Suggestions for first custom folder

L

levs18

Joined
Jun 25, 2000
Messages
643
Well everyone, I think its time. At least to start seriously looking around for my first custom folder. This is a big step for me and I could use all of the help I can get. I would really like to get a double-ground tanto but I am open (and appreciative) to all suggestions. Price is most deffinetly an issue but I dont want a custom piece of junk.
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The bottom line is that I need some help. Thanks. -Lev
 
lev,
There are a lot of good makers out there and when I start nameing them I am going to leave a few out and some of them are friends.
Here we go for starters in no particular order.
Greg Lightfoot
Kit Carson
Alan Elishewitz
Darrel Ralph
Bob Dozier
Tom Mayo
Tom Anderson
Alan Folts (he has only made a couple so far but they are nice and a double ground tanto is right up his alley)
Joel Chamblin
Pat Crawford
Mel Pardue
Mike Vagnino
John W. Smith
Brian Tighe
Johnny Stout
David Broadwell
Scott Sawby
Keith Coleman

Are just a few worthy of consideration.
I am sure the rest of the gang will have others to add.
 
Levs-give us your rough price range and maybe we can point out some nice pieces.
 
I have three custom folders (Crawford, Lightfoot, and Elishewitz)and I think they are all great knives. I would have to say the one that impressed me the most was the Elishewitz. Take a look at his site and I bet you will find something that you like.
 
I love my EDC (by Darrel Ralph).

I talked to a new maker named Les Scherr at a recent show. I'll post contact info when I find his card. Incredible knives, for the price.

Our own Mike Cooper (L6STEEL) is starting out making folders, and seems to be really excited about it - you might want to give him a yell (http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel)

There are plenty of other skilled makers; these are but a few of whom I have personal knowledge.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
Gus' list is as excellent as it is extensive. Any more specific ideas on what you're looking for?
 
JB (e_utopia
I bought one of Less Scherr's little liner lock folders. 2 1/2 D-2 steel drop point,copper bolsters,black micarta scales,fancy screws and file work. I love this little knife. I did not get to meet Less, as I bought the knife from a NY knife salesman who said he was helping Less get exposure. I would love to get his address or E-mail should you get it
Levs18 you would like Scherr's work, wish I could show you a picture Regards JIM
 
Got to meet Paul Reynolds and his wife Beverly a couple of weeks ago at a show.
I was impressed with the work and the people.

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" The real art of living is to keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post in memory of James Mattis
 
Thanks for all of the help guys. Keep it coming. As far as price range goes I dont really have one but again the less expensive the better. I know that I want some tyoe of "tactical" folder and I like G-10, Titanium, and carbon fiber. Thanks. -Lev
 
I like Terzuola's but from what I have seen they are a bit pricey, or am I just not looking in the right places? -Lev
 
Levs:
Most makers offer knives in the $450-$600 price range. DC Monroe makes a Chimera with a Talonite blade that starts at $350.00. Tom Mayo is good with Talonite blades too. I like his work but $500 is what he charges which is about right for what you get. Also Dick Atkinson makes a folder for $195 in the latest AG Russell catalouge. That is the least amount I have seen for a custom, I ordered one but I haven't got it yet. I have an Elishewitz but the quality was sloppy. I have a Mayo TNT small and a medium on order. Very nice knife. They are $450 and 500 respectively. Talonite holds an edge very well and will not rusts. Cuts better than any other blade I have. The Chimera comes in Talonite also and the base model is $350. I also have a Darrel Ralph small Apogee in 420V and that is also a very nice knife, slim and the 420 is nothing to sneeze at. I would advise a Talonite blade.
 
Levs- for a double-ground tanto blade, I've always liked the design of Pat Crawford's Combat folder tanto, especially the one's with bolsters!
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I too like the Combat Tanto by Crawford. I had one with a 6" blade and it was one AWESOME knife. Fit and finish was superb. Pat and Wes can do them with a double or chisel grind.
 
High quality fit/finish. Find a design you like:

Tactical stuff:
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Dave Broadwell
Kit Carson
Darrel Ralph
Greg Lightfoot
JW Smith (his son Chris & son-in-law Aaron Frederick are executing near JW's quality, very high)
Joel Chamblin
Bob Terzuola
Jim Minnick
Brian Tighe
Ken Onion
Deryk Munroe

Gents folders and decorated stuff:
=================================
Dave Broadwell
Darrel Ralph
JW Smith
Joel Chamblin
Bob Terzuola
Jim Minnick
Steve Hoel
Joe Kious
Frank Centofante
Steve Jernigan
Warren Osborne

Chris Reeve's stuff is high-end production. I like both the small and large Sebenza. Umfaan is too small for me.

[This message has been edited by rdangerer (edited 03-14-2001).]
 
Les Scherr's contact info:

lesJScherr@aol.com
(845)255-1630
19 River Park Dr., New York, NY 12561-2636

He has a website, but last time I visited, there wasn't much there.

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As Sixgun mentioned, Les uses 'fancy screws' on his knives. What that means is, he fileworks the screw heads, which really looks pretty cool, kinda like using fancy pins on a fixed-blade, instead of regular pins.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
I checked out Pat Crawford's tanto and I like it, especially the bolstered version.

Les Scherr's website isnt't working so I think I'll email him and ask for some info.

Does anyone have comments about Tom Anderson's knives. I went to KnifeArt and liked his Howler model.

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it. So far the biggest thing holding me back is price and I am hoping that I am going to see a knife that I instantly fall in love with. -Lev
 
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