Which Custom???

J

JTurner

Joined
Jun 21, 2001
Messages
429
OK... I told myself that I could never spend this much on a knife, but I have come into some cash. So I am going to blow it on one nice custom. What the heck, it isn't that much more than a Sebenza. I tend to carry smaller knives more. I'll give you my criteria and you help me pick.

2.5 inch blade (definitely has to be under 3 inches)
3.5 inch handle
Ti bolsters
CF scales (but may go with a nice wood)
Clip
Liner or frame lock
No preference for blade shape but like a little belly and possibly recurve.
Possible file work (liner or back spacer)

So... what should I get? I want to be able to carry this knife a lot. Use it for day to day stuff. Would like a semi-tactical look.

Thanks...JT
 
If you can live without scales, Tom Mayo TNT, small. 2 1/2" blade, 6 1/4" overall. I couldn't be happier with mine.
 
Ya gotta keep in mind that what you see here is based on experience, so when you here that "this" is the best from me or any one else the best is based on what we have seen.

Lot of makers come to mind on the knife you are looking at, and there are some tough choices.
I would look at Brad Duncan, Andrew Mclurkin, Mike Obenauf.
Then I would look at Doug Monroe and Dale Reif.
Then I would look at Kit Carson, Darrel Ralph, J.W. Smith, Joel Chamblin.

Then I would think of a few more and be very confused and sorry that I can not buy one frome each of the above and others (Lightfoot and Tighe come to mind also) all at the same time.

At that point I would be able to have a feel for what really struck me and could make a good choice.

(Edited OK, so I was at work and had to type fast. One of Tom's would be on my list too. CF is cool but ya need to consider holie TI and Micarta which will be a little more grippy in my experience. I would also take a look at one of Darrel's CF handled EDC's. I honestly feel you would not be dissapointed with any of those choices and others that do not come to mind at the moment since I am watching the Braves Arizona game :))
 
I addition to everyone Gus suggested I would recommend Keith Coleman. Drop by Keith Colemans website to see some of the things he can do. www.colemanmade.com I don't think you will be disappointed.
 
Thanks guys for the names. Your right all those makers put out great stuff. I guess I will just have to handle a few. I am also looking for experiences from users of knives that fit into the criteria I laid out.

Looking at them on the web does make you want to own one from everyone. They are all different enough that you can find a reason to like knives from all the makers who produce in the category I mentioned. But what about feel. I keep hearing that Mayos are the smoothest out there. Who makes the smoothest of the bolstered models? I am really looking for something with ti bolsters and scales.

Keep 'em coming and thanks...JT
 
No contest! Tom Mayo small TNT. I can't think od another maker that will make them so small. Darrel Ralph is good also. How about an Mnandi?
 
I can second the Keith Coleman suggestion. I often carry his Model 2. It has a titanium front bolster and is available with your choice of handle material. I chose cocobola. It opens smooth as silk and the liner engages just right. I have had it for 2 years and it functions as nice as when I bought it. Keith's prices are fair. I didn't fully appreciate how well this knife was made until I purchased other custom knives and this one stood out with quality. You can order with or without clip.
 
Hey JT, have you checked out Greg Lightfoot..... http://www.lightfootknives.com

I have a 3" carry restriction here in Michigan and Greg can make most of his folders that fit that requirement. I'm going to be ordering a 3" Supressor shortly. His folders are built like a tank and are real smooth.

I will put another vote in for a Mayo TNT though, I have one with a 2-7/8" blade, it's one of the nicest made folders I own. I actually have another 3" TNT on order.

Good luck and have fun,
Tom
 
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