Why buy knives from ??? Makers

I love talking to the makers and getting to know them. I also like knowing that I have a knife that there is not 500,000 out there just like it. But the 2 main reasons that i buy custom knives is the ability to have exactly what I want and quality. You will not find a production knife that matches the fit and finish of a Carson M#4, the smoothness of opening of a Duncan Whiplash, the high performance grinds and ergonomic grips of a Hossom fighter.

If I want linen micarta instead of g-10, no problem with a custom. If I want the blade to be 1/2" longer than normal, no problem with a custom.

There are some great production knives out there. But IMHO, a well made custom knife will beat a well made factory knife every time.
 
Everyone has their reasons...it all boils down to taste.

Why wear a $3000 Rolex when a $25 Timex will do?

Why drive a BMW when a Saturn will get you from point A to point B?

Why wear a Brooks Brothers' suit when you can get one from K-Mart for 1/10th the price?

I like meeting the knifemakers too...but let's face it...we wouldn't be spending 2 ,3 & 4x's the price on customs if we did not think that they performed better or felt better in our hands.

Yeah, I can carry a Case pocketknife in my left suit pocket, and for my line of work will probably perform more than adequately. But it will never give me the pride & satisfaction I feel when I carry my Shadley. Is it worth the $1000 difference...to me it is. Life is too short. I don't enjoy many material things....so I'll keep paying extra for my custom knives and my Rolex because I know they will outperform anything else out there and , most importantly, they make me feel great, like a nice Brooks Brothers suit....
 
I have been looking at, handling, and using knives for a few years now. My opinions of what works for me are solidifying.

With custom, I can get what I want in handle materials and shape, and in blade shape and steel and heat treat. Indeed, however, custom is a sort of luxury item. There are good production pieces out there that serve well (BM710, Busse, Fallkniven, etc)

Custom gives me a chance at combinations of:

420V
3V
Paul Bos
Ironwood
MOP
Fossil ivory
Premium Stag
Norris Stainless
Damasteel
Fancy bolsters (mokume, wild damask, etc)

Collaboration on a design with a maker, and having it executed, it a pleasure you must experience to appreciate.
 
I agree with Ferret- Factory knives don't have the soul a custom knife does.

rdangerer- Very well put and it makes me feel more attached to the knife.

The only thing that sucks the big one about buying a knife from a maker is when the maker turns out to be a jackass after you have bought it. I have had that happen and it changes the way that I feel about the knife. I can't look at it and feel what I used to feel so then I have to sell it. These forums make it easier to see how a maker respresents himself publicly. I have learned that some makers are very different on the phone or at a show when you are directly putting money into their hand ordering a knife or picking one up than they are in general or on these forums. With all of the custom makers out there who make great knives it allows me to be very selective in who I deal with. There is nothing worse than loving a knife for a few years and then having to sell it because you can't stand to look at it after seeing the maker behave like a complete imbecil on these forums.

Shane
 
You are 100% correct....if a CUSTOM KNIFE is not superior to a factory one........there is no need to spend the money. You said in your first post "I believe......." a number of times. I think you need to look a little closer and you will change your mind...but if you dont.....by all means get the factory model. :)
I just read the post above and gotta add.......while I cant afford a Rolex......I am NEVER going to wear a battery watch or one that isnt made in Switzerland again. :):):)
and those quartz watches keep the best time on the planet....but no thanks! :p
 
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