Big Mitt -- First Impressions

[joarthur]

Great review and pics Jim. It's very cool to have followed the development and delivery of this special knife. I will hopefully have time to post a few a pics of the 4" version and some comparison pics with other models over the next few days. I haven't had chance to really use it in anger yet but constantly handle it in different grips and I'm excited about it's potential.

I look forward to seeing your pics and reading your comments Jules. Can you take any measurements of the handle? I'm curious how it compares with mine, especially thickness. Also the weight and balance point of the 4-inch. I'm really liking mine.

 

[Comprehensivist]

Awesome write-up Jim! You have been searching for the perfect Fiddleback handle to fit your hand for a long while now. That was very nice of Andy to build something that caters to the XXXl size hand niche. I appreciate all the detailed measurements and in-hand photos you provided. What really drives home the length and thickness of the handle for me are the comparison photos with the Woodsman. My Woodsman handle feels long to my hand size. The Big Mitt absolutely dwarfs it by comparison.

Even though the handle to blade lengths looks a little disproportionate to me, I am glad you went with the 3/32" steel and 3" blade. That makes the most sense given your hand sensitivity restrictions to provide the maximum grip control and slicing ability.

I am happy for you my friend. Congratulations on fulfilling your special knife quest.

Phil

 

[bear71]

I'm packing up to move work location but here are a few quick photos of the Big Mittt alongside some other models I have with me. I wear a large glove and my palm is 4" across, not an overly large hand.

Top to bottom : Comp Cutter (same handle as Camp Knife), Toothpik (same handle as Woodsman), Duke, Big Mitt, Camp Muk



In this grip the lanyard hole of most 4" models is covered by my pinkie and the butt of the handle rests on the fleshy part of my palm.


I'll try to get some better measurements of the 4" Big Mitt once I'm settled.

Jules

 

[joarthur]

Awesome write-up Jim! You have been searching for the perfect Fiddleback handle to fit your hand for a long while now. That was very nice of Andy to build something that caters to the XXXl size hand niche. I appreciate all the detailed measurements and in-hand photos you provided. What really drives home the length and thickness of the handle for me are the comparison photos with the Woodsman. My Woodsman handle feels long to my hand size. The Big Mitt absolutely dwarfs it by comparison.




Even though the handle to blade lengths looks a little disproportionate to me, I am glad you went with the 3/32" steel and 3" blade. That makes the most sense given your hand sensitivity restrictions to provide the maximum grip control and slicing ability.

I am happy for you my friend. Congratulations on fulfilling your special knife quest.

Phil

Thanks, Phil. It was indeed a "quest," and a couple specific things you said in posts earlier this year were especially helpful to me. (In addition, of course, to your reviews, key lessons in Fiddleback 101 for so many of us.)

The first was about the importance of the pinky for a secure grip. I think you said it contributed as much as 40 percent of the overall gripping power.

The second was your specific recommendation that I try a Woodsman. The Woodsman I purchased from Fogdart seems to have a bit longer handle than most, at 5.318". It works well for me because I can squeeze my pinky up against the hook, which holds it in place and gives me a lot of confidence about grip security. But the handle is still a bit of a squeeze, as one can see by the whitening of the parts of the pinky pressing against the handle. The Big Mitt, by contrast, has plenty of room. The pinky doesn't turn white from restricted blood flow. That shot of the butt ends of the Woodsman and Big Mitt is really something. And I, too, think 3/32 with 3-inch blade was the right choice. Were I to get a 4-inch version, I'd probably get 1/8" and tapered tang, to improve balance.

 

[joarthur]

I'm packing up to move work location but here are a few quick photos of the Big Mittt alongside some other models I have with me. I wear a large glove and my palm is 4" across, not an overly large hand.

I'll try to get some better measurements of the 4" Big Mitt once I'm settled.

Jules

Very helpful comparison and in-hand photos, Jules. I'm glad to be able to compare the Camp Nessmuk and Big Mitt. Very similar. And the Comp Cutter/Camp Knife handle is appealing. I hope I'll have a chance to try one someday.

 

[Fiddleback]

Nice post Jules.