I've never felt my current knife was lacking and it did what it was designed to do pretty good. Holds an edge well and fits my hand comfortably. Based on comments above, sounds like customs are more about flash and artistry than function. I've seen a few posts on the blade forum of folks that have custom knives that are afraid to damage them with use or lose them, so they keep them locked up and look at them periodically. That part I don't get.