Expensive Custom Knives !!!

F.I.F is interesting from the aspect of visually seeing the craft performed. You Tube has changed much of that so seeing those makers open their shops to video their process is insightful. Seeing the tools and machines is particularly interesting yet in the end it is the skill of the craftsman that yield the end result. Some makers don't have as complex a shop as what some may imagine.

Had a table next to Murray Carter at Knife Expo many years back. Murry was discussing Hitachi White steel and demonstrating what he liked about that steel. That type of presentation really drew people in and around his table. That "go get them" personality works very well when potential buyers may be reluctant to open the wallet. Same for shows now when wandering the aisles and a presentation is given by a maker. Many makers are sedate and that applies to many of these art fields. Some are not outgoing yet express that side through the craft. Some very well executed pieces out there yet they don't get seen because the artist is conservative to really get out and promote themselves. Knife making is highly competitive and the wealth of choices quite abundant for many levels of wallet spending.

The Guild Show and Atlanta Blade are overwhelming. Even some smaller shows with 200+ tables can be tough to refine what one will spend on. Nordic Knives show in Solvang was one of our favorite shows to wander. Had some of the old school makers like Jimmy Lile, Buster Warenski, Bob Lum, Warren Obsorne, etc.

Probably my favorite knifemaker is Bob Terzuola. Some years ago, my Nephew and I visited his shop and he was a great guy and an extremely talented Knifemaker. I have a few of his knives. He sells knives which generally range from $500 to $4500. I don't have any of the really expensive folders he has made but I think they are worth it. I am a big fan of his fixed blades and own several. He is booked years out and sells everything he brings to shows. My feeling on it is that a guy's work is worth what he can get for it.

When I worked as a saturation diver in the 1970's and 80's someone told me I was making too much money for what I did. I explained how I worked at 200 meters and asked him if he would like to give it a try. He said no you keep making that money and he bought me a drink. It was either that or I was going to have to rip him a new one.

A nudder Terzuola

None of my custom knives have been very expensive and all of them were bought to be used as well as admired but I do love them all.

A small James Luman field knife:


Ron Luchen "Little Hen" camp knife:


and folder:


Three from David Brodziak:




A matched pair from Larry Mensch:

I only have one non-factory knife. There is a young man living in the next county to the south of here that is just getting started. I met him at a craft fair a couple of years ago and bought one of his knives. He seems like a great kid and I wish him well. It is nothing fancy, but it just caught my eye. I paid him $130 IIRC. Blade length is 3 1/2" for perspective. It is 1095 steel that he put some patina on.