Where to ask about a custom folder?

M

mgboy

Joined
Sep 10, 2009
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So if I wanted to ask about getting a custom knife (folder) made from a design I've made, who or where would I do it?

I'm not looking for anything high end, as I'd want to keep it as cheap as possible. 440C or equivalent steel, and Aluminum/420j steel + G10 for handles. The main thing is lock design; it would be somewhat of a reverse-upside down frame/liner/button (could be any of the three, really) lock. I could draw something up to give someone an idea of what I'm looking for, or email drawings/design cues from other knives. It would only have a ~3 inch blade, with a handle however big it needs to be.

Am I just dreaming?
 
I would suggest looking at custom makers whose style appeals to you and then contacting them directly. I would also prepare to pay custom knife prices, even with simple materials, custom folders don't start low and working from someone else's design means extra work figuring it out and making a knife that no one else might want.
 
AcridSaint said:
I would suggest looking at custom makers whose style appeals to you and then contacting them directly. I would also prepare to pay custom knife prices, even with simple materials, custom folders don't start low and working from someone else's design means extra work figuring it out and making a knife that no one else might want.
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Well I was hoping since many knife makers frequent this forum, if I posted the design (like I'm worried about someone taking it, LOL) maybe they could give me a quote, or suggest something to me.

and that part highlighted it never a fun fact to face. =)




** I was just informed I have a cousin that makes knives. Maybe I see if I can contact him as well. I haven't ever talked to him, and don't know if he even makes folders.
 
I made a video (Yes, with my cell phone - sorry!) of a paper model I made, with the design I had in mind. Think of a framelock, without a stop pin, but flip the grind from the bottom to the 'top' of the blade. The lock would act as a stop pin, and a lock. A lock, I might add, that would not have to be angled, like liner and framelocks do.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v85/Nightfly/?action=view&current=1011091516a.flv

It's pretty much K.I.S.S. at it's finest. 3 pieces of metal, and a few holes as possible. A rounded retangular hole could be made in the middle of the front half of the handle to save weight - but not if it would add price. Some might say that a lock right where your thumb might be, could have the possibility to disengage it - but I always have my thumb on the right side of the knife.


** Another option is having the lock on the opposite side so you push it out with your thumb, instead of pulling it, but I think that would having a higher risk of my thumb disengaging it.
 
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Boker has a top lock knife that may be what you are looking for. Some folks here might be hesitant to respond with a quote or interest in doing the project because it may be seen as against site rules. I still think that you should find a maker who does a style of knife similar to yours and approach them individually.
 
Let me sat this first off it takes a long time to make a folder . Thats why ive never made one pluce Idont have a milling machine to make life easier. Why ask for cheap steel and cheap handles from a cusom maker that puts 20 to 30 hors into a knife that costs the same pretty much as something with nice good handles and good steel the difference in cost is a few dollars sero=iously. Lots of makers here can make what your showing but why not just surf the web sites searching for what your wanting. Soon you say custom most makers tack on a hidden cost, but not allways . I would got to some gun shows even some knife shows in your area and you should get what your looking for. kellyw
 
hellgap said:
Let me sat this first off it takes a long time to make a folder . Thats why ive never made one pluce Idont have a milling machine to make life easier. Why ask for cheap steel and cheap handles from a cusom maker that puts 20 to 30 hors into a knife that costs the same pretty much as something with nice good handles and good steel the difference in cost is a few dollars sero=iously. Lots of makers here can make what your showing but why not just surf the web sites searching for what your wanting. Soon you say custom most makers tack on a hidden cost, but not allways . I would got to some gun shows even some knife shows in your area and you should get what your looking for. kellyw
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Because there isn't a knife that is like what I want; that's not to say there isn't a lot of good knives - just none like this. I've looked, and seen just about every lock variation and none are designed like that.

I have no complaints from "cheaper" steels like 440C, Aus 8a, 8CR13MoV, etc. I don't have the need, or want for Damascus, vg10, s30v, etc steels. Sure - they're nice but a lot more expensive. And there are lots of knives made with steel, or aluminium handles that cost a fair amount of money. It's a big jump from alu. or steel to titanium.

The reason to ask someone to spend their time on a knife like this, is to have the handle shape, blade shape, and lock design that I like.

No worries about the spelling; happens to everybody at some point.

AcridSaint said:
Boker has a top lock knife that may be what you are looking for. Some folks here might be hesitant to respond with a quote or interest in doing the project because it may be seen as against site rules. I still think that you should find a maker who does a style of knife similar to yours and approach them individually.
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Not quite my taste, and I can't find how the lock actually works - all I see if pictures of the outside, and one video of someone opening and closing it. I do also think it's ugly. :o

Would you mind sharing a list or makers, and/or their sites so I can look around. I never know who does what on here. -_-

65535 said:
Para military? :p
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Not quite.
 
I don't really keep a list of them, just makers that I know personally or from the forums. I would just look around, check out the for sale forums here, check out some dealers like EDC Knives, Blade Art, Arizona Custom Knives etc. Find some knives that you're interested in the style of, then look up the makers and see what else they've done. Most makers are pretty easy to contact once you decide on a few.
 
Contact Kirby lambert at lambert knives he is one of the best in the country he might even be around 300 with all the cheaper stuff no harm in askin.
 
When you are collecting a high-end custom, remember that what you are really paying for is labor and skill.

Also remember that it could take a long time to find that perfect knife, made the way you want. Patience is key.
 
There are 2 companies that make something similar to your lock design. Spyderco and Bob Dozier.

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That Spyderco is close, but the lock is on the "wrong" side (for me, it would be more secure on the right side because my thumb pressure is on the right, pushing down and inward.) It's a little big and I'd like a full flat ground blade - but I shall continue my hunt.
 
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