Which Do You Prefer?

JK Knives

JK Knives

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Just wondering what is your preference, ordering a knife so you can get it exactly how you want it, or being an "impulse buyer", and just buying something when it catches your eye. Explain why.
 
Definitely impulse as I never really know what looks good and speaks to me before I see it. At times I've put together the best of a few wants together for a custom order, but not often. I'd say I'm 90% impulse.

For example in JK brand the element O1 just screamed buy me now. The order for knife and fork came from perusing reviews and ideas from others.
 
Twenty five years ago I was amazed to find that the fixed blade knife I had lusted over as a cub scout in the late 1950s was still in production. However, in-store versions (in this case Lee Valley Tools) were stainless with wood scales. I tracked down and contacted the maker directly (via snail mail and telephone in 1992) and specifically inquired about the possibility of carbon steel and bone scales. In the end it cost me twice as much and I had to wait 2-3 months but I got exactly what I wanted.
 
I have to do both. It's awesome getting exactly the way you want it, but sometimes I see a deal and just jump on it.
 
I'll impulse purchase a production knife here and there, but when it comes to handmade knives, I want it my way.

Jeff
 
Right now is mostly impulse, just because it allows me to try different things, and experience knives from different makers. That's how I discovered JK knives! :thumbup:

I see myself starting to think more about customs, now that I know what does and doesn't work for me.
 
I like having my own designs made the most, but my first several purchases from you were impulse buys of great designs you or another customer had come up with.

best

mqqn
 
I am mostly an impulse shopper mainly because I shop when I have funds available. If I were able to not look around the web when I have an order in maybe I could wait but how often does that happen?
 
Definitely an impulse buyer when I see a great design and features that I like, like the makers' added features in the overall package, I figure they know what they are doing. :D
 
Its really a two-way street with me.

If its a small folding knife ill opt for the impulse buy, mostly because custom folders are waaay to expensive.

If its a fixed blade I like having it special made for me.

Theres no denying that there is something very special about having a handmade fixed blade in your hand.
 
Custom. Your design or mine, I want it with the features and materials that are pleasing to me.
I will do an impulse buy if the knife speaks to me though, (like the EDC Comando did.)
 
Both for me also. There have been some special offers that I really liked the design of the blade. Other times I like designing something that incorporates certain aspects of designs that I have seen.
 
Both for me. It is really cool to put specs to something and get just what you want, but it is also great to see a new design (or use/mix of materials) up for sale that I would never have thought of myself.
 
I lean toward impulse buys - I'm definitely still in the learning curve as far as what handle and blade shapes work the best for me, and really think variety keeps things interesting. I have found that I gravitate towards certain designs (e.g., Kepharts, ha!), but am always looking for opportunities to try something new.
 
Hey partner!

New to this particular sub forum. I found your work to be excellent and I've never purchased a custom fixed blade in my years of buying/selling/trading here. When I finally said to myself that it was time to upgrade my camp knife I was willing to wait for the custom order....until you put the Element O1 Kane model for sale. Then I became an impulse buyer :D

It's a beautiful knife, very comfortable, and I feel like I can take on the wilderness with it.

Here's a pic with my EDC, SAK Swiss Champ and Ruger LCR .357



Sent from my electronic multi-tool.
 
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