The Character Of A company

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VorpelSword

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Dec 27, 2007
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There is a difference between liking a knife and liking a company or knife maker. I haver been much of a Brand-Fan, but in my limited experience, in the knife world there are a few makers that I feel have a dedication to excellence in design, materials selection and execution along with a commitment to responsive customer service.

Compared with others on these forums, I have bought very few knives. In my limited experience, there are a few makers that make the grade. Among them are William Henry Knives and Chris Reeve.

Who are the makers that YOU feel "Make-The-Grade" interns of excellence in both knife making and customer service?
 
Carothers Performance Knives
Volunteer Knives
REK Knives
Demko Knives
Chris Reeve Knives
Les George
Josh Mazer aka navman navman

...are the companies or makers I am most likely to go to these days.

And a host of other "custom" and production makers who have proven their salt over the years...too numerous to mention individually.

(Not an exhaustive list by any means. My not mentioning someone here is no indication that they are not top tier as well.)
 
Carothers Performance Knives
David Mary
Navman
Crag the Brewer
Spyderco
Hogue
FortyTwoBlades (Baryonyx Knife Co.)*
Buck Knives

These come top of mind, but I am sure there are many other makers/manufacturers (BF members or not) who are deserving of recognition.


*I know he's primarily a dealer but he does source tools that are otherwise esoteric and difficult for the average consumer to track down, especially his excellent selection of sharpening stones. He also does custom grinding to improve performance (well worth the extra nominal fee) and has collaborated with several manufacturers to produce excellent cutting tools such as knives, machetes and axes, not to mention economical sheaths and covers for tools that are normally sold without. He's also easily accessible to talk via BF and the contact info on his website.
 
On a more personal note, I have rarely needed to take up an issue with the actual company, so as to be able to comment on their customer service. Usually any issues are handled through the supplier. (seller, shop) Bad product = refund or replacement.

As far as I remember I have only contacted LM directly, regarding the use of their warranty, as the dealer was not clear on what it meant and I was happy with the result, though that was over a decade ago.

I have also contacted another company and have not had a reply yet, but that is out of the scope of this thread
 
Buck gets my vote as a Company of Character.

They have been making knives since before the Wright Brothers made their first airplane flight and before Harley Davidson became a company.

They mainstreamed the folding lock back. An innovation that wasn't eclipsed until Spyderco mainstreamed pocket clips and one-handed opening.

They have a lifetime warranty - for the life of the knife, not the owner. I have literally found a Buck 110 laying open in the road that had obviously been run over and had a snapped blade. I mailed it in, told them how I found it, and they fixed it for free and sent it back. I have also sent them a knife with a note that said I was intentionally using it to pry and snapped the tip and told them I would pay whatever, I just wanted it fixed, please. Again, they fixed it for free and sent it back.

Just about everyone, even non-Buck fans, agree that their heat treat is world-class.

Both my grandfathers, and my father, trusted/trust Buck Knives.

The main reason that I am loyal to Buck Knives Inc. Buck Knives Inc. is that they have remained faithful to God, and continue to give Him the glory for what he has done by packaging this note in each of their knives, as written by Al Buck in 1976:

-----------------------------------------

If you are a new Buck knife owner, “welcome aboard.” You are now part of a very large family. Although we're talking about a few million people, we still like to think of each one of our users as a member of the Buck Knives Family and take a personal interest in the product that was bought. With normal use, you should never have to buy another.

Now that you are family, you might like to know a little more about our organization. The fantastic growth of Buck Knives was no accident. From the beginning, management determined to make God the Senior Partner. In a crisis, the problem was turned over to Him, and He hasn't failed to help us with the answer. Each product must reflect the integrity of management, including our Senior Partner. If sometimes we fail on our end, because we are human, we find it imperative to do our utmost to make it right. Of course, to us, besides being Senior Partner, He is our Heavenly Father also; and it's a great blessing to us to have this security in these troubled times. If any of you are troubled or perplexed and looking for answers, may we invite you to look to Him, for God loves you.

I know that I still hold a special place in my heart for my mother and father, with an extra spot for what my father taught me, about life and about making a good knife. My hope is that I've done a good job in passing those same beliefs on to the next generations.

“For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son; that whoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John: 3:16

- Al Buck

https://flic.kr/p/2r7nawm
 
I will second Buck. Several years ago I reported to them an issue with a stockman that I owned. They didn't ask me to send the one with the issue back, they simply sent me a new one based upon my word. I was pretty much floored as I expected the old song and dance.

As it was still a functional knife, I gifted the one which was replaced. But I was very impressed with the way they handled the matter without blinking an eye.
 
I make a great knife although, do not sell many on here or rarely get what they're worth or what a good majority say they are worth, have many people send me emails, notes, sharing comments about how much they really love my knives, think the most successful people are the ones that have great marketing strategy, using all the platforms etc. Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, etc. etc. hash tagging everything and anything possible, they go to shows as frequently as possible, have eye to eye and face to face real interactions with each other and the knife community - think character demeanor and kindness can go a long way but even this only attracts like-minded people - you can also lose people of different mind-sets or of a different cloth per-say, so there is a lot of variations in what makes someone successful - the one true thing is "People" and mass communicating get you the sales ~

🔪 The Psychology Behind Knife Collecting and Loyalty to a Maker​

Knife collecting isn’t just about steel and edge retention—it’s about identity, belonging, and the stories we tell ourselves. When people follow and collect knives from a specific maker, they’re often engaging in a complex web of psychological and social motivations that go far beyond utility.

🧠 Psychological Drivers​

1.​

  • People often align themselves with brands or creators that reflect their values, aspirations, or aesthetic preferences.
  • A knife maker with a strong personal brand—whether rugged, tactical, artistic, or heritage-driven—becomes a symbol. Owning their knives is a way for collectors to express who they are or who they want to be.
  • This is especially potent when the maker cultivates a lifestyle around their products (e.g., survivalism, craftsmanship, or exclusivity).

2.​

  • Humans are wired to seek connection. Collecting knives from a popular maker can be a way to gain entry into a community of like-minded enthusiasts.
  • Online forums, social media groups, and fan pages reinforce this behavior. When others praise a maker’s work, it creates a feedback loop that encourages conformity and loyalty.
  • The fear of missing out (FOMO) plays a role too—limited drops or exclusive designs drive urgency and reinforce group norms.

3.​

  • Knife makers who engage personally with their audience—through livestreams, behind-the-scenes content, or direct messaging—create a sense of intimacy.
  • Fans may feel a personal connection, even if it’s one-sided. This parasocial bond can drive loyalty and repeat purchases, as collectors feel they’re supporting a “friend.”

4.​

  • In tight-knit communities, personal relationships can influence collecting behavior. If someone knows the maker—or is friends with someone who does—they may feel a sense of obligation or pride in supporting them.
  • This can also lead to preferential access to rare pieces, further reinforcing loyalty and status within the group.

5.​

  • Some knife makers become cult figures, and owning their work becomes a status symbol.
  • Rare or custom pieces can signal wealth, taste, or insider knowledge. Collectors may chase these items not just for their craftsmanship, but for the social capital they confer.

6.​

  • Every knife tells a story—about the maker, the materials, the design philosophy.
  • Collectors often seek pieces that carry meaning, whether it’s a tribute to a historical blade, a collaboration with a famous figure, or a knife made during a pivotal moment in the maker’s career.
  • This narrative depth adds emotional weight to the collection.

🧩 Why It Matters​

Understanding these motivations helps explain why knife collecting can become deeply personal and even obsessive. It’s not just about the blade—it’s about identity, connection, and meaning. Knife makers who tap into these psychological currents don’t just sell tools; they build tribes.
 
I've had way more good experiences than bad in the knifosphere. Not so much for repair or replacement but acquiring parts, questions answered, details from makers about stuff scored on the secondary, special or custom orders.

Nothing but top notch from the makers here. What an awesome group of the best in the world. I even consider a few to be friends. Looking at you David Mary David Mary and Crag the Brewer Crag the Brewer .

One time I saw a guy grinching about a lock or something on an LG. Seems it struck me as more of a preference thing than a failure, but the details elude. LG pops in the thread and asks him to send it so he can fix it for him.

A friend was looking to buy some Magnate scales for a knife to carry on an upcoming deployment, but got them from LG as a very much deserved, gift of appreciation. I personally got to thank Mr. George for my Amigo at BS.

Now that is some exceptional Character in my book.
 
scorpnsnake said:
I've had way more good experiences than bad in the knifosphere. Not so much for repair or replacement but acquiring parts, questions answered, details from makers about stuff scored on the secondary, special or custom orders.

Nothing but top notch from the makers here. What an awesome group of the best in the world. I even consider a few to be friends. Looking at you David Mary David Mary and Crag the Brewer Crag the Brewer .

One time I saw a guy grinching about a lock or something on an LG. Seems it struck me as more of a preference thing than a failure, but the details elude. LG pops in the thread and asks him to send it so he can fix it for him.

A friend was looking to buy some Magnate scales for a knife to carry on an upcoming deployment, but got them from LG as a very much deserved, gift of appreciation. I personally got to thank Mr. George for my Amigo at BS.

Now that is some exceptional Character in my book.
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I’m gonna throw a little wrinkle in here, if I may. I deeply concur with the praises sung for David Mary and Buck - I have a modest pile of wares from both and can attest to their commitment to excellence and customer service. Not to exclude other artisans, but David is the only custom maker I’ve dealt with, and every time it was a great experience from start to finish. But I’d also like to throw a shoutout to Coleman ( Sharp & Fiery Sharp & Fiery ). I’ve only gotten a few of his pieces, but his work is exemplary, and his desire to give his customers exactly what they need and want is second to none. And he’s just an all around nice guy.
 
Tom Krein
Bobby Terzuola
Tommy Mayo

There are many others and companies. By and large, most companies and knife makers have set a high standard in excellence and customer service. However, there are exceptions!!
 
Great remarks from some, just a name from others.

I would like to hear from those who mentioned a name, but didn't say why. I'll go first:

I bought a knife from Chris Reve through a dealer mentioned on the CR website, A month later, I asked about getting it engraved with a custom message. Iasaked them to engrave a scale with a custom message for Christmas. /they said they would expedite the process for me. In the end the intended recipient didn't want an engraved message on hisEDC. When I cancelled, the folks at CRK were gracious and thanked me for my interest.

illiaqm Henry: I picked up a nice little ore-one WH on E-Bay for what I think of as a low price for one of these. Itdid not have the original case or paper work. It did show2 signs of daily pocket wear. I exchanged e-mails with the folks at WH. They verified the s/n and said they could work on the knife. I sent it in and they returned it to me in what I consider factory new condition . . .for a reasonable fee. No runaround. No up set. No problem.
 
What I like in a company is they stick to their guns. Lotta people these days like to try and stir up an internet mob and complain like a Karen on Yelp! till their "customer is always right" request is granted.

It's like making a stink about Kentucky Fried Chicken not having telescopes for sale. It doesn't matter if you only want to make one stop at KFC and the telescope store is across town and you really need that telescope right now because there's a meteor shower tonight and the telescope is a birthday gift for your son who's actually a make-a-wish kid really and if they don't sell you a telescope they're the worst KFC in history.

There is no obligation for a knife maker to make you a custom knife that they don't make just because you want it and you think you're important. That's the definition of entitlement.
 
I won't try to list all the exemplary companies and makers I've dealth with that belong in this thread. I will list a handful that standout and not only take great pride in their product, but they really make great effort in communication and customer service.

CPK ... Carothers Performance Knives
REK ... Razors Edge Knives
Deer Rock Knives
JJ Smith
Robert Erickson
Jess Hoffman
Stuart Davenport
Dave Ferry ... Horse Wright Knives
Lorien Arnold
David Mary
Spyderco
CRK ... Chris Reeve Knives
Buck

I'll ad a few for sheath work.
Sharp & Fiery
Azwelke
PirtleMade
Joufuu Leather
duramax
Lorien Arnold
 
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