Early ones that are still, just right.

[Hurrul]

My 1st Fiddleback, my "gateway", was a mid-tech/Field knife version of Andy's Kephart:

It remains to me still, one of my favorites to this day. Great handle, precise point and keen tip - the design spoke to me. While it took me some time to eventually acquire a hand made one, I have picked up 2 custom shop Kepharts, this one (don't have a convenient photo of the 2nd) tagged along on a July backpack into the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness area:

My 1st handmade, and 2nd Fiddleback, was this Ladyfinger:

To this day, it remains the only knife I own that my wife has taken note of, based on how it looked. She appreciates sharp knives, but beyond that is not moved to express much about the topic of knives in general...except for this one.

My 3rd, was the red/black Monarch (pictured with a Warlander Trout). This was my 2nd handmade blade, and it sent me down quite a road that I am still on.

I am thankful that I have handled and sometimes used, many of Andy's designs. Yet, this Monarch still feels great in hand, still begs to be brought on a hike or mountain outing, or riding along for simple home bound adventures. I've acquired 2 more since this one in 2016, but they have remained stored as I just can't get over this one.

I love to play around with various Fiddlebacks, but some old friends are still, just right for me even now.

Anyone here, have old blades that still get the work taken care of?

 

[NoRest]

My first Fiddleback was also a mid-tech Kephart! Unfortunately I was talked out of it by another member here.

Then came an Ironwood Bushboot. It was my first Bushboot and led to my Bushboot addiction. I still use that one often. Here's a pic of it.


Now after 10 years and hundreds of Fiddlebacks later my journey continues.

I feel fortunate to have owned and used many of Andy's models. I'm always looking forward to my next one and trying out new and different models but my old favorites still get time in the field on my many adventures.

 

[Hurrul]

My first Fiddleback was also a mid-tech Kephart! Unfortunately I was talked out of it by another member here.

Then came an Ironwood Bushboot. It was my first Bushboot and led to my Bushboot addiction. I still use that one often. Here's a pic of it.


Now after 10 years and hundreds of Fiddlebacks later my journey continues.

I feel fortunate to have owned and used many of Andy's models. I'm always looking forward to my next one and trying out new and different models but my old favorites still get time in the field on my many adventures.

Ya yes - hard to come by straight from the shop or even previously owned....wonder where they all go?

You don't need me tell you, but is a great pattern. Fits into EDC and outdoor adventure roles easily. It's appropriate, considering your stable of Bushboots, that you bought one as your 1st hand crafted Fiddleback. Little did you know what sort of bite it would have? I forget how many have bitten you by now...

Also, the blade profile, and point design specially, are a theme that Andy offers abundant options in: I'd describe it as modified spear point: a fair bit of spine drop and a gentle edge belly to make the tip....not sure what to call it, but it's similar to the Monarch and Kephart. I have found over the years that such a shape is the most handy for me in use, for sharpening, and looks, too.

I think this design is even more exaggerated in the Pocket Ninja and Shank....

.....in that the point is elongated more resulting in less spine and edge curvature. Can't get rowdy with the tips, but super precise point control and piercing ability; does not extract well, the last of the almond butter at the bottom of a 16oz jar....but, might get a splinter out of a finger if one's feeling adventurous.

 

[Hammer67]

One of my earliest, and one I still really like - the Pack Rat:

 

[drewway]

Love these stories.

Probably my favorite blade profile is a willow leaf spear point. I was able to acquire an older EDC from the flea market which was unused. It has been my go to for hunting duties since.
20230913_131318 on Flickr
The EDC2 was alleged to be an improvement to the original so I convinced Andy to make me a guardless version, which I believe is the only one ever made. I've had this for years but have still never used it because I like these original so much.
20230913_131330 on Flickr
All that said my favorite models are the Karda family of which I have 11.
20211107_134451 on Flickr

 

[NoRest]

Love these stories.

Probably my favorite blade profile is a willow leaf spear point. I was able to acquire an older EDC from the flea market which was unused. It has been my go to for hunting duties since.
20230913_131318 on Flickr
The EDC2 was alleged to be an improvement to the original so I was convinced Andy to make me a guardless version, which I believe is the only one ever made. I've had this for years but have still never used it because I like these original so much.
20230913_131330 on Flickr
All that said my favorite models are the Karda family of which I have 11.
20211107_134451 on Flickr

I love your Kardas!

 

[lmalterna]

I would be content with either my Asp or Arete. I have had the Asp for years and it will never leave. My first FB was a custom HB, I wish I still had one. Diomedes leather is a good match, I like my handles to ride a little higher than many people.
Bill

 

[Hammer67]

I would be content with either my Asp or Arete...

I do like a good Asp.

 

[varga49]

My first fiddleback is this scandi Esquire. Still one of my favorites, maybe because I somehow managed to snag it on FF Friday in 2016. Later one I acquired a couple of EDKardas, and then the Shanks. I love these but absolutely hate the name. Maybe because I had a real one pulled on me once. The top Shank is a one off that I got from FeralGentleman back in 2017.

 

[Hurrul]

Hammer67 I could see a Packrat in my life.

I think D drewway using a willow leaf/leaf shaped analogy is very apt for describing some of Andy's blade shapes. That's a Karda quiver! - thanks for sharing.

I've no Asps, or Sneaky Petes, but both patterns have intriguing lines. I did aquire and Arete at some point, and its still a keeper.

I'm kind of grateful that the magnacut Kephart that showed up last Friday, got snagged as my finger was starting itch.

 

[plue]

Have had a Hiking Buddy in my pack or on my belt for 12 years. Has been through several thousand kilometres of trails and canoe routes, has started countless fires, survived endless days of rain / hail / snow, and cut up a slice of bread or two.

 

[Hurrul]

Have had a Hiking Buddy in my pack or on my belt for 12 years. Has been through several thousand kilometres of trails and canoe routes, has started countless fires, survived endless days of rain / hail / snow, and cut up a slice of bread or two.

Wow, the story that knife could tell... - the blade is resembling the rock it rests on; like it might have been made from an old stone, in the left photo.