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`Recommend a nice custom knife please

My mom passed away two weeks ago and I just got the inheritance check and would like to invest in my first true custom knife but I'm torn as to what to get, I'd like to get opinions from my friends here, what custom knife do you recommend? I prefer a larger knife, I think I would like a flipper, something with character and a beautiful design that is American made and has great quality. Please provide a link if you can. I don't want to spend a huge amount of money, $500-600 or so would be ideal. I was thinking of getting the Umnumzaan but I'm just not sure if I want to have that be the knife I get in honor of my mom, I'd like something a little more special. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Warmest Regards,

Michael

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on March 29, 2015 at 20:35

Yes, so sorry to hear about your mother my friend. I have two recomendations:

Ken Ericksen is a custom knimaker turning out some incredible knives. He makes to order knives and is a member here.
My other recommendtion is a a knife by Garrett Finney, also a member here. In his cae he will take any knife you choose and customize it according to your color, stone or other selection.

Both knifemakers have examples of work on their pages. Take a look and see what you think. I am sure others may have different choices for you as well.

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Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on March 29, 2015 at 21:25

Sorry for the loss of your mother, Michael.

I'll have to echo Steve's recommendations. I've been admiring kens designs for a long while.

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Permalink Reply by Michael A. Smith on March 29, 2015 at 22:09

Thanks guys, the question is can I afford them? Most of the knives on that website were over $1000, I can't afford those I'm afraid. Will our local guys be more affordable? Do they read the forums? Might they read this do you suppose? If you can drop a direct link to their pages here it'd help. It would be nice to get something from one of our own site members, that would be cool.

Regards,

Michael

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on March 30, 2015 at 12:37

Michael,

I too am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I would have to say with the style you prefer and the $ your talking about. try to find a Larry Pridgen folder

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Permalink Reply by Doug Thrower on March 30, 2015 at 14:57

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

Getting a custom knife is a very personal affair, everyone has a favorite maker or style. I like the work of Scott Matsuoka and Eric Ochs of Ochs Sherworx. Both these makes create elegant folders of a more modern styling.

Scott Matsuoka

Eric Ochs

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on March 30, 2015 at 15:10

Michael, if Ken Erickson can accomodate your budget, I would buy one of his-- Superb quality-- This is one of his I just drool over.-- Plus, who else has a fan base like this-LOL- This particular knife is a little pricey-- Repurposed Tortoise Shell lockback whittler-- Very difficult to make and make well-- Just shows his expertise !!

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on March 30, 2015 at 18:04

This gentleman makes a few nice flippers....not inexpensive but quite nice...http://richardrogersknives.com/

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on March 30, 2015 at 19:14

Michael,

There is a reasonable Tim Britton on this page you might like

http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/product-filter.aspx

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Permalink Reply by Michael A. Smith on March 30, 2015 at 20:27

I actually already own a Sebenza and it's awesome, but it is a production knife, I'm looking for something one of a kind. Checking out some of the suggestions now. Haven't made a decision yet though. :)

Regards,

Michael

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on March 30, 2015 at 20:47

Let us know when you decide?

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Permalink Reply by Michael A. Smith on March 30, 2015 at 22:33

Have to wait for the check the clear the bank then I can give it a bit of proper consideration. I also want to get an angel tattoo memorial for my mom.

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Permalink Reply by Alexander Noot on March 31, 2015 at 5:20

Tim Britton does some very nice knives for that pricerange. http://www.timbritton.com/

You might want to look into Will Zermeno if you can find any of his. They're pretty nice and don't run into the highest prices generally.

Other than that...I honestly wouldn't know. My tastes run pretty expensive (which it why I hardly buy anything at all).

Honestly, there was a time when $500 could buy you lots of stuff. But the current tactical market has gone a bit crazy and any newbie maker has the gall to ask $1000 for a simple titanium framelock recently it seems like.

I've a few tips on makers that I personally WOULDN't tangle with though.....let me know if you want to hear them.