Blade Geometry Change?

[OneStarLeather]

Andy Roy is a smart man with a keen eye for design and makes the most beautiful knives I've ever laid eyes on, so I mean this as no insult.

But I am wondering, if I wanted to have the blade geometry of a Fiddleback Forge knife modified slightly, is that something they do? I know some other knife companies are ok with this sort of work, and even do it for free. But I also know that as a designer myself, it is sometimes insulting when someone wants to mess with the masterpiece that you birthed.

I ask because I just received a Ladyfinger. Wow, what a knife. I love many things about it, but I don't love the swell in the blade. The blade is thicker towards its middle than it is near the tang, and I would prefer the spine to be flatter coming off the handle, more like the patch/recluse/leuku. I have included a photoshopped mockup of what I might want to do to it.

As I am quite new to Fiddlebacks (collection of 3 right now), I don't want to ruffle any feathers if this sort of thing is frowned upon. But at the same time, this small issue means I may not keep the knife as I can't afford to keep a knife that I don't love through and through.

Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[knutelut]

I am sure Bamboo, Vance or Andy will chime in soon but I am pretty sure they don't take on mods like that.
My wife got a Ladyfinger ( no surprise) and I quite like the swell on it, my only concern is the handle being too slender.
Post it up in the FF for sale/trade is always an option?

 

[Comprehensivist]

Hi Keegan,

Since you are relatively new to Fiddlebacks, you probably have not seen prior threads on this subject. Andy has stated several times in the past that he does not do modifications such as you are proposing (or removing guards, reshaping handles, etc.) on his knives. Here is a thread that explains what is and is not done as part of the Fiddleback Spa service:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1212894-Spa-Service

Even if Andy did do that type of work, the thing working against you on this particular knife is that it is 1/8" thick with a full height grind. If you removed material from the spine as you depicted, it would result in a thinner blade thickness in the middle that would look like crap when viewed from the top.

If you are not satisfied with the knife as-is, your best bet is to return it per the customer satisfaction policy defined in the intro thread.

Best,

Phil

 

[OneStarLeather]

Very good, thank you Phil for the knowledge! You make a good point about the full height grind, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

Hi Keegan,

Since you are relatively new to Fiddlebacks, you probably have not seen prior threads on this subject. Andy has stated several times in the past that he does not do modifications such as you are proposing (or removing guards, reshaping handles, etc.) on his knives. Here is a thread that explains what is and is not done as part of the Fiddleback Spa service:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1212894-Spa-Service

Even if Andy did do that type of work, the thing working against you on this particular knife is that it is 1/8" thick with a full height grind. If you removed material from the spine as you depicted, it would result in a thinner blade thickness in the middle that would look like crap when viewed from the top.

If you are not satisfied with the knife as-is, your best bet is to return it per the customer satisfaction policy defined in the intro thread.

Best,

Phil

 

[McVeyMac]

I think that a very viable solution is to get a Recluse. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Fiddleback]

No offense taken my friend. I also mean no offense when I say that we don't mod the knives we've made in the past. The Ladyfinger is one of the few models we still have with the swayed spine. In fact, I've kept it as a throwback to when that dominated my designs. There are many other models that do not have this feature. I agree with McVeyMac on the Recluse. The knife does have a satisfaction guarantee. If it is in unused condition, just return it and we can swap for a similar Recluse, or any other dollar for dollar swap, or if you'd prefer we could get you a refund. Certainly don't keep one you are unhappy with.