Need AAPK members help on purchasing a custom folder

[stagman]

Howdy All,
I would like to buy my 1st custom folder after all these years of knife huntin
Hukk, muskrat man, clint, the list goes on with all the knowledgeable folk's
in AAPK I have learned so much from over the years
I want it too carry
Would like it to have Stag scales, liner lock, yet with a bolster for
a pocket clip on the off side
I do not want to go broke on it and know nothing about customs
Do you think I could get one for $400.00 or hopefully alot less ???
Any help or direction to websites, any input at all, I would be beholding to ya all
Thanks, Stagman

[justold52]

Howdy back to ya stagman;

Now if I inderstand you right your looking to buy a $400.00 or less custom made knife and you said to carry.

I am thinking that your going to make it a user.

Well take a look at this one. If your intersted give me a PM.

[jonet143]

what style knife is it you want? the case/tony bose are nice. there are so many custom makers out there. and you want a true custom made knife, not a embellished factory knife. right? this forum has quite a few custom knife examples. i don't recall seeing one with a pocket clip though.

[Hukk]

Let me start by say I make nothing from this endorsement - No financial gains will be made by my post. I have included a lot of what I consider to be good solid advice and not all will agree with me.

Well, Don Robinson makes some high quality linerlocks (3-1/2 inch Linerlock Barlow that can be made larger and likely the blade can be modified) and uses titanium liners. He makes precison linerlocks using precision pivot pins that fit in a bronze-phosphorus bushing. I bought several different sets of his plans and I like what I see. Don only buys the precision pivot pins and he makes everything else. Don can make anything you want.

http://home.earthlink.net/~donwrobinson

I hear he's a good Christian man, so he may also be of help finding a knifemaker who will do it for $400.00. But, I recall his prices start at $375 or $400.00 for a linerlock. Linerlocks are a lot of work and titanium (6Al-4V alloy) is actually the best way to go about it. His phone number is in the website, many of the knives that are more than $400 have filework and engraving. Even if you don't buy from Don, I do reccommend talking with him.

BUT he is a tool and die engineer and can make anything under the sun. If he can't fit your price range - I think he could probably recommend someone who can.

If nothing else, you would get a lot of good advice and if you are willing to go to $400.00, consider an extra $100 to $150 to get close to EXACTLY what you want. In that range, if you compromise too much you won't be happy with what you get. I realize there is a cut-off point but liner locks are a lot of work.

From my point of view, $400 is a lot of money and for that much money, too much to do a lot of compromising, BUT don't break the Bank. That is a very fine line to walk because once you buy the knife - it's yours and it would be a very sad thing to spend that much money and be unhappy. It's not like you can divorce it!

On the other hand if you get exactly what you want - it will last your lifetime and you will always be happy when you look at it! SO, yes at $400, IT'S VERY important that you are completely happy with your purchase. Listen with both your pocket book and your heart, DON'T break the bank and DON't compromise your dream knife AWAY! There is middle ground to be happy - BUT just like are financial limits - you also need to set limits as to how far your willing to compromise. Know BOTH before you start.

I hear Don likes to know that his knives are being used. He also uses both a Mill and a belt grinder to make his blades. He heat treats his own blades and does cryo - I think (memory thing - again ).

With that said - there is a definite cut-off point. But I will say it again. Buy a knife that will make you happy, even if it's a $100 or $150 extra. $400 is a lot of money - so don't cheat yourself --ROB yourself of that pleasure of buying a knife that you help design by talking with the knifemaker. The pleasure you will have being a part of it is priceless. Remember - this is a purchase of a lifetime, you may never buy another - SO, you want a positive experience!

I picked Don because I bought his plans (all his knife plans bought and watched his DVD - 4 times now and I have not fallen asleep). It is a 4hr DVD (2 DVD set) and you can rent it from Smart Flicks. I also picked Don because he won't steer you wrong and with his background and experience - he really can make anything. Also, I've NEVER heard anyone say anything bad about Don. Don is a wealth of information.

I realize I've repeated myself many times about compromise vs. an extra $100 or so because I believe it is a very important issue to consider. Likely it is your most important issue that must be decided.

Good Luck and let us know who you chose AND definiely show it to us!

[4ever3]

Yep, I'm with Hukk, call Don, he makes just what you're looking for

[stagman]

I really never gave it thought Hukk, but you are as always
right. It sure would be nice to treasure the knife every time you
pulled it from your pocket, than to wish you would of spent a few
bucks more and dislike the one you bought
I will contact Don
Here is what I been carrying the last 6 yrs
Bear MGC sideliner
I am all over this great country of ours, most time RV in and off the beaten
path. A peaunut pattern just does not work for me
The stockmen is always in the truck
Thanks so much for all your guidence
I just retired and figured it was time for a custom made toter in my pocket

[Hukk]

Glad I could help. I hear he's getting ready for a show somewhere, so if you don't reach him at first - keep trying.

[stagman]

Great news to report !!!
I have spoke to Don and he and I have formed
a partnership for him to build me the only custom
knife I will ever own & carry.
He thinks he can build me just what I want
He is an exremely nice fella
Plans are to get started on it in august sometime if all goes well
Thanks to all of you and a very special thanks to Hukk
Will

[Don Robinson]

Hukk, many thanks for all the great compliments. And thanks to Will, I've found this great forum and have joined you. This is my first post.

Custom made folders is what I'm all about.

When i can figure out how to add a signature line I'll post my web site as a part of my signature. In the meantime here it is:

http://home.earthlink.net/~donwrobinson/

[Don Robinson]

I may be a little scarce here for a few days. We leave tomorrow for the Central Texas Knife Show in Roundrock, Texas. I'll be back in Brownsville next Wednesday.

[jonet143]

welcome don!

[Hukk]

Welcome Don,
I remember taking a tapered tang hunter (maverick) class a couple years ago or so at knife network. I had forgotten that. That was many knives ago! Someone came to the shop and bought that because I didn't have any knives to sell. I'd forgotten all about that - don't know what made me think of it.

[orvet]

Welcome Don!
Maybe you can give a few pointers to a few of the Wanna Be knife makers like me.

Welcome aboard.
Dale

[4ever3]

Great to see you here Don !

[Don Robinson]

Welcome Don,
I remember taking a tapered tang hunter (maverick) class a couple years ago or so at knife network. I had forgotten that. That was many knives ago! Someone came to the shop and bought that because I didn't have any knives to sell. I'd forgotten all about that - don't know what made me think of it.

So that's why I thought your (name?) was familiar. Glad to be back in your company.

[Don Robinson]

Thanks for the welcome everybody. And yes, I love to teach, so I'll help anyone I can.