Boy, I wish that I were like the average forum poster, here on the CKD. I see postings with all the big names (Scagel, Fowler, Fisk, Shadley, etc.), and dream of what I would do with the money spent on those names.

But, my budget won't allow it. In fact, I won't allow it. I collect knives for anywhere from $100.00 to $475.00 (the most that I've paid yet), and I'm quite satisfied with the quality of the work.

My question to you is this: If you were going to a show with $200.00 in your pocket, what would you buy?

I pose the question to you, and heck, maybe even ask you to try it out. There's a lot of young and relatively "unknown" makers that are doing top-notch work, and selling at reasonable prices.

I have seen some fabulous work, at a decent price, by Chuck Hawes (great damascus), Melvin Dunn (great hunting knives), Mark Hazen (one of our very own!), and others.

Oh, by the way, the $475.00 that I spent on a knife was a Journeyman Smith bowie by Keith Kilby. #5 of a series, I believe, with tiger maple scales and the original sheath.

$200.

I would have to go see Wayne Hendrix or Geno Denning.
Pick up a fine hunter and have a considerable amount of money left over.

Regards,
Mike Snody

I would have to take a serious look at Roberto and Ricardo Lala of Cutelaria Korth and Mauricio Dobruski. These makers offer a lot of "bang for the buck".

as a collector, I tend to purchase a lot of knives in the same range as you mention although I do have some at $100 and others in the $3K range.

In the $200 range, point to www.horn-net.com/hmoeller/ (http://www.horn-net.com/hmoeller/)

I own and have owned an number of Harald's knives over the past 21 years of collecting and all are wonderfully created knives.

During the past 4 months, we have travelled the US on a knife show safari and after attending 6 shows, we have now returned home.

Knifemakers I thoroughly recommend are

Brett Bennett bc271@qwest.net or 307-432-0985
1922 Morrie Ave. Cheyenne, WY 82001

Rob Hudson Robscustomknives@aol.com 570-473-9588
340 Roush Rd. Northumberland, PA 17857

Murray Carter www.m-carter-cutlery.com

Tough question. I like the knives in that price range from Larry Mensch. I have a couple of his knives and I'm thrilled with what he did.



http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1509544&a=13619560&p=55888804

and the ones that the Richardson family make.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1509544&a=13619560&p=54736912

i agree with Mike
i own knives from both makers and have brought Hendrix knives for friends of mine to use in tge fields. you would be hard press to find a better value for your money.

I agree, Wayne Hendrix gives a lot of knife for the money. Bill King is another.

Go to the main site and pull the listings in each subcategory for the less than $300 range ... there's some top notch pieces in there, for sure!

Alex

What would you be looking for in a knife in the $200 dollar range? What materials? Hardware?

My hunters are diff tempered 1094, stabilized burl, stainless fittings and pouch sheath runs about $125-175.

Too much?

Will

Will,you probably would be looking for the same thing as something in the $500 range.Materials can run up the cost with things like MOP or Damascus,but there are alot of simple no frills knives selling between $200-$1000. Quality, reputation and luck all have a part in the equation.Having not seen your work, I don't know if your prices may be high,but the question is are you selling them at that price?If you are selling everything you make you may consider raising your prices,if not you may have to drop.Your customers determine your prices.My knives are similar to yours in construction and my prices run $75-$200.Most average at $125.Pricing is never going to be easy to calculate.It does however make for interesting conversation.Dave

Another vote for Murray Carter here! I just purchased a beautiful wharncliffe and ironwood neck knife made by Murray for $155. This knife easily is THE sharpest knife that I own, the edge is much better than some $500+ customs I have!

If you're into custom tactical folders, I highly recommend Mike Obenauf. For those who do not know, Mike is Kit Carson's son-in-law and is being mentored by Kit. Mike's prices are in the $350 range. With the quality of his knives, they look and feel like $450 folders! He maybe a relatively new maker but he's already turning them out like a pro. Considering the fact that a good custom tactical folder today is in the $400 - $600 range, Mike's knives are a deal, especially when you factor in workmanship.

Will, could I have your mailing address? Thanks!

Turk,

I'd be glad to, BUT, I'm in Kosovo for awhile. I probably won't be finishing a knife until sometime mid Summer. :lol: I've asked, they won't let me setup a forge over here... Something about fire, safety and producing weapons, go figure. :rolleyes:

If you're still interested, give me a holler at will46r@aol.com

Will
Legionaire for Pax America

Turk...
I accidentaly deleted your email before I could read it.. Too much coffee and not enough sleep. :lol:

Please resend it to the same addy.
Thanks,
Will
Legionaire for Pax America