All About Pocket Knives

Hi,
I appreciate the chance to introduce myself. I am a relatively new custom folder maker. At first, I wanted to design my own and be the next Jared Oeser, Birdvis, or Meades. But that didn't last long. A maker friend suggested taking apart an old knife and using it for a template. This approach proved much better for me. I've become enamored with the history and interesting patterns.

My current approach is a modern traditional using an existing knife as hard pattern or as inspiration built with modern steels, handle material. Here are a few pictures. Two trappers are currently for sale in the classifieds.

If you'd like to see what is new on the bench or build photos, please follow me at https://www.instagram.com/ashwinearl/
Very Respectfully,
Ashwin (logo is ashwinearl)

Wow! Nice work!

Good looking knives!
Treefarmer

Very nice examples sir, you're off with both feet running. I can't wait to see what else you're going to be bringing us, the world needs more traditional knife makers.

Nice looking knives!

May I suggest you put a link in your signature line to your AAPK store. That way you might get more sales from AAPK members.

Pretty knives!

I understand your time is valuable, but ypur prices are on par with high end Case or Gec, may I ask why they're so expensive?

Dullest_knife wrote: ↑Mon Jul 31, 2023 1:04 pm I understand your time is valuable, but ypur prices are on par with high end Case or Gec, may I ask why they're so expensive?

Hi, thank you for the question.

I think this question is more related to the typical price differential between a custom __insert here__ and a factory made __Insert here__. Whether it is pocket knives, fixed blades, guitars, wooden boxes, etc... It's recurring debate regarding pricing of hand-made custom pieces which in some aspects are not functionally better than a factory made. There is no right/wrong answer. really only what the market will bear. As a new maker, I am seeing that the market is not very interested in me .yet..I hope..! If you want sticker shock, look up a Luke Swenson custom slipjoint, or check out customs at Arizona Knife or Windy City Knives. I am on the low end.

With regards to how do I compare to a high-end case or GEC probably on par. Fit/finish, flushness in all three positions, walk/talk, smooth action, play in the blade... I think it's more rare for productions to have all these. Pull strength is subjective.

In the end, I think it for a customer's desire to have something hand made and unique compared to what is out there that are made in batches of 100's to 100,000s. These are hand made. My definition of that is my hands are on the piece during the build process except where it is unsafe (drilling, heat treating). I use a panto graph engraver so while technically not holding the piece, I am physically connected to it through the pantograph. But through almost every step my hands, heart, soul go into making this simple machine. While my designs are inspired/based typically on an existing pattern, they are unique in the end. The leather slip is handmade as well.

I'm not trying to sway you either way just giving my current opinion. I think I make a good product in a form/fit/function unlike what is available in production, and made with love/care. From price perspective, using other handmade custom slip joints as reference, I am on the lower side. In the end, I give away more than I sell because I just enjoy the challenge and making them. There is nothing like the sound of the walk/talk during the build process to keep me coming back.

Very respectfully,
Ashwin

I hope you know I was not trying to offend you just asking a question, and I understand that custom knives can range more expensive. I'm thinking maybe as your name becomes well known hopefully it does I'll be you know pulling for you for sure, I think it'll be so much easier to demand high prices. But I am a novice at best I've only been collecting knives 3 years maybe and basically case knives with the you know a few German knives and other known Brands. So if my question was offensive I promise you it wasnt meant to be. Make me a coke bottle large Coke bottle that is and I'd give you 200 bucks for it if the quality is on par with the ones you've shown.

Can you post a link or picture to a large cokebottle of interest. Any dimensions would be helpful, and handle scale desired.

I've want to make one, so this is motivation.

Nice looking knives. I wish I had the skill and patience to make one.

And the explanation of your pricing makes a lot of sense...thanks for answering that poster's question.

Production companies with assembly lines can churn out from dozens to thousands of knives per day.
A custom maker may only complete two or three knives per week. Time is money, as they say, and custom handmade knives take time.

It is easy to tell that you put your heart into your work. Both from the quality build, to the pricing. You can't quit your day job at this price point!

I agree with Rev, time is money, so I'd hold fast on your prices. I love your work, and will send you photos of a COKE BOTTLE tonight.


Talk to me about options for scales, stag, wood, etc etc etc
Talk to me about shields as well, is there one you prefer to work with, I like the bowtie or bomb.

502-706-185

Dullest_knife wrote: ↑Wed Aug 02, 2023 5:00 pm Talk to me about options for scales, stag, wood, etc etc etc
Talk to me about shields as well, is there one you prefer to work with, I like the bowtie or bomb.

502-706-185

For shields, I currently have the attached parser plates. A simple rectangle and this one might be the bomb. parser plates and there is another approach using 3d printed patterns for use with an engraver are investments I'm willing to make.

For handle materials, I've been using mainly synthetics like Micarta (canvas, paper, linen), G10, Richlite (a type of paper micarta using paper pulp). Primarily for cost and dimensional stability. My mentor is pushing me to get into stag, wood, and other natural materials and vintage micarta because that is what collectors are interested in.

I've used iron wood before, and he gave me some to try again. With woods and natural material like horn, bone, you have to source it from a reputable supplier with good stabilization processes. The other reason I've shied away from natural materials like stag is the smell when grinding. It is overpoweringly horrible.

V/r,
Ashwin

ashwinearl wrote: ↑Tue Aug 01, 2023 4:05 pm Can you post a link or picture to a large cokebottle of interest. Any dimensions would be helpful, and handle scale desired.

I've want to make one, so this is motivation.

Holy you don’t mind me jumping in here, Ashwin. You requested pictures of a large “coke bottle”, and this is one of the nicest I’ve seen. It is 5-1/4 inches closed length, probably over 100 years old, but fairly typical of the pattern. They were made by many different companies and at one time it was one of the most popular patterns. Here is a thread with several more made by Case. viewtopic.php?p=653108#p653108

Ken

This is a pattern my friend has I am going to scratch out on some liner material.

I’ll be interested to see what you come up with. I will say I’m not a fan of the shape of that clip blade though.

Ken

I agree, that clip is curved more than my liking.