Custom Knives for Knife Enthusiasts

A custom knife can be defined as a knife that is:

• Made or done to order; custom ordered
• Specific and exact order
• Crafted only when ordered

A client will order a knife, and the crafter will make the knife to suit the particular order. This type of craft is similar to any other products that can be made to order, as with clothes or musical instruments. Many of these items are also called bespoke projects. This relates to the past term of bespeak, meaning custom ordered, not off-the-shelf. This term originates from the British Oxford dictionary, dating back to when custom-made items were made-to-order by the spoken word. Hence, the term bespoken came into common usage. Bespoke also emphasizes the importance of the conversation between the client and the craftsman when constructing a custom product.

What is NOT a custom knife?

Knives are not considered custom-made when they are offered for sale to the public with multiples available. A custom knife yields a high level of participation from the craftsman. When a manufacturer simply labels a knife as custom when it is not, it does a grave disservice to the knives that are, in fact, carefully constructed by a master craftsman.

Why make a custom knife?

Knife enthusiasts see the importance, beauty, and artistry in knives. It is only natural to want to put their own view of beauty into the process and create a knife they envisioned. It allows the craftsman and the client to work together to produce a one-of-a-kind product. Making a custom knife brings out the ideas and experiences of the person requesting it, and leaves a physical representation of who will hold that knife even after they are gone.

Why are custom knives better?

• Availability. When a custom-made order is placed, it is because the client finds no knife that fits their specific needs. They desire a particular style that is not yet available and, by custom ordering the knife, the client can be positive they will be purchasing the knife they want.
• Blade steel. Blade steel is chosen for the specific application of use. This makes the blade more durable. There is no one type of steel that is best for all instances, so the consideration of many different kinds when creating a custom knife helps to customize it to the client’s specifications.
• Design Pattern. When the client has a particular design, he may expect the craftsman to help him make the design better and more usable. New knife patterns often end up being a mix between the idea of the client, and the skill and artistry of the maker.
• Handles. Clients generally look for durability, finish, shape, and integrity in the handle of their custom blade. The handle connects the human with the knife, so this is a very personal choice.
• Fittings. Often in lesser-quality knives, the fittings are not very carefully constructed. A good knife has tough and durable fittings that require little maintenance. The strength, placement, and mechanical integrity of the knife is important to the custom knife.
• Embellishment. Embellishments can include hand-engraved blades or an engraved sheath or stand. These play a significant part in the aesthetics of a custom knife, and add to the personal nature and value of the knife.
• Accessories. Accessories include things sheaths, stands, cases, and blocks. These, too, like the fittings, can be simple or elaborate, depending on the craftsman and the client.
• Value. The value makes knives a long-term investment and is what makes them collectable. Top quality knives will increase in value as time passes.

What are the limitations to buying a custom knife?

• Time. This is the biggest consideration in ordering a custom knife. If the craftsman is excellent at what he does, the waiting period can be extensive. Even so, this is a telling factor of the value and quality of his work.
• Price. A custom work often costs much more than an off-the-shelf blade. A custom order requires materials, finish, embellishment, or accessories that are not already in the manufacturer’s inventory. All the different parts that make a knife unique can add to the overall cost.
• Style. Most knife makers have a particular signature style. One single craftsman cannot make all types of knives and make them well. Top-ranked craftsmen know their limitations and decline work if it is not within their skill set.

How does one order a custom knife?

When ordering a custom piece of work, every person and knife are so individual and unique there is no one way to order a custom knife. This aspect is not only what makes custom knives so rare and valuable, but also what makes the work challenging. The best way to go about ordering a custom knife is to find a maker that fits the style the knife that you want, and reach out to them to see if they are willing to take on the job.

What are the different parts of a knife you can customize?

There are many different parts to a knife. The combinations are seemingly endless. Just the basic knife includes a:

• Blade. The edge can be plain, serrated, or a combination of both. The edges of the knife can be reverse-edged or false-edged.
• Handle. A handle is one of the most personal parts of the knife that can be made with partial or full tangs. It could also include a bolster, which strengthens the knife.
• Point. This is the part of the knife that is used for piercing.
• Spine. The spine is the top of the knife blade, opposite the edge, and it is the thickest section of the blade.

These are just some of the important parts of a knife.

Final Thoughts

Custom knives are a knife enthusiasts’ dream purchase. A great craftsman can not only construct a quality custom blade, but can also infuse it with their own style and originality. Custom blades will last for generations.

There are both pros and cons to a custom knife, but if the artisan and client can work together, they can blend their ideas, expertise, and skills to create that perfect, personalized blade.