Bark River Bushcrafter and Fiddleback Bushcrafter: comparisons?

CapitalizedLiving

CapitalizedLiving

Joined
Dec 1, 2007
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Has anyone done a comparison between these two knives? I'd like to see pics and hear any thoughts. My Bark River Bushcrafter has become my de facto outdoors knife that gets used everywhere and for everything and I'm just wondering what differences to expect if I were to pick up a Fiddleback.
 
I had the Bark River Bushcrafter, It was a nice knife but just not for me....I ended up sending it back.
 
I like the Bark River. It's tough and it works very well. The ergos are a little strange but I learned to like them. I am still tempted to sell it and buy a Fiddleback, but would like to see the differences if possible.
 
Dunno the rules here, but I betcha Andy doesn't want to get into comparing his products with those of other manufacturers. There's probably forums for such, and I'd envision that there is the potential for hard feelings popping up, where none need occur.

justsayin'
 
I can't speak to the Bushcrafter but I did buy a Bravo 1 off Flexxx and have a Bushfinger from Andy. Both in hand I think the Bushfinger is far better in terms of handle ergonomics and fit and finish. Probably will be selling the one i got from Flexxx to buy another Fiddleback for my wife. Just my .02
 
I havent seen the BRKT bushie, but im a BRKT guy. Im sure its a fine knife. Sell it and buy a Fiddleback.;)
 
Bizarro Tactical said:
I can't speak to the Bushcrafter but I did buy a Bravo 1 off Flexxx and have a Bushfinger from Andy. Both in hand I think the Bushfinger is far better in terms of handle ergonomics and fit and finish. Probably will be selling the one i got from Flexxx to buy another Fiddleback for my wife. Just my .02
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+1:thumbup: I've got a Bravo 1 and Gunny (amongst other BRKT), and definitely prefer the feel of Andy's knives in-hand, IMO there are no better fitting handles out there, period. and the fit and finish is superb, the Ladyfinger below is my favourite so far!

20110105100_3716-vi.jpg
 
Ive never had a Bark river, but i guarantee that Andy's knives are better... I have his Bushcrafter. it is the PERFECT knife. i cant explain how well it fits the hand. cuts wood like its butter. Honestly i dont think any other knife can be as awesome.
 
The bushcrafter is the best knife I have ever owned! I wouldn't trade mine for anything. It goes with me everywhere. I have a lot of knives that are neglected now. It did take awhile getting use to the convex but now it's a must on all knives.
 
I owned a BRKt Bushcrafter and a few Fiddlebacks and can say that for me the Bushcrafter was a great example of a scandi convex grind. The blade shape also was very well defined for both hunting and bushcraft. However, I sold it for a couple reasons, that are personal use preferences.

First, I found the finger choil to be a slight nuisance. As with other woodlore style bushcraft blades the shallow choil runs flush with the blade edge, and is of a wide enough radius to choke on. With the BRKT Bushcrafter, I found the radius too small and recessed, so a corner of the blade edge was exposed and there was little room to actually use with choking blade work.

Second, though I liked the unique shape of the handles, I prefer a smooth taper or 45 degree slant where the slabs meet the plunge line area for sideways choking pinch grip, which I use often with woodcraft. Some people like the steep edge of thick handles, but it is not comfortable for my thumb and index finger when utilizing this grip. My Fiddleback Bushfinger, Hiking Buddy, and Bushie all had this issue, but being Micarta I was able to sand them down easily and now they are as I like 'em. The Bushcrafter was Desert Ironwood and highly polished, so combined with thin slabs at this area, I decided not to make this modification.

Thirdly, the grinds were slightly off when looked at from above. Being the first production run, I figured this model can only get better. This is in no reflects on the quality of BRKT. They make great knives and have great service to fix any issues.

The scandi Bushfinger and k.e. Bushie are two of my favorite 4" blades. I can't decide which I prefer. I have already used both heavily, and alternate often. The ergonomics on the Bushfinger are fuller than my Bushie model. The Bushie blade shape is so much fun to work with. My scandi edges always receive a strop so the scandi edges are strong with a slight secondary convex.

I will say though that the Bushcrafter's scandi-convex grind is great to work with as well. It is the prefect middle ground between the two types of edges and gives up a little each way. Combined with the CPM 3V, it is definitely strong, and a great answer for those that want a little of both.


I hope these little details help!...
 
paleojoe said:
I owned a BRKt Bushcrafter and a few Fiddlebacks and can say that for me the Bushcrafter was a great example of a scandi convex grind. The blade shape also was very well defined for both hunting and bushcraft. However, I sold it for a couple reasons, that are personal use preferences.

First, I found the finger choil to be a slight nuisance. As with other woodlore style bushcraft blades the shallow choil runs flush with the blade edge, and is of a wide enough radius to choke on. With the BRKT Bushcrafter, I found the radius too small and recessed, so a corner of the blade edge was exposed and there was little room to actually use with choking blade work.

Second, though I liked the unique shape of the handles, I prefer a smooth taper or 45 degree slant where the slabs meet the plunge line area for sideways choking pinch grip, which I use often with woodcraft. Some people like the steep edge of thick handles, but it is not comfortable for my thumb and index finger when utilizing this grip. My Fiddleback Bushfinger, Hiking Buddy, and Bushie all had this issue, but being Micarta I was able to sand them down easily and now they are as I like 'em. The Bushcrafter was Desert Ironwood and highly polished, so combined with thin slabs at this area, I decided not to make this modification.

Thirdly, the grinds were slightly off when looked at from above. Being the first production run, I figured this model can only get better. This is in no reflects on the quality of BRKT. They make great knives and have great service to fix any issues.

The scandi Bushfinger and k.e. Bushie are two of my favorite 4" blades. I can't decide which I prefer. I have already used both heavily, and alternate often. The ergonomics on the Bushfinger are fuller than my Bushie model. The Bushie blade shape is so much fun to work with. My scandi edges always receive a strop so the scandi edges are strong with a slight secondary convex.

I will say though that the Bushcrafter's scandi-convex grind is great to work with as well. It is the prefect middle ground between the two types of edges and gives up a little each way. Combined with the CPM 3V, it is definitely strong, and a great answer for those that want a little of both.


I hope these little details help!...
Click to expand...

Great post! Thanks.
 
Thanks for all the great info (especially you, paleojoe). I definitely like the Bark River Bushcrafter (BRBC) and don't know if I'd sell it if I tried something new. I have a lot more outdoors knives than I care to mention and switch them up a lot to feel the differences. Thinner blade stock with very tough steel is certainly my first preference, and while the BRBC is not exactly thin it's not chunky either. The handles do throw me off sometimes but as I learn more "tricks" I learn that they are designed to accomodate some purposes well and others not so much. But with that said, a highly-rounded handle will always be my first preference and that is the primary reason why I'm so interested in Fiddlebacks. I don't know if I want a Ladyfinger, Bushcrafter, Hunter, or otherwise and it's hard to choose as I probably can only afford one of them. I guess I'll just see what I end up with and do a comparison shot myself, as I think a year or two of usage will eventually weed out The One.
 
CapitalizedLiving said:
Thanks for all the great info (especially you, paleojoe). I definitely like the Bark River Bushcrafter (BRBC) and don't know if I'd sell it if I tried something new. I have a lot more outdoors knives than I care to mention and switch them up a lot to feel the differences. Thinner blade stock with very tough steel is certainly my first preference, and while the BRBC is not exactly thin it's not chunky either. The handles do throw me off sometimes but as I learn more "tricks" I learn that they are designed to accomodate some purposes well and others not so much. But with that said, a highly-rounded handle will always be my first preference and that is the primary reason why I'm so interested in Fiddlebacks. I don't know if I want a Ladyfinger, Bushcrafter, Hunter, or otherwise and it's hard to choose as I probably can only afford one of them. I guess I'll just see what I end up with and do a comparison shot myself, as I think a year or two of usage will eventually weed out The One.
Click to expand...

I have all three of those knives(Bushcrafter, hunter, Ladyfinger) and I would choose the Hunter over all of them. It is a well rounded knife, both bushcraft and hunting applications.
 
I have owned a few scandivex knives - and I am just torn about them. The lighten Bror and the like seem to want to end up with a steep angled convex - which - to me - makes little sense.

I have worked on my Arete for some time - getting the convex to my liking - and now that it is there - what I found I was doing was taking off the slight shoulder made by the double bevel put on in finishing.

This allows for a smooth transition from edge to shoulder and allows the knife to slice like mad.

My scandi Arete is a Zero grind - and although not the best slicer - hogs material in softer woods like mad.

I think the compromise with a scandi-vex must be done with thinner stock to get good results - a good example of this is what Koyote does. I liked his scandivex very much.

I think, in a way, comparing Andy's blades to this BRKT is apples to oranges. Like a revolver to a semi auto pistol. You can use them for the same things - at times - but the knives excell at different things.

With that said - I am sure I will pick one up. When I do - I will do a comparison between it and my two Arete's (they are similar in design).

Use what you like - and use the hell out of it. Andy can fix almost anything. ;)

TF
 
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