You can only have "1"custom<$500?

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Prof. Ed

Joined
Jan 17, 2003
Messages
144
Ok Gentleman,
I shall begin saving for my "1" custom knife under $500. What should I look for? I like folders, and neck knives. I don't own a sheath knife, because they are somewhat difficult to carry. Yet, a sheath may be considered.Please help me with some ideas. My funds will be limited to around the amount stated. Since, I've never owned a "custom" and many or all of you do. I look forward to your 'expert" advice. My closest to a custom is my new ,small, regular Sebbie.
Thanks and best.

:confused:
 
I can think of a lot of neat stuff in that price range, but the first one that crossed my mind(and maybe a great candidate) is a folder from John W. Smith. $500 will get you a pretty nice folder from him, and I have never seen one of his folders that wasn't as close to perfect as a human can do.
 
Give us a bit of information as to what kind of folders you like. Do you prefer tactical, traditional, lockback, framelock, etc.?
 
Get your hands on a Scott Cook Lochsa integral frame-lock. Like a Sebbie in so many ways. Better than it in some. Very stout, refined and smooth. I had planned on going to BLADE this year and looking for a new folder. Not anymore, this thing ROCKS!
 
I'd go for a small fixed blade tactical like Terry Primos' El Sendero, or anything made by Nick Wheeler.
 
By the time this thread ends there will be three pages of bang-for-the buck makers offered! :D And my guess is all calls are valid.

You can't get a better deal than keeping your eyes open to what is being offered here on the 'Custom's for Sale by Individuals' forum.

Due to the fickle nature of collecting--errrr--'acquiring' knives, folks who are ready to purchase their next knife, are many times willing to take a 30% loss in the process. Buying a $500 knife for $350 is an even better deal. Heck, buy TWO good Customs for $500 ! ;)

Of course you have to act fast and do your homework with a search. Works for me!

Coop
 
Hi Guys,
Thank you for your time. As to what type of folder I'm interested in, well, I really don't have my heart set on a particular type at this time. Something different than a Sebbie or a BOA. If you know of some links, please enclose them.
Regards.
 
Excellent advice above about cruising the custom knives for sale individual. You can often find good deals on knives there. Even a used custom can be a good deal, the maker will often refurbish the knife to like new condition for next to nothing if not free.

There are a lot of good choices for under $500. Mike Obenauf, J.W. Smith, Brian Tighe, Greg Lightfoot, etc...
 
Phill Hartsfield neck Kozuka.

Here's why -

Comfortable carry, exceptionally inconspicuous, nice leather sheath, A2 tool steel expertly ground - unreal sharpness, shows a type of satin finish that is all Phill and does not show annoying trace scratches from use or the sheath or knife like many other satin finishes, wonderful secure wrapped grip, can pierce most anything, sheath interior is metal to protect the user, won't fold on your hands like a folder might and well-neigh decorative when worn outside the shirt, to boot!

... although, if you wait too long, they'll be more than $500.00 ...
 
Originally posted by Joss
I'd go for a small fixed blade tactical like Terry Primos' El Sendero, or anything made by Nick Wheeler.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the mention Joss. I just need to clear one little thing up. The Sendero is Jerry Fisk's very popular hunter. My little personal carry with a clip is named El Camino.
 
Originally posted by primos
Thanks for the mention Joss. I just need to clear one little thing up. The Sendero is Jerry Fisk's very popular hunter. My little personal carry with a clip is named El Camino.
Click to expand...

Twice. Hell, I need to get that out of my head. Catchy name it is, for sure. Sorry.
 
Originally posted by Boink
Phill Hartsfield neck Kozuka.

Here's why -

Comfortable carry, exceptionally inconspicuous, nice leather sheath, A2 tool steel expertly ground - unreal sharpness, shows a type of satin finish that is all Phill and does not show annoying trace scratches from use or the sheath or knife like many other satin finishes, wonderful secure wrapped grip, can pierce most anything, sheath interior is metal to protect the user, won't fold on your hands like a folder might and well-neigh decorative when worn outside the shirt, to boot!

... although, if you wait too long, they'll be more than $500.00 ...
Click to expand...

I'd be very, very careful about paying full retail for anything by Mr. Hartsfield. I have no doubt his pieces are well made and cut well, but in my opinion they are very overpriced in regard to the amount of work that goes into them, when compared to other makers' work. It doesn't mean they're not sound knives, but you should take into account the fact that you may not be able to ever get back the same price for it. Just my $0.02.
 
Joss - sometimes it's not about the money.

If people get stuff they find very satisfying, it's worth it to them. By my description and glowing praise, a person could tell the Kozuka is a keeper.

From my personal perspective, I have gladly sold knives for whatever I could get for them, irrespective of what I paid. This gets me fast cash for new blade ware. Some knives I will not sell for less, and it's usually the ones I truly have second thoughts about "putting them on the block." Or, maybe a particular knife may have a following and my For Sale post is waiting to be noticed by just such a collector.

I'd say that some of my knife sales I consider like a car lease - money not retrieved in a sale is the cost of enjoyment and ownership for whatever time I had the knife in my possession. Then it's time to set it free for someone else to enjoy wholeheartedly.
 
By all means. I just feel this isn't a very safe move for a beginner collector.
 
Well, for ONE knife as a custom, I would throw out the name Don Morrow. True, according to some slipjoints aren't sexy, but they work. Don makes really great folders, and has a VERY nice touch with a file. He's willing to make many different patterns, and all the components of his knives are made by hand. That is to say that he doesn't have any of his parts cut out for him, and doesn't farm out any of his work, but rather does the complete knife by hand. His prices are VERY fair- especially when you consider the kind of performance and attention to detail that you're getting for the money. He has a website, and I think you should check it out. I too often don't buy sheath knives precisely because they are hard to carry with any regularity (especially if you travel). I hope you find the knife you're looking for (I know I did), but I'd throw out Don's name anytime! Have fun!

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
For less then 500.00, in a tactical folder, two makers immediately come to mind.

1) folders by John W. Smith are about as close to perfect as you will find in all technical aspects and value. His MRC model, framelock, or even the new Scimitar model are the nicest knives that I have found that are readily available by John. There are none that I have found to be better built. And of course, John will stand behind them.

2) not as readily available, folders by Kit Carson. His Model 4, M16 are available in several sizes and different handle materials. Since he is not taking orders at this time (unless something has changed since I spoke with him), you will need to go to the secondary market to purchase one. That of course includes bladeforums. But, for 500.00, you should have no problem finding some of his best stuff. I personally have owned a M4 large, small and medium, an M21 and an M16. All are absolutely great for fit finish, feel in the hand; and cutting ability.

One thing is for sure, you absolutely will not go wrong with a knife made by one of these two very, very popular knifemakers.

Good luck..

:)
 
Just met this great guy at a knife show. Check him out! His last name is Shaw, and he's got some pretty nice folders, right around the 250 mark. Great prices, and great knives. You should see the anodizing he's able to get done on Titanium. He's got one color that looks almost exactly like the blue-green color of a peacock's tail. Keeps records on his knives so he can reproduce the effect if he needs to with another folder. Great knives! His website is: http://www.shawcustomknives.com/ well worth the time to look!

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
Prof Ed,

I can tell you from first hand experience, it will become more than one. The question might be - "which should be the first one?".

I will be getting a JW Smith RF framelock which is a good value.

If you want a pure cutter and are willing to forego some fit and finish amenities, then the Dozier Trapper would be my recommendation here.
 
Greg Lightfoot and David Winston both make some great folders in that price range. I am sure there are tons more in that price range that would make any knife knut happy, but I don't have first hand experience with any of them.
 
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