ltwguns.com

There is a lot of talk on the 'net about "custom" knives. By definition, a custom knife is a knife made to your specifications, one at a time.

This is a bit different from a handmade knife.

A maker can make 300 of the same knife by hand (or aided by machine), but that does not make the knife "custom". It is also a bit different than a "customized" knife as well. Custom knives are one of a kind, or are not really "custom".

This is a "custom" knife. I ordered it from a maker who heated the steel (W-2)in a forge, pounded it to shape, heat treated it by hand, tempered it numerous times and made the fittings of his own damascus. After finishing to a 2000 grit finsh, he then sculpted the handle and made the sheath. All "by hand". It is exactly what I specified-not picked from a catalog or off a makers table. The maker is Russ Andrews II. He has been making knives for 30+ years and makes very few knives per year. You will wait 3-5 years for him to make one for you.

This is a custom knife.

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"The most effective armor is to keep out of range"-Italian proverb

CHECK OUT MY CUSTOM 1911 BLOG
http://thearsenalofdemocracy.blogspot.com

amazing.

Now that's how a knife should look like... Congrats Anthony

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"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" Gandhi

Mr. Lombardo,
I completely agree with your definition of "custom".
It is a term that has lost it's meaning and has been used as a substitue for "hand-made", which as you pointed out is not the same.
I have had this polite argument with a few other holster-makers.
If it is not made EXACTLY to the client's specs, then it is not custom.
If a customer wants a certain design of holster with a deviation from standard cant, or with a thumb-break, and is told by the maker it is not available that way, then it is not a custom holster; I don't care how many hand-hours went into it.
Sorry, I'll get off my soap-box now...

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http://www.garritysgunleather.com
"He who works with his hands is a labourer, he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman, he who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist."
(St Francis of Assisi)

That is one beautiful knife....

Yep, I'd say so. Beautiful.

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Sic Semper Tyrannis

Congratulations! that is a beautiful knife

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****Good Shooting****
jebsr

I agree to a point , but a maker who does something one off is still making a custom , it may not be what a CUSTOMer ordered but it is still custom none the less.
I see so much debate over what is a custom knife and what isn't , but what I see are items that won't ever be used , therefore are they truely a knife at all ?

Either way that is a great one you have there. Purfect , there are so many fine details on that , even as purfect as Coops picts are , I bet in person it is even more awesome than the picts can show.

His damascus rivals any other I have seen.

And his sheath work is excellent as well. 100% sole authorship...well done !!

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you can be the door or the door knocker , the choice is yours.

superb! an awesome example of sole-authorship work at the top of its game

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Thanks very much,
Robert (13.45)
NRA Benefactor Life member

Russ does some of the cleanest work out there, bar none. Excellent example.

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www.mattlamey.com

Knifes I would be scared to use are not something that usually interests me (scared to use as they are too beautiful) BUT that is beautiful, that is really something I want! I would just enjoy drewling over that on a regular basis.

I like how if you really had to you could use it and not feel too bad as the blade is not damascus (do people really use damascus knives??)

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Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun
"You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman

Russ' work is AWESOME!!! This is one of his nicer pieces.

If you ever grow tired of this one, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Beautiful knife.

Anthony, you seem to have mighty fine taste in firearms and knives!

Very Attractive Knife.

I have seen this "Custom" debate on just about every site (knife, gun, car.. etc). I think it is a matter of context and perspective.

I have messed with "Custom" knives for a few years now. Bought my first Carson in Tulsa at a gun show (a small model 4 with green micarta scales..nothing fancy but very useful...still my EDC), ordered my next 5 directly from him (the wait was worth it). While I did not order the model 4 directly from Kit, someone most likely did, thus it was a true custom (to the original customer and now to me).

Have my first "Custom" 45 on the way (a YoBo 1*). Bought it second hand (again a custom to the original owner and now to me).

Now I have a "custom" holster ordered. I never knew there was so much to consider since I have never "ordered" one before. Thanks to Mark's patience I finally figured out what I wanted (and am anxiously awaiting its arrival). If I ever sell it (not likely) won't it still be a "custom"?

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"Chance favors the prepared mind"
-Louis Pasteur

Excellent! The term 'Gentlemans Bowie' came to while looking at the images. Thank you for sharing.

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Regards,
Will M.

Member: NRA (Life) - ORPA (Life) - GSSF (Life) - OFCC (Annual) - Buckeye Firearms Association (Annual)

Being second hand does not determine custom. I agree with Mr Garrity. I searched every for every holster maker I could find. I read web sites till my eyes went blurry. I can't tell you how many "custom" holster makers will not do certain things. I think the only limitation should be safety. Putting after market parts on a gun does not truly make it custom. This knife is a perfectly beautiful example of custom. Mr Garrity's approach to custom is why I am waiting on two holsters from him!
Again very beautiful knife!!