Big Thanks to Andy, Phillip, and the Fiddleback crew!

Aias

Aias

Joined
Aug 1, 2012
Messages
5,188
My second Fiddleback arrived--a Forager! And after a little bit of use, I can say this knife is just stellar.

Thanks so much, Andy, for welcoming me, and making me such an excellent blade. This Fiddleback newbie is now a total Fiddleback convert--my Sneaky Pete is amazing... and this Forager is just off the charts! It is so quick and nimble, the balance is slightly forward (perfect for this), and the grind... well, it speaks for itself.

Special thanks to Phillip too, for all the email correspondence, and thanks to the good folks at Fiddleback.

Pics!

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Sweet score!! I was pretty sure you'd like it. I pictured a Forager in Bilbo's larder once, it made for an interesting scene. I would love one with a quarter-sawn oak handle to play with that idea when I get the pantry built.
 
The Forager has not gotten the fan base that the Camp Knife has YET, but it is a really cool knife during use. And it looks great too. Woot!
 
cbach8tw said:
The Forager has a good shape, blade thickness?
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It's 5/32nds, A2.

This week has been pretty busy with the end of the semester, but once that's done I hope to get a little outdoors time to try out the knife in different applications. So far, I can say it slices incredibly well, it bites into wood with a vengeance, and the overall feel of the knife is truly excellent.

I can see why the Camp Knife has gotten more attention--its a little bigger, and has a more straight-forward design. I like it as well, but the Forager has more of a bowie look to it, and more attitude, which I prefer.

If Andy ever made a cross between the two, or a larger Bullfrog Bowie, man, that would be amazing. Also, the 7"-8" blade length range is waiting to be filled by something lean and mean. Sign me up now for one...
 
Interestingly, the Forager was inspired by Chinese blades, not Bowie knives. It definitely came out Bowie looking though. I can definitely see that.
 
Fiddleback said:
Interestingly, the Forager was inspired by Chinese blades, not Bowie knives. It definitely came out Bowie looking though. I can definitely see that.
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Wow, that's cool to know! I love getting the backstory from makers about their inspirations and the fabrication process. I too can see how the Forager is not quite a bowie... I had to look long and hard at it to understand its lines. In use, I find the subtle, yet nearly continuous curve of its edge very versatile.

Thanks again, Andy.
 
Every time I make one I look at it and wonder if I have the skill to finish the grinds on it. Then when that last pass is done, it is a big relief.
 
Fiddleback said:
Every time I make one I look at it and wonder if I have the skill to finish the grinds on it. Then when that last pass is done, it is a big relief.
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Well, I love it, and am very grateful that you took the time to make it. :thumbsup:
 
Aias Aias your pictures really make the Forager look Sexy!! Reminds me of a Chef's knife. But I can totally see the Chinese influence, now that Andy mentions it. It's a cool design and one that I'd like to get some day.
 
7th from the left? I'm lost.
 
Fiddleback said:
7th from the left? I'm lost.
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Sorry! In the link below my "7th from the left" comment, there are traditional Chinese polarms--the one that is 7th from the left has a blade profile that seemed similar to the profile of the Forager. Having trained with edged weapons (though mostly Japanese), I recalled the blade profile once you mentioned the source of its influence. I guess I was asking if this is what you looked at when developing the Forager.

Sorry again for the confusion.
Anthony
 
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