! Photo gets too degraded when I cut it down to an acceptable size...you wanna pic, send me an email, OK? :)
 
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