Some customs have quality, beauty, & good ergonomics no doubt. But that stamp on the blade accounts for a good chunk of the price. The prestige of ownership drives a lot of the desire to pay extra, not better steels.
A knife maker has no access to better S30V than the corner job shop does. Order from a reputable co. like Crucible or Carpenter & you'll get the best available. Same goes with the quality of work done at a reputable heat treat facility, which by the way will generally have a lot better equipment & work under more & consistent controlled conditions than the custom maker performing the role in his shop.
Edit, slow typing & not seeing 3-5 post before I entered in case I repeated or otherwise, some posters.
Last edited by gunzo; 10/28/19.
