Custom Folding knife makers?

T

The knife fighter

Joined
Dec 10, 2022
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I want to have a simple piece done for my grandfather before god calls him home. the man has been everything from my father to the greatest friend I ever could have asked for. and i want something to give him to show my appreciation.

So I need some help finding someone to make the knife and I could use help with design ideas. I’m a fixed blade guy myself so I don’t know much about folding knives.

Here’s some things of note: he has trouble opening some traditional pocket knives because he lacks the majority of his finger nails (he’s not missing whole nails they just don’t go out past his finger tips). He’s a big hunter and a bigger fisherman. and he’d probably use the knife for just about everything those activity’s entail.he has been a stone mason for 50-40 years. And He’s a fan of sod buster Texas toothpick and trapper blade designs.

And thank you for reading this wether you can help or not.
 
Any style preference..... Slip joint, modern folder....thumbstuds, disc, hole. All sorts of info needed to give you a better answer.🤔.........
 
Bear in mind that obtaining a quality custom folder may take some time. It might be a better idea to get a quality mid-tech folder that would be available sooner than later, as some orders can run into years...and usually at least months.

I'm sure we can provide you with great ideas, we have a lot of very knowledgeable folks...but consider the time frame that you need or at least want it in, and we can go from there.

Something that opens more easily but locks securely could be just what's needed, then we could work toward one that meets the "look" that you are after.
 
Not sure what the budget is. KC Gray makes and sells some lovely 1/1 custom folders. So you obviously wouldn't have any input since he sells them completed, but it would be unique and special.

The action on mine is spooky, you touch the stud and it flys open. Everyone looks for springs thinking it's assisted, but there are none, it's just tuned perfectly.

Zirc bolsters, koa wood, damasteel blade and clip. For a great price. relatively speaking.

 
Take a look at the laguiole since he likes Texas Toothpicks. They have similar lines. Laguioles have strong springs, but I've never had trouble pinching any of mine open.

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I have to echo what Blues Blues said......few custom makers are set up for quick orders. Most have their books closed and the ones that don't usually have a long lead time.

I think you should look for something already made or as Elliot suggested a mid-tech or factory knife.

I think you also need to be very mindful of his inability to easily open some Traditionals. You might like to look into a nice traditional lock back or something similar as these are very easy opening knives.

Just as a by and by, you probably haven't considered this but a CRK Sebenza 31 might fit what you are looking for. Yes it's considered modern and not traditional but it is an heirloom quality knife, made in the USA and is easy to open and use. They do them with beautiful inlays and they are also available with a Wharncliffe blade. Check them out.

Another option would be to look at Arizona Custom knives or Nordic Knives, both have some really nice 2nd hand pieces. If you purchased from them and the knife was not suitable, they would refund or credit you.

I hope you find what you are looking for.........your Grandfather sounds like a wonderful man. :)
 
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Steven65 Steven65 , thanks for backing me up.

My only nitpick with the CRK, is that they're not always easy for many to open...and if his grandfather had issues with his hands...

I think the Inkosi has been the easiest opening of the seven CRKs I own...otherwise, I completely agree with a CRK and it was first in my mind. (Though there are easier opening knives, like Demko.)
 
Pointy blade, great steel, backlock for traditional fans, and no fingernails needed. Hugely practical for the described uses.

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If you're set on a custom you should start reading the posts here. https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/knifemakers-gallery.790/

But be aware most custom makers are not bespoke makers. They make what they're good at and if a customer starts giving specifics they may pass on the work and at the very least price and wait times go up exponentially.
 
Blues said:
Steven65 Steven65 , thanks for backing me up.

My only nitpick with the CRK, is that they're not always easy for many to open...and if his grandfather had issues with his hands...

I think the Inkosi has been the easiest opening of the seven CRKs I own...otherwise, I completely agree with a CRK and it was first in my mind. (Though there are easier opening knives, like Demko.)
Click to expand...
Excellent point Elliot. I've never owned an Inkosi.

The Sebbie, having been around now for almost 30 years, may not be a Traditional but is certainly a classic.

I wonder what time frame has to pass before something is considered Traditional. As Gus used to say, "I can't exactly define what Traditional is, but I know it when I see it!";)
 
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