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Quest Custom Knives Planning for Eight New Models

October 2, 2018

Quest Custom Knives Owner and Founder Greg Goeckel has big plans for his shop in the coming years. He aims to grow it into a larger space and  started rolling out a lot of new designs.

Goeckel favors eye-catching, technical knives that are also smartly designed for actual use and carry. “The knives I make are tactical, but on the slim side,” he tells us. His ‘Gents’ series emphasizes easy carry while playing with three different blade shapes: a spear point, a tanto, and a wild shape Goeckel calls a ‘harpoon:’ a broad blade sporting a complex grind that adds tip strength and, of course, visual flair. “My goal was to take a big-bladed knife and fit it into a small handle,” Goeckel adds.

A mechanical background gave Goeckel an aptitude for efficiency and planning, such that today he can deliver his knives to customers in relatively short time frames. Instead of an order book backed up into 2020, receiving an knife from Goeckel can take less than a month. “It’s all about getting a custom knife into a customer’s hands in 3 – 5 weeks,” he tells us.

That efficiency should help Goeckel as he brings his business to the next level. He hopes to expand his shop and bring on additional help to start increasing output. This is just his fifth year in the business and third year full-time, but Goeckel has his sights set on becoming one of the top recognizable names in the knife world. “In the next 5 years I want to be a Todd Begg or a Rick Hinderer.”

The current Quest Custom Knives catalog contains ten different models, and Goeckel wants to nearly double that number by the spring of 2019. “I have about eight designs on the board.” Among the new models is a second collaboration with GTO Designs, with whom Goeckel produced the patented Kutzu folder. Most Quest knives land in the $400-$600 range, but Goeckel has been playing with ritzier materials and finishes too. “I’m crossing over into both markets and flattered to be able to do so.”

Quest Custom Knives began in 2013 when Goeckel built a knife for his father – a process that piqued his interest in making knives in general. He wasn’t steeped in the culture before then and his first brush with the community was an eye-opening experience. “I went to a local show and the whole custom world opened up to me. I had no idea people we’re doing this.” Goeckel saw modern custom folders and was completely wowed. He hasn’t looked back since. “When I first saw the tactical folders I thought: This is what I want to do.”

Knife featured in image: Quest Custom Knives Gents Harpoon

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