Which custom to choose?

S

Shortknock27

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Sep 2, 2002
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Hello out there! I haven't posted many times, so bear with me please. I'm considering in the near future one of these customs:

- Brian Tighe "My Tighe"
- Greg Lightfoot "Catch Dog" or "Suppressor"
- R.J. Martin "Devastator" or "Avenger"
- Tom Anderson "Rhino"

Does anyone have any feedback as to which is the best? (I don't want to spend any more than $500, if you have any other suggestions)
Thanks!

Scott
 
All are reputable knife makers. I think you would be pleased with anything they make. Look at their offerings and see what appeals to you. What a great project, yes?
 
Dang! If I was going to spend $500 :eek: on a knife, I would have to love it so much there wouldn't be any doubt in my mind that it was exactly what I wanted!

Yeah, I know, people spend a lot more than $500 on customs, but I never have. Oh well, I have no constructive advice. Have fun!
 
I have 4 of the 6 you mentioned, go with the Catchdog, it's money in the bank if you don't like it. The Catchdog is about the slickest folder I have.
 
THAT is a tough choice!! I would go with either the Rhino or the Devastator.
 
Out of those, I've only handled a My Tighe (and coveted it dearly ever since). I thought it was a great knife in all regards, but really, I don't think you'll go wrong with anything on that list.
 
I only have the My Tighe and I love it but for me it needs a little more point (for opening envelopes and packages) for an EDC.
 
I'd be willing to bet that you wouldn't go wrong with any of the above. I have had the chance to handle quite a few of Greg's knives and have yet to come across one I didn't like.

Another maker you might want to check out is J.W. Smith and his RC-1 model. It is an excellent value.

Also, the Rick Hinderer Firetac.
 
Julian Elliot said:
Yeah, I know, people spend a lot more than $500 on customs, but I never have.
Click to expand...

Hang around here long enough and you will.:thumbup:
 
Assuming, for example sake, that I wanted to have a knife in BG-42 from any of these knifemakers (and I'm pretty sure that I could), who does their heat treating? I understand that Martin does his own HT and that Anderson uses Paul Bos, so who does Lightfoot and Tighe use (or do they do it themselves)? I actually DO think I want a knife in BG-42, and I know most of Tighe's and Lightfoot's knives come standard in that steel, and Anderson uses it a lot as well, but I understand RJ Martin's forte is in S30V, which I really don't want in a custom (yeah, I know....:rolleyes: ). So, in other words, who has the best HT on their BG-42 blades?
 
FWIW, I own a few RJ Martin folders and they are awesome! Tough as nails and sharp like you can't believe! I also own some fixed blades from him in M2, 3V, and s30v and they all have great edge holding and toughness. RJ does his own heat treat and he really has it knocked. I know he has used BG-42, so I'm sure he would again if you wished.

Bill
 
Greg Lightfoot does his own heat treating in a Paragon oven he has had for 17 years and uses a Rockwell tester on the blades when they are finished "cooking".

Of all the Lightfoot knives I own, I've only used one seriously and he knows what he's doing when it comes to HT, no worries there. These are screen shots of the video Greg gave me at Blade Show.

Considering the caliber of the makers you are interested in, HT should not be a concern, 'these' guys know what they're doing.
 
Personally, I'm partial to the R.J. Martin Trooper. (but of course you can't go wrong with any knife from the makers you listed)

MartinRJ_Troopert.jpg
 
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