The subject of whether to pay a custom knife maker a deposit or not, comes up on a regular basis. This is discussed in my Custom Knife Buying Guide, as well as, articles I have written for Blade and Knives Illustrated.  What I have learned (sometimes the hard way) over the last 32 years comes down to these categories.

These are my 3 rules for knife maker deposits:

1) If the knife maker is building you a standard model, there is absolutely no reason for a deposit.

2) A partial deposit can be given if you are requesting things such as semi-precious gem stones, precious gem stones or precious metals. You can expect to pay for those in advance. I have recently added a 4th item to the list, Fossil Ivory. Given the prices these days, it is becoming a expensive addition to the knife.

3) Payment in full before the knife is built. This is something that should never be done with one exception. You order a knife that is so hideous or has such a horrible design that should you decide to back out the maker will not be able to sell this knife.

What about makers who ask for a deposit? They should be questioned as to why they need it. You can determine if the reason is legitimate (check rules 1-3). These makers generally do not put your deposit into an escrow account, taking it out when the project starts. This money can and will go to a variety of expenses.

Most makers have told me they prefer not to get a deposit. As this then allows the client to “check in” on a regular basis. Unfortunately, many collectors become a nuisance wanting to know about every step of their knife build along the way.

My advice to both makers and collectors is to agree that the maker will contact the collector when the knife is ready to be started. This meaning the knife will be completed within a couple of weeks. This also allows the maker to check and see if the collector still wants the knife. As well, the collector can double check the order (especially if it has been a year or more.) This way, everyone understands what is being built, with what materials and what the cost will be.

Ordering a custom knife should be a pleasurable experience! The level of communication between maker and collector will be enhanced by open and direct communication. Remember, it is best not to pay for the knife upon ordering it. Many knife makers have told me, “The hardest knife to build is the one that has been paid for.”

In the May 2017 issue of Blade Magazine my article titled “The Circle Remains Unbroken” discusses the cyclic nature of custom knives and how it can benefit collectors.

As most of you know the tactical folders have been the main attraction in the custom knife market over the past 7 years. After market prices have removed the majority of the collectors who were responsible for driving the market. The knives from the most sought after makers are now the dominion of those with the tens of thousands of dollars to be a viable player in that market. So what is a collector to do?

Collectors, collect and consequently some will move from the in demand well known makers to those makers who are not so well known. Many of these established and newer makers now understand that the days of a folder with a blade and two pieces of Titanium for a handle starting at $1,000.00 are over. Consequently, it will be those makers who build a knife like that in the $500 to $700 range who will gain in popularity. Others are moving to the other side of the cycle, fixed blades.

Today, fixed blades in the 8 – 10” range, both forged and stock removal fixed blades are gaining again in popularity. I have heard a repetitive from collectors who tell me that with these fighters and Bowies they really get a lot for their money. Because of the prices that the tactical folders have brought in the aftermarket an exquisite Feather pattern Damascus blade and Damascus frame handle with Mastodon Ivory like the one in the photo by Steve Randall is now viewed by many collectors as exceptional for the money.

So as you rethink your collection and possibly consider adding some fixed blades or even more fixed blades. Do your homework and look for those makers are substance and not merely hype.

Robertson’s Custom Cutlery is your source for custom knives from today’s leading custom knife makers. We only feature the highest quality knives at value prices. Our custom fixed and folding knife selection includes tactical fixed and folding knives, presentation fixed and folding knives, bowies, hunters and skinners, and a large selection of forged blades. Les Robertson, author and owner of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery, is also a Field Editor for Blade Magazine and an instructor at Blade University. If you have questions about the content in this article or about any knife or maker on our website, you can contact Les directly at customknives@comcast.net or (706) 650-0252.

In the May 2017 issue of Blade Magazine, myself and eleven other veteran industry observers were asked to pick top four makers from 2000-2017. These four makers are considered the Mount Rushmore of Contemporary Knifemakers. Two of my top picks made it into the mountainous structure, and two just missed the cut. These are in no particular order. Here are the knife makers I picked for the Mount Rushmore of Knifemakers Part II:

Michael Walker: Michael Walker is among the best to ever make a folding knife. He is best known for reintroducing the liner lock to the folder world. This contribution alone should be enough to put him on the “new” Mount Rushmore.

Bob Terzuola: Bob was one of the original tactical folder makers in the early 1990’s.  In fact he literally wrote the book on it with the release of his Tactical Folding Knife: A study of the Anatomy and Contrition of the Liner-Locked Folder in 2000.   The consummate professional knife maker he can build a fixed blade or folder with equal expertise. Purchase one of Bob Terzuola’s knives here: Bob Terzuola Tactical Fighter

RJ Martin: One word sums up RJ Martin’s work: precision. He is one of those rare breeds of makers who can build both fixed blades and folder with equal skill. There are few true “double threats” in custom knife making today.  Purchase one of RJ Martin’s knives here: RJ Martin Vanguard Odyssey.

Jerry Fisk: In addition to being an ABS master smith, Jerry Fisk is the only custom knife maker to have obtained National Living Treasure status in the USA. Jerry has been a fixture in custom knives for the past 30 years and his work is always in demand.

Robertson’s Custom Cutlery is your source for custom knives from today’s leading custom knife makers. We only feature the highest quality knives at value prices. Our custom fixed and folding knife selection includes tactical fixed and folding knives, presentation fixed and folding knives, bowies, hunters and skinners, and a large selection of forged blades. Les Robertson, author and owner of Robertson’s Custom Cutlery, is also a Field Editor for Blade Magazine and an instructor at Blade University. If you have questions about the content in this article or about any knife or maker on our website, you can contact Les directly at customknives@comcast.net or (706) 650-0252.

Knives Illustrated Magazine’s March/April issue features an article I wrote titled “10 At The Top”. This article showcases the top 10 makers to watch this year. Over the past couple of weeks, I have discussed the makers to watch and given you the opportunity to own knives from these top 10 makers. Here are the final three makers:

Number 5: Mike Deibert
Best known for his designs and execution, these designs feature that rare combination of functionality and aesthetics.

Number 7: Tad Lynch
What attracted me to his knives was upon immediately picking up the knife, you wanted to use it! The weight and balance belie the size of his knives. These are knives that can be used all day without fatigue. His Hamons (temper lines) on his W-2 are stunning as are his Damascus blades.

What is the True Definition of Tactical?

Recently, Pat Covert from BLADE Magazine interviewed Bob Terzuola, Ernest Emerson, Sal Glesser, and myself about the true definition of tactical knives for the April edition. The magazine can be picked up on newsstands in February, but as my followers, you get a look at all of my answers to this interview.

What is your pure definition a tactical knife and what should be its functions?
The term tactical has been misused since its inception in 1995. Tactical is a marketing term to describe the “look” of a knife: non-reflective blade, bolster made from a lightweight material. Today, the blade material would be primarily Titanium with a non-reflective finish, and the handle material would be of a synthetic type, primarily G-10, Micarta or Carbon Fiber. The functions of a tactical knife should suit the design of the knife no matter what the materials.

What are being called “tactical knives” today that aren’t?
The custom knife competition at the Blade Show features 17 categories, to include Damascus folder, presentation folder, and art folder. A large percentage of tactical folders have evolved into one or more of these categories based on their materials. Today, knives are called tactical but feature materials such as Damascus, Timascus, Mokuti, natural handle materials, etc. If the idea of tactical is supposed to be something that you would carry in the military or law enforcement, not a single knife featuring the aforementioned materials would ever see field time.

How have tactical knives evolved since the early 1990s?
Tactical folders started out as being affectionately being called gray turds. They featured a blade, primarily either 440C or ATS-34, and two pieces of steel or Titanium for the frame, either a liner lock or frame lock and everything bead blasted, hence the aforementioned term of endearment. Today, the blades are made out of the Steel Du Jour, Titanium is the standard for bolsters, frames, locks, and clips and they all contain flipper openers. Zirconium, Timascus and Superconductor have become the leading alternatives for bolster and clip materials. That being said, who knows what will show up tomorrow? Powered metal for the blades, more precision machinery, and perhaps the incredible advancement in sheaths have been the leaders in creating an ever improving fixed blade.

How do you see tactical knives evolving next year, 5 years from now, and 10 years from now?
Today’s tactical knives feature materials borrowed from other industries such as the airline and military. Which have given us materials such as Titanium, carbon fiber and lightning strike carbon fiber. Today the Computer Numeric Control (CNC) tools are becoming more the norm, giving the maker more control over the precision of the knives. CNC combined with powdered metal and better heat-treating gives the maker a better blade to start with. The future of tactical knives, with folders, in particular, will see continued innovation. Pivots, locks, openers and a wide variety of materials to work with will inspire the creativity of makers and make collectors always wanting more.

The Hunting Knife: Creating What Becomes The Trophy

A look at different types of hunters and their uses.

Now on Newsstands… KNIVES ILLUSTRATED- SEPT/OCT 2016

See the Hunting Knife article by Les on pages 64-67.

Check out my magazine article: “4 UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF TACTICAL FOLDERS” on pages 12-16 in the latest issue of Blade (May 2016).

Do you know what they are?  Do you know how to avoid them or take advantage of them?

Robertson’s Custom Cutlery and Bob Neal Knives introduced LDC Custom Knives in 1996.

It was a great success!

These knives were featured in American Handgunner, Blade and graced the cover of Tactical Knives! While many of the materials and features seem common place today.  In 1996 these knives were State of the Art.  Don’t miss out on a rare opportunity to own a piece of custom tactical folder history.

The LDC Custom Knives were developed to provide both collectors and users with the unique opportunity to own a combat/utility knife from some of the best knife makers in the world. Unlike any other line of custom tactical knives, these offered “instant collectability.”  This was achieved by the following features: 1) Rare. This is the first time a set of custom knives like this was offered.  2) Limited.  Each LDC knife design was limited to 50 serial numbered knives.  3) Unique.  Each knife design incorporated a feature or style element that was unusual to each of the well-known makers.  4) Exclusive.  Each LDC knife design was created by and only available through LDC Custom Knives.  5) Quality.  No matter what form it takes, quality is always in demand.

The first series, “The Tactical Ten,” consisted of LDC-1 through LDC-10.  Serial numbers 1-25 were reserved for those customers wanting to collect the ten knife set.  Single knife purchases less than 10 were serial numbered 26-50. These tactical folders were handmade by Joel Chamblin, C. H. Morris, Mel Pardue, Roy Helton, John W. Smith, Allen Elishewitz, Pat Crawford, Kit Carson, Chris Reeve, and Howard Viele.  We currently have 8 of the 10 prototypes available to purchase.  Please click on the photos below to take you to the knife specs.

Joel Chamblin LDC-1 Prototype

C.H. Morris LDC-2 Prototype

Mel Pardue LDC-3 Prototype

Roy Helton LDC-4 Prototype

John W. Smith LDC-5 Prototype

Allen Elishewitz LDC-6 Prototype

Pat Crawford LDC-7 Prototype

Kit Carson LDC-8 Prototype

Check out my TOP TEN MAKERS TO WATCH IN 2016 article in the latest issue of Knives Illustrated (March/April) pages 14-20.

You’ll find knife makers of Tactical Fixed, Tactical Folders and Forged Fixed Blades.

Something for everyone!

Joel Chamblin PDK 2 Tactical Folder

Tim Steingass SSD Dagger

This “fully loaded” sub-hilt fighter has evolved from the original MLR Design colaboration by Les Robertson and David Broadwell.

This version offers a 10″ CPM-154 blade with satin finish and Fossilized Mastodon Ivory handle. The guard, sub-hilt, and pommel are blued and fully engraved by Brian Powley. This technique is called “French Gray Engraved.”
A spectacular piece created by David Broadwell and enhanced by Brian Powley!
I have owned over 100 MLR Fighters and Sub-Hilt Fighters in several different variations over the years.  I thought I had seen the very best from David.  I was wrong.  This knife is breathtaking!

Photo by Coop

Check out pages 68-73 in the current issue of Knives Illustrated (December 2015) for my article on Larry Chew and his Voo Doo Tactical Folders.

Larry’s custom tactical folders are very innovative, blending technical design and machining.

The Chew Cujo Frag was one of the folders featured in the article. It is currently IN STOCK.  The Chew Cujo Frag (below) is currently available.  Click to order…

BLADE MAGAZINE “TACTICAL CUSTOM DAGGERS ARE BACK!”

My article on the renewed interest in daggers both fixed and folding is now on page 36 in the January 2016 issue of Blade Magazine.

BLADE MAGAZINE “RETURN OF A TACTICAL TITAN?”

Be sure to read my article in the current issue (Nov 2015) “Return of a Tactical Titan” on page 36. The article talks about the momentum for Tactical fixed blades picking up.

Check out my article on Jim Minnick and his world class knives in the current issue of Knives Illustrated (September/October 2015.)

Jim’s folders encompass a wide array of styles and materials from tactical folders to his exquisite art knives.

This issue is on your newsstand now!

The “Saboteur” by Jim Minnick (below) is one of the tactical folders featured in the article. The Saboteur with Orange Peel finish (below) is currently available.  Click to order…

The September issue of Blade Magazine is on newsstands now.  Be sure to check out my article on pages 82-85 “TACTICAL FOLDERS: Bubble That Won’t Burst?”  This may give you a little insight into the Tactical Folder Market.

The “Saboteur” by Jim Minnick (below right) is one of the tactical folders featured in the article. It and the “NN-1” by Jason Clark (below left) are currently available.

The “ZM-9” by Will  Zermeno, “Typhoon 1” by Brian Nadeau, “36L” by Andre Thorburn, “FB-1” by John W. Smith, and “Hamachi” by Pohan Leu are a few of the other custom folders highlighted in the article.

Continue to check our “Incoming Knives” at the bottom of the HOME page for the latest information.  Yes, you can order any of these custom knives prior to their arrival since there is usually only one and a wait to get another one… Act quickly!

Take a look at the current issue (July 2015) of Blade Magazine for my article on an emerging trend- Forged Tactical Fixed Blades.  

It is loaded with photos of exceptional knives by makers from around the world.  These knives feature different carbon steels with different looks;  Hamons (temper lines), San Mai Steel and even Parkerized Blades.   The knives from Shawn McIntyre, Ken Hall and Tad Lynch are sold exclusively through Robertson’s Custom Cutlery.   The others from Claudio Sobral, Ben Seward and Scott McGhee can be ordered through RCC, as well.

There will be a follow-up article to Forged Tactical Fixed Blades later this year in Blade Magazine.  Knives built by Mike Craddock, Steve Randall and Mike Deibert are scheduled for this future piece.  We currently have the Shawn McIntyre Rigger, Mike Craddock Reaper in stock and are expecting other examples of Forged Tactical Fixed Blades in May.  Ken Hall RH Fighter, Shawn McIntyre PLF and Claudio Sobral Andes Fighter are a few.

Continue to check our “Incoming Fixed Blades” at the bottom of the HOME page for the latest information.  Yes, you can order any of these custom knives prior to their arrival since there is only one and usually a wait to get another one like it.

Check out my Letter to the Editor, “What Is and Isn’t Tactical.”  It is in the current issue (June 2015) of Blade Magazine on page 6. 

The letter in its entirety will be in the next RCC Newsletter!  If you are not currently signed up for our newsletters, JOIN RCC CONNECTION NOW

In the latest issue of Blade, I was one of the “leading industry observers” asked to vote on four knife makers that symbolize greatness.

Check out the May 2015 issue of Blade magazine, page 74 to see who was honored.

As a hint, follow this link to knives made by one of these makers…”the savior of the contemporary forged blade and driving force behind the creation of the ABS.”

BILL MORAN

Tactical & Hand Forged Knives – What to Look for…

Custom knife market sectors move in cycles.  While many collectors are oblivious to this or simply state, “I buy what I like,” each particular custom knife sector all follow the product life cycle.  In the case of custom knives, what happens is that the most sought after knife makers hit a saturation point in both the amount of knives they can make and the amount of orders they can take.  Other makers will start to make that knife style and/or combination of materials and will pick up some of the collectors who cannot obtain or afford knives from the most sought after makers in that market sector.  This is not to say that these makers are not as talented as the sought after makers.  In many cases their knife making skills are equal or superior; however, for whatever reason they have not become a fan favorite with collectors.

Today, the two hottest custom knife market sectors are tactical folders and very high end art folders.  Both of these categories have seen increases in price due to the materials and the demand for particular makers work.  Consequently, some makers have closed their order books.  The majority of these makers knives can only be obtained at knife shows via lottery drawings or in the aftermarket, well above retail price.

The custom knife market is cyclical as such other styles of knives are becoming sought after again.  The market for knives made with Damascus has seen more of a demand over the last few years.  This demand is across the board; hunters, fighters, bowies, sub-hilt fighters and; of course, folders.  Sub-hilt fighters and sub-hilt bowies are also gaining favor with collectors.  Hunters and fighters both in stock removal and forged blades are always in demand.

An interesting phenomenon has occurred in that the $1,000.00 price point for a custom knife has almost become common place.  The quality of these knives equates to the maker spending more time on each knife.  The more knives being sold at this price point equate to fewer available knives.  Across all custom knife market sectors, expensive materials have become more common place.  Collectors for the most part buy what they like.  I would suggest that you may want to do a little homework.  Understanding what materials cost and the extra costs associated with using these materials will go a long way to getting the very best value for your money.