Who is the fundamentally finest custom maker today?

M

MTeague

Joined
Nov 17, 2013
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A difficult question, I know. But that 'fundamentally' has a purpose.

It's meant to eliminate the question of embellishment; I'm sure there many fine custom makers who can layer on gold filigree and emeralds and so forth. Things of beauty.

I use knives hard; probably harder than is fair. I've also got a technically challenging element — a certain lock — that I'd like to commission. So what I'm looking for is the very best maker of knives as functional objects.

As an indicator, I had in mind Ray Laconico, but I have recently found out that he is, unfortunately, not accepting custom orders.

So!

Yes, I know this is deeply subjective and I'm sure flat unanswerable for some. But still:

Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance — I'm eager for any advice.
 
If lock work on a folder is what you're after you may want to contact Grant and Gavin Hawk. They seem to specialize in creative locks. As for who's the best, I'm not remotely qualified to say.
 
Aha. Good suggestion. Although the lock probably doesn't require that much creativity, in itself. It's a compression lock, a sort of much-stronger cousin to the liner lock.

I don't think it should be too difficult to implement. I just need to find the best maker who's willing to do it.
 
Cross-posting is not generally a good idea, and asking about custom makers is probably best in the Custom & Handmade forum alone. Threads merged.
 
hard use with special lock. you made it easy find the makers that use tht lock and have them build your follder. less i read yu post wrong .
 
This question comes up from time to time, especially from newbs.

Do your own homework...you will find the answer you seek.

As far as your question here on BFC, the answer is not to be found. What you will find are the winners of a popularity contest, and that is all. Not terribly useful.
butcher_block said:
hard use with special lock. you made it easy find the makers that use that lock and have them build your folder. Unless i read your post wrong .
Click to expand...
Actually, Butch's advice is useful....hope it helps.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Searching for the best isn't going to be fruitful. Look around and you'll find the best for you.
 
Not enough information:
MTeague said:
I've also got a technically challenging element — a certain lock — that I'd like to commission.
Click to expand...
Is this an existing lock design? If so, see Butch's advice.

Is this a lock design you have not seen and want to have a maker develop?

Finally: What's your budget? This determines scale of project.

Coop
 
Steven, this project is new, but I am not. Your point about a popularity contest is well-taken, though.

Butch, the company that makes this particular lock doesn't do custom work. They will kindly license the lock, though, so I'm left searching for a custom maker who can do the job.

To the other points about how this question may as well not be asked: Not so, I say. I'm only soliciting opinions, and I can't think of a better place to ask than here.

Thanks for the responses so far. Some good ideas.
 
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Oh, Coop: My budget is reasonable, and would be enough to cover the cost of the majority of custom knives I've seen. Not outlandish, but as I mentioned I'm looking for functionality over embellishment. I think there's a ceiling of sensibility for that sort of work.
 
MTeague said:
Butch, the company that makes this particular lock doesn't do custom work. They will kindly license the lock, though, so I'm left searching for a custom maker who can do the job.
Click to expand...
If you are referring to the 'axis lock' or the 'ball bearing lock' (depending on the manufacturer) Howard Viele is the only maker I've seen who has explored this area with success.

Coop
 
MTeague said:
It's a compression lock, a sort of much-stronger cousin to the liner lock.
Click to expand...

I haven't seen a custom maker use a compression lock, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been done. It shouldn't be hard to complete, good luck with your search
 
Yep, the compression lock is an entirely different creature. Both incredibly strong and simple. A tidy bit of physics.
 
Egally, thank you so much — I hadn't heard of the top lock. I'll check it out. Very kind of you.

And yep, CPM, that's my hope.
 
I would expect, if you were to contact him, that Brian Tighe could create a folder with whatever locking mechanism is desired as he is one of the foremost innovators currently producing fine folders. Certainly worth an email
 
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