Fiddleback Education

N

Nels Moust

Joined
Jun 7, 2019
Messages
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Some of you may have see my request for a 'first' Fiddleback having waited 67 years for this opportunity. Some in your community like Choppaman have been terrific in sharing photos and knowledge of Fiddleback knives.
I think I am getting closer to a model that meets my needs Bushcraft Jr or a Monarch in 1/8" TT blade. I have a large size hand and am trying to understand the differences between these two. I see a slightly longer top side to the Jr handle where the bottom sides look equal in length. I also see a slight downward slope to the back and shorter first finger groove on the M. My issue is how do these differences play out in holding and using the knife.
This will be an EDC for me carried Scout style. It use will be wide spread as an EDC should.
My early (7 year old) memories are of carrying a fixed knife, bought at a store called Montgomery Wards, and carrying it in a belt sheath everywhere. I would get upset at having to remove it for church on Sunday and school. It was as important to have it on as were my pants and I was constantly reaching for it. Looking to get back to having one by my side.
Your comments on these two knives is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Nels
 
Your best bet is to see which one chooses you based on the fit in your hand. Both are really nice and neat knives.

The Bushcraft Jr. (BCJ) is a classic design made for carry but with the purpose still cleanly bushcraft. It is a pattern that just works and keeps the styling of it's big brother, the BC.

Here is one below (in red and spruce cone), with a case peanut far to the left for comparison.

wIZAs3g.jpg


Here is the same knife next to a Fiddleback Forge Arete for size comparison.

t1xGYl4.jpg


The Monarch is a little bigger and has important differences, for example, a flat space on the bottom/butt of the scales that gives you the opportunity to use a defense-oriented reverse grip with security. The Monarch will fill the hand more and has a pointier leaf shape blade. It is a fine knife for detail work and very versatile. Seen here with a Sneaky Pete.

VDCXFE5.jpg


The Sneaky Pete arguably has the most comfortable grip, for me, of all of Andy's creations. But it wasn't really made to be a Bushcraft specific knife.

The reason I favor the BC Jr. is because I can get a full grip on it, yet it is small enough that it is going to be easier to carry, and less likely to be left in the safe. It's simple, and it's right.

Once you scale up to Monarch-sized knives I favor the Kephart, a Fiddleback Forge tribute to Horace Kephart the woodsman.

205B4KZ.jpg
 
To me the drop point maverick is the sleeper in this conversation.

I'm also very partial to the toboggan.
i-J2fFWxF-X2.jpg


might I ask where you are located? There may be someone in your neck of the woods that can help you out. I'm in Kansas City
 
Panthera tigris said:
Your best bet is to see which one chooses you based on the fit in your hand. Both are really nice and neat knives.

The Bushcraft Jr. (BCJ) is a classic design made for carry but with the purpose still cleanly bushcraft. It is a pattern that just works and keeps the styling of it's big brother, the BC.

Here is one below (in red and spruce cone), with a case peanut far to the left for comparison.

wIZAs3g.jpg


Here is the same knife next to a Fiddleback Forge Arete for size comparison.

t1xGYl4.jpg


The Monarch is a little bigger and has important differences, for example, a flat space on the bottom/butt of the scales that gives you the opportunity to use a defense-oriented reverse grip with security. The Monarch will fill the hand more and has a pointier leaf shape blade. It is a fine knife for detail work and very versatile. Seen here with a Sneaky Pete.

VDCXFE5.jpg


The Sneaky Pete arguably has the most comfortable grip, for me, of all of Andy's creations. But it wasn't really made to be a Bushcraft specific knife.

The reason I favor the BC Jr. is because I can get a full grip on it, yet it is small enough that it is going to be easier to carry, and less likely to be left in the safe. It's simple, and it's right.

Once you scale up to Monarch-sized knives I favor the Kephart, a Fiddleback Forge tribute to Horace Kephart the woodsman.

205B4KZ.jpg
Click to expand...
I wish I had the option of holding both the BCJ and M to understand the fit to my hand but don't know anyone locally that has them.
Your Red handled BC Jr is really very nice. Thanks for the comments and photos.
Nels
 
swonut said:
To me the drop point maverick is the sleeper in this conversation.

I'm also very partial to the toboggan.
i-J2fFWxF-X2.jpg


might I ask where you are located? There may be someone in your neck of the woods that can help you out. I'm in Kansas City
Click to expand...
I live in Ames, Iowa
Nels
 
I think it was mentioned, the Monarch has more of a leaf shaped blade, I think the BJ has more of a drop point, more belly, would that be more of a factor for work? The BJ looks like it has more of a guard that I would like to keep my hand safe when doing slippery stuff. That toboggan ( if that was the picture ) looks like a cross between the two, the leaf shape (almost Canadian belt look) and the handle of the BJ, is the handle on the Toboggan similar to the handle on the Hiking Buddy?

That is so cool if someone would send you one to try out. We have some good folks here.
 
I'd say I have rather small hands, and Monarch is just about in my top 3 fixed blades for 'in hand' feel.
If you have large hands, it might be a bit too small for you to be comfortable
 
Don't mean to throw a wrench in your plans. If they call to you, those are great models. But in my experience, both the monarch and BC jr were too small for me in hand. My fingers made their way around the handle and into the meat of my palm. Also, the length ended up too short and the butt of the handle on both of those models made contact there. I wear a "Large" size glove, so nothing too big, but it has to do with the length of your finger to palm ratio as well. Maybe taking Bob up on the 8 $ shipping for a test drive is the best, then you can get a feel before you dive in.

Personal recommendations are handyman & KE bushie if you are also willing to explore others. There are some great threads that have details on blade length measurements, handle thicknesses, etc that might help if you measure your hands.

@Warrior108 might have a link to his thread with a data table.
 
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