Question about finding/choosing a custom knifemaker

M

Mtnclimber69

Joined
Oct 23, 2002
Messages
1,147
Hi all. I am working on a design for a knife I want to have made. It will be a modified bowie, ergonomic handle, and some other random details (for lack of a better description) and once I have the drawing worked out would like to have the knife made for me.

So how do I go about finding and choosing a custom maker who can and would be interested in making something from a customer design? I would qualify that I would want to have this done using the best materials and heat treat available.

Thanks in advance for your help. :D
 
Ooh! Ooh! Pick me!! Pick me!!

What do you consider the best possible materials and heat treat? Stainless, carbon, or damascus?

Usually the best thing to do is look around and try to find something similar to what you're looking for. Then ask that guy to make it:D
All knifemakers have their very own particular style. You need to find a knifemaker with a style you like. The Knives annuals are a very good source. So are websites like Bladegallery.com and Knifeart.com

Another option is to post more specs perhaps a drawing even and a price range and see who bites.
 
Boy did you ever come to the right place.

Belstain, I'll be happy to HT w/deep cryo if you want. No charge, just postage.

RL
 
Finding a maker is easy:

Simply toss a good bar of precision ground 01 steel off a cliff. Any one jumping off to prevent the steel from getting bent would be a knife maker.

I suppose choosing one is simply looking for survivors.

Steve
 
That was an extremely strange analogy Steve -- but true. :D

Don't worry, you'll find someone that will build you a great blade at a good price -- there are some great knifemakers in here with even better prices!
 
Dang I don't know
there's got to be a knife maker around here some where..:D

Roger do I get that deal too?
now that would be worth maybe not doing My own :D :D
 
Cruise this forum and start looking at peoples work, they usually have links or a website.
Pick one that you like their style.
Once you find someone you would like to work with, the best blade will come your way by giving the maker a good guideline and then just saying "Make something that you really like to make". Let the end result be somewhat of a suprise and you will be amazed how reponsive these guys are.
You will get some of his/her best work by giving them some creative license.
 
Give us the specs anyhow. I can say that because I don't make bowies, so I'm not looking for the work. Love to see the specs though.
 
For me it's been pretty simple. I find a maker who's work I like. I email (or call) and ask if they might be interested in taking a customer's design. If they are interested, I send a drawing. Some are interested, some are not. So far all have been very encouraging whether interested or not. I've got a few in the works now, (haven't got any of the knives yet) so this has worked for me. It looks like you've got some very capable guys right here in this thread. I'd bet at least one of these guys would be willing to check out your design. Give it a shot.

Edit to say- At least four guys on this thread are makers. I don't want to speak for these guys, but this has been my experience with makers in general.
 
One thing to keep in mind, Mtnclimber69:

No matter how well-documented your design is, 10 different makers will take the same design and make 10 different knives.

At first, you might get frustrated by this. However, what it means is that you are getting a piece of that maker in your knife.

That's why you should look at the knifemaker's work to see if you like his "bread-and-butter" stuff before you commit to a design.

Having submitted a number of designs to different knifemakers myself, I can tell you that sometimes the knifemaker knows better than I do how to get the job done right. You need to be willing to let a few parts of your design change in order to fit the knifemaker's individual style.

In the end, that's what it is anyway = a marriage of your idea and their method.

This is something I have learned in my profession as an architect. There needs to be a balance between the design and the construction method. If the 2 don't cooperate, problems arise and it gets expensive. :(


Good luck - and don't be afraid to go ahead and post a pic of your design when you are ready.

Dan
 
ahhhh agree,, but not always the case Dan
some makers will not or can not reproduce from a picture

I like to make with my own flair but will do it your way sorta
speak, as long as it's doable, here is an example
..
gray152.jpg

I'm not looking for work here because I'm 6 months +
behind but just adding my 2 cents.
sorry that sounds like a plug too but not meant to be.:
http://www.kynd.com/~graydg/gray152.jpg

I'm not sure if the picture will show
looks like It's time to pay up
again my advar has been demoted....
that will be fixed today Spark..:)
 
Hey guys,

thanks for all the advice thus far... I will try to figure out how to post my design. It is so far a sketch on paper so let me go home tonight and try to make it look better on paper, come up with some conceptual measurements and then ask for help in posting the digital pic I will take of the drawing.

I agree that I shoudl have an open mind as to the final product. I am not creating something so off the wall it will take anyone by surprise.. just slightly different to me.

Once done I think the interesting thing will be to see if we have made something that satisfies my need for an awesome blade with 'soul', that I can both use and enjoy for a very long time... this will not be a safe queen, but a real backwoods user.

I'll get back here as soon as I can... cheers!

...I will add that material for the blade and handle can be discussed... I want the blade to be as tough as possible so that if I use this to chop, dig, and more or less beat the crap out of it will be able to withstand the abuse. I love damascus, but don't think the qualities of damascus lend themselves to this style of use as much as it does for pure good looks. Also given that this will be a tool, I am thinking stainless of some kind? Perhaps D2 or similar? This will really be an excersise of design with the maker, not just an order.
 
I don't believe D2 will remain stainless after heat treating. The chromium content is just about right on the border to remain stainless after heat treating it.

I am also anxious to see your concept, even though I am not a bowie fan - as far as wanting to make them goes. It is only because I lean toward knives of different usage. Its a personal taste thing with me.

RL
 
Bruce Evans made a knife for me from one of my drawings.
I gave him an illustration (not a blueprint).
"This is what I like, but it is up to to you to make it work."
He made all of the details come together.
We talked alot and communication is necessary.

From the customer side...
Look for someone who makes similar styles in your price range.
Then get in touch and see if you guys are on the same 'wavelength'
Good luck!

PS The knife came out Great!
:D
 
MTNCLIMBER....I can tell you this, there are many guys on this forum who not only can make you what you want, but will exceed your expectations. I know from past experience!!
 
Hey guys, I broughtthe pictures to work and couldn't get them loaded, so will have to try from home. Is there anyone I could send the pic or fax it to who can post?
 
Mtnclimber69
you can send it to me and I'll post it for you..
I have a fax but I don't think that will come out very well.
if you want to do that
let me know..
if do want to fax it
let me know when, my time so I'll be here for it
I don't leave it on...
 
Hey Dan,

Thanks for the help in posting. I just sent you a .jpg file of my drawing.

Guys this is my rough sketch so far. It is a concept I have had in mind, perhaps not really a bowie since it may have the lines of a modern fighter, but what I am really trying to do is this; have a great and ergonomic handle like the idea drawn which will help in retention and chopping. Also have a blade with a bit of a belly, but not enough to reduce the ability to chop. I would guess the overall length would be about 15-16 inches with about a 9 inch blade. I am open to suggestions on design and materials used. Though I would prefer something very strong given the use as a primitive tool in the backcountry, i.e. survival camping. The handle slabs should be tough and have enough texture for a great grip, perhaps canvas micarta that has been roughly textured?

Any input and suggestion would be greatly appreciated. I am obviously not re-inventing the wheel, just having fun.
 
My best suggestion would be to go over to one of the BladeForums that has mostly collectors/buyers and ask thier opinions of different makers. I've learned that word of mouth is the best tool possible for makers.
 
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