questions to ask when buying a custom

G

getridone

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I really like some of the customs I see on this site, seem like some deals can be found in the $100 - $200 price range. My main question involves finding out whether the heat treat has been done properly, is there something specific I should be aware of when finding this information out? Will a knife maker know for sure if the heat treat is actually not done well after it comes out of the oven? In house vs/ sending it out, etc...
 
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It will vary. I know for example Pohan Leu has a Rockwell hardness tester that he can use to standardize and measure his heat treat. Some people just have a grinder and hand tools. Others have a bit more extensive workshops. Just ask. Most makers are incredibly easy to communicate with.
 
When you buy a factory knife in a retail store, do you ask the clerk how well the heat-treat went with that knife? How would you know the difference anyways?

If someone lied to you, how would you know?

Rather than trying to ask a bunch of questions because you feel like you need to, I suggest that you choose your knife by the reputation of the knifemaker, how you like the looks of the knife and whether it will suit your use requirements.
 
CWL said:
When you buy a factory knife in a retail store, do you ask the clerk how well the heat-treat went with that knife? How would you know the difference anyways?

If someone lied to you, how would you know?
Click to expand...

Well, I have purchased quite a few Kabars/beckers based on their reputation for properly treating 1095, and my experience with these knives has corroborated this information. Yes I could have been lied to, but my experience showed that I was indeed told the truth. Not sure what you mean by how would I know? Too soft/too hard for common steels should be pretty easy to see.

I appreciate your reply, but it seems like you are discouraging me from making honest inquiry into the techniques of the knife makers. What if I want to buy from someone who has no reputation yet because they are just starting out?
 
First thing is to ask who/how the heat treat is done. If it is sent out, do you research on the company. If done in house, do your homework to understand how each steel should be heat reated. I would ask how it is heated; digitally controlled kiln, controlled forge, or other. How is temperature determined, and what was the quenching medium/method.

I would feel ok buying a 1080/1084 steel knife from a beginner with a two brick forge, because this steel has a wide latitude in heat treat for acceptable results. I would not buy a D2 blade from someone with a non temperature controlled forge.

Be warey of "goop" quenches, ATF, used motor oil, but canola oil is acceptable for some steels.

Be an informed buyer.


-Xander
 
The only way to be confidant of a knife's Heat treatment,


...short of testing it yourself,


...is to buy from a knifemaker you trust.




Big Mike
 
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