Who has best fit+finish in under $500 custom folder?

B

Brett

Joined
Jan 18, 1999
Messages
101

I guess this is basically a variant of everybody's favorite thread, "who is best custom maker?", except in this case I want to put some extra constraints on the question. First, let's restrict it to tactical folders in the under $500 price range. Second, nothing pleases me more in a knife than really high quality fit and finish, so I'd like to define "best" as "having the best fit and finish". Extra points are awarded for technically advanced or interesting designs. I don't want bone or wood handles, inlaid pearls, or other jewelry extras - just a solid, attractive, well built knife.

I have owned a few customs over the years, and in general I have found many of them to be less than perfect in the finish category: variations in grind lines, gaps between parts where there should be no gaps, adhesive smudges near components that are glued together, etc. Maybe that's part of the charm of custom knives, but it's not what I expect in something so expensive.

So, assuming I want a user custom that will stun me with its build quality, who and what do you recommend?

-Brett
 
Although you are asking about tactical folders, there are Many makers of fixed blade knives well under $500 which come close to perfection of grind lines, fit, and finish. GenO Denning and Schuyler Lovestrand come to mind immediately, producing mirror finished exceptionally well made knives in the $150 to $300 range.

Folders are tougher, more complicated to make, and more likely to recieve less attention to detail in the price range you mention. I don't have any knives in the custom 'tactical folder' genre, so I can't say for sure. But I have handled several of Kit Carson's knives which were very well done in that price range.

Paracelsus
 
Bob Terzuola,Kit Carson,DDR,Joel Chamblin, and John W.Smith(aftermarket, doesn't make tacticals anymore)make tacticals under $500 that are pretty darn near perfect. I'm sure there are others but these are the ones I have experience with.
 
except that Kit has a 2 year waiting list as is NOT taking new orders right now!
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Peace

Paul
Custom Knife Purveyor
"We support the new maker!"
Circle P Knives
 
Aaron Fredrick is doing some nice stuff too, He is JW Smiths son and law, and he does Tac knives.



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Peace

Paul
Custom Knife Purveyor
"We support the new maker!"
Circle P Knives
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by viper5192:
except that Kit has a 2 year waiting list as is NOT taking new orders right now!
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Click to expand...

If you keep an eye on the Les Robertson's site, Arizona Custom Knives, and KnifeArt.com - especially after a custom knife show - you can pick up a Carson fairly easily. You can also get one directly from Kit on the first day of a show that he attends. There were also a few of Kit's knives for sale on this site recently. If you have your heart set on a Carson, they can be had.

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Kelly
My Custom Knife Collection

Member NCCKG, SCAK, and AKTI

Deo Vindice
 
Also take a look at Darrel Ralph's carbon fiber EDC's. Great fit and finish, comfortable handle, 420V blade, beautiful design. Hard to beat.
 
Brian Tighe’s work is definitely worth a look, and his knives are readily available from several web dealers.
 
Thanks for the pointers. Kit Carson always seems to come up in any discussion of quality folders, so I'm really giving his knives some thought. I have to admit, though, that his basic designs (i.e. model 4) don't excite me that much. The Carson BAK knife featured on Les's website is quite nice, but too large for what I want (and out of stock). Darrel Ralph's EDC is attractive to my eyes, but seems much harder to find right now than a Carson. I haven't found any website featuring Tinus Beukes' work; any pointers?

On a slight tangent, why do so many of the custom makers put their clips on for tip-down carry? I prefer tip-up, so this is kind of an annoyance to me.

Any up-and-coming knife makers who specialize in attention to detail? How about Jason Jacks, Andre DeVillers, or others?

-Brett
 
Bob Terzuola, Darrel Ralph, Kit Carson are at the top of my list (not in any specific order). I have a CF/Ti ATCF, 420V slotted CF EDC and small Model 16 w/Stellite blade and they are all equal in fit and finish (they are all pretty much flawless). All but the ATCF came in under 500 bucks. You can get a Ti ATCF under 500 (if you can find one).

You may want to keep your eyes on Andrew McLurkin. He's made 8 knives in his first year as a part time maker and they are all equal to the quality of the others I mentioned.

I'm also looking at Peter Marzitelli's work and he seems to have the formula down from the samples I've inspected.


Chris
 
Jason makes some outstanding stuff. Most of what I have seen is at the higher end, with damascus,natural handles,etc. DeVilliers makes a very strong knife,very functional.I believe his time is coming.You can't go wrong with a Carson or a Ralph.Another name I'd like to throw in the hat is D.C. Munroe's
Chimera.It is well designed and very functional.I believe his price is in the low $400 range for the basic model,which has a Talonite blade,titanium liners and carbon fiber overlays. That is a lot of bang for the custom buck. It carries very well,and the talonite is a great cutter.If you order from the maker directly, most will orient the clip in the way you desire.
David

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AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member
 
I,m going to second D.C. Munroe.His Chimera models are some of the best buys in custom cutlery.Fit and finish are great.The thick titanium liner locks up solid.Material is 1st class.
 
Brett, I'm trying to work my way thru all these custom folders, but my budget makes it a slow process, but I will say that for the $, the Carson is a well built, functional, sturdy, and quality folder. I doubt that you would ever wear one out. BTW, if you're interested in a "tip up" Carson, I have one that I carry every day. Course, since it's my carry, it won't come cheap. lol
 
I just picked up a Carson model 4 from Les this week. The fit and finish is outstanding! I have seen other makers at this price range produce and sale knives that are not up to what Kit is making. Can't go wrong with a Carson. I was lucky to jump on the Carson as soon as I saw that Les had it. Jay and Karen Sandow of Arizona Custom Knives have/had some. Joel Chamblin is another name that is precision made. Fit and finish is awesome on his Mavericks.



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Art Sigmon
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Php. 4:13

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword"
Heb. 4:12
 
Lots of great suggestions, one that hasn't been mentioned that should be is Larry Chew. His patented VooDoo needle bearing system is so smooth, has to be felt to be believed. Has several different styles and materials. Outstanding fit, finish, and lockup.
 
Nobody mentioned Pat and Wes Crawford...been in business over 25 years...check their folders out for sure...crawford knives on the web...also Tom Mayo...Tom Anderson...Cruise the web..ton of makers making knives like you describe...just have to find what you like....its out there....waiting

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as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another....Pr.27:17
 
Hey Brett, I would try Jeff Chaffee. He does some excellent work. Has anyone else seen his work.
 
I have to agree with a Carson or Chamblin folder. Kit's knives tend to have a bit more heft to them. If its a tactical that you want...$500 or less and with a blade under 3"....I would have to recommend Joel Chamblin.

Another thing that you may want to think about: South African makers...although good...may not be able to service your knife as quickly and reliably as Kit or Joel. I can attest to that.
 
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