Undiscovered maker

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TomW

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Oct 7, 1998
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Unlike the usual undiscovered knifemaker thread I'd like to propose a different question. Are there any bargains in custom knives?
There is not going to be another Loveless so I don't feel there is any purpose in looking for him.
My observation is that the knife market is quick, very quick.
Definately quicker than I am. I see most knives as priced pretty much what they're worth or in some cases overpriced where the workmanship doesn't warrant the price but rarely the other way around.
What have you noticed that I may have missed?
 
Well, again I'd answer like I did in the other thread. Dan Farr is certainly making nice knives at an excellent price as is Ray Kirk.

I suppose it also depends on whether you are looking more at the "art" or "performance" side of the equation, though there are a few who definitely combine the two.
 
I have posted this before in the bang for the buck threads ,GenO Denning.For the price you pay you get a excellent knife.I have found his work to be so clean.
 
First, check out article in the recent Blade on "bang-for-the buck" makers. My personal favorite is Ken Steigerwalt. His knives IMHO areUNDERPRICED , but if I keep saying that, they probably won't be much longer. Ken is very tough to beat when it comes to value, fit, finish and quality of materials. Particularly, in the context that he won the Blade Handmade Folder of the Year Award. Most of his folders are well under $1000, and autos run $1100 to $2000. He's also an incredibly NICE person!
 
Actually, I think that a lot of top name ABS MS with long wait list are bargains. That is especially true for those who can afford not to take any deposit. I recently got a Rob Hudson damascus bowie which I've been waiting for for a while, and I *think* I could turn around and sell it for $1,000+ more right away (I am not sure though - it's not like there's a clear 2nd hand market. And of course I have *no* intention whatsoever to part with this beauty even at such a profit.)

For some reason, some ABS MS seem to prefer long delays rather than raising their prices.

JD
 
Ill have to agree with Steve; Ken makes absolutley gorgeous knives, great function, and one of the nicest guys in this business.
 
Though I haven't bought a Dozier knife, I've handled them. And from the reviews they seem to be quite bargains. Maybe Dozier isn't a Loveless in the making, but perhaps a Marbles or a Randall in the making?
 
Although Ken and Rob can hardly be considered rookies it's a very interesting point that value can be found in a number of different price ranges. Not quite what I was thinking about but a point well worth looking at.
 
I have constantly been pleasantly surprised by the prices I have been quoted on knives. Some makers that come to mind are: Al Pendray, John Fitch, Roger Massey, Steve Filicietti, Terry Primos, Dan Farr, Ron Leuschen and Jerome Anders.

Even though his knives are not inexpensive, I feel that Ed Fowler offers great value in his knives. Superb quality for a reasonable price.
 
Well, I'm a folder guy, but Hilton's post reminded me, uh duh...the South African Makers! There's real value there in folders, Prinsloo(s), Geyer, etc., check out Knifeart.com for the whole list. But still, Ken is really tough to beat, in the fancy folder category. That C.Marlowe guy builds a danm nice knife for the buck, in the practical/utility range. One thing about all the above, they know the meaning of the word SHARP!;) Which reminds me, since CRK is discontiuing the Umfaan, C. Marlowe's small framelock is a better knife for around the same $$$.
 
I am certainly a huge fan of Trace Rinaldi's work but, I wouldn't consider him undiscovered.

Geno Denning offers a lot of knife for the money. Where else will you find a knife with great workmanship, fit and, finish for ~$150? Geno isn't alone in this group but, I do own his work personally.
 
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