That feeling

totkst1

totkst1

Joined
Oct 14, 2016
Messages
437
i have recently ordered and commissioned my first custom traditional slip joint and have that "kid at Christmas " feeling of anticipation. You know that man I can't wait to see this thing and get it in my hands and use it for such and such feeling. I would love to hear stories of the knife or knives that gave you that feeling.

Pics to come when I get it.
 
Congrats TJ! I know that feeling too. I placed an order with Ken Coats in 2011 for a knife that I merely had a picture of in my head. It wasn't my first custom and it was actually my second knife from Ken but something about it really clicked and I couldn't wait to see it.

I didn't expect any WIP pics but one day out of the blue Ken sent me these pics and mentioned that he would have it done that night and send me a completed photo. I saw these WIP pics and knew right away that I had a real winner coming soon. I could barely sit still.

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Later that evening Ken sent the completed pic as promised.

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I couldn't wait take possession. It's still a favorite to this day and worth every cent. When the knife arrived a few days later I think I told Ken something like "It's been so long since I've been so enamored with a knife. Can't even remember it".

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Rick,

Great knife, love everything about it. A lot of thought apparently was applied to the secondary? The result speaks for it's self. Never have I seen a secondary in that shape and rarely have I seen one I can appreciate so much. It simply looks purposeful.

Far too many "customs" are ordered with the "customized" aspect applying to having a maker's standard pattern constructed with the customer's choice of blade steel, cover material, frame construction and finish. Basically the same as ordering a new F-150 from your local Ford dealer. It is far more rare to see the knife become something truly unique. Kudos to both you and Mr. Coats:thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
I don't have that many slipjoints (comparatively), but I've experienced that feeling of anticipation a surprising number of times.

The first time I experienced it was with this knife, my first CC SFO. I remember being struck by the bone covers. It was one of three instances that I can remember seeing a knife and having to have it.

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This was one of the other times I was struck by a case of uncontrollable lust. IIRC it was my second custom. Many knives later I still think it's my best looking slipjoint.

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I waited a long time for this knife. All other BFC slipjoints have had multiple blades, but the one I wanted above all others was a single blade knife, simple but exquisitely made. Most did not agree with me as eight forum knives were made before they got to this one, but if the aftermarket demand is any indication, this knife is one of the, if not THE, most desirable of them all.

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I overwhelmingly favor single blade slipjoints in the 3 3/4" range. My primary carry is a #73. A very nice knife; my one nitpick with it is the drop point blade. I much prefer clip blades. I wished for a long time that GEC would make a knife like the Bose BackPocket in the #73 class. A FrontPocket, if you will. GEC fulfilled my wish earlier this year.

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And finally, here is a honey of a knife. A nacre covered whittler, this knife is made the way knives should be. It's so pretty, and I so thoroughly enjoy just holding it in my hand and admiring its construction, that this is the first knife I might actually safe queen.

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I have had several customs come and go. Ive sent several grails on to new homes. I have found when there is an attachment to a knife such as a geniune thoughtful gift, or a date of production, or something other than just it being an object, a tool, or a collector's piece, the knife brings about an excitement. I have found my style to this hobby. Here are a few of favorite knives.

 
My experience with Hiroaki Ohta in the making of my knife was exceptional. He gave me a choice of Stag slabs to choose from, you could see the knife as a WIP on his website and he finished it just before Christmas and I got it before New Year. He kept to his price, kept to his delivery schedule absolutely and remained cordial throughout. He upholds the long tradition of Japanese cutlers, a fine man.

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blademan 13 said:
Rick,

Great knife, love everything about it. A lot of thought apparently was applied to the secondary? The result speaks for it's self. Never have I seen a secondary in that shape and rarely have I seen one I can appreciate so much. It simply looks purposeful.

Far too many "customs" are ordered with the "customized" aspect applying to having a maker's standard pattern constructed with the customer's choice of blade steel, cover material, frame construction and finish. Basically the same as ordering a new F-150 from your local Ford dealer. It is far more rare to see the knife become something truly unique. Kudos to both you and Mr. Coats:thumbsup::thumbsup:
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Thank you for the kind words, Jamie. That secondary blade is the result of a telephone conversation that I had with Ken. I told Ken that I wanted a short, fat, drop point blade with a sharp point and Ken took it from there. The first time I saw the result was when Ken sent the WIP pics above and I was delighted to see what he came up with.

For the first few months I used the sheepsfoot blade the most because it's so easy to pinch open. (also one of my requirements) Nowadays I use the secondary blade almost exclusively.

TJ, don't be shy about calling the maker just to talk if you get overwhelmed with excitement. I did this myself and it really helped. I had no one else outside of the forum to share my enthusiasm with but I was itching to talk to somebody about my knife. Somebody that would understand.

I was sitting in my easy chair one day thinking about the knife and although Ken and I had already worked out all of the details, I just wanted "shoot the breeze" about the knife and knives in general so I decided to give Ken another call. I learned a few things about the process that I didn't already know and I learned a lot about Ken too. We had a great conversation and it felt good just to talk to the maker with no real intent in mind.
 
kamagong said:
I don't have that many slipjoints (comparatively), but I've experienced that feeling of anticipation a surprising number of times.

...

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amen, thats gotta be one of the best forum knives to date, and ive hunted for that one for months!
 
I had an experience like this just recently buying my Buck 110 in person. I found that one particular big box store (with a bad reputation) had them for 10-15 dollars cheaper than any other store or online source. I'm a self-supporting college student so that kind of money goes a long way.

I checked our local small-town version of said big box store and they didn't have it... or any Buck for that matter. All they had were those cheapo "Ozark Trail" knives and a couple Gerbers. I should have known, since this is the smallest and most woefully understocked of said store I have ever seen.

But the next town over has a really good one. And it just so happened that my girlfriend was itching to eat at a restaurant just down the road from that store so we went.

They only had ONE Buck 110, they didn't even have a rack for it, it was just crammed in there with other Bucks. I had to ask four different employees and wait 20 minutes to get the case opened but it finally happened. And when I got to the car and opened the knife it was about as perfect as a factory kife could be! Even grinds, no gaps, lock like a bank vault and the sharpest factory edge I have ever seen.

I took a gamble buying a "discount" Buck knife but everything fell into place and I got one lucky break after another. Felt good.
 
I have talked to him a few times and he asked me to call him once I recieve it and talk to him about it more
 
Not sure why both pics didn't show full size but oh well. It is absolutely the best made folder I have ever bought. Almost as if I sent him a mold of my hand and he built it to fit. Blades dead center and pull imo is about a 4.
 
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