Top / most prestigious custom knife makers

L

Lamina

Joined
Jun 28, 2013
Messages
31
I know this is subjective matter but I need guidance to start learning about customs.

In your opinion who are the top 3 highest build quality / aesthetics / functionality / cost no object custom knife makers in the world?

I'm sure that there are many good custom knife makers. I'm looking for the pinnacle of reputation at any price and any style.

Thanks, Pedro
 
Your question is way to vague to give and accurate response. It starts first with what kind of knife you want, then which artist can make such a knife, then which of the qualified group have the best skill set. One makers bread & butter, can be another makers' disaster.
 
For folders:

Pohan Leu
Les George
Andrew Demko


For Fixed:

Mason Leeth
Matt Lamey
Charlie Edmondson

With the three makes for fixed blades they actually forge all there own steel.....there are many other great makers who use stock removal, but my personal favorite is hand-forged.
 
I can't say whether they are "the top" when it comes to custom knives, but these are just some names I am familiar with and know that their work commands serious money and the name alone makes knife collectors eyes go wide.

Brad Southard
Sal Manaro
Bob Terzuola
Jens Anso
Michael Burch
Todd Rexford
Eric Ochs
Jeremy Marsh
Walter Randolph
 
I recommend you sit down and read David Darom's books and then think about how you want to rephrase the question.
 
I understand my question is too open from a specialist perspective. I'm new to knives. I have already bought some quality folders (Spyderco; Boker; Rockstead) but don't know much about knives. At this point I just needed some guidance on what custom manufacturers deserve attention as reference.

To all guys that cared to recommend a custom maker... thank you!

Quickly browsed all names suggested and like Sal Manaro's work e.g.:

Stinger1.jpg


Bullseye%203-4.jpg
 
After looking around for awhile if fixed blades I'm kinda digging Burt Foster. Can't afford him but still, dang. Folding knives, I have no interest in can't help you there. It's an extremly personal decision. It's kinda like what they say about art. I don't know anything about it but I know what I like. Lot's of great artists out there making beautiful, useful knives. Useful being my first criteria.
 
Last edited:
My top 5, in no particular order:

Gudy Van Poppel
Gert Van Den Elsen
Martin Annegarn
Aad Van Rijswijk
Reiner Grosche

You might have never heard of them...

Just to show that threads like these are totally pointless! ;)

Kind regards,

Jos
 
Lamina said:
I know this is subjective matter but I need guidance to start learning about customs.

In your opinion who are the top 3 highest build quality / aesthetics / functionality / cost no object custom knife makers in the world?

I'm sure that there are many good custom knife makers. I'm looking for the pinnacle of reputation at any price and any style.

Thanks, Pedro
Click to expand...

These 'whose the best' threads appear quite frequently and most always end up nothing more than a popularity contest with everyone's favorites listed.
Your best bet is to use all the 'tools' available to you to form your own opinions. First, decide what type/style knives interest you the most then concentrate on the makers
creating those knives.

You are off to a good start utilizing these tools in following this forum. As already suggested, David Darom's books offer a tremendous amount of information on both
knives and their makers. Don't be afraid to contact the knifemakers who you are drawn towards, as most will be happy to answer your questions.
A knifemaker who doesn't seem to want to spend any time with you is most likely one you don't want to purchase knives from.

Attend the largest knife shows that your geographical location and resources will allow, as there's no better way to be exposed to more knives and knifemakers in a shorter amount of time.
Yes, attending knife shows can be expensive, however if you are seriously interested in collecting custom knives, it may be the best investment you can make.

Good luck and welcome to custom knife collecting.
 
Last edited:
As Kevin said this is a very subjective question

If I where asked what three makers I would want knives given to me by on a purely monetary level

Loveless
Moran
Walker

Not in any order but all would be easily moved
 
JParanee said:
As Kevin said this is a very subjective question

If I where asked what three makers I would want knives given to me by on a purely monetary level

Loveless
Moran
Walker

Not in any order but all would be easily moved
Click to expand...

Warrenski as well as his protege Erickson, Phil Hartsfields blades fetch a pretty penny, Walter Brend, Cronks if you find them. I don't see these names mentioned much here but all of their work can be quite valuable.
 
^^^ If the opening poster is asking what maker's knives are best value and/or investments that's a whole different subject.
There's lots of custom makers whose knives hold or even go up in value.

I've sold dozens of Fisk's over the years and have never lost money on one, had windfalls on some. Don Hanson's knives and certainly Loveless offer good value and/or investment, I could name more.
Having said that though, I know of NO maker whose every knife is sure to increase in value. It's much more complicated than that, you have to know what knives to buy and at what price.
Even a Loveless is by no means a sure bet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top