Lack of Custom or semi-Custom knives

[buglerbilly]

Perhaps its just me and my selection of knives and makers BUT there sure seems to be a lack of available items for Sale (and no its NOT all related to the Blade Show!)

Apart from the real upper 10% or so, the luxury end of the market with the $1,000+ knives, the middle ground I wander through seems bereft of publically available & decent items for sale.

The common song seems to be people having too much work NOT too little. I just hope that this also reflects a vibrant and profitable industry.

Just an observation 'cos I'm peeved I can't get what I want!!! ;)

One thing I won't do is pay 2-4 times the original price due to scarcity of material! :mad: To me that's an insult................:rolleyes:

Regards,

BUG

[Th232]

That's what the waiting lists are for.:p

I haven't stuck my head into the semi-custom/custom industry much, but it's quite possible that the available knives either get snapped up fairly quickly, or just sit there for some time. Again, that's a complete guess on my part.

I can't remember who said this, but knifemaking isn't that profitable except for the really high up makers, once you factor in all the materials, consumables, time, machine breakdowns &c, there isn't actually that much profit for most makers.

Out of curiosity, what're you looking for?

[swingshot]

Perhaps its just me and my selection of knives and makers BUT there sure seems to be a lack of available items for Sale (and no its NOT all related to the Blade Show!)




Did you have a look at David Winch's work?

Like Th232 said, there's a level at which full time, or even part time knifemaking just isn't profitable. Over the years a few well respected makers, ones with full order books, have moved on to other things as result.

Additionally, higher than production model pricing doesn't always mean higher than production model quality/fit and finish. I've picked up a few lemons over the years, one or two from well regarded makers.

[Th232]

Did you have a look at David Winch's work?


I'm probably reading this wrong, but I'm a bit curious as to what you mean by this, considering that Dav is currently on a break from knifemaking, so I'm not sure how much of his stuff is for sale.:confused:

[vampyrewolf]

Look at CKE's work, or voxnaes, or butch, or any of the other dozen makers we have on this forum. Just because you're not buying from a maker with a $1k tag or 10yrs of history, doesn't mean you're not getting a good one.

I've got a few customs in my collection, everything from shop knives they never thought would go out to one-off's. I've paid $50-400. I've got CKE's shop knife clipped to my vest, and it sure as hell ain't the top of the price range.

The trick is ordering to your spec and waiting. Might take 6 months or 6 years depending on the maker, but it beats buying 20 knives to find one you like.

[swingshot]

I'm probably reading this wrong, but I'm a bit curious as to what you mean by this, considering that Dav is currently on a break from knifemaking, so I'm not sure how much of his stuff is for sale.:confused:


How long is the break? I could've sworn i saw something new from him a few months back. :confused:

[jujigatame]

Before offering comment I'd need to know more about what kind of knife you're looking for and what this "middle ground" price range is.

[buglerbilly]

Before offering comment I'd need to know more about what kind of knife you're looking for and what this "middle ground" price range is.

Middle Ground to me is $400-800.............

The comments about ordering are good ones BUT people like the Graham Brothers, Rick Hinderer, etc are not even taking orders.

I got offered a couple of Graham Borther items for the loony toon mark-ups mentioned above.

And yes I can happily wait for quality. I've just agreed a kinfe with Jens Anso for delivery in 15-18 months time, and what a hell of a nice person he is as well! ;) Absolute delight doing buisness with him..........

Regards,

BUG

[aj1985]

There are many awesome makers out there and each is at a different phase in their career. Some do it part time, some full time, some take order while others only sell directly to dealers.

I have found that many of the high end makers will not take orders and if they do there is a wait of atleast 1-2 years for sure. All I can say is there are many knives to be had by great makers second hand or by dealers. I'm not worried one bit, because if I need a good knife I'm sure in the next week or two there are many deals to be had in the many forums I frequent. Now the big questions is where do I get the money to pay for all these custom knives :D.

take care
aj

P.S In the past I have contacted Cook, Hinderer, Mayo and was told by each of them that they just don't take orders anymore, but in the past month or so I have been seeing a lot of their work being sold, because of taxes, Bills and the upcoming Blade show. Just wait and your custom will find you at good prices, because after blade is over many people will be getting rid of a lot of good stuff :p

[jujigatame]

Well, I imagine being in Australia offers additional hurdles when trying to get stuff that's largely based in the USA on the secondary market. That said, markup on certain items that are hot is just the way it goes. I don't like it any more than you do, but in some cases money talks and everything else walks. There are well-made, good value knives to be had in most any category in your price range. Sometimes it comes down to taking a chance on a maker who isn't as well established, or catching them before popularity sends their workload and prices beyond reason. It's tempting to always want the brand names, so to speak, but like a lot of other kinds of merchandise you can find something as good for less if you're willing to try something different and look in new places.

[Th232]

How long is the break? I could've sworn i saw something new from him a few months back. :confused:

From what I remember, Dav did a folder back in December (Datan posted it here, so that might be the one you're talking about?), but he's been on a break since then.

[buglerbilly]

Well, I imagine being in Australia offers additional hurdles when trying to get stuff that's largely based in the USA on the secondary market. That said, markup on certain items that are hot is just the way it goes. I don't like it any more than you do, but in some cases money talks and everything else walks. There are well-made, good value knives to be had in most any category in your price range. Sometimes it comes down to taking a chance on a maker who isn't as well established, or catching them before popularity sends their workload and prices beyond reason. It's tempting to always want the brand names, so to speak, but like a lot of other kinds of merchandise you can find something as good for less if you're willing to try something different and look in new places.

Not a problem with what you say but I want certain makes because of my interest in specific designs, whether anybody else thinks they are interesting is purely incidental.

As many things in life, I only know a limited amount about knife collecting so until I garner more knowledge my likes and dislikes will remain somewhat abbreviated.

Its the Catch 22 of the Custom life, the Makers can't get wide enough publicity (and some don't want it in any case) and Joe Public wanders around missing out on his potential dream knife.

Jeez I gotta take up sippin' whiskey again, THAT almost sounded sensible! :D :rolleyes: ;)

Regards,

BUG

[jujigatame]

I understand what you mean. The Graham Bros. are making unique products, and only a Hinderer is a Hinderer, so if that's what you want there aren't necessarily any substitutes.

[buglerbilly]

I've just managed to get an order in for a Hinderer XM-18 thru' one of the Dealers.........due in a week or three..............:D

Also have my first Busse knife coming, not really Custom more like demi-Custom or Superior Production Knife like Spyderco usually are.

NOT too many people in this category in my opinion. ;)

I'm seriously tempted for a couple of really nice GW's that Jaxx has.............

Regards,

BUG

[Th232]

I've just managed to get an order in for a Hinderer XM-18 thru' one of the Dealers.........due in a week or three..............:D

I have but one word for you: Bastard!

Ok, a few more words: Pics are a must.

[buglerbilly]

I have but one word for you: Bastard!

Ok, a few more words: Pics are a must.

I view that expression as a term of endearment...............:p :D

I've just sent you an email...............

Regards,

BUG