Custom Made Piece

[Puncha]

I've recently contacted a custom knife maker through a middleman. I've known the middleman for years and so there's no question of unreliability. In any case, he tells me that the knife-smith specialises in using D2 steel and will make to most specifications....

Do you people have any suggestions on what blade shape, type, specification, features, edge configuration (rolled edge, chisel grind...etc) I should specify?

I'm thinking of ordering a clone of the Strider BT model, but only made in D2.

Any opinions are welcome and pictures would be helpful.

 

[hso]

If you don't tell us what you want it to do we can't help you. Remember that no one knife is good for everything so you have to decide what you intend this knife's primary and secondary roles to be.

 

[Puncha]

Opps...my bad...

PRIMARY intention: Self-Defense

This should be the kind of knife that one would be comforted to have in one's hand when confronted with 2 angry club wielding thugs intent on major physical harm.

Secondary use: SHTF utility

I intend to carry this knife together with a buck folder and an leatherman in a seperate pouch so utility is not an important consideration.

 

[Valkman]

Many makers already have models they sell - have you looked to see if he has models of combat/tactical knives? If not be aware of the laws where you live as even 4" is too big for a blade in alot of places. Trace Rinaldi makes some killer stuff ( I'm getting a LEO in stainless DamaSteel) and you can check out his website for ideas: http://www.thrblades.com/

 

[hso]

Ok, what style of self defense with a knife are you prone to use? Slash, hack, thrust, FMA, western? These will influence blade shape and length. Also, if you've got 2 angry guys with clubs you are almost SOL unless you spend this money you plan on putting into this custom knife into training instead.

 

[Don Gwinn]

If the maker is good, you'd be a lot better off asking him what he suggests and then making changes as you see a need. He should work with you.

This is why custom pieces cost more (and are worth more) than even very well-made factory pieces.

 

[Puncha]

Hso,

The style of combat i am used to is FMA. I have indeed invested time and money in training.

Valkman,

I envision a scenario of social disorder where local law enforcement cannot cope. Hence the consideration is not the legality of the length but the effectiveness of the blade.

To all,

I suggested the BT strider as a possible model to emulate as I originally wanted a strider but my local dealer said the wait time was too long. He suggested this custom maker who could make me something that suited me more closely and with a shorter wait time. Any other ideas for blade types ,shapes and length?

 

[hso]

Puncha,

FMA here also. I wouldn't pick the Strider BT for FMA though (no belly to the blade). Go though the first 4 strikes and thrusts of your family style and think about how the blade is cutting the opponent and think just how much curvature the blade needs to have to make the deep cuts you want to make. Add a sharpened clip or drop point to meet the belly of the blade either on the midline or just above and you've probably got the shape that will get the most effect for your training. Have the whole thing neutral for balance (on the guard) or 2 or 4 fingers forward depending upon whether you snap chop or not. Always include a screwdriver/pry/skull crusher sticking out of the grip.

If you want a secondary field knife capability thicken the blade material to 3/16 or 1/4.

For heaven's sake put a guard or integral guard on it as well. Bolt on some micarta scales with a palm swell and a shallow finger cut out. Make sure you've got choil space in front of your guard to wrap your index finger around the guard for fine control. Decide upon the blade length and you should have something that works for you.

 

[Valkman]

Valkman,

I envision a scenario of social disorder where local law enforcement cannot cope. Hence the consideration is not the legality of the length but the effectiveness of the blade.

Ahh, in that case I recommend a AR-15 and a 1911 and lots of ammo!

 

[AcesAndEights]

I'd try to find a nice bowie that you are comfortable with. If you dont know what you want, I wouldnt recommend having a custom made. Check out some production or semi-production bowie/fighting style knives. If you go with a bowie you re going to want some kind of guard like this model(custom by Rodrigo Sfreddo)



If you decide on a fighting or tactical fixed I would look at SOG's Seal and Seal Pup or Chris Reeves Green Beret knife. In either event good luck, hope you find something you like.