Tips for Buying Custom Knife

Tips on purchasing a custom knife

Can it be argued that there is a right way to getting a custom knife, without overspending time and money? If you always dreamed of having a custom knife, but could not make up your mind to buying it, this article is definitely for you. In it, you will find several ways to select the right knife for your collection. You will also find out about the aspects that require your attention in order to keep you from getting scammed. A mindful approach is the key to successful purchases of expensive and unique goods. It is important to understand that the purchase of custom knives is not merely the purchase of a handle, but, most importantly, the choice of the right blade.

What to start with when choosing a knife?

Whether you have just started thinking about buying a custom knife, or whether you are looking for a quality blade for an antique handle, you will inevitably require assistance. Firstly, it is essential to find out where to find sellers or manufacturers. Direct your attention to those recommendations in order to find your perfect custom knife:

1. Visit trade shows and other events related to the matter.
2. Find the contact details of the manufacturers in your city or town.
3. Find out where are high-quality blades manufactured in your area.
4. Ask around in your friend circle to see whether there are some lovers of this domain.
5. Visit forums of knife aficionados

The Internet allows for endless possibilities, especially when it comes to finding non-standard custom goods. Most often, manufacturers have their profiles on Facebook and Instagram, in addition to hosting topics on popular online forums. Let’s discuss the opportunity of visiting trade show for knife handles and blades in more detail.

Buying custom knives at trade shows

You need to keep track of all trade shows or events in which knifes and blades are showcased. Having attended such events a couple of times, you will be getting a lot of new acquaintances and experience. Having exchanged phone numbers with long-term collectors, you will always be updated on new products and events. A knife demonstration is one of the few ways to obtain information about a certain good and to witness your dream product in real life. Personal contact with dealers, manufacturers and other knife amateurs is invaluable. Participation at exhibitions allows to facilitate the process of getting to know the craft and the manufacturers.

How to purchase a custom knife?

An experienced dealer or manufacturer will start asking you relevant questions on their own if you approach them. The first custom knife can be chosen by following the steps listed below:

1. Visit a dedicated knife trade show that will have the owner or the manufacturer of the knife that you have fallen for, present on it.
2. Introduce yourself to the creator or the owner, tell them whose knife you like, ask about its design and express your interest.
3. Ask to have a look and to hold the knife. Do not be afraid to tell the seller how much you would be willing to pay for it. Estimate the price of the blade and of the handle and praise the delicate craft.
4. Especially if you are liking the premium knife very much, give it a try, it is worth it! Maybe luck would be on your side on this day and you will be able to close the deal at your proposed price.
5. If you are seeing a knife that you really need, in the event where you take it into your hands, do not put it back before you finish negotiating on its price.
6. Visit the manufacturer’s or the seller’s store at the set place and pay in cash for the knife , or arrange for a tailor-made production.
7. Tell the manufacturer how you will be using your item and how will you be storing it. It is highly important to convey your interest in the product.
8. Plan the price forming strategy, in order to take into account the price of your journey, the negotiating time and your luck – the factors which are all associated with a good purchase. Keep in mind the sum that you are willing to spend on the knife.

«If the good has got a high price, walk in order to save up some money», – said Chris Nolen, a collector of custom  knifes, as a joke, whilst highlighting that despite it looking strange at first sight, it is good to let the manufacturer know in advance what kind of purchase are you looking to make. «If the price is close to what you are looking to spend– get the knife», – says Chris. You would certainly feel whether this item “clicks” for you or not, as soon as you hold it in your hands. If you feel your heart racing and feel like you are shivering– it means that this is the one!

Tips for purchasing a custom knife

In order to be fully certain of your abilities and your willingness to purchase a custom knife, study these lifehacks for newbies:

1. Study the reviews from real clients prior to buying. Always ask for recommendations from the ones whom you know and whom you trust, the ones that have already purchased the knife from the manufacturer of your interest. Ask them whether they are satisfied with all aspects of the good. Did the final product meet or exceed their expectations, or were they disappointed? How did the blade perform when being used? Is it a useful non-standard custom knife?
2. Define the necessary usage for the product. Have a clear understanding about how to use your knife. What will its main function be: skinning large or small game, filleting, using it instead of kitchen utensils or collecting? Ask yourself how important it would be for you to pass on this knife as a relic for those who love this craft as much as you do. Make sure that this product reflects your sense of style. Ask the knife manufacturer about the care and usage instructions of the blade in order to keep it in top condition.
3. Study the matter in-depth. It is very important to study the small points that significantly influence the buying decision. For example, what materials were used for the handle, what materials were used for the blade, and how does their cost affect the overall price. A knife maker may take photographs of the blade or the handle made from different materials, for comparison. Ask yourself, are you more interested in functionality rather than beauty, or are they both equally important for you?
4. Select the size of the handle and of the blade. Prior to buying, test the usefulness of the handle on your home knifes. Double check with the manufacturer in order to find out which knife construction will be most useful for the length and the width of your hand. Provide as much information as possible, so that the best option can be found. Check out the information that describes different knife handle types.
5. Double check the production time. Do not forget to mention the waiting time. If you have got certain deadlines and a time at which you will need the knife, clarify this point in order to avoid any misunderstandings with regards to the delivery of your knife. Let them know that you would require the product on a certain day. This point is particularly important if the purchase is made in anticipation of an important event. It often happens so that the manufacturer awaits the blade from the factory for a long time as it also needs to be ordered from other suppliers.
6. Discuss the budget and make the prepayment. Assign a budget what will be spent on materials, to your artisan. Not all manufacturers agree to take on tasks without the costs of the materials covered or without a prepayment. It is particularly important for manufacturers that are working from home or for small companies. If a manufacturer has got the right materials, the payment may take place at the time of the receival of the knife.
7. Ask about refunds, returns and after sales service. Check if the knife maker can sharpen your knife as needed, and what costs it will incur. It is also important to find out about exchange and return policies, in the event where a defect is found. This point is important, since no manufacturer can guarantee the quality of the blade or the handle if they were purchased from an unverified supplier. This would not be the fault of the knife manufacturer, but it would not be the buyer fault either, hence a return will have to be made.
8. Tip the dealer. You can be buying the item through an intermediary that will find the right custom knife for you, based on photos and videos. Most often, dealers can be both collectors or production facility workers. They have a spending limit, although, it is important that the work is remunerated. Moreover, the role of the seller lies in assisting the clients to define how much they need to spend ona certain knife and to assist them in getting a discount. Fun fact! Harry Bolduc from Bolduc Knives is a master manufacturer of custom knifes that creates knifes for a large number of hunters. Such goods do not differ in price from regular hunting knifes, however their visual appearance adds a certain charm to the process. He devotes his attention not only to the creatively executeed handle, but also to the blade. The majority of the information and the price of the knifes can be found on his website bolducknives.com and on his Facebook page, Bolduc Knives.
9. The wise strategy to buying. Go for the knife that will be easy to to be sold for the amount equal to the purchase price, should you get bored from it. It sometimes occurs that clients ask the dealer to put together a $300.000 collection for them, but they often receive a negative response to that. If the dealer is not interested in easy money, but more in doing their job honestly and up to standard, they will explain to the buyer that this not economically wise and that this would not pay off. Every new element of the collection needs to be special, and not purchased solely for its aesthetic appearance. No matter what, but this artisanal activity can be considered as costly, which means that one knife can generate passive income in the event of a sale. When selecting a  first custom knife, direct your attention towards a low price if you are not planning to resell it.

To sum up

Buying custom knives is a delicate and time-consuming process which involves the study of large amounts of information. In order to quickly get into the right area and to purchase a  custom knife, make use of some professional advice. Your first custom knife can be found in a trade show or on a theme-related event. Manufacturers often take part in marketing campaigns and festive events, since it generates some free advertising for them. Local fairs, for instance, can help to find a custom knife. If you have made the decision to purchase a custom knife, start with as maller purchase, with the one that will not exceed your monthly or yearly budget.