Preference?

See2

See2

Joined
Dec 5, 2000
Messages
1,361
Hey guys - just a general poll. Do you prefer to get a custom directly from the maker, or through a place like KnifeArt (for example). Now, I know for some customs, like Emersons and Onions, you HAVE to go through a dealer, because that's the only way to get 'em, if you don't have an order pending. I'm talking about "available" makers (like Elishewitz, Lightfoot, Anderson, etc.). Do you mind the wait because the trade-off is getting a personalized knife you know was made for you, or do you want it "right now", and so pick one up if you find it somewhere?
 
First off, I want to thank you for asking a question that hasn’t been done to death. True, there is nothing new under the Sun, but the “dealer v. maker direct” question is a rare bird indeed.

I can’t really say I prefer one to the other, as both have their place in the industry. A good knife purveyor, like Larry, will go to many shows in a year and have opportunities to purchase knives you would never see. Developing a relationship with a dealer is like making contacts with the dozens of knife makers he does business with.

On the other hand there are few things better in the world than talking knives with knife makers, be it by letter, email, phone or in person. Getting exactly what you want in a knife is up there, too
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James Segura
San Francisco, CA
 
I like to get my knives from the makers. I have been to several shows and got to meet the artists. All of them have been very nice and willing to share. That seems to make the knives more personal. Kit Carson, Chris and Anne Reeve, E. Emerson all are great folks. Unfortunatly, some blades are HARD to get no matter how nice the makers. I have a "few" others to carry so I don't mind the wait. But when I can't wait anymore I am glad there are such great dealers around!

Dan
 
I think the besst way to get a custom is directly from the maker whenever feasible, however, waiting can be a pain! I have a custom that will be due around the end of May or June and it will be really sweet when I get the word that it is ready. That said, it is still fun to see a knife on the net or at a shop and just plunk down the cash or plastic and pick it up. There is no bad way to get a cool knife!
 
I prefer to buy from a maker I know and with whom I have a friendship.

However, as has already been mentioned this is not always possible due to some makers backlog.

But a good dealer who has a working relationship with a maker and has knives on order can help you get what you want.
 
Hey, thanks, James! It's always fun to start a thread that isn't "old news" - makes it fun to reply to!
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Personally, I like getting mine (not that I HAVE any yet - but two are being made as I type) from the artist directly. It just makes the knife feel more like "mine" if I talk to the maker beforehand, shoot the breeze, and then get around to "OK, this is what I want". Had a great conversation via email with Phil Boguszewski regarding blade steel and zero grinds before I ordered my Cobra.

That being said, Steve Ryan is probably going to have at least a year wait when he starts up again, Ernie Emerson is way outta my league price-wise for now, Allen is at roughly 5/6 months, as is Greg Lightfoot, and there's some SWEET Tom Andersons for sale at KnifeArt... I guess sometimes, if you just gotta have it, you GOTTA have it. Now where'd I put that plastic...
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Chris

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Of course, that's just MY opinion - I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller
 
I would prefer the maker for the reasons you have mentioned. I like to talk to them and get their opinions, like them to keep me informed on the progress, and if a day after I order I change my mind on something (for example handle material) we can get it changed quickly and without a lot of confusion. However, a lot of dealers now have slots with the maker, without giving them the specs for the knife to be made. If you get with the dealer before their slot comes up, you can have the dealer get with the maker and put excactly what you want on the knife.

[This message has been edited by det (edited 04-06-2001).]
 
Given the choice, I'd go direct to the maker. I like being able to personalize the knife and talking to the guy that actually makes them.

However, some of the more popular makers are so backlogged they've stopped taking orders and your best bet would be to try the dealers. While one can still get a knife from the makers at the shows, the dealers have the advantage here. Especially if you live on the wrong side of the planet where knife shows are concerned.

Just some thoughts.
Andrew L


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"Praise not the day until evening has come;a sword until it is tried; ice until it has been crossed; beer until it has been drunk" - Viking proverb

[This message has been edited by redvenom (edited 04-06-2001).]
 
I prefer to get my knives right from the maker. Not only do I like to get the knife made the way I want it, but I like the interaction with the maker. You get to deal with some of the nicest people that way.



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Keith

AKTI Member #A001338
 
I hate to ne a "Me too" kinda guy, but again, I prefer to get my customs directly from the maker. In most cases there is something that I think I'd like better then the stock design, even if it's scale material or clip placement, ect. I'm willing in most cases to sit the wait time out dreaming of my new knife.
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However, like has been pointed out, sometimes the maker isn't taking new orders or isn't making a particular design any more or the dealer just has a piece that is so sweet I gotta have it.

Two such dealers that it's been a pleasure to work with immediatly pop to mind. Patrick at Triple Aught and Larry at Blade Art . . . true Gentleman.

John
 
Slightly ironic coming from a dealer, but I like to work with makers when getting a knife for myself. I find they will often (most times) give you a great deal, and will work with you, most will bend over backwards to satisfy you. So for my own personal knives, I will go to the maker 99% of the time, unless they are not taking orders then I look to the secondary market.

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Peace

Paul
Custom Knife Purveyor
Circle P Knives
 
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