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I was going to say a lot of things but i think i will just sit here quiet like.
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What is a "custom-made knife?"
- Thread starter Lurker
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Wow! Sorry guys, I didn't mean to cause such a fuss. I guess I should just keep my opinions to myself. I mean I'm really just a nobody around here and I didn't think that anyone would give two cents for my opinion. I don't think that Chris is supreme and when I said some I mean I've only come across a couple that seem not to care and because my experience with customs is limited I will not name names because that would really not be fair and I'm talking about less than 5% of the custom makers. My overwhelming experience is that most of the custom makers do an excellent job and bend over backwards for their customers. My intension was not to ruffle feathers and again I would like to extend my apologies to anyone I have offended.
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Originally posted by PhilL
Yeah, like WHO?
Chris is a true gentleman and he turns out a great product, but where do you come off with stuff like that?
Geeezz Phil, I agree. How could someone make such a blanket statement like that? Can't possibly have foundation here.
Broomhilda
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Originally posted by PhilL
Yeah, like WHO?
Chris is a true gentleman and he turns out a great product, but where do you come off with stuff like that?
Geeezz Phil, I agree. How could someone make such a blanket statement like that? Can't possibly have foundation here.
Broomhilda
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Here is your blanket statement:
Sebenzas are great knives and Chris Reeve is a true gentleman that cares more about the quality of his knives than some "custom" makers.
Sorry, Scott, I have no problem with the first part, it is the second part that is a problem for me.
Broomhilda
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Scott,
I think the point is that the "some" custom makers are a very vast minority and in my experience I would say that it is less than 1 percent. (That one percent or so comes and goes in and out of knifemaking very quickly).
I think the point is that the "some" custom makers are a very vast minority and in my experience I would say that it is less than 1 percent. (That one percent or so comes and goes in and out of knifemaking very quickly).
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I would have to agree with Gus about it being closer to 1%. 5% seems way to high. I have yet to run into a maker that does not strive to put out the best quality knife he/she is capable of. If 5% of the makers out there didn't care about the quality of the knives they were making you would think I would have run into one by now.
Firebat
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I'm going to pop in here for a minute if I may...
First to the original topic, "What is a custom-made knife?"
Certainly most of us understand that the term is used (as was mentioned) as a catch-all. Most of us understand that, and either "get it" or "don't get it". About the only time you hear any serious upheaval about the use of the term "custom knife" is when CRK is being discussed, and then the loudest voices are stating exactly why they cannot be classified as custom made knives. That's not going to change anytime soon, and that part personally doesn't bother me. I still like Sebenzas.
But recently I've been wondering about the flip side of that. What about custom makers who are now producing knives that are well, not exactly handmade anymore? What if these were being sold as such and really weren't or not entirely? Or maybe the maker still does a few pieces by hand, but the more popular models are done in batches by machines? Should those pieces still be sold as 'custom-made' knives?
Second, to address the "other thing" ScottDog said:
It is a very, very, very small percentage of makers that aren't completely honorable, but as I found out, it has nothing to do with time in the business.
First to the original topic, "What is a custom-made knife?"
Certainly most of us understand that the term is used (as was mentioned) as a catch-all. Most of us understand that, and either "get it" or "don't get it". About the only time you hear any serious upheaval about the use of the term "custom knife" is when CRK is being discussed, and then the loudest voices are stating exactly why they cannot be classified as custom made knives. That's not going to change anytime soon, and that part personally doesn't bother me. I still like Sebenzas.
But recently I've been wondering about the flip side of that. What about custom makers who are now producing knives that are well, not exactly handmade anymore? What if these were being sold as such and really weren't or not entirely? Or maybe the maker still does a few pieces by hand, but the more popular models are done in batches by machines? Should those pieces still be sold as 'custom-made' knives?
Second, to address the "other thing" ScottDog said:
It is a very, very, very small percentage of makers that aren't completely honorable, but as I found out, it has nothing to do with time in the business.
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Hi,
Personally, I have no interest whatsoever in knives made in more than 1 piece. I only like one of a kind, unique pieces. The fact is, most of those are art pieces and out of myt reach, but not all.
Anyway.... What I find interesting is that most makers of that style of knife don't make *custom* knives. By that I mean that many will not customize a knife to your exact tastes. They're not interested in being too framed by specific requirement from their customers. It's another extreme of the spectrum where "custom" might be a poor choice of words. "Art" knife might be a better choice, I don't know....
JD
Personally, I have no interest whatsoever in knives made in more than 1 piece. I only like one of a kind, unique pieces. The fact is, most of those are art pieces and out of myt reach, but not all.
Anyway.... What I find interesting is that most makers of that style of knife don't make *custom* knives. By that I mean that many will not customize a knife to your exact tastes. They're not interested in being too framed by specific requirement from their customers. It's another extreme of the spectrum where "custom" might be a poor choice of words. "Art" knife might be a better choice, I don't know....
JD
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...obviously don't know nuttin' 
Butttt...being that you asked; a 'Custom' knife is either a 'One of a kind', OR, a knife that you as the buyer specifically asked the maker or makers to have made for you, to your specifications.
Everything else is just another Benchmade, Handmade, Customized, Limited Production, or Modified Production (insert anything else I may have left out, here) knife...
And no, most Randalls and CRK Sebenza's aren't 'custom' knives...but then again, neither are 9/10's of the 'other' knives sold here as customs...
"Flame on ya bastids..." lol
Mel
Butttt...being that you asked; a 'Custom' knife is either a 'One of a kind', OR, a knife that you as the buyer specifically asked the maker or makers to have made for you, to your specifications.
Everything else is just another Benchmade, Handmade, Customized, Limited Production, or Modified Production (insert anything else I may have left out, here) knife...
And no, most Randalls and CRK Sebenza's aren't 'custom' knives...but then again, neither are 9/10's of the 'other' knives sold here as customs...
"Flame on ya bastids..." lol
Mel
not2sharp
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A "custom" knife is whatever somebody chooses to call a custom knife. The name has been applied to everything from art knives and antiques with unique attributions, to the latest pile of stuff being peddled by the HSN and the Franklyn Mint. No one has a copywrite on the word, and there is no generally accepted authority, definition, or, regulating body. Everyone has an opinion, and many have a strong opinion, but it is up to each buyer to decide whether the knife is worth purchasing.
n2s
BTW, I only buy "deluxe", "extra-heavy duty", knives.
n2s
BTW, I only buy "deluxe", "extra-heavy duty", knives.
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In my thoughts,---when it gets down to what matters, it doesn't make much difference who the custom product was made for, the essential element is who that custom made suit or custom made knife was made by. The knowledge he had at the time he made it, the dedication he put into it and the emotion he and the owner feel for it. The true custom craftsman makes thousands of minute decisions throughout the development of his product, many of which will never be known to any but him. If the suit fits, and it was made by one of the cherished devotees of the craft, it will serve you well. If it doesnot fit, you may still enjoy by simply hanging it in your closet and occasionally taking time to visit its treasures.
To me this is the light that shines on "custom".
To me this is the light that shines on "custom".
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I feel Ed has just hammered that nail home. If he does not mind, that is the definition I will keep in my mind .
Thanks Ed not just for those words but also for the time you spend with us here.
Gus
.Thanks Ed not just for those words but also for the time you spend with us here.
Gus
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I agree with you there, Gus. I think that Ed has given a great definition of something custom made.
A big thanks from me as well for all that you have brought to BladeForums, Ed. I find that I always enjoy very much what you have to offer.
By the way Gus, I would like to thank you as well for all that you do to keep the Custom Knife Forum the best.
A big thanks from me as well for all that you have brought to BladeForums, Ed. I find that I always enjoy very much what you have to offer.
By the way Gus, I would like to thank you as well for all that you do to keep the Custom Knife Forum the best.
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Thank you Gus and Keith; I feel honored to be able to share thougts about knives and more with companions I respect.
I have seen this kind of thread many times, always figured there was something missing in the discussion. Yesterday while working at my drill press I kept the thought rolling around and finally figured what I think is the nature of what we feel about custom.
Interesting is the fact that every now and then I find the feeling lodged in a factory knife. One of many, but one of them is somehow more. When I hold it, it is like being in touch with a person who took the time to make this one of many his way, just a little more --- and the emotion comes through. When we meet, she and I, I find I can't leave without leaving part of me and always feel honored to have visited with a craftsman of honor. Their memory or message sticks with a smile.
I have seen this kind of thread many times, always figured there was something missing in the discussion. Yesterday while working at my drill press I kept the thought rolling around and finally figured what I think is the nature of what we feel about custom.
Interesting is the fact that every now and then I find the feeling lodged in a factory knife. One of many, but one of them is somehow more. When I hold it, it is like being in touch with a person who took the time to make this one of many his way, just a little more --- and the emotion comes through. When we meet, she and I, I find I can't leave without leaving part of me and always feel honored to have visited with a craftsman of honor. Their memory or message sticks with a smile.
Since my post is at the top of this thread, I'll add one more comment, which will be a simple answer to my own question "What is a custom knife?".
The word "custom" has various definitions depending on the context. In general usage in our larger society (outside of the knife community), a dictionary definition would be...
(Encarta World English Dictionary)
custom: Made or built to order.
(Encarta World English Dictionary)
custom-made: Designed and made to meet the requirements of a particular customer.
Pertaining to knives in particular...
(A.G. Russell's Knife Encyclopedia)
Custom Knife: A Custom Knife is one in which the customer has either designed all or part of the knife OR a knife in which the customer has specified the materials in a makers own design. Selecting one of the listed handle materials in a makers catalog to be put on a blade of the makers design does not make a custom knife.
(Per the members of BladeForums)
Custom: Basically, a hand-made knife. Also various other definitions mentioned throughout this thread and other places. It's a convenient, general term with a meaning that is broader than the dictionary definition.
Clearly there are different definitions depending on context. This could be a little confusing to the uninitiated. Since it has all been laid out in the open here, I hope this helps the next person who comes along wondering about this. When seeing the term "custom" on Bladeforums, think of it in terms of the Bladeforums definition.
The word "custom" has various definitions depending on the context. In general usage in our larger society (outside of the knife community), a dictionary definition would be...
(Encarta World English Dictionary)
custom: Made or built to order.
(Encarta World English Dictionary)
custom-made: Designed and made to meet the requirements of a particular customer.
Pertaining to knives in particular...
(A.G. Russell's Knife Encyclopedia)
Custom Knife: A Custom Knife is one in which the customer has either designed all or part of the knife OR a knife in which the customer has specified the materials in a makers own design. Selecting one of the listed handle materials in a makers catalog to be put on a blade of the makers design does not make a custom knife.
(Per the members of BladeForums)
Custom: Basically, a hand-made knife. Also various other definitions mentioned throughout this thread and other places. It's a convenient, general term with a meaning that is broader than the dictionary definition.
Clearly there are different definitions depending on context. This could be a little confusing to the uninitiated. Since it has all been laid out in the open here, I hope this helps the next person who comes along wondering about this. When seeing the term "custom" on Bladeforums, think of it in terms of the Bladeforums definition.
I just can't stand all the subjective c*** on this subject.
A bunch of folks got together and decided to ignore the English language in order to put a tag on how they wanted to sell products.
Choosing "custom" was a poor choice, period. Learn the language and don't abuse it.
Sorry if "handmade" wasn't good enough, but it is the only distinguishing term available.
As long as the knife community insist on using the word "custom" to define a handmade product, this definition issue will remain a point of contention always.
I am not familiar with the details of this choice (I am sure someone out there is), but as I have said before, this whole business of trying to define "handmade" knives is really mythology. In the world of "handmade" ceramics, some will tell you that if you don't go out and dig and sieve your own clay from the riverbank, you cannot claim to be a "pure" ceramicist. Well, that is pure bunk.
How someone chooses to do business (as in on their own) has nothing to do with the quality of their product or of any knife. It is about knife quality delivered.
A bunch of folks got together and decided to ignore the English language in order to put a tag on how they wanted to sell products.
Choosing "custom" was a poor choice, period. Learn the language and don't abuse it.
Sorry if "handmade" wasn't good enough, but it is the only distinguishing term available.
As long as the knife community insist on using the word "custom" to define a handmade product, this definition issue will remain a point of contention always.
I am not familiar with the details of this choice (I am sure someone out there is), but as I have said before, this whole business of trying to define "handmade" knives is really mythology. In the world of "handmade" ceramics, some will tell you that if you don't go out and dig and sieve your own clay from the riverbank, you cannot claim to be a "pure" ceramicist. Well, that is pure bunk.
How someone chooses to do business (as in on their own) has nothing to do with the quality of their product or of any knife. It is about knife quality delivered.