A Bounty of Borry, a Cornucopia of Compare

[varga49]

You're right it is even better!


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[Onedog]

Does anyone know about this knife roll? I can tell it's not waxed But it does hold a lot of blades and I need a couple. Where and how much?


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Fiddleback Outpost has some of the Badgerclaw Leatherworks waxed ones in stock.
https://fiddlebackoutpost.com/collections/accessories/products/badger-claw-knife-roll-6

I think you can go to the Badgercalw site and find bigger ones as well.

Looks like you've got a good deal of comparison work to do P! [emoji3]Super nice gesture Jerry. It definitely shows the heart of this fine community......Now about that Bog Oak Palmer.......[emoji12]


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[Nbrackett]

I haven't tried anything from Jarrett Fleming so the B&T in the top left corner looks like a great place to start.

 

[Comprehensivist]

That is an amazing gesture Jerry. No fear trusting Sarah will that quantity of knives. Trusting the Post Office with that many is scary!

That group could fill a lot of blanks in the Models, Tang Types, Steel Thicknesses, & Weights thread. You are going to be busy for a while Sarah comparing all those knives. I look forward to hearing all your observations, insights, and conclusions from the experience.

This is like a mini Blade Show preview. Enjoy the bounty of beautiful blades.

Phil

 

[pertinux]

A few Disclaimers upon proceeding:

1) The fit and finish of every single one of the knives is exceptional. I'm about to get really picky reveal more of how picky I am (although I prefer, "discriminating" ), but were I to be tossed any one of these knives and sent out the door, without basis of comparison or notions that there were other knives to be had, I'd more than set. I'd adapt to the knife, learn more about its strengths, and be well-kitted-out for most anything I can imagine encountering.

In light of the array of choices available, however, it's rewarding (and on many levels, practical) to dial in what I actually prefer most, with the concomitant dismissal of patterns or features that don't suit me. The following thoughts explore my own very personal, evolving preferences, and are in no way meant to disparage the worthy work embodied in each of the knives.

2) This thread follows hard on of my What Next? thread, including that for my own selection/collection I have a certain number of total fixed blade knives in mind, with an eye towards complementary patterns/non-duplication. Thus, my goal is for the knives I choose next to bring something new to the table, figuratively and literally, and makes me possibly even pickier yet! Especially when, at the beginning and end, I have to like how a knife looks.

3) Since I've already been asked, I will note that no thumbs were injured during this paroxysm of comparison and the handling of a larger group of knives at one time. I recently suffered [yet another] Home Ec fail, in which I was using a metal broom handle to clear out a clogged metal vacuum "wand' (the longer tube part); the heretofore unmoving clog gave way all at once and my thumb ran into the edge of the metal wand tube with great pressure, leading to the instant removal of the skin between my nail and knuckle. [I was going to remove the bandaid for the pictures, but my thumb looks icky, and hurts like the dickens when the air hits it.] So there you have it!

Onward, sorta randomly and then with increasing specificity:

I have quickly learned that I like a straight(er) line in terms of where a blade is oriented relative to its handle.

Note the lines of the Handyman relative to the edge of the knife roll:

Now, look at the Bushboot:

If I align the Bushboot's blade with the edge of the knife roll, its handle sways away:

This is, of course, not about how a blade looks against a knife roll backdrop, but about the knife's angle within my hand and especially the blade's exit/angle in use. Not to pick on the poor Bushboot...

... but it's the droopiest among those I have here, and I dislike its parabolic configuration and how the blade 'droops' away so much it makes me twitchy in contemplation.

My thumb wants the blade to be roughly here:

While the Bushboot is the most extreme example, similar contours lead these otherwise venerable knives to not work for me, either:

As intriguing as the knives are, their blades just aren't where I want them to be, visually or in use.


Next up in the culling of the herd of variables, I seem to have a vary persnickity pinky finger, because I really (really) don't like the end of the knife to bend in towards it. Here's a beautiful example of a lovely knife, a WAS Bobcat (lower knife):

The osage is wonderful to the touch, blue liners set its lines off just right, and yet... My hand doesn't like what I refer to its 'closed' end:

My pinky just doesn't want that tail snugging up against it. (The knife is also slightly parabolic, and its handle thinner than I prefer, but it's the pinky thing that catches my hand's attention. Were it not for the latter, this model would be in serious consideration.)

Ah, but look at the knife just above the Bobcat in the first picture, and centered here-- the Handyman:

The Handyman suits my hand in every way the Hiking Buddy didn't. Its 'open' handle end is far more comfortable to me than the Hiking Buddy's (see pinky, persnickety), and I like where its blade point falls relative to my hand and its handle.

I could see it in my array (my own current knives are the ones with the tails):

Except? The design doesn't speak to me visually, the handle a little too round and 'bloppy' relative to the size of the blade.


I've mentioned that the Bear Cub is the new(est)comer beckoning to me to fill this spot/slot; in a fit of curiosity, I added my humble but lovable Russell #10 to the mix, one of my favorite basic kitchen knives, as well as my Northarm Knives Trillium [my favorite kitchen knife of all. So far.]:

I'm thinking I'm on the right track with the Bear Cub.


The Bushnub trio was perhaps most revelatory to me, on a couple fronts.

Two of the three, 5/32" TT Bushnub in green Box Elder, 5/32" TT Bushnub II in navy Shadetree with micarta accents:

[For those scoring at home, we sporadically move to a blue 6-board box, the lower box in this photo:]

3/32" SFT Plum Bushnub II now in the middle:

Revelation 1 : I love the balance of the 5/32" TT knives, in comparison to which the 3/32" SFT knife does nothing for me. Who knew.

I'm still not sure if 5/32" is where I'd I want to be long-term, but I am so grateful for this direct experience of the differences. I am thinking 1/8" TT might well be a sweet spot for me in the middle-to-larger knives? In conjunction with the forward balance that TT brings, I appreciate the wider blade/stock of 1/8" and up for push cuts-- much more comfortable than 3/32". Hmmmmmm.

Revelation 2: The Plum 'n Black BushnubII's handle was way more comfortable for me in the above mentioned push cuts than the Navy 'n Micarta's, highlighting again that the depth of the angle in the finger groove (? not sure what to call it) really tells on me. It's this area right here, at the very front of the handle:

The green Bushnub's handle was more comfortable yet, with both its shallower indentation there and more 'open' handle. Because yes, once again, the 'closed' handle on the BushnubII bugged me.

It doesn't look like it should make that much difference...?

But it does, to me. My hand's all like, Don't constrain me, bro.

... and that's important to know.

~ P.

 

[Luca917]

I will read and re-read this post. Exceptional. Thanks Sarah.

 

[Mistwalker]

Fantastic post P! We have a lot of really wonderful people and excellent craftsmen who hang out here, and Jerry really is a great guy. I maybe be borrowing one from him later for my project when I have everything else in place. Really glad you're having fun exploring the different models, that is an experience not everyone gets to have.

 

[Heespharm]

Hrmm that bushnub Ii looks familiar


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[pertinux]

I will read and re-read this post. Exceptional. Thanks Sarah.

Aw. Thanks! I can't overstate how idiosyncratic my own preferences are(!), but if my looking and picturing and comparing helps others distill their own criteria in seeking out knives that suit them well, I'm glad.

Fantastic post P! We have a lot of really wonderful people and excellent craftsmen who hang out here, and Jerry really is a great guy. I maybe be borrowing one from him later for my project when I have everything else in place. Really glad you're having fun exploring the different models, that is an experience not everyone gets to have.

Thanks, Brian. As for your last sentence, I'm still overwhelmed at what Jerry's provided for me here, in material and trust.

That is an amazing gesture Jerry. No fear trusting Sarah will that quantity of knives. Trusting the Post Office with that many is scary!

Absolutely! I'm nervous having them all here, let alone projecting ahead to the days between when I ship them back and I know Jerry has them again.

That group could fill a lot of blanks in the Models, Tang Types, Steel Thicknesses, & Weights thread. You are going to be busy for a while Sarah comparing all those knives. I look forward to hearing all your observations, insights, and conclusions from the experience.

This is like a mini Blade Show preview. Enjoy the bounty of beautiful blades.

Thank you. And, as expressed before (and I will again!), having these different models to evaluate helps me understand even more the descriptions you and others have previously provided, and what a great job you've done. [TT balance differences and 'open vs closed' handles, and the effects of both, spring readily to mind.]

In light of the plethora of choices, it is extremely helpful for me to narrow down a sense, generally and in some specifics, of what works for me and what doesn't, and pictures and careful verbal explanations can only go so far.

One also is best served by remaining open to what immediately floats one's boat, regardless of pre-discovered preferences. ;-)

Onward:
Jerry's Pocket Kephart that people immediately started dibs-ing on, alongside my Stubby Muk:

This Pocket Kephart is clad in delectable navy and gold, it sports a very useful, traditional-looking blade in an über-compact package, and it has what the French call that certain compelling "I-don't-know-what".

I would enjoy having this knife, for true, but not more than my Stubby Muk-- and here's why:

I can get more fingers more comfortably on the Stubby Muk handle, with the butt end nestling into my hand justso:

The PK, with its truncated, square-edged end, doesn't exactly nestle:

The top edge digs into my palm/hand, the lower edge catches my encircling fingers:

This works in my hand:

This doesn't, so much:

All that said, my main reason for going with the Stubby Muk is that it makes me laugh. Yes, the blade angles work for me, and the handle is more comfortable, but most of all the pattern itself makes me jiggy.

If the PK had the same effect on me (as it seems to, on some of you!), I'd readily overlook all the above 'comfort quibbles' and grab one, maybe already be looking for another. It's an attractive little knife.


Next Dibs-ed knife, Jerry's Old School Karda:

An exquisite little knife with classic lines....

Yet, it is surprisingly similar in size and blade to my Esquire, if slighter (and with a curvier spine):

Head to head in (projected) use, the Esquire hits the spot for me, while the Karda would require adaptations and compromises that the Esquire does not require-- including that the combination of the Karda's slim handle (especially at that forefinger pinch point) and its curved spine render it more challenging/pinchy to hold and control during draw cuts:

My finger(s) just want a wider purchase there, as is provided by the similarly-sized Esquire:

(Y'all will have to use your imagination for "Esquire in draw cut hold.")


This is my favorite picture of the photoshoot:

Ah, the Gaucho, one of the two patterns I specifically hoped to evaluate in person. It's different than I expected, not as long and with the tip higher relative to my hand than anticipated, but it feels smoothly intuitive in use.

Easily amused, I was struck by its handle's (very) relative similarity to my Buck spreader thingy:

The handle totally works for me in various grips, and I should now not be surprised that it's what I call "open," without anything pressing my persnickety pinky.

At the same time, I am slightly surprised that the deeper forward notch doesn't bother me in the slightest...

... but am now remembering Comprehensivist's thoughts in my previous thread, regarding the pressure point on the Hiking Buddy vs. the Patch-- that the 'closed' end on a handle can tell on that forward pressure point. Whatever is at work, I appreciate the length and room of the Gaucho's handle, its stylish and useful blade, and how intuitively secure and comfortable it is for me. I am grateful for this opportunity to discover its surprises before chasing down one of my own, and for the confirmation that the pattern works well for me.

On the other hand, the Old School Ladyfinger does not suit me. It's too passive in-hand, and I don't care for how the end of the handle squirms away from my hand, visually and tactilely. Its ergonomics leave me with a similar feeling as those of my Grohmann knife:

I end up feeling like there's too much blade upfront, getting away from me-- in a gross exaggeration, like holding on to an ice hockey stick by the blade end.

~ P.

 

[Heespharm]

We just need to start sending all our knives to Sarah to review... does such a good job comparing


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[pertinux]

I haven't tried anything from Jarrett Fleming so the B&T in the top left corner looks like a great place to start.

According to Jerry's notes, this is Fleming's Osprey (not to be confused with, Osprey Knife & Tool's _____. )

Top knife:

Such elegant lines:

The pattern itself 'droops' more than picky I prefer, but not so much that I couldn't overlook it were there not patterns that beckon to me more! I'm not as sure about this particular example's handle, because it's so thin:

This renders the knife an extremely sleek carry, and combined with the length of the (open!) handle and very appealing, do-everything blade shape, there is much to love about this knife. I've just already become spoiled by fuller handles, and can get away with a little more relative bulk. A lovely piece, though!

 

[Nbrackett]

We just need to start sending all our knives to Sarah to review... does such a good job comparing

She certainly does but picking the knife/knives that work best each of us can very wildly. While she didn't like the Bushboot or Ladyfinger, they are arguably my favorite Fiddleback models.

 

[pertinux]

As anticipated, the Sylvrfalcen hits the spot-- no untoward surprises, complementary in size and style, comfortable in hand (despite my initial concerns regarding the same, due to the handle's relative lack of contouring), and way too cool even in Jerry's gory-flesh-clad version.

I was drawn to the pattern before Jerry's arrived here, and am all the more so now.

I am undoubtedly instantly Kewl-er every time I hold it, and sometimes I want the right swedged blue one so hard I don't even want to really talk about it.

Every now and then I wonder again if I shouldn't have jumped on this one when I had the chance...

... but then I look again at the yellow Space Vomit intruding on the delectable blue, and console myself that 'mine' has likely not yet been made.*

*Or, there's already one out there somewhere, but since the spelling of its name presents difficulties it's proving search-resistant...?

~ P.

 

[pertinux]

... picking the knife/knives that work best each of us can very wildly. While she didn't like the Bushboot or Ladyfinger, they are arguably my favorite Fiddleback models.

Hence how grand an opportunity this is! Although I'm heartened by how well my determinations are being borne out, now that I have these knives to try.

I love your last sentence, because that's really what it comes down to-- individual preferences about these extraordinarily individualized knives.

Speaking of which, the OK&T Knives (here, again, with the FF Bushboot):

FF Bushboot, OK&T Mamushi in black canvas, Warthog in canvas and translucent Jade, Trailhand in carbon fiber

The gray/black knifes, in particular, are 'other' than what's familiar to me, or (honestly) to what I'm drawn to. To my eyes and hand, they are purpose-designed for considerations that are outside of my wheelhouse, plus being a lil' bit droopy. These aren't knives for me, and that's okay! Some quick glimpses before moving on:

The Trailhand fits my hand well:

(I botched the spine shot of the knife's blue stripes and tapered tang, and now have lost the light. )

I'm amazed at how well the different elements of the Warthog are fitted together, with the smoothly finished handle giving no hint of seams:

~ P.

 

[Heespharm]

Yeah I was lucky bc bear71 (Jules) came to Houston for a month and I had the opportunity to fondle his "travel" collection... it was truly enlightening blew my addiction into full speed... the most satisfying knife to hold was tha aropaima ... definitely on my list to "save for"


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[Tim the Wizard]

The secret behind the bushboot and mamushi is that the curvature gives leverage and increased power when used to slash in a reverse grip.

 

[pertinux]

Speaking of which, the OK&T Knives (here, again, with the FF Bushboot):

FF Bushboot, OK&T Mamushi in black canvas, Warthog in canvas and translucent Jade, Trailhand in carbon fiber

The gray/black knives, in particular, are 'other' than what's familiar to me, or (honestly) to what I'm drawn to. To my eyes and hand, they are purpose-designed for considerations that are outside of my wheelhouse....

The secret behind the bushboot and mamushi is that the curvature gives leverage and increased power when used to slash in a reverse grip.

A-HA! Thanks. That never would have occurred (see, "outside my wheelhouse," above). I don't see adding such to my repertoire, but will now re-examine the knives-- all of them!-- with that in mind.

My education continues.

~ P.

 

[NoRest]

As a big fan of the Bushboot, I now have to try out an OK&T Mamushi.

 

[varga49]

A-HA! Thanks. That never would have occurred (see, "outside my wheelhouse," above). I don't see adding such to my repertoire, but will now re-examine the knives-- all of them!-- with that in mind.

My education continues.

~ P.

Perhaps in your fine report the martial aspect of a blade as a weapon was overshadowed by your generous, astute, and well focused attention to the utility and functionality of a knife as a tool. Us being guys, [insert humorous grin here] likely still carry that DNA, for better or worse, that allows most of us to generally see things [ loose term] as weapons first, tools second.


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[Warrior108]

A-HA! Thanks. That never would have occurred (see, "outside my wheelhouse," above). I don't see adding such to my repertoire, but will now re-examine the knives-- all of them!-- with that in mind.

My education continues.

~ P.

We've got sick kids and a clinic visit coming up this morning or I'd find/post a link here. That's said, there's a cool OKT Ferox review in the OKT forum and there are a lot of offense/defense features explained. It comes with Chris' background and those features are somewhat present (but not as extreme) in his others knives. Read that, then revisit the small EDC OKTs.