Titanium Framelock Customs Under $600?

JustinWatts

JustinWatts

Joined
May 26, 2012
Messages
423
Hello BF,
I'm about to make my first purchase in the custom world. I've been wavering constantly for days about which knife to buy, as there are just so many diverse makers in the custom knife world. From what I can tell, this sub-forum tends to stick to traditional/fixed blade customs, but hopefully some of you can help me find a good Ti frame lock.

My limit is $600, which is very low for what I'm wanting, but I've come across some good options. So far, I've considered:
Curtiss F3 3.5"
MSC PT CC
Phantom Steelworks PF-1

I was wondering if you guys could suggest some different makers or models that fall under what I'm looking for? I specifically want two Ti frames and a stainless blade. Flippers are cool. Looking to buy on the secondary market, so wait times/prices aren't set in stone.

Thanks to all that contribute, as I'm a little weary dropping this much coin on a single knife.
 
I'm not much of a framelock guy, but I'm very happy with my Three Sisters Forge 'Beast'. As for the terminology of 'custom', 'semi-custom', 'hand fitted production' etc., I'll let others play that game.
 
Was looking at a Damascus Beast for a while. How thick are the titanium scales? I'm fond of overbuilt/stout folders and I'm unsure how big the Beast is. I do dig the pattern though, and the blade shape is awesome.

Thanks for the response.
 
Those are all great, Jason and David Clark are great affordable makers that still have outstanding quality. Curtiss would be my pick out of the three you listed but I am on the list for the Clark's depends on how long you have to wait. Check the forums as there can be some great deals on makers. Saw a Mosier sell for $650 today. (I think it is sold by now)
 
I love my dama beast. Great knife and jim has great customer service from what i hear.
 
Jason's knives look very nice, but I can't find a Ti/Ti model. Are they rare? And if so, how much more expensive are they as opposed to G10 or CF?

Thanks everyone. At the moment I'm growing closer to the Curtiss.
 
The MSC PT is small, so keep that in mind. Very nice, and they hold their value resale wise, but small. Which I like. You can find SnG MSC's for sale slightly used on various knife forums, but do not buy off of ebay (lots of fakes).

Curtiss is a mid-tech like Hinderer XM-18's. Good knives, but if you want custom for rarity, try something else. It really depends why you want custom. Mid techs like Curtis, Chris Reeve, and Hinderers and Striders are just as good quality-wise, but made in larger numbers so easier to obtain.
 
I picked up a Les Adams knife at the Kentucky Guild show. I really liked it and it was a steal for the price. It was a great knife but wasn't my style so I passed it on. I've never been big into framelocks but his were very tidy. It was something like this here:

https://www.arizonacustomknives.com...eturnUrl=/Les-Adams.aspx?product-listing.aspx

He does everything in house. The framlock is built into the actually scale, it's pretty nifty but maybe not what you were after but thought maybe worth a shout.
 
JustinWatts said:
Jason's knives look very nice, but I can't find a Ti/Ti model. Are they rare? And if so, how much more expensive are they as opposed to G10 or CF?

Thanks everyone. At the moment I'm growing closer to the Curtiss.
Click to expand...

Don't think so, I've seen plenty of full ti flippers from Jason.

I was quoted $450 for a full ti piece with a basic grind so I don't think there's much of a price difference.

http://www.bladehq.com/cat--Jason-Clark-Custom--1255

That page shows a few of his ti models with the mayo style holes. Obviously he can make it without them or do a different design.

And am i missing something? I thought Curtiss' were mid techs?...
 
At this point in time, due to my low budget, I'm looking for the best bang-for-your-buck knife as this is my first custom purchase. I'm looking for a knife that will hold up to moderate use, so I think the F3 is a good choice. Since I'm not buying for collectibility, I don't see myself buying an MSC soon, as I can't afford the markup.

From what I understand, Curtiss owns a water jet company and uses that to shape his Ti handles. Because he is the operator of the company, I suppose his knives would be considered custom. I don't really want to go into my philosophy of custom vs midtech.
 
Well, $600 for a knife isn't a low budget. Maybe for some guys here but don't think you're a peon for having $600 to spend.

If you're not buying for collectibility and you don't care if it blurs the mid-tech line, why do you want a custom?
 
JustinWatts said:
Hello BF,
I'm about to make my first purchase in the custom world. I've been wavering constantly for days about which knife to buy, as there are just so many diverse makers in the custom knife world. From what I can tell, this sub-forum tends to stick to traditional/fixed blade customs, but hopefully some of you can help me find a good Ti frame lock.

My limit is $600, which is very low for what I'm wanting, but I've come across some good options. So far, I've considered:
Curtiss F3 3.5"
MSC PT CC
Phantom Steelworks PF-1

I was wondering if you guys could suggest some different makers or models that fall under what I'm looking for? I specifically want two Ti frames and a stainless blade. Flippers are cool. Looking to buy on the secondary market, so wait times/prices aren't set in stone.

Thanks to all that contribute, as I'm a little weary dropping this much coin on a single knife.
Click to expand...

Great topic. It will be very interesting to see what's said because I have wondered the same thing you're asking, I was willing to spend $625.00-700 but it had to be something that could truly be used everyday. From what I have read and got to see up close once the CurtisF3 is definitely something that could handle everyday use for a lifetime - I couldn't believe it when I held it in my hand.
 
Justin I forgot to ask.....guess I assumed. Are you going to use the knife everyday or is it getting put away? Because that should/would have a bearing on a purchase like that (I would think.) Nevermind. I see the answers now.
 
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Apparently Dave has introduced a wharncliffe grind to his line... I contacted him, definitely interested.
 
If your lucky you can get a Laconico small jasmine from Ray for 550.00.... i mean real lucky!
 
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