User Custom Knives?

mley1 · May 28, 2011

I'm pretty new to the community here. I gotta say that you folks here produce some absolutely beautiful knives. The artistry, and workmanship are amazing on the knives I see posted in this forum.

What I would like to discuss is whether these beautiful knives get used. I don't collect knives just to look at them. Every knife I own gets used, and eventually sharpened so I can continue to use it. Right now I own mostly traditional slip joints and some fixed blades that are from regular production companies. But, I've been thinking of getting a custom knife. And, I'm wondering if it would be sacrilege to use one of these beautiful knives. I just love the way they look, and the absolute quality in their workmanship. I would love to have one to use, and sharpen, and use again and again.

Do folks who buy customs really use them like that?

Thanks for taking the time to answer a noobs question.

Marty Ley
Santa Fe, TX

GigOne · May 28, 2011

I'll go out on a limb and say. . . .many use the custom knives they purchase.

With that said, what is used also depends on the knife's rarity, collectability, and value.

I have customs that see pocket time and there are some that are only seen behind glass.

Kevin Jones · May 28, 2011

GigOne said:
I'll go out on a limb and say. . . .many use the custom knives they purchase.

With that said, what is used also depends on the knife's rarity, collectability, and value.

I have customs that see pocket time and there are some that are only seen behind glass.

I agree and add that I consider knives which I purchase/commission as "Functional Art". Meaning that even the most beautiful and artistic have to be able to perform to the highest standard of function.

It's the marrying of beauty/design and high performance that compels me to collect, whether it's classic sports cars or custom knives.

Lorien · May 28, 2011

mley1 · May 28, 2011

Many of the custom knives I see here are so very beautiful that I would almost be afraid to use them in case I would mar them in some way. When I say I use my knives I mean that I use them pretty hard. I hunt and fish a lot. I do a lot of hog hunting, and butchering them can be rough on a knife. But, I do appreciate beauty, quality materials and workmanship. So, I'm really considering a custom to add to my collection of users. It's good to know that other folks enjoy using their customs just as much as looking at them.

I don't think I could ever buy one just to display, or just to look at. When I buy a knife the first thing I want to do is cut something with it, food, in the garden, hunting or fishing.

mley1 · May 28, 2011

Lorien, THANK YOU so much for those links. I'm really enjoying the threads and seeing folks using their customs. Great threads.

Phoenix1967 · May 28, 2011

I don't make a knife that I don't intend for someone to use. If the finish gets marred in the process of using, and the customer wants it restored to put the knife on display, I refinish it for them, free of charge. I have a feeling of accomplishment when my knives are used, and used hard. If someone manages somehow to break one of my knives, I replace it... the only requirement I have is an explanation of HOW MUCH ABUSE it took to break it... I write the story down in a journal. So far, after 30 years, I have two stories.

Lorien · May 28, 2011

mley1 said:
I don't think I could ever buy one just to display, or just to look at.

that's what I thought when I first started aquiring custom knives...

foxx · May 28, 2011

Custom made does not mean expensive. There are makers that can do a great job on a user knife, chopper, or other blade.
I've got 3 custom blades right now, the most expensive was $245, shipped with a nice sheath. I've used it, and will continue to use it. It was made to be used.
I'm well aware that other custom knives can cost thousands of dollars. If you got it, go for it. Will you use it?

To me, if the knife is a piece of art, then I would be reluctant to use it. A user knife has good steel, a great HT, comfortable ergonomics, and a solid sheath. A user knife must perform, looks are secondary. Why do the best detail on a knife that is going to get scratched up?

I say buy and use what you like. If you don't want to damage a knife, don't use it. There is a limit to what I would spend on beauty, knowing I want to use the knife. So, maybe there's a less expensive version to be made, so it can be used.

mley1 · May 28, 2011

Lorien said:
that's what I thought when I first started aquiring custom knives...

So, you do have some that are just for display, or just looking at? If you do, are they still functional enough so that, if you chose to, you could use them just as hard as any of your other customs?

jeffzerot · May 28, 2011

I use and abuse, including Burchtree and Mayo.

mley1 · May 28, 2011

foxx said:
To me, if the knife is a piece of art, then I would be reluctant to use it. A user knife has good steel, a great HT, comfortable ergonomics, and a solid sheath. A user knife must perform, looks are secondary. Why do the best detail on a knife that is going to get scratched up?

Foxx, I agree to a point. From my view though, I think of a custom knife being artistically at a much higher level than a production knife. I can get good ergonomics, good steel, a solid sheath, and great performance from production knives. I have quite a few good ones that I use. I'm looking for a cut above that, something more beautiful and with better craftsmanship than my Fallkniven, Benchmades, Bucks, Cases, GEC's or Queens.

For me, the allure of a custom knife is the marrying of BEAUTY and FUNCTION together. I am also drawn towards customs for the craftsmanship the makers put into their works. You just don't see that kind of craftsmanship in regular production knives today, at least not many of them. And, I gotta say, that you folks here have shown me some absolutely wonderful examples of custom knives in the short time that I've been reading in this forum. I just want to say thanks to all of you for the work you do, and for allowing me to participate in this great forum. THANKS!

foxx · May 28, 2011

Yeah, custom knives can be many things. If I had more money, I would not hesitate to buy more expensive custom made knives.
Don't forget that even an inexpensive custom can be a one of a kind blade. The "higher level" can also be in the forging and heat treat of the blade itself. That level of quality shines in use, not so much in the safe.
I see where your coming from, and it's a matter of personal choice. Money has great influence over this issue, and each person will be making that decision based on their income and needs.

mley1 · May 28, 2011

Yes sir, I agree. And, since I'm a poor boy it may take me a while before I can afford a custom. The most expensive knife I've purchased for myself so far has been just a hair over 80 dollars. I've got a couple that cost more than that. But, they were gifts.

My first custom is going to be special to me. I've been with an agency almost 29yrs. And, it'll be time to move on to something else in a couple of years. When that day comes I'm thinking it'll be with a custom on my side.

Lorien · May 28, 2011

mley1 said:
So, you do have some that are just for display, or just looking at? If you do, are they still functional enough so that, if you chose to, you could use them just as hard as any of your other customs?

well, I have just one. When I designed it, it was to be a user, but Magnus got carried away and ended up making it into Art;

as you can see, this knife, (her name is Stormy Weather) is certainly sharp. Magnus took a great deal of care in applying a highly polished edge bevel. The balance is excellent. While this knife was originally designed to be a compact and efficient trail blade, it ended up really feeling more like a weapon. Stormy lies out in the open in my study, where I can pick er up any time I like. Every time I pick her up, I find myself looking around for Orcs to slay.

The only other knives I have which I don't really use much, or have much of a use for, have been used and sharpened but spend their time cuddled up in my box o knives and come out to play from time to time. I still feel a strong connection to them regardless, they are beautiful tactile objects which can be used and which were designed to be used.

While I appreciate Art Knives, (even if left unsharpened) I don't really see myself as one who would care to own them. Having on hand some of David Darom's books is enough for me, as the pictures are fantastic as are the stories that they trace. Just knowing that that stuff is out there by being able to see it fills me with warm fuzzy feelings

mley1 · May 28, 2011

Man, that is a cool looking blade!! For me, what trips my trigger are hunting style knives. I like drop points or skinners with blades from 3-6in in length. And, then I love slippies. Slipjoints make up the majority of my knives. I would love one day to have a custom slippy, either a stockman or trapper type, maybe a single blade copperhead type.

BladesRTools · May 28, 2011

If i were able to afford a custom, i would buy it.
I do not have a collection yet, and im searching my first knife.
I think ive found it, but im not sure

It might just be a cheap master/united cutlery knife, but when i saw it i knew i had to have it.
But should it be my first knife?

However, back to the point:
if i were to buy a custom, it would have to look like this, only with better materials

SharpByCoop · May 28, 2011

Hi Marty,

Thanks for joining and providing a provocative post while discussing it from your personal point of view.

Provocative, because this topic is dragged up from time to time and it will go pages: Some folks will testify that a custom/handmade knife was designed to be used and used hard. No 'safe queens' allowed.

Others will allow they won't and don't use their better customs.

There are two, maybe even three, forces at work here: One is pride of ownership, and a mindset that disallows knives for simple collecting purposes. Why own them if you can't use them? I get that.

The second force asserts that a knife in pristine condition will lose this absolute near-perfection appearance when subjected to regular usage. Yes, it probably will.

The third, and most compelling rationale, is simply holding value of one's assets. Those of us who collect Handmade and Custom knives are a maker's invaluable client. We keep the industry alive and continuing, because of consistent purchasing which they need to survive.

Simply put, we only need a handful of knives for our task(s). Once we've hit that limit, why acquire more--especially if the cost of acquisition is substantial?

Because we love quality, engage in Pride of Ownership, and know that, although we aren't using them, they are fully usable. The makers will verify that.

Bottom line, when a Custom is used the value drops by 50% in the aftermarket. Insignificant if you don't plan on selling. But, in the world of collectibles--whether it's knives, coins, watches, or stamps, there is BIG value placed upon condition. Knives, by their nature when used, will display wear readily.

Those who collect as well as use their Customs often will fund a new acquisition by selling a previous one. Best value = best condition.

I mentioned those of us who collect as well as use; I doubt ANY longtime collector not to have several Customs that they use.

Marty, when you get into ten, twenty, forty, even one hundred expensive and valuable Custom knives, you will smartly NEVER use them, with an eye out for future turnovers, and for that near-perfection sake. We have our users, and they serve our needs well.

A large amount modern makers would dry up and fade away, if there were no collectors. The number of using knives a person needs is finite. The number of collectible knives we don't need is infinite.

This education you have allowed us to impart is civil. I like this. More often, those who haughtily stand by their conviction that '.... a Custom Knife is meant to be used', generally only own a small handful.

Lastly, knives can also be art. Hard to tell where function and form must separate to realize either. In art, simply viewing them is showing appreciation, and that is as much usage as the object needs to please the owner. The knife is being used to please the eye. (With credit to Gollnick for this invaluable snippet of wisdom)

See my point?

Coop

macmiddlebrooks · May 28, 2011

Very well said Coop.

mley1 · May 28, 2011

Coop, THANK YOU for such a well thought out post. I really appreciate your patience with someone such as myself. I've never owned a custom ANYTHING, or a piece of art. And, your post helps me to understand why such beautiful knives are so desirable. And, I see how keeping them in pristine condition helps to keep or increase their value as time passes. I used to collect coins and the same holds true with them. Condition is EVERYTHING when it comes to value.

I'm afraid that I may not be a good collector, as I truly enjoy using an excellent tool. The feel in the hand, the look of the bone or other material in the scales, and excellent steel, just really make me happy when I pick it up and put it to use. So, when I see a well made and beautiful knife I have this irresistible urge to pick it up and use it. I typically carry 2-4 different knives on me during an average day. While I've alway's known that there were folks who create the custom knives that go into the market place, I've also known that I probably couldn't afford one and so never looked at them much. But, I'm nearing the stage in my life when I may be able to shift priorities a little, and a custom knife won't be that itch which I couldn't scratch.

BTW, Coop, my compliments on your photo's. I've looked at many of your photo's and truly enjoyed their composition and beauty. You're one of the best.

User Custom Knives?

mley1

GigOne

Kevin Jones

Lorien

Nose to the Grindstone

mley1

mley1

Phoenix1967

Lorien

Nose to the Grindstone

foxx

mley1

jeffzerot

mley1

foxx

mley1

Lorien

Nose to the Grindstone

mley1

BladesRTools

SharpByCoop

Enjoying the discussions

macmiddlebrooks

mley1