Bite-sized Borry; a Bevy of Blue

[pertinux]

View attachment 774005

Both esquires, I miss all 3.

Never a good feeling....

Safe to say that there is something for everyone in the Fiddleback lineup.

I'll say! Something for everyone, and always more to explore through times of changing preferences and applications.

I have always enjoyed the Runt, especially for a pocketable carry every day style knife.

Absolutely! I agree with your observations on the Runt here, across the board. I didn't 'get it' at all, until having one in hand. I mean, its color of course helps(!), but eI thought I'd just be humoring Jerry by taking a look at it. Uhm, no. What a freakin' cool little knife!

Handyman (succeeding a Hiking Buddy) and a Runt and call me done on models in this size range for most practical uses. I've tried others, but if I had to narrow it down... There are some really tough contenders with the likes of the Bushboot, Karda family, Esquire and more task oriented Bow Legged varieties.

Right! I'm still surprised (and kinda disappointed) that the Hiking Buddy doesn't do it for me, but I'm glad I realized that straight up (thanks again, @Nbrackett, for that early borry!). I don't care for the Handyman's visuals quite as much as the Hiking Buddy's, but that's a quibble-- especially once putting a Handyman to use.

The Pocket Kephart never jumped out at me and with it next to the Sgian Dubh it probably never will. The seemingly more symmetrical handle geometry and lack of a guard appeal to me more in that style of knife. A nice dagger grind, with some "spalted" steel down the center line like a middle finger sticking up to tell you this knife may be small but not one to 'F with.

Whoa, that'd be something! I still love the looks of Pocket Kepharts, and if I were not determined to maintain a winnowed selection of knives I'd likely jump on one. (And can't rule out that happening, still.) The Sgian Dubh is just so much MORE in my hands...

I said to someone the other day how I may need to revisit the Esquire. I acquired one, fondled it, fed it mineral oil and microfiber, took it on a few outings... It never bit me or anything, but I could never quite get the affection right for it of a proper parent. Still, it constantly looked at me for attention I wasn't ready to give so my first Esquire went up for adoption. However, the size it good. Handle ergos also done well. Maybe filing off some of that guard and a sexy swedge would be more enticing.

Possibly so? As I've mentioned before, my two Esquires feel astonishingly different in hand. The 3/32" blue is very, very fine, but it doesn't evoke the Wow reaction that the 1/8" oreo does whenever I pick it up.

And I cannot BELIEVE that precious stubby muk did not photobomb any of these pics...50 shades of gray and all

Well.... I'm trying to see how I feel living without it, to determine whether or not I am willing to live without it.

From the get-go, I have been determined to maintain a manageable, use-able selection of knives. I think my initial goal was three total Fiddlebacks, little, medium, larger? That stretched to five, which stretched to... more'n that.

Here are my smaller fixed blades, sans the Sgian Dubh which was already hieing itself ho to Jerry, hitchhiking with his returnees so he can conduct his own wee compare:

Esquire, Esquire, Stubby Muk, Runt, Pocket Muk (@freemanforge)

Sgian Dubh & Stubby Muk:

Stubby Muk and Pocket Muk:

I'm very taken by the wee Pocket Muk, and especially like its more pronounced point:

... I love the Stubby Muk (and its oreo duds!), but it's proving to be a tweener-- bigger than can be as readily pocketed as some of the other choices, yet without the versatility of blades slightly larger. I pick up the Stubby Muk and handle it and want it to stay Forever; I move through my weeks and, day after day, discover it's not the knife that gets the nod.

~ P.

 

[FeralGentleman]

I think my initial goal was three total Fiddlebacks, little, medium, larger?

Did you give them water?

Did you feed them after midnight?

 

[Kirkwood]

[I don't care for G10's typical bright royal blue (other than in liners), nor the cornflower (ditto). There's a blue gray out there that shows promise, however....]

Never heard of it...

... assuming that's what you're referring to.

[[I am currently intrigued by the @Fletcher Knives 24/7, which seems to prefer G10 clothes. Might this run us into each other? ]]

~ P.

Sadly, I think we will keep running passed each other. I'm all set on the 24/7.

While intrigue basically means the deal is as good as done (once the right one comes along), here's a comparison pic with my newish Esquire and Jerry's soon to ship Sgian Dubh to help you out.

As you can see, the 24/7 handle is actually a tad shorter than the Esquire handle. No bother though. The handle contours of the 24/7 make it comfortable to use in multiple grips (despite the shorter length). While the 24/7 handle is shorter, the blade is actually a little bit longer, which can be nice. A nice touch about Dylan's G10 handles is he sandblasts them so they are a little more grippy (although I honestly don't get too fussed about G10 feeling “slippy” anyway). This 24/7 is 3/32" CPM154. If you're lucky enough to have a chance to grab that config, jump on it fast!

 

[pertinux]

Never heard of it...

... assuming that's what you're referring to.

Oh my, yes. Look at you!

Going by this picture alone, this might be one time I prefer black over natural pins, and possibly the white accents most of all-- wowzah!

Sadly, I think we will keep running passed each other. I'm all set on the 24/7.

Well, whaddaya know! Also:

While intrigue basically means the deal is as good as done (once the right one comes along), here's a comparison pic with my newish Esquire and Jerry's soon to ship Sgian Dubh to help you out.

Thanks, this really helps! Even still, my first thought was, whoa, the 24/7 is a lot bigger than I realized-- until the scale you've presented through the accompanying smaller knives fully registered.

Yes, "intrigue" has a way of seamlessly segueing into has-ing, but I'm not yet sure of the knife's presentation for me. I'm mostly curious about the handle, how the contours work in hand.

Which you cover as well!

As you can see, the 24/7 handle is actually a tad shorter than the Esquire handle. No bother though. The handle contours of the 24/7 make it comfortable to use in multiple grips (despite the shorter length).

That would be my hunch from afar, so I'm glad to hear it's working out that way for you in realtime.

While the 24/7 handle is shorter, the blade is actually a little bit longer, which can be nice. A nice touch about Dylan's G10 handles is he sandblasts them so they are a little more grippy (although I honestly don't get too fussed about G10 feeling “slippy” anyway). This 24/7 is 3/32" CPM154. If you're lucky enough to have a chance to grab that config, jump on it fast!

Welp, I'm currently fighting a sudden battle against More (it's winnow time, if with a peeking eyes towards future More). At the same time, this ~ 5-6"-ish range is a sweet spot for me, and I enjoy new discoveries of what 'works.'

I'm not sure I want to cross into something as tactical looking (relative to my other knives, at least), but the right clothes could sway a person.

Thanks much for the great pictures and insights.

~ P.

 

[Warrior108]

Never heard of it...

... assuming that's what you're referring to.



Sadly, I think we will keep running passed each other. I'm all set on the 24/7.

While intrigue basically means the deal is as good as done (once the right one comes along), here's a comparison pic with my newish Esquire and Jerry's soon to ship Sgian Dubh to help you out.

As you can see, the 24/7 handle is actually a tad shorter than the Esquire handle. No bother though. The handle contours of the 24/7 make it comfortable to use in multiple grips (despite the shorter length). While the 24/7 handle is shorter, the blade is actually a little bit longer, which can be nice. A nice touch about Dylan's G10 handles is he sandblasts them so they are a little more grippy (although I honestly don't get too fussed about G10 feeling “slippy” anyway). This 24/7 is 3/32" CPM154. If you're lucky enough to have a chance to grab that config, jump on it fast!

Crappycakes, now I DEFINITELY need a 24/7! I had picked up an Esteban II last year which turned out to be a larger version of the (original) Esteban. It felt larger than what I wanted and since then I've been looking for good 24/7 comparison pics and this by far is the best one yet. Thank you for sharing this! The 24/7 contours seem very similar to the Esteban II but in a smaller package. That Esteban II was super comfy and felt outstanding in-hand and I liked that thumb ramp, which is also present on the 24/7. As you said, comfy in a variety of grips.

pertinux Heads-up on Fletcher's if you haven't researched them .. They usually come with a kydex sheath, made by Dylan. The sheaths are great quality and nicely done but like most kydex sheaths tend to do, they'll put marks / snail trails on the sides of the blade. Sooooo .. if that is something you're particular about, you'll want to place a request with Dylan when his books are open and specify "no sheath" or "do not place in sheath". That is my plan .. and then to pair it with leather. Not the end of the world but thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[SA Condor]

I’ve reunited with my 24/7 here in Bolivia. Mine’s 3/32” tt and Dylan did some file work for me on the spine. It’s my go to knife when I’m out and about at night. I only have the kydex sheath that Dylan made. It’s a really nice sheath, but I really really want a simple leather taco sheath without a clip or loop for the belt. Then it’ll disappear in the pocket.

 

[pertinux]

Crappycakes, now I DEFINITELY need a 24/7!

Sounds good to me-- so we can see what we think of the pattern.

Except, you'd probably go for Red or something gnarly, so... I've put my own dibs in, for a Right blue. That blue grey Kirkwood just posted would look great on a 24/7, or glacier jade, or Shadetree.

Speaking of which:

View attachment 778040 View attachment 778041

I’ve reunited with my 24/7 here in Bolivia. Mine’s 3/32” tt and Dylan did some file work for me on the spine. It’s my go to knife when I’m out and about at night. I only have the kydex sheath that Dylan made. It’s a really nice sheath, but I really really want a simple leather taco sheath without a clip or loop for the belt. Then it’ll disappear in the pocket.

Wow, does that look great! Thanks for posting it here.

Hmmm, Kydex:

pertinux Heads-up on Fletcher's if you haven't researched them .. They usually come with a kydex sheath, made by Dylan. The sheaths are great quality and nicely done but like most kydex sheaths tend to do, they'll put marks / snail trails on the sides of the blade. Sooooo .. if that is something you're particular about, you'll want to place a request with Dylan when his books are open and specify "no sheath" or "do not place in sheath". That is my plan .. and then to pair it with leather. Not the end of the world but thought it was worth mentioning.

Thanks! My first thought was, "Ew, Kydex," because I love leather, and a great leather sheath brings everything together for me-- even though, save for a couple exceptions, I still haven't really found what I (think I) have in mind.

However, fresh off watching @Fletcher Knives on @Fiddleback Outpost's Live Video on Friday afternoon, I'm rather taken by the CLICK-fit of Dylan's Kydex sheaths. So if I ever get a chance at a 24/7, I'm now thinking I'll start with Kydex (scratches, smatches-- it's a knife!), and see what kind of leather I might want (or maybe already have) from there.

~ P.

 

[Warrior108]

Blue bump ..

 

[Fiddleback]

Sometimes that Maple is just too damn badass Warrior108

 

[Bmurray]

I'll send you my 24/7 if you want to check it out.

 

[wildmanh]

View attachment 778040 View attachment 778041

I’ve reunited with my 24/7 here in Bolivia. Mine’s 3/32” tt and Dylan did some file work for me on the spine. It’s my go to knife when I’m out and about at night. I only have the kydex sheath that Dylan made. It’s a really nice sheath, but I really really want a simple leather taco sheath without a clip or loop for the belt. Then it’ll disappear in the pocket.

Nice 24/7 you have there. Mines like yours, 3/32" thick, tapered tang, with file work. Though mine has blue scales with black liners. Been carrying in the stock Kydex sheath. Need to make a leather slip cover for it soon.

 

[pertinux]

Blue bump ..

View attachment 927702

Sa-weet.

Sometimes that Maple is just too damn badass Warrior108

Absolutely!

Pocket Cleaver:

~ P.

 

[NoRest]

Sometimes that Maple is just too damn badass Warrior108

Now I gotta watch for a blue Maple Bushboot!

 

[Comprehensivist]

Even though I really like blue handles, that color has been absent from my collection for over a year as a result of selling off a number of knives as I continue to shrink my collection down to a smaller group of favorite users.

I am finally back in the “blue” club with the purchase of a tapered 3/32” CPM 154 Fletcher 24/7 from @Lee Tigner at Olde Towne Cutlery. This was my first business with them. Great service and packaging. I will definitely do business with them again.

I have been pursuing a thin tapered 24/7 CPM 154 since late 2015 when I sent Dylan a Dibs request along with several PM’s since then to confirm my interest in buying one. I almost gave up on getting one after that never worked out directly. I held off buying this particular knife for a while because the price has gone up significantly on the thin tapered stainless variation with file work. Even so, all the cool pictures and comments in this thread about the 24/7 kept gnawing at me. In the end, the long smoldering desire for this particular model variation was too strong to resist. I decided to pull the trigger and bite the bullet to get this one.

I will admit that I am very picky about fixed blade knives that are less than 7-1/2” OAL. Below that size, most knives seem to be lacking in handle comfort and/or blade length for me. The 24/7 @ 6-5/8” long with a 3-3/16” cutting edge is an exception because the forward positioned thumb ramp and well executed pommel shape make the handle feel bigger than it is. It is one of the very small group of knives in this size range that captures my attention because it offers a full, but tight, four-finger grip for me.

The new Burlatex burlap is extremely nice because it does not exhibit the little air bubbles and pock marks on the finished handle like some other burlap does. I am hopeful that this will mean it won’t shrink in thickness like the other company stuff does in my environment.

The color of this one is “Periwinkle.” Periwinkle flowers are described at light blue with a hint of purple. Instead, I find this burlap to be mostly light blue with a hint of gray. I like that result. The white liners and epoxy filler don’t show off the file work on the tang as well for me as black would. That is my only aesthetic critique of this particular knife.







The Fletcher 24/7 rocks. I will be glad to have it in my arsenal for years to come.

Phil

 

[VANCE]

Very nice Phil
That one is a "looker" for sure

 

[pertinux]

I am finally back in the “blue” club with the purchase of a tapered 3/32” CPM 154 Fletcher 24/7 from @Lee Tigner at Olde Towne Cutlery. This was my first business with them. Great service and packaging. I will definitely do business with them again.

Aha! So that's where it went.

I stumbled upon this same sweet knife whilst checking out Olde Towne (for which I appreciate your endorsement). What a beauty! When I returned to (re)consider it further, it was of course gone-- thankfully, in some of the best hands. Congratulations!

I have been pursuing a thin tapered 24/7 CPM 154 since late 2015 when I sent Dylan a Dibs request along with several PM’s since then to confirm my interest in buying one. I almost gave up on getting one after that never worked out directly.

Your experience echoes mine, including that it seemed to odd to (have to) 'stumble upon' something I had "Dibs'd" myself, even after confirming that the Dibs List was still a thing here and there along the way.

I held off buying this particular knife for a while because the price has gone up significantly on the thin tapered stainless variation with file work.

So did I! The price point was the main Pause, especially since I'd be as happy, possibly even happier, with O1. Although perhaps the price will be on the high(er) side from here on out, regardless?

Ed. to add: The price was/is not unreasonable for what's offered, it's just a surprise given what I'd expected based on previous offerings, and more than I was prepared to spend for a(nother) knife right now....

Even so, all the cool pictures and comments in this thread about the 24/7 kept gnawing at me. In the end, the long smoldering desire for this particular model variation was too strong to resist. I decided to pull the trigger and bite the bullet to get this one.

Given how many boxes it ticks, I'm glad you went for it-- for your sake, and because I'm happy you have such a sweet little knife, and because I'm glad that I may now get to see more of than otherwise.

I will admit that I am very picky about fixed blade knives that are less than 7-1/2” OAL. Below that size, most knives seem to be lacking in handle comfort and/or blade length for me. The 24/7 @ 6-5/8” long with a 3-3/16” cutting edge is an exception because the forward positioned thumb ramp and well executed pommel shape make the handle feel bigger than it is.

This was my impression of the pattern and the handle's feel as well.

The new Burlatex burlap is extremely nice because it does not exhibit the little air bubbles and pock marks on the finished handle like some other burlap does. I am hopeful that this will mean it won’t shrink in thickness like the other company stuff does in my environment.

I have not yet seen Burlatex in person (I don't think?), and look forward to hearing your impressions over time and use.

-- What is the brown mark near the lanyard hole on the logo side of the knife? I believe I saw that in Olde Towne's picture(s) as well...? Just wondering.

The color of this one is “Periwinkle.” Periwinkle flowers are described at light blue with a hint of purple. Instead, I find this burlap to be mostly light blue with a hint of gray. I like that result. The white liners and epoxy filler don’t show off the file work on the tang as well for me as black would. That is my only aesthetic critique of this particular knife.

From pictures only, it looks great to me, less 'Florida' than Shadetree's Sapphire, and with some good depth. I also really like the white accents, including the pin, against the Periwinkle.

The Fletcher 24/7 rocks.

To me, that's the bottom line! As I said when evaluating the one VANCE so graciously lent me:

"[The blade angle and handle geometry of the 24/7 also did not lend itself well to draw cuts; it's manageable, but not the best choice. I didn't take a picture of Why because I want one anyway, so there.]"

I believe I also used the descriptive, "Freakin' Cool"; more of my thoughts on the pattern are here, and in the post immediately after, from the thread

Fiddle Fam sub-7" Pattern Compare? Pix Request

I will be glad to have it in my arsenal for years to come.

Sounds a grand plan.

But if not...?

"Dibs."

~ P.

 

[VANCE]

Imma hafta break out the 24/7 tomorrow to revist its awesomeness

 

[Comprehensivist]

Very nice Phil
That one is a "looker" for sure

Thanks Phillip. Your bolstered EO 24/7 kinda sets the standard in the "looker" department. If Burlatex ever figures out how to make Electric Orange, your knife budget might get out of hand very quickly.

Aha! So that's where it went.

I stumbled upon this same sweet knife whilst checking out Olde Towne (for which I appreciate your endorsement). What a beauty! When I returned to (re)consider it further, it was of course gone-- thankfully, in some of the best hands. Congratulations!

I appreciate the sentiment coming from the "Queen of All Things Small & Blue."

Your experience echoes mine, including that it seemed to odd to (have to) 'stumble upon' something I had "Dibs'd" myself, even after confirming that the Dibs List was still a thing here and there along the way.

It appears that Dylan marches to the beat of a different banana concerning Dibs requests. I wish we knew what that beat was...

Given how many boxes it ticks, I'm glad you went for it-- for your sake, and because I'm happy you have such a sweet little knife, and because I'm glad that I may now get to see more of than otherwise.

I have not yet seen Burlatex in person (I don't think?), and look forward to hearing your impressions over time and use.

-- What is the brown mark near the lanyard hole on the logo side of the knife? I believe I saw that in Olde Towne's picture(s) as well...? Just wondering.

I used the 24/7 just this morning to cut-up some fruit for my breakfast Acai bowl. It is a pleasure to use and look at, even when the task isn't that demanding.

The "brown spot" you mentioned is exactly what it appears to be, an errant brown spot of thread in the burlap. I saw it in the OTC photos too before buying. Many of our OCD compadres on the forum here couldn't bear to own a knife with a cosmetic flaw like that. That's fine, but it limits the already limited chances of scoring certain models and steel configurations. I appreciate the nice handmade things and the little touches that show up in the artists work. In this case, the brown thread spot reminds me of a piece of driftwood in and ocean of blue.



From pictures only, it looks great to me, less 'Florida' than Shadetree's Sapphire, and with some good depth. I also really like the white accents, including the pin, against the Periwinkle.

Your observation is right on. The Periwinkle is a softer more subdued blue than the Sapphire burlap I have had in the past.

As I said when evaluating the one VANCE so graciously lent me:

"[The blade angle and handle geometry of the 24/7 also did not lend itself well to draw cuts; it's manageable, but not the best choice. I didn't take a picture of Why because I want one anyway, so there.]"

I believe I also used the descriptive, "Freakin' Cool"; more of my thoughts on the pattern are here, and in the post immediately after, from the thread

Fiddle Fam sub-7" Pattern Compare? Pix Request

I can't argue with your "Freakin' Cool" description. It is so cool in fact, that I can't imagine another fixed blade in this OAL bumping it off the throne.

Sounds a grand plan.

But if not...?

"Dibs."

You are #1 on the next of kin list for this one.

~ P.

I apologize that my response to pertinux got embedded in her quote above. I guess that I haven't mastered the multi-quote process on the new software here yet.

Here is a full size copy of the photo I posted there.



Phil