A Decade as a full time Knifemaker

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

 

Prayers sent.

 

Andy,

Phil couldn't have said it any better so I'll just say congratulations on achieving the 10 year milestone as a craftsman. You have created an outstanding legacy in the knife world !

I was saddened to read the news of your recent loss. Please accept our condolences and give Leah a big hug from Susan and I as you mourn his passing. Prayers sent.

Peter

 

Congrats, Andy!

Your knives have not only become useful, highly functional tools for me, they’ve been a gateway into this amazing community of people that I’m happy to call friends.

Thank you also for your continued support of military veterans and active duty personnel. I wish you many more years of success in your craft!

 

Congrats my friend

 

Congrats Andy!

 

@Fiddleback,

I can't count the businesses on 2 hands that you've helped start or grow just by being generous with your knowledge and skills, as well as by giving people the opportunity to succeed. I think that you genuinely enjoying those around you succeed is likely the biggest reason for your success. And it's well-deserved. No one is self-made...and you're one of the best at recognizing that and continuing to pay it forward.

I've been able to see, and experience, first hand what you created 10 years ago. Not only the joy that the knives have brought to all the customers, but the community and friendships that were built from this "hobby" of yours. I think it's easy to forget, or be overly modest about, the other things you have created as a ripple of you showing up to the daily grind every damn day for Fiddleback Forge over 10 years. You not only built a kick-ass company, a great product, and a cool community...the amount of lives that have been touched is possibly immeasurable. I have often thought about the number of families your creation has supported over the years...how many other businesses started, or stuck, because of yours (including mine!)...how many people learned a tradecraft or skillset from being in your shop...how many kids I've seen light up when you grind the knife they just hammered at Trackrock...and just how many bromances there are with this small man with a giant's laugh. What you've done is awesome on so many levels.

I hate knowing that your milestone is bittersweet with your FIL's passing. Your business having such a significant impact is also a testament to his impact on the world as well. Hell, just the fact that he actually let you marry Leah instead of making you disappear in a Louisiana swamp is likely the biggest contribution he could have made to your success! In congratulating you...we all honor him as well. We are all only as good as the people who opened the doors for us, or mentored us on the path to open it for ourselves.

Please share my sincerest condolences with Leah and the girls. I can only imagine how hard this is. If you need ANYTHING, holla.

 

Seems like just the other day you were making Nessmuks and posting pics up in the General forum. Surely it hasn't been that long...

Sorry for the loss of your Father In-law, but I'm betting he is pleased up above with your milestone.

Congratulations, and I'll see you at BLADE

 

Congrats Andy on the 10 years! I remember seeing your hunter on equip2endure on YouTube back in 2012, spent the following 6 months or so lurking the forum, and finally pulling the trigger for my first on 9/6/13, a cherry crotchwood bushcrafter. Still remember how happy I was to snag one and got a some more in the coming years. Haven’t been around much, but I still share my love for Fiddies with anyone asking about a knife. It’s the best experience I’ve had buying knives from you and connecting with other fans of your work.

Here’s to wishing your another 10 years, and much success!

 

Andy, so sorry for the loss to your family on what would have been such a celebratory occasion. Peace to you, Leah and the rest of the family. FYI, I have a six month old granddaughter named Leah. Not a common name, but a beautiful name. Tell your Leah I'm praying for her and the rest of you.

 

catalystman, do you still have that first Fiddleback and does it still get dirt time?

Andy, congrats on the anniversary and prayers sent up for your family.

 

Congrats Brother! You've come a long way from fido's butt, been real fun to watch you grow. 10 years just shot by.
Very sorry to hear about Leah's Dad, be thankful for the times you all had together. He's still around in your heart.
I know my Pop is, he kicks my butt mentally most every day.

 

This thread started out happy and then quickly went sad, Congratulations on the 10 years, and my condolences to Leah and yourself. I am very sorry to hear of your loss.