What is it you Don't want on a Custom Knife

Hankins

Hankins

Joined
Dec 7, 2008
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What is it that you don't want on your custom?
What turns you off when you handle a Handmade knife and makes you move on to the next Maker?
Especially in the $300-400 range
 
Form follows function, for me anyway. I buy users and I don't want a lot of useless(to me) embellishments. If I'm looking for a knife for a particular task, and that's how I buy my knives, then if the blade shape is not right then I'll go on to something else.
 
large logos are off putting to me.
on more expensive knives, a plain pivot can sometimes, also
 
Bad, uneven plunge lines
heavy handles (I prefer tapered tangs)
bad sharpening transition between the sharpening bevel and the tang (why I prefer a small choil)
Uneven shoulder grinds.
 
What is an unnecessary embellishment? I'm sure we'd all get tired of the same plain uniform knives, so maybe a clarification or some examples would help..........technically all form of embellishment are "unnecessary".

I would have to say that poor flow is a downer......as well as bad ergonomics.......sharp edges where they shouldn't be, or blended over lines where the should be crisp.......
Darcy:)
 
"What is an unnecessary embellishment? I'm sure we'd all get tired of the same plain uniform knives, so maybe a clarification or some examples would help..........technically all form of embellishment are "unnecessary"."

Gaudy scales, filework, jewels and stuff, grinds that are for looks and not function. Things like that. I do like "plain". I don't buy art knives, wouldn't if I had the money. I understand that a lot of people do. But the OP asked "What makes you(me) move on to another maker." And that kinda stuff would. I do admire the workmanship and skill that goes into those type knives, if well done. I just wouldn't be interested in buying.

Oh, and Kirinite:p....although I did see one for sale earlier that was pretty subdued and kinda interesting...
 
Hello!

Assuming the build quality as such is no slouch, there is probably only on thing for me: Kirinite - definitely Kirinite...

Regards,
Alex
 
Large makers marks, large ricassos, washed out grinds, plunges that break the spine, fat handles, handles that look like lava lamps.
 
Hi Robert: Obviously you're phishing for answers to steer your own work. Not a bad thing. :thumbup:

Though I'm not in this market much, I'll add in aspects which don't care how much the maker charges for a handmade knife.

My website phrase has always been: 'No one NEEDS a custom knife--they have to want it.'

Pardon my rephrasing your question: Here are things which most people DO want. They don't want them to be neglected.

Long term value: Is this maker pacing themselves for the long run?
Presence: Is this maker's work currently noted or are they disconnected and obscure?
Brand identification: What is different and unique about the work which identifies it among others of equal quality/pricing?
Aftermarket values: if the buyer decides to sell an unused knife. If they can't sell it for close to original cost OR there is no history = pricing is simply wrong, no matter how much time and cost it took to build.
Character: The elephant in the living room. The maker simply has to be a standout in communication, business ethics, and timeliness. Miss any one of them and detract points.

There are more, but this is a short list.

Good thread!

Jim
 
A blade not properly sharpened all the way back to the plunge line and / or choil. As someone else mentioned for this reason I prefer a dropped edge or a small sharpening notch.

Handle heavy...also enjoy tapered tangs...not skeletonized.

Large ricassos and or grips that don't allow me to get very close to the cutting edge. I want efficiency which means on power cuts I want the edge very close to my thumb/forefinger.

Serrations

Flat handles

Thick edges
 
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