Not often I say this , but I agree with everything you just said Jim. And I'd like to let you know I've just discovered your Chanel and I love it. I had no idea who you were and within the last couple of years have really gotten into knives. I think your channels great , I love your videos, and you've definitely got some of the sweetest knives I've ever seen. Keep up the good work.
Good question. Rockstead calls them "Machine customs", what we would still call Mid-Tech. While the frames are milled automated, the blades are all done by hand after the blank is cut. Check out my unboxing vid (or maybe review part 1, I forget) where I discuss the laborious process in which they create the blades by hand. Also, all components are totally fit by hand as well. Classifications aside, I would put my Rockstead up against any full custom in the same price range.
Great video with some interesting arguments. What do you think about my favorite maker Jonathan McNees? he designs the knives, has his own water jet and part fabrication laboratory, He hires & trains a very small staff, and they all work together as a team. When you order a custom McBee from him, do you consider that a custom still? or a customized mcbee? since there’s no assurance that Jonathan did that jimping or anodizing, yet he works on quality assurance, and puts his own name on them. Definitely interesting thought experiments to be had. Thanks again.
Excellent question! Since you cannot have anything made to order, and there isn't one particular maker assembling the knife, it can't go into any custom category. They are still production knives, just a higher end of production IMO
good vid Jim. agree with most of what you said except coupel things. custom doesnt mean its customized/made to the customer requests. i love and respect Elliot, but me as a knifemaker, i will never want to make somebody elses knives, i want to make my knives, my designs, my ideas... and one thing i disagree with you is the outsourcing topic... so what makes the outsourcing of the handle and blade materials, screws different from outsourcing heat treat or waterjet?
Agreed Jim, especially on the Curtiss reference. I don't mind one iota that makers use cnc/waterjet especially if they are hand fitting/finishing the knife in fact modern machines make the fit and finish so much nicer.
I appreciate your levels of distinction. It is clear they spawn from a true recognition of the market and variance in high-end production. I am currently watching all of your videos, and will line up for a barely legal. (With a slight modification). Thanks for your time, and all the subjective opinion. I appreciate your perspective.
Jim what would you consider a John Grimsmo Norseman? He machines all his blades handles pocket clips and lockbar over travel disk from stock. Everything is done on the CNC except all the hand finishing (Which is loads) and the anodizing. He even machines his own bearings. The only thing he outsources is the Heat treating. Well from what I know of haah. And his brother is his partner in crime. So what do you think? Is it a HandMade Custom or just Custom?
Also where would Strider and Emerson fit? Both are Maker owned companies, have relatively small production batches and incorporate hand fitting. Emerson's, while being an older style of the folding knife, were replications of Ernest's customs (which now only differ intrinsicly with thicket liners).
I would like to know how you justify using CNC machines as being semi-custom instead of custom. I think that if you use, say a laser cutter, then as long as you were the one operating the machine, and you did the CAD design, then it is no different than using a grinder. To be clear, I like your 'hand-made custom' designation, and I have no problem with CNC disqualifying from that category, but I do think that as long as it is YOUR laser cutter, and you did all of the designing and pushed the start button, I would argue that it should still be considered custom.
Does Greg not edge all of the knives? That was my understanding...perhaps I am just misunderstanding what he says in his videos. Also...speaking of, love their work over there at MKT. Just picked up a Curtiss F3 as well...and oh man is it quite the knife.
would Chris Reeve Knives fall into that area between mid-tech and production, since they don't do anything made to order? Or are they just quiet about their made to order offerings?
Great vid...I think there are differences in production.There are production companies that incorporate hand fitting and hand grinding into their process. Benchmades (as the name inclines) attempts this. I have 3 BM Snody Gravitators and all of their blades are not interchangeable because each has it's own hand ground lockface . US produced knives (with the exception of Spyderco Taiwan) usually incorporate these processes that give them their high level of fit and finish and durability .
How would you classify John Grimsmo's Norseman? He does use waterjet for his handles and blades and most of his work is done on a CNC machine in his garage. But if you watch Knifemaking Tuesdays, you can see all of the work he alone puts into these. He makes pretty much everything in house right down to his own caged bearings. All of the fixtures for the CNC, programming, design and hand finishing are done by him or his brother. I find his knives to be very hard to label.
Great video! I'd have to agree with everything stated. Considering an F3 is a custom knife it's an absolute steel for what you pay. I would also through in a high-end production category, for example a ZT560CBCF. Made with more premium materials and a limited run knife.
Hi Jim. Great videos and very instructive. However, I'm not sure I agree with the mid tech classification of the Bodega if you have a limited edition version. Perhaps more semi-custom, and I understand that there is certainly machine work involved, but all supervised by Todd and his brothers. No? I do agree the lines are blurred as you say in the video.
Great Video - helps with intelligent buying. Thanks! Curious where you would place a brand like Fontenille Pataud - they make better than typical Laguioles ($200-300) and from their YT videos it looks like heat treating/forging/chasing and filing etc is all done in house by a fairly small number of employees. Also Lone Wolf, who had some great knives ca. 2005, like their Italian-made Loveless folders and USA made Harsey T1/T2/T3 folders. Finally, what about the custom knives sold through AG Russell (ie Dozier?), which can have a wait of several months? Good health to you and yours in '21.
IMHO Brian Tighe is a legit and truly a custom maker - I am not aware of anyone else assisting him , He has a mid-tech association with Tighe & Friends company
yes they are. On eBay they have been selling for $1700-$2400 (also buy it now pricing), and on the forums it is RARE to see on any lower over the last few weeks. Yes, I saw the lone $1400 piece a couple days ago too, but that one piece doesn't make me a liar...
Awesome video,thanks for the mentions. Love that Yuna, the curtis is really growing on me. I kinda want one. I def like it better than the XM. Awesome commentary as usual. All I know is, I like Handmade customs. People have different definitions for the "terms" I even go back and forth with what I beleive,but handmade will stay handmade. Thats what I try to collect.
Would Gavko and TuffThumbs be classified as Handmade-Mid-tech because they outsource the heat threat? I would consider Gav to be a custom maker who just doesn't have the machinery/funds to heat threat in house (literally).
What about emerson. If you contact Ernest and ask for things to be done on your knife it can be done, small things but still some stuff can be changed.
In Australia, if the maker is Not forging his/her own steel and shaping by hammer and anvil then it is not a hand made custom knife, any sort of "material removal" from a bar of steel is not considered in the same class(of custom knives) with a hand forged blade. It is rare for "custom" knifemakers to take direction/idea's in the making of a blade, more they make a knife to their idea's and if you like you can buy it. Aussie folders have to be outsourced for a lot of parts...
Im new to the knife world and what Im about to ask might seem like blasphemy but why is the fact that something was handmade considered to be better than being machine assembled? A machine would be far more precise than even the most skilled maker right? I get why a handmade knife would be more expensive but why is it preferred over a machined one?
its not just because it is hand made. its mostly because its one of a kind, made to your tastes, and offers so much more detail than typical production knives
Great video Jim, i like the classifications you use alot more than most. Cant wait for my ferrum forge that will probably the only video i ever make for youtube.
To me, "custom" means "just for me"- not another one like it. Time period doesn't mean much to me- Nick Woo made a knife for me with exactly the blade and handle I wanted in less than 2 weeks. Not another one on the planet like it. I've had my 1st knife, the Sanrenmu 710, "pimped" Would you consider it to be custom- made exactly the way I wanted it and all the pimping was done by hand? BTW a great, terrific vid.
I agree with what you say here but I thought under ken onions definition a mid tech still had to be put together by the maker. I am prolly wrong tho as I am still learning about knives.
My custom 228 is being built soon, so I'll let you know ;-) Also, All I did was help to expose the great work Ramon does... his work is what made him so big. Also the Wieners & Steel guys did a lot for his exposure as well! Everyone loves W&S!
I Marfione D,O,C, i goofed its a Lefty the photo showed right hand but small print said left hand so my stupidity . debating keeping it, we will see.. also a Sebenza (enigma) puzzle pattern reminds me of M.C Etcher drawings..
Actually you can make a custom order, right off their website. I consider CRK mid-tech. Not due to the traditional designation (outsourcing) because they do everything in-house, but because Chris Reeve himself does NOT touch every single knife.
+Adam Maultasch The same thing I called the Sun Tzu Kwaiken in the video... full production knife. Very clear distinction, it's made by Reate Knives, and both Reate and the Beggs call it a production knife. Todd does not grind the Kwaiken or Mini Bodega blades, so it cannot be a midtech.
Tony Marfione only grinds the bevel by hand and calls the entire knife a custom and jacks the price way up. Tony is the man but that bothers me a little. Ive stopped using the term mid-tech, what I use now is "Semi-Custom" part machine made part handmade.
Yea I thought Johns would be hard. I still think of them as full custom because he is literally a genius when it comes to programming that CNC of his. Also they spend hours handfinishin and anodizing each one. Another one I was thinking about is busse. Where would they fall under. From what I know it's only a team of a couple guys and they even make their own steel.
to me its little more simple. handground and fitted by the maker is custom, if it all done by makers hand then its 100% hand made custom, as soon as cnc machine touches the blade grind its midtech/production. not much difference between those two in reality except midtech is checked and sold by the smaller maker and production is huge company.
That's right, I forgot he brought that back in house! Jim, I would highly recommend you either check out John Grimsmo's TH-cam channel or if you get the chance, handle one. They are really amazing pieces!!!
At this point, no. It was intended to be a semi-custom or even a midtech, but Geoff is allowing full "sky is the limit" customizing, and is even reshaping blades and handles completely by hand. They began as water-jetted materials, but he has contoured and in some cases completely changed the shapes himself according to the customer's desires. They are now, at least these initial 20, full customs. Great question...
From my conversation with Mark Begg at Blade 5000 is super high plus Todd edges every knife to my understanding just like Greg and Rick do. I don't think adding the extra classifications really helps the debate but that's just me. You lose me on the F3 since they aren't one at a time or small batches.
Of course I don't deny that there is a difference between a black g10 Emerson linerlock and an anodized gunner grip framelock SMF ....there price point makes that clear....
Agreed. If Rick Hinderer were touching, at even some minute level, every 561 that came out of ZT, then it could be considered a Midtech. It may be at a midtech level of quality, but not a true midtech.
...as they are just not made or able to be bought (much of the bearings, pins, handle scales material etc have to come from the US) here. Even the blade steel has to sourced O/S, unless its forged. Waterjetting and Laser cutting has only just started coming out of industrial only use for makers to use. Due to the fact that there are No full time makers in Aus, using Tech is the only way makers have time to make folders here. Otherwise a great vid Jim, u makes some top points, best wishes
I call mine Behemoth. But I do mine start to finish by me. Heat treat too. For awhile we were calling ourselves "soul author knife makers". Bit I don't hear that term anymore.
So, the dirrware. 700$ is, for me, a ton of money for any knife. From watching your videos and the over built godliness of it, I would drop that amount of money because it seems like a better deal than some of the others out there that can be twice as much. The wait doesn't really bug me, I'm fairly patient. I liked your explanations of these terms a lot. Good stuff
Mr. Skelton, Thank you for the video. I agree 100% with the classification system you described . Very helpful .I will now use It as LAW. Thanks... Mike (TOOZ)
Nothing I have to say really matters but imho your spot on all the way around. And for the most important thing there should be a in between custom and midtech. But that's just one man's opinion. Well I guess two yours and mine as well. Cheers.
he could for sure afford a radio show, lol. ---- To Jim, Please do a quick vid for me, where you just show ALLLLL of your knifes, you don't need to talk about them, just have them all open and pick them all up, close up, and then put back down.
Yes I second that! Check out his channel to see how much work goes into each one. For the price their outstanding. Or maybe you know buy one.. And show us :P
As long as I have some kind of input on the knife being made, and its made by the person who's name or logo is on the knife. Anything other than that, at this point of my knife purchasing or collecting, I won't be interested in..save for Todd Begg.
Just about every knife maker uses a surface grinder.You set that machine up,put it on auto and stand back and watch.Is this knife now a mid tech?I think not!
Hard to say because I haven't held one and don't for certain how he makes them. As I understand it, he does all the work, but they are almost entirely machine made. Definitely not handmade custom, I might put that into semi-custom honestly.
I disagree with your definition of a "custom knife". I don't understand why people feel the knife industry is exempt from other industries. A production knife is a knife that was part of a "production", or a line. When a maker creates 5 knives in a row, even if tailored to individuals, is not a custom knife. On the other hand, if a knife is created by a maker without consulting any customer, it can still be a custom knife...
The top tier is called Sole Author Custom, meaning the maker personally makes the screws, the damascus, etc.
Not often I say this , but I agree with everything you just said Jim. And I'd like to let you know I've just discovered your Chanel and I love it. I had no idea who you were and within the last couple of years have really gotten into knives. I think your channels great , I love your videos, and you've definitely got some of the sweetest knives I've ever seen. Keep up the good work.
Good question. Rockstead calls them "Machine customs", what we would still call Mid-Tech. While the frames are milled automated, the blades are all done by hand after the blank is cut. Check out my unboxing vid (or maybe review part 1, I forget) where I discuss the laborious process in which they create the blades by hand. Also, all components are totally fit by hand as well. Classifications aside, I would put my Rockstead up against any full custom in the same price range.
Great video with some interesting arguments. What do you think about my favorite maker Jonathan McNees? he designs the knives, has his own water jet and part fabrication laboratory, He hires & trains a very small staff, and they all work together as a team. When you order a custom McBee from him, do you consider that a custom still? or a customized mcbee? since there’s no assurance that Jonathan did that jimping or anodizing, yet he works on quality assurance, and puts his own name on them. Definitely interesting thought experiments to be had. Thanks again.
Excellent question! Since you cannot have anything made to order, and there isn't one particular maker assembling the knife, it can't go into any custom category. They are still production knives, just a higher end of production IMO
good vid Jim. agree with most of what you said except coupel things. custom doesnt mean its customized/made to the customer requests. i love and respect Elliot, but me as a knifemaker, i will never want to make somebody elses knives, i want to make my knives, my designs, my ideas... and one thing i disagree with you is the outsourcing topic... so what makes the outsourcing of the handle and blade materials, screws different from outsourcing heat treat or waterjet?
Agreed Jim, especially on the Curtiss reference. I don't mind one iota that makers use cnc/waterjet especially if they are hand fitting/finishing the knife in fact modern machines make the fit and finish so much nicer.
I appreciate your levels of distinction. It is clear they spawn from a true recognition of the market and variance in high-end production. I am currently watching all of your videos, and will line up for a barely legal. (With a slight modification). Thanks for your time, and all the subjective opinion. I appreciate your perspective.
Jim what would you consider a John Grimsmo Norseman? He machines all his blades handles pocket clips and lockbar over travel disk from stock. Everything is done on the CNC except all the hand finishing (Which is loads) and the anodizing. He even machines his own bearings. The only thing he outsources is the Heat treating. Well from what I know of haah. And his brother is his partner in crime.
So what do you think? Is it a HandMade Custom or just Custom?
Also where would Strider and Emerson fit? Both are Maker owned companies, have relatively small production batches and incorporate hand fitting. Emerson's, while being an older style of the folding knife, were replications of Ernest's customs (which now only differ intrinsicly with thicket liners).
I would like to know how you justify using CNC machines as being semi-custom instead of custom. I think that if you use, say a laser cutter, then as long as you were the one operating the machine, and you did the CAD design, then it is no different than using a grinder. To be clear, I like your 'hand-made custom' designation, and I have no problem with CNC disqualifying from that category, but I do think that as long as it is YOUR laser cutter, and you did all of the designing and pushed the start button, I would argue that it should still be considered custom.
Does Greg not edge all of the knives? That was my understanding...perhaps I am just misunderstanding what he says in his videos. Also...speaking of, love their work over there at MKT. Just picked up a Curtiss F3 as well...and oh man is it quite the knife.
Yeah, that's what he is focusing on this year (or was before he lost everything in the tragic tornado), but I really want a Tunnel Ratt
I love your videos, I have learned so much from you. Thank you for all the time that goes into them.
Dude, you ought to have a radio show.... Always good stuff when I tune in to your channel.
would Chris Reeve Knives fall into that area between mid-tech and production, since they don't do anything made to order? Or are they just quiet about their made to order offerings?
Great vid...I think there are differences in production.There are production companies that incorporate hand fitting and hand grinding into their process. Benchmades (as the name inclines) attempts this. I have 3 BM Snody Gravitators and all of their blades are not interchangeable because each has it's own hand ground lockface . US produced knives (with the exception of Spyderco Taiwan) usually incorporate these processes that give them their high level of fit and finish and durability .
How would you classify John Grimsmo's Norseman?
He does use waterjet for his handles and blades and most of his work is done on a CNC machine in his garage. But if you watch Knifemaking Tuesdays, you can see all of the work he alone puts into these. He makes pretty much everything in house right down to his own caged bearings. All of the fixtures for the CNC, programming, design and hand finishing are done by him or his brother. I find his knives to be very hard to label.
Great video! I'd have to agree with everything stated. Considering an F3 is a custom knife it's an absolute steel for what you pay. I would also through in a high-end production category, for example a ZT560CBCF. Made with more premium materials and a limited run knife.
Ok. Makes sense. Are you going to nycks next week ?? Going to head there myself. Hope to see you and meet you finally
You da man Suppa! I'm crazy addicted to your videos.
LOL! Glad to help. What did you get?
Great vid as usual! Where would you put the Division?
Jim, have you heard of Dwaine Carillo knives?
Hi Jim. Great videos and very instructive. However, I'm not sure I agree with the mid tech classification of the Bodega if you have a limited edition version. Perhaps more semi-custom, and I understand that there is certainly machine work involved, but all supervised by Todd and his brothers. No? I do agree the lines are blurred as you say in the video.
Great Video - helps with intelligent buying. Thanks! Curious where you would place a brand like Fontenille Pataud - they make better than typical Laguioles ($200-300) and from their YT videos it looks like heat treating/forging/chasing and filing etc is all done in house by a fairly small number of employees. Also Lone Wolf, who had some great knives ca. 2005, like their Italian-made Loveless folders and USA made Harsey T1/T2/T3 folders. Finally, what about the custom knives sold through AG Russell (ie Dozier?), which can have a wait of several months? Good health to you and yours in '21.
BTW awaiting delivery of a new Hinderer XM-24 and I agree with your placement based on your videos...hoping that bears out in the flesh...
@jim Skelton can you do a vid on your edc\knife box and setup? Thanks
I would love to see some more of your production knives.
What would classify a Gold class Benchmade, or a shot show Ltd BM Onslaught?
Would you consider the Gen 4 XM-18's midtechs? Or full production?
Whats your opinion on Brian Tighe? Custom or not?
IMHO Brian Tighe is a legit and truly a custom maker - I am not aware of anyone else assisting him , He has a mid-tech association with Tighe & Friends company
So the rockstead shin would be a production knife right I'm wondering because as far as I know u can't really custom order 1 or can u ???
Jim, are you familiar with Dwaine Carillo knives?
yes they are. On eBay they have been selling for $1700-$2400 (also buy it now pricing), and on the forums it is RARE to see on any lower over the last few weeks. Yes, I saw the lone $1400 piece a couple days ago too, but that one piece doesn't make me a liar...
Awesome video,thanks for the mentions. Love that Yuna, the curtis is really growing on me. I kinda want one. I def like it better than the XM. Awesome commentary as usual. All I know is, I like Handmade customs. People have different definitions for the "terms" I even go back and forth with what I beleive,but handmade will stay handmade. Thats what I try to collect.
hey the most brilliant minds are a bit loopy,love your vids Jim and thanx for taking time out to comment bro !!
Would Gavko and TuffThumbs be classified as Handmade-Mid-tech because they outsource the heat threat? I would consider Gav to be a custom maker who just doesn't have the machinery/funds to heat threat in house (literally).
What about emerson. If you contact Ernest and ask for things to be done on your knife it can be done, small things but still some stuff can be changed.
no. emerson is not considered custom.
***** Are you talking about the typical production models or the custom ti bolster/micarta scales versions?
well i guess any knife maker can be considered a custom if the maker puts hands on, however "in general" Emersons are not custom
In Australia, if the maker is Not forging his/her own steel and shaping by hammer and anvil then it is not a hand made custom knife, any sort of "material removal" from a bar of steel is not considered in the same class(of custom knives) with a hand forged blade. It is rare for "custom" knifemakers to take direction/idea's in the making of a blade, more they make a knife to their idea's and if you like you can buy it. Aussie folders have to be outsourced for a lot of parts...
Im new to the knife world and what Im about to ask might seem like blasphemy but why is the fact that something was handmade considered to be better than being machine assembled? A machine would be far more precise than even the most skilled maker right? I get why a handmade knife would be more expensive but why is it preferred over a machined one?
its not just because it is hand made. its mostly because its one of a kind, made to your tastes, and offers so much more detail than typical production knives
i find custom knives are always tacky and excessive
Opinion Jim on John Gimsmo's Norseman please ?
Great video Jim, i like the classifications you use alot more than most. Cant wait for my ferrum forge that will probably the only video i ever make for youtube.
To me, "custom" means "just for me"- not another one like it. Time period doesn't mean much to me- Nick Woo made a knife for me with exactly the blade and handle I wanted in less than 2 weeks. Not another one on the planet like it. I've had my 1st knife, the Sanrenmu 710, "pimped" Would you consider it to be custom- made exactly the way I wanted it and all the pimping was done by hand? BTW a great, terrific vid.
did you see the field issue bodegas?
What is they knife called
I agree with what you say here but I thought under ken onions definition a mid tech still had to be put together by the maker. I am prolly wrong tho as I am still learning about knives.
Hey man who are your top ten favorite makers?
whats your thoughts on Ramon Chaves 228 midtech, every thing i read is you put him on the map with a review of his custom.
My custom 228 is being built soon, so I'll let you know ;-) Also, All I did was help to expose the great work Ramon does... his work is what made him so big. Also the Wieners & Steel guys did a lot for his exposure as well! Everyone loves W&S!
I Marfione D,O,C, i goofed its a Lefty the photo showed right hand but small print said left hand so my stupidity . debating keeping it, we will see.. also a Sebenza (enigma) puzzle pattern reminds me of M.C Etcher drawings..
I would love to see you review one of his scouts or cobras!
For similar price, would you rather get a expensive mid-tech or a cheap custom?
Actually you can make a custom order, right off their website. I consider CRK mid-tech. Not due to the traditional designation (outsourcing) because they do everything in-house, but because Chris Reeve himself does NOT touch every single knife.
Also John will do custom heat anodizing and custom engraving.
What would you call the new mini bodega. Production or mid tech
+Adam Maultasch The same thing I called the Sun Tzu Kwaiken in the video... full production knife. Very clear distinction, it's made by Reate Knives, and both Reate and the Beggs call it a production knife. Todd does not grind the Kwaiken or Mini Bodega blades, so it cannot be a midtech.
Good to know. I knew he did do a lot, but wasn't 100% sure if he sharpened every knife though
Tony Marfione only grinds the bevel by hand and calls the entire knife a custom and jacks the price way up. Tony is the man but that bothers me a little. Ive stopped using the term mid-tech, what I use now is "Semi-Custom" part machine made part handmade.
Actually, Dave does do small runs and one-offs. As exhibited by my two F3s.
Yea I thought Johns would be hard. I still think of them as full custom because he is literally a genius when it comes to programming that CNC of his. Also they spend hours handfinishin and anodizing each one.
Another one I was thinking about is busse. Where would they fall under. From what I know it's only a team of a couple guys and they even make their own steel.
I find the knives that you show case to be big bulky and thus not very attractive to me. Do you have in your collection more refined knives?
Where do gavko and tuffthumbz come in this?
to me its little more simple. handground and fitted by the maker is custom, if it all done by makers hand then its 100% hand made custom, as soon as cnc machine touches the blade grind its midtech/production. not much difference between those two in reality except midtech is checked and sold by the smaller maker and production is huge company.
That's right, I forgot he brought that back in house!
Jim, I would highly recommend you either check out John Grimsmo's TH-cam channel or if you get the chance, handle one. They are really amazing pieces!!!
How about my lucas burnley kwaiken with moku ti amd damascus ?
hmm... so the Tuff Tanic is a semi-custom?
At this point, no. It was intended to be a semi-custom or even a midtech, but Geoff is allowing full "sky is the limit" customizing, and is even reshaping blades and handles completely by hand. They began as water-jetted materials, but he has contoured and in some cases completely changed the shapes himself according to the customer's desires. They are now, at least these initial 20, full customs. Great question...
What a about a pimped out production knife what would you call that
modded knife?
From my conversation with Mark Begg at Blade 5000 is super high plus Todd edges every knife to my understanding just like Greg and Rick do. I don't think adding the extra classifications really helps the debate but that's just me. You lose me on the F3 since they aren't one at a time or small batches.
Me: Hey todd Jim Skeleton told me you could *insert insane midtech request*
Would love to hear his responce xD
Of course I don't deny that there is a difference between a black g10 Emerson linerlock and an anodized gunner grip framelock SMF ....there price point makes that clear....
Agreed. If Rick Hinderer were touching, at even some minute level, every 561 that came out of ZT, then it could be considered a Midtech. It may be at a midtech level of quality, but not a true midtech.
...as they are just not made or able to be bought (much of the bearings, pins, handle scales material etc have to come from the US) here. Even the blade steel has to sourced O/S, unless its forged. Waterjetting and Laser cutting has only just started coming out of industrial only use for makers to use. Due to the fact that there are No full time makers in Aus, using Tech is the only way makers have time to make folders here. Otherwise a great vid Jim, u makes some top points, best wishes
Actually Gregg does do surface grinding in house now.
Great video. Thank you.
Those are some of the most best looking knives I ve ever seen .
Is a Sebenza therefore a Mid-Tech?
Heck no!
It is a gray area. If Chris Reeve touched it then it is semi custom. If not then it is a midtech.
Chris Reeve are production knives
I call mine Behemoth. But I do mine start to finish by me. Heat treat too. For awhile we were calling ourselves "soul author knife makers". Bit I don't hear that term anymore.
So, the dirrware. 700$ is, for me, a ton of money for any knife. From watching your videos and the over built godliness of it, I would drop that amount of money because it seems like a better deal than some of the others out there that can be twice as much. The wait doesn't really bug me, I'm fairly patient. I liked your explanations of these terms a lot. Good stuff
Great video, thank you for the classifications. It is greatly appreciated.
Mr. Skelton, Thank you for the video. I agree 100% with the classification system you described . Very helpful .I will now use It as LAW. Thanks... Mike (TOOZ)
Absolutely. Big fan.
yeah that makes a lot of sense.
Thanks, I appreciate your reply.
They each do production, midtech and customs actually.
Nothing I have to say really matters but imho your spot on all the way around. And for the most important thing there should be a in between custom and midtech. But that's just one man's opinion. Well I guess two yours and mine as well. Cheers.
yea Johns stuff is hard to classify but just so you know he dosnt even waterjet his handles anymore
Certainly a custom, no doubt. And a highly desirable one at that!!! LMK if you ever feel like parting with it ;-)
he could for sure afford a radio show, lol.
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To Jim, Please do a quick vid for me, where you just show ALLLLL of your knifes, you don't need to talk about them, just have them all open and pick them all up, close up, and then put back down.
Eric's last name is Tullis, not Direware. Silly ;)
Elliot is the man, great vid. Kinda agree with some stuff i feel ify.
Nice video as always
Great vid. I agree with most of your points.
Excellent presentation. I have a Brous Silent Soldier flipper. From your explication, I can assume that I also have a custom knife. Thank you.
mrmaxx4400 The Silent Soilder flipper is actually considered a midtech, not a custom.
Yes I second that! Check out his channel to see how much work goes into each one. For the price their outstanding. Or maybe you know buy one.. And show us :P
Agreed, if that was the case nearly all spydercos would be midtechs
As long as I have some kind of input on the knife being made, and its made by the person who's name or logo is on the knife. Anything other than that, at this point of my knife purchasing or collecting, I won't be interested in..save for Todd Begg.
Just about every knife maker uses a surface grinder.You set that machine up,put it on auto and stand back and watch.Is this knife now a mid tech?I think not!
I know 2 people who forge their blades, excluding myself. Dave Lisch and Tom Ferry.
Hmmm...good point.
Hard to say because I haven't held one and don't for certain how he makes them. As I understand it, he does all the work, but they are almost entirely machine made. Definitely not handmade custom, I might put that into semi-custom honestly.
I disagree with your definition of a "custom knife". I don't understand why people feel the knife industry is exempt from other industries. A production knife is a knife that was part of a "production", or a line. When a maker creates 5 knives in a row, even if tailored to individuals, is not a custom knife. On the other hand, if a knife is created by a maker without consulting any customer, it can still be a custom knife...
i love that yuna
Plus, he just dropped it $200 to bring it down to $1450...