Custom Knives - Worth it?

[Marine24]

Never saw the need to spend the money that some custom knives cost, but thought the same thing about 1911s until I bought my first Volkmann and now there is no going back to a production 1911. That the same for custom knives?

By custom, I'm referring specifically to folders from the likes of Chris Reeves, Les George or those available from Wilson Combat. While I don't have a need for a custom folder, my Fox Predator II has been doing well for the past nine years, always appreciated fine craftsmanship.

Curious to hear from folks that have owned custom knives. What makes them worth 5x what a Gerber, Fox, SOG...etc costs?

[lex137]

I have a microtech knife it's not a full on custom but for $ I paid I should have invested in something else. It's cool but it wore off. It's not worth what I paid and I wouldn't buy it all over again.

[hatidua]

A true custom, where there is ONE knife like that on earth, not just a pricey folder from CR, will not be one that you will likely ever be able to sell for what you paid for it if you lose interest in it. Your 1911 analogy works fairly well: a true one-off custom build, had better be one you intend to own for life, or it's a losing proposition. Treat it like an NFA buy.

[Marine24]

Important distinction. Perhaps semi-custom is a better category. Handcrafted knife that may not be one of a kind. Looking at the blade forums, folks that have purchased this quality of knife describe their rationale as appreciating the craftsmanship, superior fit and finish, ability to pick or help design the knife, durability and ability to maintain an edge.

Similar words used by those that have bought custom/semi-custom 1911s, bolt guns.,.etc.

[Irving]

Any knife + bastard file = custom.

[Marine24]

And here I've had customs and never knew it.

[Irving]

And here I've had customs and never knew it.

And were they worth it?

[hurley842002]

Any knife + bastard file = custom.

Especially if the blade is made from a bastard file....lol

Damn, now you've got me thinking of knives, but I'm not thinking of anything more than the ESEE line.

[ray1970]

A sharp piece of steel is a sharp piece of steel.

I like nice knives but I would never spend a ton of money on one.

I'd put one of my $150 knives up against a "custom" piece any day.

Might not be as flashy but will probably do as good (or better) at cutting stuff.

1911's are a different story.

But you already know that.

[pdr240]

barbecue knife to show off = semi custom
useful working knife = I'm with Ray

A sharp piece of steel is a sharp piece of steel.

but a semi-custom could also be a useful working knife
and a useful working knife could be semi-custom

depends on how you use