Cohutta vs FiddleBack?

Let' just say when he and I are together, he loves to wear his pants suits
 
VANCE said:
Russell learned a lot of what he knows about knife making from one of Andy & Dylan's early apprentices. Ron Soloman of Devil Dog Knives.
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... So a very sad season, for many. I'm sorry for all who knew and loved Ron Solomon.


Since then he and Andy have talked a lot and Andy has been helping him learn. His style is very similar to Andy's and he hears about it a lot.
I can understand his situation. If I sit down to draw a knife it ends up looking like a Fiddleback because that's the style I like & I buy.
Russell has actually started working here Part-Time and hopefully will make the jump to Full Time in a little while.
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I like what I'm seeing, and look forward to more of Russell's knives in the days ahead!

I also trust Fiddleback Fiddleback and Russell have worked out, or are in on-going discussion regarding, brand identification, and protections of distinctions?

Right now, it would be very easy for someone less versed in all things Fiddleback assume that a "Cohutta" is a FF pattern, without knowing more information-- as just one example. Especially in times like these when Andy is about to unleash 14 new patterns!

To my eyes, the branding-- visual identification, over and against specific pattern(s)-- is currently too close, and that concerns me.

~ P.
 
You need to look on Instagram a bit more. There are a ton of knives that look like FB and vice versa. Look at Surls and Osprey, they have some models that resemble a bit as well.
 
@Southern Gent @mistwalker and Bmurray Bmurray you guys are giving me some pretty big shoes to fill! Y’all know I’m always pushing to improve and that I do things to the best of my ability. As always I appreciate the support and encouragement.

And yes, there is no denying my blades and style resemble Andy’s. It is a constant discussion between us. I have learned the majority of what I know from the Fiddleback family, so naturally that shows in my work. I have nothing but respect for Andy, Allen and the rest of the crew. They have been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge and I can not thank them enough for that. They also know that if I get too close with a particular model or detail, all they have to do is say the word and it’s gone.
 
Cohutta said:
And yes, there is no denying my blades and style resemble Andy’s.

...They also know that if I get too close with a particular model or detail, all they have to do is say the word and it’s gone.
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To be clear: I have the utmost respect for both your and Andy's work, for the processes involved and whatever the current 'work in progress' between the two of you. :thumbsup:

When I write, as I did above, "I also trust Fiddleback Fiddleback and Russell have worked out, or are in on-going discussion regarding, brand identification, and protections of distinctions?," I am not speaking of "blades and style" (pattern shapes and similarities) but specifically about branding-- that which makes a given maker's work immediately identifiable as his or her own.

For Fiddleback, this includes the elements acknowledged in every Fiddleback Friday sale:
"Note: “Spalted™” is a trademark of Fiddleback Forge, Inc. representing its proprietary steel finish. “Bullseye™“ is a trademark of Fiddleback Forge, Inc. representing its lanyard tube design."

So, I'll encourage you and Fiddleback Fiddleback to make sure your branding is identifiable and distinct, regardless of pattern and/or design, and... hush now. :oops:

--> All good stuff, and I look forward to whatever's coming next. :)

~ P.
 
Spalting as a term is trademarked, but the process can vary to achieve the same results. For example, Andy does spalting by burning out his cigarettes on the blade over several bender weekends. Other makers can achieve similar patterning by drinking lots of vinegar and then engaging in a discrete set of maneuvers that are personal in nature but remarkable in result. I don't know how Cahutta does it but it is probably something to do with a secret sauce of datil peppers and heirloom tomatoes painted on the blade during spaghetti night.

As for bullseyes, I was led to believe that Andy makes them with a 16 gauge shotgun on a rest in the backwoods behind the shop. They could also be made with crazy glue and grey craft paper, or through meticulous carving with a jigsaw.
 
Panthera tigris said:
Spalting as a term is trademarked, but the process can vary to achieve the same results. For example, Andy does spalting by burning out his cigarettes on the blade over several bender weekends. Other makers can achieve similar patterning by drinking lots of vinegar and then engaging in a discrete set of maneuvers that are personal in nature but remarkable in result. I don't know how Cahutta does it but it is probably something to do with a secret sauce of datil peppers and heirloom tomatoes painted on the blade during spaghetti night.

As for bullseyes, I was led to believe that Andy makes them with a 16 gauge shotgun on a rest in the backwoods behind the shop. They could also be made with crazy glue and grey craft paper, or through meticulous carving with a jigsaw.
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Holy smokes...that's just frickin' hilarious!!!!!! :)

Everything that I have read and heard from people that know Russell describe him as a very good knife maker, a humble guy and an excellent human being (except for the weird spaghetti night food fight fetish thing! ....Ooohhh, and the crossdressing in a velcro gorilla suit with huge pails of mayonnaise while playing the didgeridoo to his pet hamster named Sweetpea)!

Anyhow, I recently bought a knife from Russell, and it certainly resembles the Fiddleback family of knives, which is part of why I like it. But I did so already knowing that he has learned from Andy and pays tribute to that fact, and he is known to be a class act. I can't wait to get it in hand and check it out. I have also chatted with him once on the phone and he seems like a very respectful guy. I look forward to Russell continuing to develop and evolve into his own unique spin and style. I personally really like that Russell is so heavily influenced by the foundation of what Andy has graciously taught and shared (and I think that's where Russell's crossdressing started, although the velcro thing was apparently all his own idea). Some crazy awesome knife masters are coming out of the Fiddleback family, ...not to mention I expect Andy has more up his sleeve in the years to come.

Good on pertinux pertinux for speaking out and protecting Andy's proprietary studliness (is that a word?). There is no question that she has his best interests in mind in her comments! Good on Fiddleback Fiddleback for his obvious willingness to share his craft. He actually is a stud, I think?! Good on C Cohutta for immediately paying his respects to the Fiddleback zen-master (and serenading his hamster, just don't forget, that velcro burns!). Good on @mistwalker, Bmurray Bmurray , and @Southern Gent for their always helpful commentary (I actually have learned a lot from these folks and reading their insightful banter). And lastly, good on Tim the Wizard Tim the Wizard for putting things in their proper perspective. You are AWESOMELY HILARIOUS. This is why I am so impressed with the Fiddleback gang on bladeforums. Ultimately, just really a great family of honoring people!!!! ... people that are weirdly obsessive about knives, and pictures of knives, and pictures of knives with your cat, and pictures of knives slicing jello (yes jello) and corn kernels and what the h*$# what that thing before you chopped it into oblivion, and pictures of knives with your Harley, ...and your grandma, errhhhgg... Y'all just admit it....YOU KNOW its weird!!!!!! But we LIKE it :)

Anyhow, you guys are all awesome. Thank you all! Hope you have a GREAT weekend!!!
 
All of the apprentices have gone through a phase where their knives resemble mine. And even once they have developed their own style, usually you can see an influence. (This is very humbling to me because in my opinion, I make very simple knives. I will never be a master knifemaker because of this. I consider myself a journeyman, and I am proud to be an artisan.) Once they start spending more time on their knives, and get more input into proper design their knives have diverged in style. Consider that most knifemakers, myself included, develop their skills and their style at an organic pace, and by the time they can design and make a decent knife they have discovered their style. In this shop, the basic skills to make a knife come very quickly by comparison. In addition, we spend more time teaching proper design than any facet of the process. Apprentice drawings are critiqued, lessons given in the flaws, and sent to get re-drawn before they even cut one. Dylan (FletcherKnives), Dan (Dogwood), Damon (Alfa Knife - really he was Dylans apprentice), Allen (WASurls Knives), Adam (Valkrie Knives), and Chris (Osprey K&T) have graduated as apprentices, and they all have developed their own distinct style, and make recognizable knives. The only knifemaker I ever taught that had her own style right out of the box was Judy Yoon. I am excited to see what Russell's style will become by the time he has graduated. I hope y'all are too.
 
Hey Fiddleback Fiddleback , I know I read it somewhere in an old thread that was resurrected a while ago, but would you share with us some of the people that influenced your work in the early years?
 
SA Condor said:
Hey Fiddleback Fiddleback , I know I read it somewhere in an old thread that was resurrected a while ago, but would you share with us some of the people that influenced your work in the early years?
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I am blessed to work in an industry where ideas are shared and mentors are common. And I think some peer makers around me inspired me and lifted me up. Rick Marchand. I have learned about knives and knifemaking from some greats. And I've met more greats along the way that have influenced me a lot without knowing it. Ethan Becker comes to mind. Mike Stewart had a big influence on me, and was open and friendly to me from day 1. His business is an inspiration for me. It always amazes me when he'll take a call and listen and give advice. In the beginning a hobby maker going by @Sylvrfalcn got me started making knives. Dan Koster and Tom Krein and Scott Gossman took my calls and gave advice early on. Matt Bailey knives inspired my style a lot. I love his knives. The GA Custom Knifemakers Guild had a lot to do with shaping my work. Scott Davidson and Carl Rechsteiner and Paul Brach and Dennis Bradley and the Twin Blades people took me in and taught me a lot about knives and this business. I also have the advantage of learning from my apprentices every day. Dylan pushed me to be a better knifemaker and the rest did as well. Still do. None of this mentions the Knifemakers Guild and the makers associated with that group of which I am a proud member. I have even been influenced by members of the ABS. Wally Hayes is a hero of mine. Bruce Bump. Wow. Its a great time to be an artisan.
 
David45 said:
So I guess the heat treat is the same...
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To this point Russell heat treats his own knives in his own shop. He only started a couple weeks ago with me. I don't think any up to now have been made in my shop. He has consulted with me about HT though.
 
Fiddleback said:
I am blessed to work in an industry where ideas are shared and mentors are common. And I think some peer makers around me inspired me and lifted me up. Rick Marchand. I have learned about knives and knifemaking from some greats. And I've met more greats along the way that have influenced me a lot without knowing it. Ethan Becker comes to mind. Mike Stewart had a big influence on me, and was open and friendly to me from day 1. His business is an inspiration for me. It always amazes me when he'll take a call and listen and give advice. In the beginning a hobby maker going by @Sylvrfalcn got me started making knives. Dan Koster and Tom Krein and Scott Gossman took my calls and gave advice early on. Matt Bailey knives inspired my style a lot. I love his knives. The GA Custom Knifemakers Guild had a lot to do with shaping my work. Scott Davidson and Carl Rechsteiner and Paul Brach and Dennis Bradley and the Twin Blades people took me in and taught me a lot about knives and this business. I also have the advantage of learning from my apprentices every day. Dylan pushed me to be a better knifemaker and the rest did as well. Still do. None of this mentions the Knifemakers Guild and the makers associated with that group of which I am a proud member. I have even been influenced by members of the ABS. Wally Hayes is a hero of mine. Bruce Bump. Wow. Its a great time to be an artisan.
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That’s quite the list. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. Speaking of Matt Bailey, here’s a knife he made and gifted me several years ago.

4E79CD6B-BEEF-49FC-9D59-EE95ECD0356B.jpeg
 
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