A Few Kephart Pics

[Mistwalker]

A few pics of the Kephart. Didn't have time to do much so nothing really serious, just messed around with it to get a feel for it. I was up on the side of the mountain and it was pretty cold so I had wanted to star a fire, but it was reeeeaally windy so that was a real concern for me since I really didn't “need” a fire. I really do like this handle shape very much, it really feels great in hand. The grinds are beautiful as usual.

For now I'm using the original Hunter sheath since I have a custom sheath for that knife.

My hands were cold and so was the wood I was working with. I think it was cherry, it was well seasoned and hard, not spalted.

A shot of the Kephart next to the Bushfinger, though in this case the handle can only fairly be compared to the handle of a Ladyfinger.

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[KFU]

Great pics Mist and congrats on the new knife.

 

[Mossyhorn]

That's a great looking knife. I always enjoy your insight and your photographs.

 

[Kal-El]

Well Brian, I am very happy that you have acquired a Kephart. I know that you've been wanting one for some time now. So based on it's brief use, what's your take on the blade shape. Specifically the pointy tip?
Thanks for the great pics as usual.
Sergio

 

[Mistwalker]

Great pics Mist and congrats on the new knife.

Thanks Chris, it was a very unexpected surprise. That has happened a couple of times this year.

That's a great looking knife. I always enjoy your insight and your photographs.

Indeed it is. I have always liked the look of bone and ivory, but have always viewed them as fragile handle materials for my life style. I have seen too many issues dealing with sudden changes in temperature and when dropped.

Well Brian, I am very happy that you have acquired a Kephart. I know that you've been wanting one for some time now. So based on it's brief use, what's your take on the blade shape. Specifically the pointy tip?
Thanks for the great pics as usual.
Sergio

Hi Sergio,

I am very happy too. Still very surprised by it, but very happy! I just liked the shape of it as a whole when I first saw the design. I have never been drawn to the more traditional interpretations of the design because I happen to like "pointy" tips. I have never wished my knife had less of a tip for anything urgent or important out in the field, but have wished blades had a finer point for some important things. I can usually find an alternate technique to use for tasks commonly done more easily with a less pointy tip, but not so easy for the reverse. I think the blade shape is going to work fine for the vast majority of my uses, with it's one weakness being in skinning out large game. I eat more small game, fowl, and fish than I do large game anyway, and even with large game it would only really mean that I had to go slower if I wanted to keep the hide intact. I am sure I am going to like the tip in uses like cleaning out square notches and detail carving, for digging out briers, splinters, or stingers, for eating walnuts, and for boring small holes. I'll be practicing some of that this weekend to check it out. The handle feels great in use, very comfortable and allows great control of the blade.

 

[Elite_KG]

Please let me know how the natural G-10 holds ups against staining from use. I'm sure it will clean up fine with effort, but I don't alway have the discipline to do so. The natural and jade G-10's are quite attractive.

 

[Mistwalker]

Please let me know how the natural G-10 holds ups against staining from use. I'm sure it will clean up fine with effort, but I don't alway have the discipline to do so. The natural and jade G-10's are quite attractive.

I'll try to remember to do that...but all you'll have to do is stay tuned. There will be more pics to come I'm sure...there always are

 

[Elite_KG]

Fiddleback fan not stay tuned? Most are more loyal than that....I'll stand by to see the later review. Thanks!!!

 

[Mistwalker]

Fiddleback fan not stay tuned? Most are more loyal than that....I'll stand by to see the later review. Thanks!!!

There are different kinds of knife makers who make different types of knives and we have the good fortune of having several good knife makers on this forum. There are knife makers here who make great user knives with excellent heat treats, nice grinds, plain simple handles that are reasonably comfortable, and the knives hold up well through lots of use over time. At the other end of the spectrum there are knife makers who make gorgeous works of art with lots of detail work and flare, that even though they have their grinds down to an art, and likely their heat treats as well, but make knives more to show off their talents as a craftsman and an artisan than to be worked hard with, and really used in the bush. Andy is one of the few that makes knives with the intentions of them being used as tools in the bush, on the water, and in the kitchen but still takes the time to add in the finer craftsmanship, aesthetic details, flare, sex appeal, and extremely comfortable ergonomics. I spend a lot of time in the field; teaching, experimenting, photographing things for my work, and for my personal use on my website. I love being able to do this with knives that are not only very well made and durable, but also eye-catching-ly beautiful, with a style all their own. I have been a devout Fiddleback fan since the first one a few years ago.

 

[zcd]

Nice photos Mist! A few of them had me wondering how you got the picture.. gotta hold the stick, knife AND camera..

 

[Mistwalker]

Nice photos Mist! A few of them had me wondering how you got the picture.. gotta hold the stick, knife AND camera..

Thanks man! Yeah...well magicians can't go 'round giving away their secrets ...but determination, creativity, and lots and lots and LOTS of practice go a long way . I was all alone in the woods with my camera, my knife, and my pack...just the way I like it

 

[Fiddleback]

Man, its a lucky thing for me that y'all appreciate my knives. Thanks Mist. Great pics as usual.

 

[Mistwalker]

Man, its a lucky thing for me that y'all appreciate my knives. Thanks Mist. Great pics as usual.

Thanks Andy, I didn't have as much time to play with it yesterday as I would have liked. I did cut out as quickly as I could and hit the woods for a little bit. I thought you might like a few of the pics I took while I played around and was getting acquainted with the Kephart design. I was right in thinking I would really like the over all design for my use, thoughts I've never had concerning the other Kepharts I've seen, and man this G10 feels awesome in hand even after long term use and caring.

Heck man, you make very well made and beautiful knives that are a fantastic blend of form and function. You have a diversified line that pretty well covers all bases, and you have a style all your own. Plus even with all of the differing shapes I have yet to pick up a Fiddleback that didn't have sublime ergonomics. Not trying to sound like a fan boy, everybody knows I like knives and have several, but damn, I have a hard time fathoming anyone who appreciates great looking, well made knives, not appreciating your knives.

 

[dcycleman]

What design do you prefer after using both? The kephart or bushfinger?

 

[Mistwalker]

What design do you prefer after using both? The kephart or bushfinger?

Well, first off I haven't had the knife long enough to make a general determination there. Secondly any opinions I have on differences between my Bushfinger and the Kephart would not be an accurate comparison to the Kephart and the actual Bushfinger design Andy produces. Mine was the first proto, and has the handle of a Ladyfinger. Andy tweaked the design afterwards and gave the Bushfinger a fuller handle. While I love my Bushfinger because it was my first Fiddleback and I have had it so long, in all honesty those who got Bushfingers afterward likely got a better handle for bushcraft and carving. I can say that I do love the Kephart's fuller handle for carving. The fuller oval shape is easier to grip, and more easily controllable.

 

[dcycleman]

Cool good to know

 

[maw]

There are different kinds of knife makers who make different types of knives and we have the good fortune of having several good knife makers on this forum. There are knife makers here who make great user knives with excellent heat treats, nice grinds, plain simple handles that are reasonably comfortable, and the knives hold up well through lots of use over time. At the other end of the spectrum there are knife makers who make gorgeous works of art with lots of detail work and flare, that even though they have their grinds down to an art, and likely their heat treats as well, but make knives more to show off their talents as a craftsman and an artisan than to be worked hard with, and really used in the bush. Andy is one of the few that makes knives with the intentions of them being used as tools in the bush, on the water, and in the kitchen but still takes the time to add in the finer craftsmanship, aesthetic details, flare, sex appeal, and extremely comfortable ergonomics. I spend a lot of time in the field; teaching, experimenting, photographing things for my work, and for my personal use on my website. I love being able to do this with knives that are not only very well made and durable, but also eye-catching-ly beautiful, with a style all their own. I have been a devout Fiddleback fan since the first one a few years ago.

Hi MS,

Thank you MS for a wonderful thread! I really enjoy these journeys and your photos as I feel like I'm right there. That handle really pops and the Kephart seems to sing through that wood. I could not agree more with you concerning Andy's knives...well said my friend. I am looking forward to your future installments for sure. Thank you again.

Mark

 

[Mistwalker]

Hi MS,

Thank you MS for a wonderful thread! I really enjoy these journeys and your photos as I feel like I'm right there. That handle really pops and the Kephart seems to sing through that wood. I could not agree more with you concerning Andy's knives...well said my friend. I am looking forward to your future installments for sure. Thank you again.

Mark

Hi Mark,

Thanks man, glad you liked it. I try to do my photography so that the viewer does feel like they are there, so thanks for the compliments. The handle looks awesome, and feels even better! And it does sing right through the wood...lol, you should have seen the curls I didn't manage to keep on the stick (my hands were reeeeally cold) I'm very glad Andy felt the call to become a knife maker, the knife world is a much better place for it. Definitely more to come, This one will likely retire my Bushfinger

 

[maw]

Hi Mark,

Thanks man, glad you liked it. I try to do my photography so that the viewer does feel like they are there, so thanks for the compliments. The handle looks awesome, and feels even better! And it does sing right through the wood...lol, you should have seen the curls I didn't manage to keep on the stick (my hands were reeeeally cold) I'm very glad Andy felt the call to become a knife maker, the knife world is a much better place for it. Definitely more to come, This one will likely retire my Bushfinger

Well said MS. The knife world is a much better place with Andy in it! And for you to say that the Kephart will likely retire the Bushfinger? Wow...that speak volumes my friend. Volumes! You have a great deal of knowledge and for me...your words carry weight.

Mark

 

[Mistwalker]

Mark, you have to remember though...my Bushfinger is different from the ones you have. Andy tweaked the design and optimized the handle for bushcraft type tasks. Mine has the Ladyfinger handle which was meant as a B&T and being guard-less really excels in that area and in food prep. It may or may not actually retire a Bushfinger like yours from the woods if I had one, I have no way of knowing that. But yes the Kephart handles so well in carving and woodworking that it will likely retire my Bushfinger to the Kitchen, and the occasional outing when I am missing it