Recommendation? Up Goes The Ante $$: Advice?

George Magnum · Feb 3, 2019

Hi All,

I posted a thread like this before and got some great feedback, just need some more right now.

So, along the journey as knife lovers a time comes for us to up the ante, doesn't it? I started some years ago purchasing a $10 dollar knife. I had no understanding of knives, just fond memories of childhood playing around with my brothers weapon collection - he had medieval axes, swords, hatchet and a mace, not to mention a couple if pretty cool WW2 knives. Now, after dissembling and putting back together enough knives and learning and studying from all of you, I know just a bit more.

My collection consists of all production knives. But now I am ready to up the ante. I am going to sell off a good amount of my collection, until I have about $2,000 and make one purchase (I know it's not a lot.) I want to compile a list of custom knife makers in this range (I know there are not too many) An Olamic Wayfarer 247 is on top of my list.

Any ideas? Thanks!

Peter Hartwig · Feb 3, 2019

Is that $200 or $2000? $2000 covers most of the custom makers and is more than I would spend on a user. $200 is pretty low and won't get you much in a folder.

If the number is $2000, maybe consider going to Blade( or other major show of your choice) this year and handling the knives. I think you likely will find something you like for much less. The most you can find out from us is what we like, and that could easily vary from what you would like, for any number of reasons.

TRfromMT · Feb 3, 2019

I've done a sell off and consolidate (but not for a $2000 custom

). I love the Shiro F95T that I got as a result and it is my user 5 days a week. But, I do hesitate using it for any rough stuff for fear of doing some harm. I also know that I still yearn for more/other knives in spite of having The One.

So, will you bring yourself to actually use it? Do you think you will be content?

katanas · Feb 3, 2019

TRfromMT said:
So, will you bring yourself to actually use it? Do you think you will be content?

Two very good and important questions. :thumbsup:

afishhunter · Feb 3, 2019

George Magnum said:
I am going to sell off a good amount of my collection, until I have about $2,000 and make one purchase (I know it's not a lot.)

$2000 is a lot.

I can't give you any recommendations about a maker. I don't have any experience with any custom knife makers.
I will say this, though: Personally, I've never had a knife task* that even a quote/unquote "lower end" production knife couldn't handle.

Good luck with whatever path you take.

* "Knife Task": Cutting and/or whittling something.

RBid · Feb 3, 2019

For $2,000, you can get a very elaborate Wayfarer 247 and still have $1250 or so left for a custom and another high end production piece. That budget covers a lot.

Lodd · Feb 3, 2019

at $2000 the experience would be almost as important as the knife itself to me. Go talk with custom makers and design your own blade completely to your own specifications. Do some research, interview makers, draw up sketches, have fun!

gazz98 · Feb 3, 2019

So going to the local gas station with $2,000 in cash and buying up all the knives in the store isn't an option?

Admittedly, I can't help you much. A $200ish ZT, Benchmade, or Spyderco is the top of my personal price range.

Are you close to any major cities who have knife shows? Big knife shows (Blade show is June 7-9 Atlanta) bring in a wide range of custom makers. It gives you an opportunity to handle the knife, check the ergos, and see what options are available.

EDIT: Check out the custom knife maker section here at BF too. A few have websites that show their work. Don't be afraid to PM them and ask questions. I've had great talks with GL Drew and Austin Goldman among others here.

I'll throw some names out there. Pat & Wes Crawford, Mel Pardue, Darrell Ralph, Rick Hinderer, Bob Dozier, Wayne Goddard, Kirby Lambert, and Brian Tighe.

Look in the upper right corner for the search function, type in "grail knife" to find posts of folks dream knives. You will get names and pics from those.

Lapedog · Feb 3, 2019

George Magnum said:
Hi All,

I posted a thread like this before and got some great feedback, just need some more right now.

So, along the journey as knife lovers a time comes for us to up the ante, doesn't it? I started some years ago purchasing a $10 dollar knife. I had no understanding of knives, just fond memories of childhood playing around with my brothers weapon collection - he had medieval axes, swords, hatchet and a mace, not to mention a couple if pretty cool WW2 knives. Now, after dissembling and putting back together enough knives and learning and studying from all of you, I know just a bit more.

My collection consists of all production knives. But now I am ready to up the ante. I am going to sell off a good amount of my collection, until I have about $2,000 and make one purchase (I know it's not a lot.) I want to compile a list of custom knife makers in this range (I know there are not too many) An Olamic Wayfarer 247 is on top of my list.

Any ideas? Thanks!

As good a knife as the 24/7 is for a 2000$ one you’re essentially going to get a tricked out 500$ knife. At 2000$ I’d be looking at Rassenti customs (though since he is in Canada sending the knife for service may be an issue now). You could look at Michael Raymond knives or high end Shirogorovs. There are so many custom designers out there maybe you could give us a size range and style of knife you like to help narrow down suggestions?

unwisefool · Feb 3, 2019

If it was me, I'd get the Olamic 24/7, a $1000 custom and then a bottle or two of nice whisky.

007Airman · Feb 3, 2019

Walter Brend for fixed blade. William Henry for folder. I just sold a Curt Erickson in that range.

b00n · Feb 3, 2019

It's gonna be difficult spending 2 grand on a 247. For that money you can get a custom Wayfarer or a Rainmaker even. I'd contact Eugene directly and tell him what you're looking for, get it exactly to your specs and have money left over.

Colorodo · Feb 3, 2019

Get the Olamic and checkout the Knifemakers exchange and see what they offer and have one built.

jceckrosh · Feb 3, 2019

George Magnum said:
Hi All,

I posted a thread like this before and got some great feedback, just need some more right now.

So, along the journey as knife lovers a time comes for us to up the ante, doesn't it? I started some years ago purchasing a $10 dollar knife. I had no understanding of knives, just fond memories of childhood playing around with my brothers weapon collection - he had medieval axes, swords, hatchet and a mace, not to mention a couple if pretty cool WW2 knives. Now, after dissembling and putting back together enough knives and learning and studying from all of you, I know just a bit more.

My collection consists of all production knives. But now I am ready to up the ante. I am going to sell off a good amount of my collection, until I have about $2,000 and make one purchase (I know it's not a lot.) I want to compile a list of custom knife makers in this range (I know there are not too many) An Olamic Wayfarer 247 is on top of my list.

Any ideas? Thanks!

Well, you really didn't tell us anything other than you like knives and you anticipate having a $2000 budget.

What are your favorite knives right now? Is is just brands, or specific designers within those brands? Folder yes? Do you want a flipper, a thumb stud knife, a thumb button knife, a front flipper? (since not all makers make everything) Are you into the fancy colored anodized Ti knives or more of a traditional color scheme and materials kind of guy? How long are you willing to wait to get the knife if you decide to go full custom? What is the best and/or most expensive knife you have right now? Do you like it? Why or why not?

Kaizen1 · Feb 3, 2019

Yuna Knives mostly ranges between $1,100 - >$1,800. Yun takes making handmade knives to a different level. See HERE and HERE

I've carried this one quite a bit

G&G Hawk Knives are some of the most popular innovators in the knife community. Their Deadlock starts around $1,100 and depending on options, I think can go higher than $2k. >2" blades on autos are illegal in CA, so this one doesn't get carried, but it's still fun to play with at home

For me at least, having a larger budget just unblocks me from looking at certain makers. I don't get a knife because it costs a certain amount; I get it because I want the knife

007Airman · Feb 3, 2019

Kaizen1 said:
Yuna Knives mostly ranges between $1,100 - >$1,800. Yun takes making handmade knives to a different level. See HERE and HERE

I've carried this one quite a bit

For me at least, having a larger budget just unblocks me from looking at certain makers. I don't get a knife because it costs a certain amount; I get it because I want the knife

Had a mini zen in 189zdp sanmai. Yuna does amazing work by hand that few can do. http://imgur.com/FAzJAkq

George Magnum · Feb 4, 2019

b00n said:
It's gonna be difficult spending 2 grand on a 247. For that money you can get a custom Wayfarer or a Rainmaker even. I'd contact Eugene directly and tell him what you're looking for, get it exactly to your specs and have money left over.

Thanks

George Magnum · Feb 4, 2019

007Airman said:
Walter Brend for fixed blade. William Henry for folder. I just sold a Curt Erickson in that range.

Thank you.

George Magnum · Feb 4, 2019

Kaizen1 said:
Yuna Knives mostly ranges between $1,100 - >$1,800. Yun takes making handmade knives to a different level. See HERE and HERE

I've carried this one quite a bit

G&G Hawk Knives are some of the most popular innovators in the knife community. Their Deadlock starts around $1,100 and depending on options, I think can go higher than $2k. >2" blades on autos are illegal in CA, so this one doesn't get carried, but it's still fun to play with at home

For me at least, having a larger budget just unblocks me from looking at certain makers. I don't get a knife because it costs a certain amount; I get it because I want the knife

Thank you. Great response. Very helpful.

George Magnum · Feb 4, 2019

Peter Hartwig said:
Is that $200 or $2000? $2000 covers most of the custom makers and is more than I would spend on a user. $200 is pretty low and won't get you much in a folder.

If the number is $2000, maybe consider going to Blade( or other major show of your choice) this year and handling the knives. I think you likely will find something you like for much less. The most you can find out from us is what we like, and that could easily vary from what you would like, for any number of reasons.

Very good idea. I live in NYC. Really want to go to a show. Thanks for your input.