- Joined
- Nov 26, 2010
- Messages
- 1
Hello,
I'm curious about a couple aspects of getting a custom knife made. I like to believe that I know enough about style, construction and materials to know what I want, however I've had a hard time finding exactly the right fit for my needs. At this point, I'm ready to enlist the help of a skilled knife maker to work with me to produce what it is that I'm looking for. Oddly enough, I have found a very functional shape and size that I believe would suit me well, however it comes in the form of a cheaply made Pakistani piece.
What I believe I am looking for is a reproduction of the cheap knife, but of course constructed of better materials and with a greater attention to durability and longevity. The sort of questions that I have are based on the holes in my own knowledge.
- (I ask pre-emptive forgiveness for this question, but I'm open to opinions) What sort of steel would best fit the bill? The blade will be short, 4 inches or less, and broad, with a slight upward curve toward the tip. I need something weather-resistant, able to maintain integrity under borderline abusive use, and if possible, retain or regain a moderate sharpness and tip strength after such strenuous use (I work for the US forest service if that explains why the knife will be used in such a manner).
- What kind of hilt construction would be considered the most durable? The cheap Pakistani knife that I have has a slab hilt over a full tang, and the slabs are wood with brass sections at top and bottom (think Buck model 110 folding Hunter series). Aesthetically, this is a look that I want to keep. However, as form follows function, the type of construction should be primarily focused on durability. Are there types of wood that could compete with G-10 slabs, for one example? Are there more durable styles of construction than slab over a full-tang?
- Finally, and I suppose most amorphous of all, what could I potentially expect to pay for a knife of this type? I know that the answer to that question is based on numerous factors that will have to be worked out along the process, so I'm not asking for an exact quote or anything of the sort. I'm thinking just a ballpark idea; a high-quality steel blade, 4 inches or less, with a simple (though also high-quality) design and construction. Naturally, I am willing and happy to pay as necessary to ensure that the product meets my needs and the knife's maker satisfaction, but I don't want to get taken for a ride, ya know?
I sincerly appreciate any comments or opinions anyone might have, and if anyone knows a particular maker that sounds like he might be able to produce what I'm looking for (or if anyone thinks that they could do it themselves), I would very much appreciate the contact.
Thanks!
I'm curious about a couple aspects of getting a custom knife made. I like to believe that I know enough about style, construction and materials to know what I want, however I've had a hard time finding exactly the right fit for my needs. At this point, I'm ready to enlist the help of a skilled knife maker to work with me to produce what it is that I'm looking for. Oddly enough, I have found a very functional shape and size that I believe would suit me well, however it comes in the form of a cheaply made Pakistani piece.
What I believe I am looking for is a reproduction of the cheap knife, but of course constructed of better materials and with a greater attention to durability and longevity. The sort of questions that I have are based on the holes in my own knowledge.
- (I ask pre-emptive forgiveness for this question, but I'm open to opinions) What sort of steel would best fit the bill? The blade will be short, 4 inches or less, and broad, with a slight upward curve toward the tip. I need something weather-resistant, able to maintain integrity under borderline abusive use, and if possible, retain or regain a moderate sharpness and tip strength after such strenuous use (I work for the US forest service if that explains why the knife will be used in such a manner).
- What kind of hilt construction would be considered the most durable? The cheap Pakistani knife that I have has a slab hilt over a full tang, and the slabs are wood with brass sections at top and bottom (think Buck model 110 folding Hunter series). Aesthetically, this is a look that I want to keep. However, as form follows function, the type of construction should be primarily focused on durability. Are there types of wood that could compete with G-10 slabs, for one example? Are there more durable styles of construction than slab over a full-tang?
- Finally, and I suppose most amorphous of all, what could I potentially expect to pay for a knife of this type? I know that the answer to that question is based on numerous factors that will have to be worked out along the process, so I'm not asking for an exact quote or anything of the sort. I'm thinking just a ballpark idea; a high-quality steel blade, 4 inches or less, with a simple (though also high-quality) design and construction. Naturally, I am willing and happy to pay as necessary to ensure that the product meets my needs and the knife's maker satisfaction, but I don't want to get taken for a ride, ya know?
I sincerly appreciate any comments or opinions anyone might have, and if anyone knows a particular maker that sounds like he might be able to produce what I'm looking for (or if anyone thinks that they could do it themselves), I would very much appreciate the contact.
Thanks!
