What do you look for in a custom knife?

Well thanks, Roger and Bob. I'm pleased that Roger has one of my GROUND knives (from Les) in his collection, and I would be honored to have some in with all those Warenskis! (And that bronze would really stand out!)

I've worked with Les for 22 years this September. We've had our disagreements over the years, but I think that has given us a greater respect for each other. Les has written several good articles aimed at collectors and others at makers. This may be one of his better articles, and I'm looking forward to reading it. Shoot Les, you can even quote me!

David
 
Well, Les, we have chatted enough and you know my collection and my habits but lets just look at a bit of what I want in a knife.

One I would like it to be artistic.

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Two I want it to be well made with the basics as mentioned by Roger and others.

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Three, I often see work of certain makers that I'd like to have an example of

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Sometimes I like to have work of well know makers just because they are well known makers

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do these criteria often overlap? Yup, all the time.

folders and fixed blades if you please as well as stock removal and forged.

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Bladeandbarrel said:
Murray, I think you are on to something. Buy what you like!
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This is my collecting philosophy too. My tastes are for well built functional knives. No superfluous design features or materials that will effect performance. That being said my last purchase was my first ivory handled blade so there are some exceptions. I tend to collect the "piece" first but it's unlikely that purchase would be from a maker whose techniques were unknown to me. If I'm confident the blade will perform well then some leeway can be given on the design. No Spanish notches or fileworked spines though! :D
 
I would like to second or third or whatever, David Broadwell's excellent post. We had a similar discussion at BLADE (thank you for the time, David); his points made sense then and now.

For me, the maker is #1. Their reputation and standing in the knife community affects so many things, from people's perception of the knife, to resale value, to personal satisfaction at owning an example, and so on.

Consideration #2 is the blade. A knife is made to cut, therefore the blade is the raison d'être, the soul of the thing. Design, grinds, swedges, patterns in the steel, whether pattern-welded or differentially heat treated, must all be of a standard commensurate with its pricing.

#3 is the handle. Correct proportions, beautiful (and correct for the application) materials, great ergonomics, unusual or "signature" embellishments must compliment or accentuate the blade's function.

My process in buying always starts with the who, progresses through the what, and ends with the why.
 
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