Taking the Custom Plunge - need advice

[umberto00]

Okay folks - I've been a knife enthusiast for over 30 years, ever since my dad gave me my first Swiss Army Soldier when I was five. I always EDC some sort of knife, whether it is a multitool, swiss army, folder or a small fixed blade. All of my knives have been production models (not including Peter Atwood Tools), but now I am itching to take it to the next level. I've been carrying around the CRKT Stubby Razel, and am in love with the design, size, and functionality. So guess what - now I want the real thing from Graham Knives. So, before a spend a lot of money, here are some questions:

1) Steel Type: I have knives with s30v and 154cm. I sharpen by hand using a whetsone, and didn't notice any difference with either steel. Both perform great, and again, didn't notice any difference between them. I have never owned a knife with cpm154cm, so I don't have an opinion on it. Are the differences of these steels so miniscule that it doesn't really matter?

2) Handle Material: I have knives with Micarta handles, but none with G10. What are the pluses and minuses of each? Which is more scratch/dent resistant? Grippier or smoother? Also, the Razel has a carbon fiber option, which just seems pretty damn cool. Again, no experience with it as a handle material (although I do have some carbon arrow shafts.)

3) Liner: on a fixed blade, is it just there for looks or does it serve a purpose?

4) Sheath: I hate Kydex. Enough said. Going to go with leather on this one.

Any other input you experts out there have would be greatly appreciated. Again, I've never spent over $100 on a knife in my life, and want to make sure that I'm getting exactly what I need before I splurge a little on myself. (And I'll never tell my girlfriend how much this one is going to cost)

 

[canook]

As far as the steel goes I don't personally find a noticable difference in 154cm, CPM154 or S30V in terms of actual cutting performance. Just my opinion. I think they are all very good. I have had more problems with chipping with S30V but that might just be the heat treat, not really sure. One other thing to consider with S30V (considering its going to be a custom) is that it might not take a mirror shine as well. If your going to use it hard though how bout using a tool steel like M4 or D2?

G10 is stronger than micarta and is more resistant to chemicals. It also is more stain resistant. I would say both are pretty scratch and dent resistant. I find though that micarta can frey a little if you get a deep scratch in it. Carbon fiber can frey pretty badly if abused and carbon fibers hurt when they stick into your hand. If all three materials are sanded smooth I would say the micarta (canvas anyway, not sure about others) will be more grippy especially when wet because it's a little bit absorbent. Carbon fiber in my opinion looks the best of the three when sculpted and smooth.

Liners arent really necessary but it adds a little flair.

Hope that helps a bit.

 

[scotteboy]

I just ordered a razel ss3. I went w s30v cause its on my sebenza and ive really liked it. I prefer g10 to micarta but both are vgood. Carbon fibre looks awesome but cant be touched up easily if you damage it. Not one thing Graham knives sells is short of excellent in terms of quality or craftsmanship so you cant lose really! You could pick blindfolded and end up w a beauty

 

[stricknine]

Very interested in what kind of Graham you got, understanding this is a fairly old thread, Graham knives is awesome, he does great work with much attention to detail...

 

[squishware]

The purpose of a liner is to make the handle thicker.

 

[Stubai]

Umberto: Stop for a second before you venture off the deep end into 'custom' blades. When I read your words I pause for a second..."getting what I need" or "next level" and especially "real thing"...these tell me that you've got the signs of the addiction. I have notes on the subject in previous posts should you be inclined to read them.

The SAK that you have carried for many moons is all the knife you'll really ever need for most applications. Sure, you can step off into the custom realm and spend a great deal of cash with a scant increase in performance. That choice is yours.

The steels that you mentioned both have merits. Sorry you feel poorly about Kydex. Kydex is ultra strong and won't let you down over the long haul. And liners, I like them because they lend some flair to an otherwise boring knife construction.

G10 is a top flight handle material. Old fashioned micarta works well but seems to slip in my mit if there is blood on the agenda. I like the leather handles on a few of my hand-fashioned cutlery that can be bought over at the quaint shop in Orlando, Florida. With enough dough, you can design and execute just about anything with respect to your 'dream knife'. If you have extra Benjamins just burning your pocket give them a shout at 407.855.8075.

I have a Busse basic 9 which has served me well for years. Also, I extend some cheers to Fehrman blades. Funny thing is, after you've jumped off into the custom stuff for a while, used the knives and the years have gone by, I'll bet that little SAK finds some way to snag a permanent home in your pocket.

 

[cw_mi]

I am not an expert for sure, I couldn't hold a discussion on blade metals, I'm still learning all lingo (liner lock, slip joint etc) and don't use my knives for anything but collecting and opening the mail / or a package. I'm definitely a newb. I started out with a Kershaw Blur, a few Leeks and some other cheap knives and then I realized that I like my knives, guns, flashlights to be unique and well sort of fancy (for lack of a better word) So then I started researching customs, and not for a particular blade material, or tactical advantage but for what appeals to my eye. I can say that I will most likely not buy another production knife, not that it won't suite my needs but because I want that uniqueness. Sure I'm probably wasting a ton of money but stop by and look in my garage sometime... lots of money wasting there.. ATV's, Snowmobiles and all the aftermarket parts.. then my guns and custom flashlights. It is what it is. Basically buy what appeals to you and your needs. I personally will cruise these forums , or some of the sales sites to see the various makers knives and go from there. I've found one maker here on this site and am working on getting a third custom from him. There are a couple of other makers that really appeal to my tastes and hopefully will pick up a knife or two from them.
Good luck in your search and be careful of the addiction. A year ago I would have freaked about spending $100 on a knife... this week I just spent $600 on one.