A Complete Custom Knives Shopping Guide

If you want gloves that fit like a glove, you can't purchase them from a Big Box store with rack after rack of the same item. If you are looking for a suit that looks like a million bucks, you don't buy it from a place with "warehouse" in the name. If you want a knife that is as much a piece of art as a functional tool, you should consider custom.

Whether you are looking to take your knife collection to the next level or simply seeking a way to have a knife exactly suited to your needs, custom knives are the way to go. Let's look at the world of custom knives.

What is Considered Custom?

First, it's essential to understand how the term custom applies to knives. Custom can mean paying a hefty price tag to have a bladesmith create something to your specifications. However, this isn't what most people mean when they refer to a custom knife. Instead, a custom knife typically refers to a one-of-a-kind piece.

With a custom knife, you are paying for extra time and attention from the maker. This is not a mass-produced item that can be made dozens or hundreds at a time. An expert sits down and crafts this knife as a one-of-a-kind item.

It's like buying an original painting rather than a print. Sure, the print may be beautiful and fill a space on your wall, but it will never look or feel the same as the original piece. With the original, you'll also never have to worry about someone walking into your living room and saying, "I have that same print." When you purchase a custom knife, you get attention to detail and a unique piece of craftsmanship.

Check out custom knives dealers to better understand what you get from this next-level knife. See what pieces they've acquired and have available. If you have a favorite knife shop, you can reach out to them and let them know what you are looking for. They can help you browse their collection or see if they know of the perfect knife to meet your needs.

Picking a Custom Knife

Here are a few ways to help narrow down your choices in your search for the ideal custom knife:

Determine your Budget

The craftsmanship and detail of a custom knife come at a price. Custom knife prices start in the hundreds and can go up to tens of thousands.

Before you begin shopping, decide how much you are willing to spend. Otherwise, you may fall in love with a knife beyond your budget. Not only can that cause disappointment, it will make it even harder to decide on a knife you can afford.

Avoid being haunted by the perfect one that got away because it was outside your budget. Set your price range and shop for knives at prices you are comfortable with.

Research Prices

Even if the knife you love is within your budget, there's no reason to overpay. Research prices on similar knives from other sellers to confirm the price of the knife you've fallen in love with is fair.

Resist the urge to throw caution to the wind and pay whatever someone asks. You want to not only find the perfect knife, but you want to find it at a fair price, too. That means researching similar pieces from the same brand to find comparable prices.

Select a Knife Type

Perhaps you are looking for an EDC knife that meets your needs, whether you are on an outdoor adventure or working in your garage. A custom Benchmade Bugout may be the way to go. If your sights are set on an OTF knife, that will narrow your list.

Perhaps you want something more unusual, like a folding cleaver. Knowing what type of knife you want will narrow the options enough to keep you from being overwhelmed.

Think About What You Have

If you love knives, it's easy to have your head turned by a beautiful piece, especially if it's reasonably priced. However, this can lead to buyer's remorse if you end up with something you won't use or doesn't fit in your collection.

To avoid regret, think about what you have and what you'd like to add. If your goal is to acquire as many models as possible from your favorite maker, look past that gorgeous specimen from another brand. If you only collect or use folding knives, resist the temptation of custom OTF knives for sale, regardless of a great price or a spectacular handle design.

Some people just like to collect beautiful knives or knives that they will find useful. That's a perfectly respectable way to choose your knives. But if your collection has a specific focus or you are looking for a knife to use for a set purpose, keep that in mind as you shop.

Look at Special Styling or Features

Custom knives allow knifemakers to have fun with styling and other details. That means you can find knives that speak to you and your interests.

• If you are a gun enthusiast, you may be tempted by a knife that reflects that hobby. Look for custom knives designed with gun-related styling.
• If you have a favorite color, seek options that come in your signature hue.
• Is this knife a gift to commemorate a special occasion? Something made the year someone enlisted in the Army would be the ideal gift for their retirement.

Have fun with the details and special treatments available in custom knives. Look for styling and details that make a knife perfect for you and your collection.

Custom knives allow you to access higher-quality pieces with the beauty and details of custom craftsmanship. Being thoughtful about your budget, needs, and interests can help narrow your choices. That will allow you to find the perfect knife to add to your pocket, outdoor kit, or collection.