Custom knife recommendations

[Kibbles132]

I'm still pretty new to knife collecting and I own a couple high end production knives and some value knives and I'm looking to get into customs. What knives and makers would you guys or gals recommend that I check out?

[Buffalohump]

There are so many and tastes vary widely. Best to make up your own mind. Visiting dealers is a good way to see a selection of quality stuff. The dealers usually know what's good and what's not. Dealers I know of include: True North Knives, Steel Addiction, Arizona Custom Knives, Robertson Custom Cutlery, EDC Knives, Nordic Knives, Bladeology, The Knife Gallery, Fort Henry Custom Knives... they all specialise in customs, mostly.

[seven1niner]

RJ Martin
Ken Onion
Ernie Emerson
Kit Carson
Todd Begg
Randy Docutte
Greg Lightfoot
Kirby Lambert
David Mosier
Bob Terzuola
Les George
Allen Elishewitz
Pat Crawford
Tom Mayo
Rick Hinderer
Todd Rexford
Brian Fellhoelter
Michael Burch

[Kibbles132]

Ok then thank you, this is gonna help a lot

[rbmcmjr]

Adding a couple of my favorites to the previous list:

Tom Krein
Luc Burnley
Jens Anso
John Gonzalez (Dervish Knives)

Note that these guys are from the more modern design school and grinders rather than bangers.

[Les Robertson]

Hi Kibbles,

The majority of the makers listed in this thread are almost impossible to get a knife from directly. 719 listed some good ones.

It is best to do your homework and find what knives appeal to you personally.

Then take it a step further and compare and contrast the knives against each other.

Then comeback and ask for opinions from owners of the knives that interest you.

[Picklicious]

Cant agree more with the above.

My tastes have varied quite a bit in my 10 years of collecting... Started out collecting autos and MTs, then progressed to art knives, and now more of the high end tactical blades.

Your taste will evolve over time as well. Collect what pieces inspire you. The rest will fall into place.

[x-ring]

RJ Martin
Ken Onion
Ernie Emerson
Kit Carson
Todd Begg
Randy Docutte
Greg Lightfoot
Kirby Lambert
David Mosier
Bob Terzuola
Les George
Allen Elishewitz
Pat Crawford
Tom Mayo
Rick Hinderer
Todd Rexford
Brian Fellhoelter
Michael Burch

Nice list! I could add a few of my own but like what was said, the best thing is to develop your own tastes, unless of course you plan on flipping it. Some people may go gaga over something that I may find barely passable while the reverse may also be true and, maybe even desireable. I love it when I find something appealing and I stand alone in that opinion. Means I can probably get it cheap.

You also have to get it in your hand. There really is no other way to know for sure. Look at pictures, drool and curl your toes a little then find a way to gets your mits on it.

Or... look at pictures, drool, etc. then buy it at a fair price. If the magic is gone once it's in your hand you can usually find a buyer as long as the satisfaction of quelling your curiousity was enough and you don't need a profit, too.

[Clovis]

Good thread, i'm a bit of a newbie on customs and this is a great help. thanks

[Kibbles132]

Thank you everyone for your advice I've been looking at Bob Terzoula's customs and they are very appealing I appreciate all advice

[RNST]

Thank you everyone for your advice I've been looking at Bob Terzoula's customs and they are very appealing I appreciate all advice

ATCF 514 is one of my favourites from Bob. Classic design, well executed, Ebony with all black bolsters and blade.

[Clovis]

ATCF 514 is one of my favourites from Bob. Classic design, well executed, Ebony with all black bolsters and blade.

Sweet Terzuola, i'm wanting a framelock by Bob but nearly impossible to find one for sale.