Asp, Sneaky Pete, Runt, or Shank?

[Midwest Chick]

Contemplating my first Fiddleback. I've been drawn to the Sneaky Pete and it seems that the Asp is just a slightly smaller version--for EDC. The Shank is just wicked pretty.

I know there's as many opinions as there are folks reading this, but I'd like a good fixed blade for EDC that I could, in a pinch, use for defense.

I know conceal-ability is more the function of the sheath and where and how the blade is carried so ideas on that would be appreciated too.

I've tried scout carry and like it but haven't found a sheath yet that has more than one clip to hold it securely in place.

Ideas, gentlemen??

 

[xxwjtxx]

For edc both the sneaky and the asp are awesome. The profile on the asp is a bit pointier than the sneaky, otherwise they are very similar. I have both a sneaky a shank and a scorpion; the shank is pure defense/deterrent.. The scorpion is not far behind, but the sneaky covers all bases and could be used for a wide variety of tasks. Welcome and hope this helps!

Also one of Andy's dealers has all 3 models in stock right now-- look up bladeco..

 

[Mistwalker]

While I do seriously want an Asp, as impractical as it will be for me, if I were going for edc-ability, and defense-in-a-pinch-ability in the same knife, I would likely go with a 5/32 Bushboot It's size and shape it's fairly sheeple friendly and does not scream "conflict and confrontation"", but the blade shape as well as overall shape, is actually deceptively wicked in a few holds and could be wickedly efficient in inverted techniques in the right hands. I carried one for about a year when I spent a lot of time in a larger city, and later it became my wife's and subsequintly her favorite Fiddleback model....I just have to get her one with a blue handle

 

[Midwest Chick]

Thanks WJT! The reason I was looking at the Asp vs the SP is that extra half inch on the Sneaky Pete. The Shank is just sexy--just for self-defense though, I'm not sure it would be practical for EDC.

I met the Bladeco guys a month or so ago in person--nice and funny too! I know they were getting some new blades in so I'll check out their site.

For edc both the sneaky and the asp are awesome. The profile on the asp is a bit pointier than the sneaky, otherwise they are very similar. I have both a sneaky a shank and a scorpion; the shank is pure defense/deterrent.. The scorpion is not far behind, but the sneaky covers all bases and could be used for a wide variety of tasks. Welcome and hope this helps!

Also one of Andy's dealers has all 3 models in stock right now-- look up bladeco..

 

[Midwest Chick]

Hmmmm.... the Bushboot does look like the best of both worlds and it's a bit smaller. Thanks!

While I do seriously want an Asp, as impractical as it will be for me, if I were going for edc-ability, and defense-in-a-pinch-ability in the same knife, I would likely go with a 5/32 Bushboot It's size and shape it's fairly sheeple friendly and does not scream "conflict and confrontation"", but the blade shape as well as overall shape, is actually deceptively wicked in a few holds and could be wickedly efficient in inverted techniques in the right hands. I carried one for about a year when I spent a lot of time in a larger city, and later it became my wife's and subsequintly her favorite Fiddleback model....I just have to get her one with a blue handle

 

[Mistwalker]

Hmmmm.... the Bushboot does look like the best of both worlds and it's a bit smaller. Thanks!

Cool. Yeah...I'm not known for keeping my opinions to the models inquired about, I pay more attention to the description of intended use and just offer an opinion

 

[Midwest Chick]

Cool. Yeah...I'm not known for keeping my opinions to the models inquired about, I pay more attention to the description of intended use and just offer an opinion

That's why I tried to describe what I'm looking for in case there are other options. Now I just have to wait and see what goodness shows up on Fiddleback Friday!

 

[bonafide]

While I really want a Sneaky Pete .. I gotta agree with mistwalker on a smaller 3" model for concealing, practical EDC, personal defense, etc .. the Bushboot or even the Hiking Buddy really fits the bill.

 

[Mistwalker]

While I really want a Sneaky Pete .. I gotta agree with mistwalker on a smaller 3" model for concealing, practical EDC, personal defense, etc .. the Bushboot or even the Hiking Buddy really fits the bill.

Oh, I absolutely LOVE my Sneaky Pete, but I think the secondary intent of the knife is very thinly veiled if veiled at all I think it shines through even with the beautiful wooden handles I have seen on some of them. It definitely shines through with the Asp, and shouts out it's presence with the Scorpion. I think the Bushboot is sneakily wicked, and the Hiking Buddy very capable all around. One of the best defensive techniques for a small knife is inverted edge plunges to the lower abdomen, and I think the shape of the BB is a bit better suited to this technique than the HB.

 

[bonafide]

One of the best defensive techniques for a small knife is inverted edge plunges to the lower abdomen, and I think the shape of the BB is a bit better suited to this technique than the HB.

Heh .. for someone who practices that specific technique enough to create muscle memory into their gross motor skills. Otherwise, under stress, most do the overhand (psycho), underhand (prison shank'n), or the side to side slash (paint the house). I was thinking just cause the OP's screen name includes 'chic' and most 'chics' have smaller hands, then either of the BB or HB would be a very capable tool for whatever her needs .. or hell, buy both models in different handles, cause you never know how you might want to coordinate your outfit for the day.

 

[Joe Duder]

I don't know the OP's level of training when it comes to blades, but I wouldn't recommend a knife for self defense unless she has some formal training on how to effectively defend herself with a knife during an attack. There is a plethora of self defense tools designed for women. They are very user friendly, aesthetically pleasing, much more practical, and most importantly, create a lot more space between the attacker and the would be victim than a knife.

That being said, outside of self defense purposes, I think the Bush Boot is an awesome design for an EDC. If I wasn't so into bigger knives, I'd have picked up a couple by now.

 

[xxwjtxx]

I don't know the OP's level of training when it comes to blades, but I wouldn't recommend a knife for self defense unless she has some formal training on how to effectively defend herself with a knife during an attack. There is a plethora of self defense tools designed for women. They are very user friendly, aesthetically pleasing, much more practical, and most importantly, create a lot more space between the attacker and the would be victim than a knife.

That being said, outside of self defense purposes, I think the Bush Boot is an awesome design for an EDC. If I wasn't so into bigger knives, I'd have picked up a couple by now.

+1 on that.. I blindly made my recommendation thinking in terms of myself . I'd recommend OP find a local Kali/Silat or similar edged weapon school to get some basics before carrying. Old adage is that a knife is more dangerous to an untrained welder than their adversary. If OP has some level of training, have at it!!

 

[Mistwalker]

Heh .. for someone who practices that specific technique enough to create muscle memory into their gross motor skills. Otherwise, under stress, most do the overhand (psycho), underhand (prison shank'n), or the side to side slash (paint the house). I was thinking just cause the OP's screen name includes 'chic' and most 'chics' have smaller hands, then either of the BB or HB would be a very capable tool for whatever her needs .. or hell, buy both models in different handles, cause you never know how you might want to coordinate your outfit for the day.

You have a good point there. I just spend a lot of time hanging out with and conversing with some of the U.S.'s "defense against the dark arts" instructors and things just sort of soak in over time I will NEVER knock the Hiking Buddy, I seem to have developed a major affinity towards it, I've bought and traded for four of them so far, I'm just still looking for the perfect handle material and steel configuration. The first one set the bar very high for the others to come in terms of handle material, pity it was a scandi. I'll find the right one and have the money to buy it at the same time eventually And SHHHHHHHHHHHHH with this whole color coordination thing! I cannot afford for my wife to get that concept into her head, lol or myself for that matter. I think we both have the Fiddleback bug enough as it is

I don't know the OP's level of training when it comes to blades, but I wouldn't recommend a knife for self defense unless she has some formal training on how to effectively defend herself with a knife during an attack. There is a plethora of self defense tools designed for women. They are very user friendly, aesthetically pleasing, much more practical, and most importantly, create a lot more space between the attacker and the would be victim than a knife.

That being said, outside of self defense purposes, I think the Bush Boot is an awesome design for an EDC. If I wasn't so into bigger knives, I'd have picked up a couple by now.

I'm glad you took the time to address this thought Duder, honestly I have so much going on at the moment that I can manage to see and answer questions posed...but not so much with the ones not, but perhaps should have been. I just went with the question at hand. Having spent a good bit of time dealing with the gangs in Dallas as a teen, and having lots of white lines on my body to remind me of said good ol' days, I do not suggest a knife fight at all if it can possibly be avoided. As a general rule with knife fights, the loser goes to the morgue and the winner goes to the ER. But, after the recent instance of a murderer escaping from a local prison, abducting a woman, and taking her and her SUV on a ride through Indiana, I can understand why someone might consider all the options when purchasing a knife. In my personal experiences, knives...especially small ones, are most effective as a defensive weapon when the element of surprise is on the side of the user.

 

[Midwest Chick]

Hi guys,
Yes, the Chick in Midwest Chick=woman with small hands. So thanks for leading me towards the BushBoot or Hiking Buddy. I have had some training in bladework as well as other modes of self-defense (firearms) that put a little more distance between me and an aggressor. This would be a backup for my backup and last resort on the defense side--a box opener and regular use blade on the other side. I don't believe in carrying something that I don't know how to use properly, hence the training. Since I'm wanting more of a concealed blade, I don't have to worry about outfit coordination <grin> but I've found that good quality blades are the perfect accessory, regardless.

I appreciate all of you taking the time to give me well-thought-out answers to my dilemma.

 

[Fiddleback]

Welcome aboard Midwest Chick. I can't wait to get your perspective on these knives. Right now I carry an Asp. Mine is ground from 1/8" thick 01 steel with a tapered tang and antique canvas micarta scales on canvas. I like earth tones. Its got a wicked swedge, and Fiddltextured 01 steel. Most folks would want something beefier for a tactical/EDC knife, but the weight is critical to me. I like an inside the pocket sheath with a clip. Rick and Heber both make excellent sheaths. Sometimes you can get Tal to make you one. If the handle material is manmade, I can put up with kydex: otherwise, I find it deters from whatever knife is in it. I'm carrying mine in a Rick Lowe sheath I happened to have around the place.

A few ideas come to mind:

1. My GREAT friend John, who has served overseas in sandy places, carried a Karda. Its smaller and lighter than any of the ones you mentioned.
2. The Shank is was designed for this purpose specifically. I'm also doing a re-design from the pattern that is even more widked-er.
3. Again, this knife is exactly fit for the bill. In addition, it is a very functional knife for just about anything. There just isn't much you can't do with this knife.
4. The ASP has a 4" blade, so it is bigger. It is a slimmed down version of the Sneaky Pete, but it has exactly the same lengths (my favorite dimensions, 4" blade and 4.5" handle).

I love getting a woman's perspective on my knives, so I'm excited to have you around!

 

[Midwest Chick]

Thanks so much for the welcome Andy!

The Karda is definitely in the running now! <sigh> So many choices, in a happy way!! I have to admit the Shank is still just wicked sexy to me--it'll be interesting to see a wickeder version. Between the Karda and the Shank for EDC/defense, I'm guessing the Karda would be a better bet--maybe hold out for the wickeder Shank as a second purchase??

I also like the earth tones, but the emerald green canvas micarta is really nice as well. But in wood, the osage orange and the burled maple are my favorites.

Kydex is great within reason, but nothing holds a blade better than leather (I don't wear belts a lot, so need clips instead of loops. Also was thinking about a pocket sheath with a clip that I could also use for IWB).

I've been collecting knives for years but have just started to explore the details of different types of steel and construction as well as my needs for self-defense and EDC so this is a great place to be!

Appreciate your help!

Welcome aboard Midwest Chick. I can't wait to get your perspective on these knives. Right now I carry an Asp. Mine is ground from 1/8" thick 01 steel with a tapered tang and antique canvas micarta scales on canvas. I like earth tones. Its got a wicked swedge, and Fiddltextured 01 steel. Most folks would want something beefier for a tactical/EDC knife, but the weight is critical to me. I like an inside the pocket sheath with a clip. Rick and Heber both make excellent sheaths. Sometimes you can get Tal to make you one. If the handle material is manmade, I can put up with kydex: otherwise, I find it deters from whatever knife is in it. I'm carrying mine in a Rick Lowe sheath I happened to have around the place.

A few ideas come to mind:

1. My GREAT friend John, who has served overseas in sandy places, carried a Karda. Its smaller and lighter than any of the ones you mentioned.
2. The Shank is was designed for this purpose specifically. I'm also doing a re-design from the pattern that is even more widked-er.
3. Again, this knife is exactly fit for the bill. In addition, it is a very functional knife for just about anything. There just isn't much you can't do with this knife.
4. The ASP has a 4" blade, so it is bigger. It is a slimmed down version of the Sneaky Pete, but it has exactly the same lengths (my favorite dimensions, 4" blade and 4.5" handle).

I love getting a woman's perspective on my knives, so I'm excited to have you around!

 

[VANCE]

just pick one of these

 

[Midwest Chick]

Nice collection! It definitely helps to have visuals for comparison purposes! You hit all of my likes, for sure!

The Karda and I think it's the Asp (second from top) both have qualities that draw my eye. Love the green canvas micarta on the Asp, but shape of the blade on the Karda is lovely. Guess I'll have to be checking in frequently tomorrow for FBF and see what my first Fiddleback will be! I've learned a lot in just this little while.

Thanks everyone for helping the Fiddleback Newbie!

just pick one of these

 

[bonafide]

Nice collection! It definitely helps to have visuals for comparison purposes! You hit all of my likes, for sure!

The Karda and I think it's the Asp (second from top) both have qualities that draw my eye.

I think thats a Hiking Buddy (2nd from top) ... but im far from an expert.

 

[VANCE]

its a hiking buddy