The best knives are right here!

[jimh0220]

Everybody searches and debates which grail knives, which companies make the best knives, etc, etc, etc. There are fantastic knives out there for sure. It makes my head spin following the conversations, but it's fun.

BUT, there's a wealth of the best knives you'll ever find right here on Bladeforums. Right over in the exchange. Not the trading section, not the production knives for sale, but the knifemakers' section.

Here's the deal, not only are they great, amazing knives, but they are not made by some mass production machines, but by the hands of great artists who things with metal, wood, and other materials, that many or us will never have enough talent to EVER do. Plus, these folks put their reputation on the line in each piece they make and sell.

One more thing: the vast majority of these folks are great, friendly, generous folks as well! Folks who love their customers, friends, and are willing to impart their knowledge and skills to others willing to learn.

Anyone else who has discovered this treasure right here under our noses?

 

[benchwarmer380]

My next couple of fixed blades are going to come from the Makers section. There's a few guys I keep my eye on but most all the work there looks spectacular. I've been to slow so far.

 

[frontline29]

Great post! :thumbup:

 

[Ken44]

If I buy a fixed blade I only buy custom(and some Busse's), and most of the makers I buy from are not here. Bob Dozier, Gene Ingram, Charles May, Wayne Hendrix, and David Moiser are my favorites.

I have bought a couple of custom slipjoints, and a couple of fixed blades from makers we have here though, and they are some of my favorite knives.

I doubt I will ever buy another custom modern folder. I've sold all of those I had, and mainly go with CRK and Spyderco for modern folders.

We are lucky to have many great makers on this site.

 

[Mink]

I have bought several fixed blades from the Custom Knifemakers here. Folks such as TK Steingass, Joe Calton, Mark Redmon, Big Chris, Mike Morehouse, Dennis Jensen, Bradshaw Blades, just to name a few. All top-notch IMO and a better bang for the buck over most (if not all) "productions" (also IMO).

 

[Shotgun]

I have sold all but one of my custom knives. I have found them all to have either poor designs or bad execution in some area. I shouldn't have uneven grinds or blocky handles on a 200 dollar fixed blade. I have been much happier with my production knives and have found they work as well as the customs. Some that work better. Everyone has their own opinion but I no longer see any value in customs and will more than likely not buy another one.

The one I kept was a David Farmer and although it has some minor F&F issues, it is by far the best slicer I have ever used which is why I still have it. It was the one diamond in the rough of my custom knives phase.

 

[gine]

Everybody searches and debates which grail knives, which companies make the best knives, etc, etc, etc. There are fantastic knives out there for sure. It makes my head spin following the conversations, but it's fun.

BUT, there's a wealth of the best knives you'll ever find right here on Bladeforums. Right over in the exchange. Not the trading section, not the production knives for sale, but the knifemakers' section.

Here's the deal, not only are they great, amazing knives, but they are not made by some mass production machines, but by the hands of great artists who things with metal, wood, and other materials, that many or us will never have enough talent to EVER do. Plus, these folks put their reputation on the line in each piece they make and sell.

One more thing: the vast majority of these folks are great, friendly, generous folks as well! Folks who love their customers, friends, and are willing to impart their knowledge and skills to others willing to learn.

Anyone else who has discovered this treasure right here under our noses?

Well said brother, I totally agree. I have bought quality blades from the knife maker section. There is something to be said about someone making a knife from whatever materials you request, or simply finding a knife that someone made from scratch not a production machine.

 

[jimh0220]

I have sold all but one of my custom knives. I have found them all to have either poor designs or bad execution in some area. I shouldn't have uneven grinds or blocky handles on a 200 dollar fixed blade. I have been much happier with my production knives and have found they work as well as the customs. Some that work better. Everyone has their own opinion but I no longer see any value in customs and will more than likely not buy another one.

The one I kept was a David Farmer and although it has some minor F&F issues, it is by far the best slicer I have ever used which is why I still have it. It was the one diamond in the rough of my custom knives phase.

Shotgun, did you give any of the makers whose knives you were unhappy with a chance to make you happy with the knife. Production makers will hand you a new knife if there's a problem, but a custom maker will usually fix any imperfections to your liking. You are their bread and butter, and your word of mouth can make or break sales for them, so they have a passion for making the customer happy.
David Farmer has quite a following here, so I'm sure he would work with you to make you happy with the knife you have.

 

[ArchAngel]

jimh0220,
I couldn't agree more. I have found all of my greatest treasures on the makers section.

 

[Karda]

It not about Production knives being bad and customs good, or Vice Versa....
It's about finding out what you like, what your needs are and then finding the model/style/maker of knife that fits the bill and works for you as an individual..... That's what this entire site is for.

 

[rexromic]

It not about Production knives being bad and customs good, or Vice Versa....
It's about finding out what you like, what your needs are and then finding the model/style/maker of knife that fits the bill and works for you as an individual..... That's what this entire site is for.

Well said.:thumbup:

 

[jacksterp]

I have two "customs" - an Akers and a Sharpe. Very happy with both.

 

[Yo Mama]

Recently on BF, Jason Wilder made a nice batch of neckers that I'm loving. I got in at a good time as now it looks like the next batch is all taken.

On another forum, I found a batch I got in for made by Kim Breed. Also lucky when I did.

One huge benifit from soaking up knowledge in the forums is that you have opportunities that non knife nerds don't get!

 

[TK Steingass]

I have sold all but one of my custom knives. I have found them all to have either poor designs or bad execution in some area. I shouldn't have uneven grinds or blocky handles on a 200 dollar fixed blade. I have been much happier with my production knives and have found they work as well as the customs. Some that work better. Everyone has their own opinion but I no longer see any value in customs and will more than likely not buy another one.

The one I kept was a David Farmer and although it has some minor F&F issues, it is by far the best slicer I have ever used which is why I still have it. It was the one diamond in the rough of my custom knives phase.

It's apparent you haven't owned a Steingass. In the few instances that I've missed something, I always fixed it and ended up with a repeat customer......my name is on the blade.

I might point out that knowledgeable and experienced collectors consider a $200 knife an entry level knife, as stated by Les Robertson. Sorry you've been disappointed in the past.

 

[DREW78]

I just ordered my first custom/non production knife ever. Should have it in hand this Wed. Its from Gravelle Knives. Josiah Gravelle iis a member her on BF and makes some killer looking stuff. I've already begun working with another maker on my next one. Are these knives refered to as customs?

 

[Bob W]

For Sale by Maker, the hidden gem of Bladeforums. Or, you could say "treasure." Here's some of the loot I've brought home from voyaging there:

(photos from the makers)

I buy plenty of factory made knives too. There's no reason for our hobby to be limited to either-or.

 

[Bigfattyt]

For Sale by Maker, the hidden gem of Bladeforums. Or, you could say "treasure." Here's some of the loot I've brought home from voyaging there:

(photos from the makers)

I buy plenty of factory made knives too. There's no reason for our hobby to be limited to either-or.

Great looking line up there.

That first looks like a Bona?

 

[Bigfattyt]

I would have to say, that I like production and customs.

I have begun to make the move toward customs. It is just neat to hand a knife to some one, and tell them it was made to your specs, materials, and right now, is the only one in the world.

 

[cards94]

For Sale by Maker, the hidden gem of Bladeforums. Or, you could say "treasure." Here's some of the loot I've brought home from voyaging there:

(photos from the makers)

I buy plenty of factory made knives too. There's no reason for our hobby to be limited to either-or.

money is a good reason.

 

[Bob W]

That first looks like a Bona?

It is, good eye. :thumbup:

I buy plenty of factory made knives too. There's no reason for our hobby to be limited to either-or.

money is a good reason.

I didn't buy those all on the same day.
Some of us around here have been collecting a loooooong time.