The KNIVES 2024 publication is out! On pages 16-21 of this 44th edition, Les has written about several Eastern European Knife makers offering value-priced knives.

Overpriced knives led him to research who was making custom knives, both in the US and worldwide, with good value. After saving photos on social media, he discovered many of the makers whose knives he found interesting were from Eastern Europe. Much like in the US, prices ranged from reasonable to extreme.

He contacted well over a hundred makers asking questions about materials, construction techniques, pricing, sheaths, and additional photos. Here are a few knife makers that stood out…Maksim Tjulpin of Latvia; and Piotr Gosciniak of Poland. Although there are challenges working with international makers, their work offers quality for the money.