M4Super90
Biochemical Superfreak
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2008
- Messages
- 1,036
Im approaching my 1 year anniversary of the first Fiddelback knife I purchased. After studying and careful thought, my first purchase was a Recluse. An absolutely beautiful knife (2013 1122 008) in stabilized dyed Sycamore in 1/8 thick 3D Spalted 01 steel. It hooked me on the custom attributes of Andys work, and the fit and finish of his knives. However, I didnt meld with that knife as I expected. The third knife I purchased (2013 1129 011) was and still is my favorite user Bushcrafter and my path to ruin. For me, a 4 knife is the most utilitarian and I have never strayed too much from size of knife. Whether its a favorite BC, Nessmuck, Terrasaur, Kephart or Bushfinger those are the ones that get loaded in the pack first.
Recently the opportunity has presented itself to handle, compare and test some of the smaller and larger knives. I thought I would pass along my impressions, some detailed photos and specs of the knives for others reference. Part 1 of this overview will focus on the small knives.
I have many custom folders, and have wanted a small fixed blade FF to put into the rotation for some time. Ive always been interested in a Runt, but the opportunity to snag the right one has never presented itself. After conversations with several members here, I decided to try the 2 Finger Karda (2FK). I was hoping to get an old-school 2FK, but I became a bit impatient and had the opportunity to acquire the updated version of the 2FK from USA Made Blade. Phil (Comprehensivist) was kind enough to send me several models in these size ranges I plan to evaluate to add to the comparator group (more on this in Part 2). There was a test runt included in this group.
A little background - I carry a knife all the time. My EDC rotation used to only include folders, but now I carry both folders and fixed blades. Which one I carry largely depends on what Im doing and how obtrusive carry might be. I work in a medical setting. While scalpels are commonplace, knives are not, and you do get the occasional odd look when you deploy an assisted folder. Go figure. Point being, I have very different EDC requirements depending on whether Im at work, running around town on the weekend, or out in the local national parks. The two I carry most are a Kershaw Leek (a throw-down beater that can be replaced easily) and a Koster Scout. Those are probably not relevant to everyone, but since these are the knives I spent the most day-to-day time with, they are valuable comparators for me. The Leek is common enough I figure any knife person owns one or has held one at some point. I wont go into detail on them but I do include them in many shots as a size reference.
The specs on each knife are:
Runt (On loan from Phil, 2014 0919 01) Evergreen Commando scales, SFT Tang, convex on 1/8 spalted 01 steel
2 Finger Karda (Purchased from BladeCo around 10/11/14) - Blueback OD G10, black over lime with 1/8 SFT 01
Obligatory Photos:
Size comparison:
Some Mistwalker in-the-hand shots. No review would be complete without them.
Impressions:
Most are aware the FF Karda family is roughly based on the same blade profile (there are some good comments related to this by Kirkwood in a prior post with ED vs BC Karda). Here is a photo comparison between my EDKarda, the 2FK and the Runt.
Although the 2FK and Runt are only ½ difference in length and all the additional length is in the blade, the 2FK feels much larger than the actual size difference. As you can see, there is a substantial difference in the thickness and this translates into perceived heft. Both knives are 1/8 O1.
The weights are not that different, but you can tell a difference in the way they balance. The 2FK is 2.9 oz / 81 g and the Runt is 2.3 oz / 64 g (the Scout is 2.1 oz / 59 g and the Leek is 3.1 oz / 86 g). The 2FK balances half way between the 1st and 2nd set of pins while the Runt balances just slightly in front of the 2nd (almost under). The farther rearward balance of the knife makes it feel lighter in the blade and more nimble.
Below is the configuration that I most commonly carry a pocket-sized fixed blade which includes a small light plus the knife. This slips in the pocket easily. The commando runt interchanges easily with the Scout. The package is actually thinner than the same config with the Scout due to the slim profile of the Runt. Since I have not held other Runts, Ill have to rely on Phils comments that this particular Runt is much thinner than others. A plus for my intended purposes, but Im not seeking a fill the hand knife of this size. The 2FK will not fit in this sheath, although there are a variety of forum leather benders that have a similar setup that will accommodate the 2FK.
This Runt is well-balanced for a small knife that is fully capable, but maintains a very slim and elegant feel. Size-wise it feels very much like the Leek when folded, although significantly lighter. Of the two, I can see myself carrying the Runt more than the 2FK. Primarily because it is more similar in size and balance to the knives I have developed significant familiarity. However, if you prefer a large(r) blade performance and feel in a small package the 2FK is for you. I think both knives will work well in a small fixed blade role. It will be interesting to see if this opinion changes as I spend more time with them.
Stay tuned. Coming up will be the opposite end of the spectrum. Part 2: 5 knives.
Recently the opportunity has presented itself to handle, compare and test some of the smaller and larger knives. I thought I would pass along my impressions, some detailed photos and specs of the knives for others reference. Part 1 of this overview will focus on the small knives.
I have many custom folders, and have wanted a small fixed blade FF to put into the rotation for some time. Ive always been interested in a Runt, but the opportunity to snag the right one has never presented itself. After conversations with several members here, I decided to try the 2 Finger Karda (2FK). I was hoping to get an old-school 2FK, but I became a bit impatient and had the opportunity to acquire the updated version of the 2FK from USA Made Blade. Phil (Comprehensivist) was kind enough to send me several models in these size ranges I plan to evaluate to add to the comparator group (more on this in Part 2). There was a test runt included in this group.
A little background - I carry a knife all the time. My EDC rotation used to only include folders, but now I carry both folders and fixed blades. Which one I carry largely depends on what Im doing and how obtrusive carry might be. I work in a medical setting. While scalpels are commonplace, knives are not, and you do get the occasional odd look when you deploy an assisted folder. Go figure. Point being, I have very different EDC requirements depending on whether Im at work, running around town on the weekend, or out in the local national parks. The two I carry most are a Kershaw Leek (a throw-down beater that can be replaced easily) and a Koster Scout. Those are probably not relevant to everyone, but since these are the knives I spent the most day-to-day time with, they are valuable comparators for me. The Leek is common enough I figure any knife person owns one or has held one at some point. I wont go into detail on them but I do include them in many shots as a size reference.
The specs on each knife are:
Runt (On loan from Phil, 2014 0919 01) Evergreen Commando scales, SFT Tang, convex on 1/8 spalted 01 steel
2 Finger Karda (Purchased from BladeCo around 10/11/14) - Blueback OD G10, black over lime with 1/8 SFT 01
Obligatory Photos:
Size comparison:
Some Mistwalker in-the-hand shots. No review would be complete without them.
Impressions:
Most are aware the FF Karda family is roughly based on the same blade profile (there are some good comments related to this by Kirkwood in a prior post with ED vs BC Karda). Here is a photo comparison between my EDKarda, the 2FK and the Runt.
Although the 2FK and Runt are only ½ difference in length and all the additional length is in the blade, the 2FK feels much larger than the actual size difference. As you can see, there is a substantial difference in the thickness and this translates into perceived heft. Both knives are 1/8 O1.
The weights are not that different, but you can tell a difference in the way they balance. The 2FK is 2.9 oz / 81 g and the Runt is 2.3 oz / 64 g (the Scout is 2.1 oz / 59 g and the Leek is 3.1 oz / 86 g). The 2FK balances half way between the 1st and 2nd set of pins while the Runt balances just slightly in front of the 2nd (almost under). The farther rearward balance of the knife makes it feel lighter in the blade and more nimble.
Below is the configuration that I most commonly carry a pocket-sized fixed blade which includes a small light plus the knife. This slips in the pocket easily. The commando runt interchanges easily with the Scout. The package is actually thinner than the same config with the Scout due to the slim profile of the Runt. Since I have not held other Runts, Ill have to rely on Phils comments that this particular Runt is much thinner than others. A plus for my intended purposes, but Im not seeking a fill the hand knife of this size. The 2FK will not fit in this sheath, although there are a variety of forum leather benders that have a similar setup that will accommodate the 2FK.
This Runt is well-balanced for a small knife that is fully capable, but maintains a very slim and elegant feel. Size-wise it feels very much like the Leek when folded, although significantly lighter. Of the two, I can see myself carrying the Runt more than the 2FK. Primarily because it is more similar in size and balance to the knives I have developed significant familiarity. However, if you prefer a large(r) blade performance and feel in a small package the 2FK is for you. I think both knives will work well in a small fixed blade role. It will be interesting to see if this opinion changes as I spend more time with them.
Stay tuned. Coming up will be the opposite end of the spectrum. Part 2: 5 knives.
! I really would like to try a BC someday. The profile is visually pleasing to me!
