I can see some buying customs from stores, but however the fun in buying custom knives is the waiting and the dialogue back and forth with the maker.
This part is probably one of the most important tasks for a smith, that he is able to speak to and discuss the knife with the customer. However Im a firm believer in letting the maker have free hands to make the knife.
My story with Bill:
When I first saw Colins suji I was stunned by its beauty. I wanted one the same way, however there is an unwritten rule on the forum that you cannot buy a relplica of another forum members knife. I contacted Bill 2 years ago asking about a knife. During that period we have had a lot of mails, and he has given me a lot of info and thoughts about the knife. I decided to order several from him, and just 2 months ago we changed one from san mai into dragon breath.
I have lots of wishes and some of these Bill said he would do or try to do. I know he got a lot of setbacks as my wishes was really hard to do. But he keeps me informed and I love getting mails from him. Last night I got some pics of our/his latest go at a knife in dragon breath, and I hope he wil share some pics of the knife with you, as far as I know its his first of this kind.....
Sneak peak in the early process of this knife:
Anyway I have 3 others in the making, but these 3 I hope to pick up personally maybe next year. I can wait for a long time. I have knives and the fun part is the waiting and the talking to Bill
Knowing Bill tried at least 20 times on the other knives makes em rather unique, and I know he will succeed, and then I will have knives that are truly masterpieces.
If you consider a knife from Bill, order one and start the fun part of talking and discussing knives with him. I consider the last 2 years to be really awesome, and when you finally get your knives they will mean a lot more to you than if you just bought it in a store....