I have been looking for an excuse to drop money into a custom knife.  
Here's my excuse, TJ came into our family Jan 17
 
Here's my idea.  I have always appreciated older things that are handed down, the mojo and stories that go with such things is hard to beat.  So while at work i thought up the idea of having a pair of matching custom knives made for myself and TJ.  I was thinking about having them made for his first hunting season years from now.  But then I thought this sounded better.  I will have two knives made this upcoming summer with our initials and date the knives were made on the blade.  I will then put TJ's away and let him see me using mine through the years to finish the end of many special occasions.  Then on the occasion of his first big game kill, present the knife to him at the kill sight and explain to him how these knives were made the year he was born.  Hope fully by waiting on his first big game kill he will be of age to really appreciate the moment.  Then  when I pass, hopefully he will take my knife and pass it on to his sons or daughters.  
I would like some input on knife makers I know there are a few on this sight.  Please share pics of your knives to help me get some ideas. I'm thinking of using American woods like Hickory or Walnut with Maple and some file work on the blades.  Also I'm thinking of spending $600 on the pair is this enough or do I need to dig a little deeper. Any and all info appreciated. Thanks Joe

Mods if this is in the wrong forum I apologize and feel free to move it.  Joe

Joe, that is an awesome plan you got there!! I'm the same way, I love the things that we can pass down to the young ones!

I'd look up Anderen Forge, Karl is a sponsor here. He has some mighty fine knives check them out. You'll need to talk to him on prices, he has some that fit your budget and if you up it some you'd have more choices. I have two of Karl's now (one pictured above) and they are tough, high quality pieces of art that will get handed down just like your planning.

some great talent around here, good luck on a really fine idea.

Great Idea! Lots of customs makers out there some even visit here!  Talks to several, look at their work, you find someone yea like and trust and you'll have a great knife to use and a great knife to pass on and hey your son can pass on granddads knife to his son....

Good luck hiding it from him all those years.My sons are like bloodhounds, they find everything I hide , even things that I forgot where I hid them.Congradulations on your boy.

Congrats on a beautiful, healthy baby boy!!!  I think it's a great idea you have!!  I know of 2 sponsors here that make great knives that are not only very efficient tools but are also works of art.  Resurrected Blades and Skullworks.  Best of luck you!

Beautiful family!      

That's a great idea you have there.  Be sure to check out what Doug Campbell has to offer.

Izzy I thought about that, so its going to have to go into a safety deposit box or something.  Joe

Yes, I have one of Doug's knives and another coming. Great stuff as well.

"Emmons" (Dave, he is a neighbor to you), who occasionally has stuff in the sponsor's classifieds makes some really nice stuff too....

Yes he does. Not sure where he is at, I did not know he was a sponsor here. CJ - Killingstuff has one of his knives - seen it at the Sweat nice knife. What does he go by as far as sponsor name, can't find anything under sponsors.

hunt it, there are lots of Associate Sponsors (me included) that don't get a link in the sponsor pull down.  If we don't have an add in the classifieds, no one knows we're here  

Beautiful family and and excellent idea!  My daughter was born Jan 7  

Congradulations on the baby boy    
You might give Kevin Evans a PM, his name on Tradgang is Rooster1. Kevin makes some fine knives. Enjoy all the time you can with TJ...time gets away.

What a cool idea!  You have some special times in your future, that's for sure, and that moment will be one of them.
Be sure to visit the knife makers forum here.  That's where a bunch of very talented knife makers hang out and they love to show their stuff.  You have time to decide, so enjoy the shopping!

I don't have any of Karl's blades but I'll second a vote for Doug Campbell and throw Jeff Springer's name into the ring too ("Tippit" here on Tradgang). Part of the fun of owning some really nice stuff is being able to gift it to my sons as they grow into them.

Lots of good smiths on here.  Watch the knife making section and when you see something you like send them a pm.  $600 will buy you two nice knives.

Excellent idea. Just wander on down to the knife crafters section you will see many accomplished makers there. Doug, Karl, Lin and a whole list of others that would certainly fit the bill. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Skippy