Ordering a Custom Knife

Rules of thumb for commissioning a knife - learned from both sides of the table.

Over the years I have had many knives made for me; as a maker, I sold knives off my table at shows and took a few orders a year. Here is what both sides of that experience taught me.

Deposits

If ordering a standard model, it is a good idea not to give more than a 25% deposit - sufficient for the maker to purchase the materials with some money left over. With a one-of-a-kind knife I have put down 50%, and in rare instances paid the knife off prior to receipt. This is not a good practice! Many knifemakers have gotten into trouble this way: it is a great temptation to use the knife payment for personal needs, and once the money is spent, the maker often feels like he or she is working for nothing - no money arrives on delivery because it was paid already. Multiplied across countless orders, a maker can really get buried.

A cautionary tale

I experienced the negative side as a buyer early in my collecting career. I waited years for an ordered knife that I had paid for in full, only to have it arrive and not be happy with the finished product. After sending the piece back and waiting another year, the knife was delivered - still not a great piece, but after all the hassle, I kept it. Many makers have stiffed buyers after getting the money up front. May the buyer beware!

Buying from stock

Many makers have knives in stock, immediately available, and most will give a period in which you can return the knife if you are not happy. As long as the maker has a sound reputation, I have no problem paying up front for an in-stock piece - my own policy was a full refund (minus shipping) within 30 days of receipt in as-new condition.

One more tip: if you want to supply some of the materials for the knife being made, ask the maker at the outset whether a discount applies - so there are no surprises at delivery and payment time.