Fiddleback Forge Comparison Photos Round Three (PIC Heavy)

Awesome! Thanks for including pics of the Kephart; I am very much interested in that model. My decision has come down to Bushfinger, KE Bushie, and Kephart. This is subjective, I know, but out of curiosity, which of those three do you find better suited to wood carving tasks (fire prep, trap making, general carving)? Also, after seeing your discussion with Brian on the reverse pulling/squeezing grip, which of those models do you like more in the chest-lever grip?
 
Sweet collection Mark! I think you're only about 6 or 7 away from a complete set of Fiddlebacks. I think after the Kephart I need to save up for one of his comp cutteres. I think the two would make a hell of a team in the winter woods :)
 
HikingMano said:
Awesome! Thanks for including pics of the Kephart; I am very much interested in that model. My decision has come down to Bushfinger, KE Bushie, and Kephart. This is subjective, I know, but out of curiosity, which of those three do you find better suited to wood carving tasks (fire prep, trap making, general carving)? Also, after seeing your discussion with Brian on the reverse pulling/squeezing grip, which of those models do you like more in the chest-lever grip?
Click to expand...

Hi HikingMano,

Before I begin I must point out that you are very correct when you say this is subjective. :D

Boy, all three models (Bushfinger, KE Bushie, and Kephart) are fantastic and are well suited for tasks related to bushcraft that you described like fire prep, trap making, and general carving. As far as the chest-lever grip, my preference is for the Kephart and the Bushfinger because they have a flatter handle at the bottom rear of the knife next to your palm than the KE Bushie. Considering only the three knives mentioned herein, my preference would be the Kephart, then the Bushfinger, then the KE Bushie.

In the big picture considering all of Andy's 4" blade length knives, I favor the Arete and the Kephart. But that is just me.

I hope you do tell which knife you end up with along with posting photos. Photos are a must! :)

Take care.

Mark
 
Thank you, Mark :)

I've lusted after a Bushfinger ever since I saw Brian's first. I think it's one sexy knife, but boy has this Kephart been giving it a run for its money. The Kephart edge looks like it'd be closer to the center of my grip, relative to the Bushfinger. If that is the case, it'd give me more control in the hammer-grip.

It might simply come down to which I see first in an attractive handle :D

One last question, if you don't mind, has the little protruding guard on the Kephart presented any problem for you, in use?
 
Hi HM,

The tip of the blade is more centered than the Bushfinger and the protruding guard has not presented me any problems.

Mark
 
Mark, thanks for taking the time to do this. I really appreciate adding the Kephart and the Arete. I am a spear point guy and am very interested in those 2. I think I will be keeping my eye out for an Arete first.
Randy
 
milkyeye said:
Mark, thanks for taking the time to do this. I really appreciate adding the Kephart and the Arete. I am a spear point guy and am very interested in those 2. I think I will be keeping my eye out for an Arete first.
Randy
Click to expand...

Hi Randy,

You are quite welcome! I am glad you found the photos of service to you.

Our tastes are very similar. :) I couldn't agree more with you as I am so enamored with the Arete and the Kephart. Let us not forget Talfuchre for being the inspiration and genesis of the Arete. Thank you my friend.

Andy and crew rock out some outstanding blades now don't they!

Mark
 
Last edited:
This is the most useful photo comparison I have ever seen. I couldn't imagine getting a better sense of how an entire line of knives compare aside from actually holding them myself. Thanks for putting in the time and effort on this one.
 
I love these knives. Thanks for posting. I would happily own every one of them (unfortunately I'll only be able to buy 1 or 2 though) :)
 
bkoregon said:
This is the most useful photo comparison I have ever seen. I couldn't imagine getting a better sense of how an entire line of knives compare aside from actually holding them myself. Thanks for putting in the time and effort on this one.
Click to expand...

Hi bkoregon,

Thank you for your kind comments. I am glad you found the photos useful. I made two other comparison photo threads you may find helpful as well. The links are shown below.

Fiddleback Forge Comparison Photos Round Two (PIC Heavy)
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Forge-Comparison-Photos-Round-Two-(PIC-Heavy)

Fiddleback Forge Comparison Photos (PIC Heavy)
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...iddleback-Forge-Comparison-Photos-(PIC-Heavy)

Sincerely,
Mark

pap11y said:
I love these knives. Thanks for posting. I would happily own every one of them (unfortunately I'll only be able to buy 1 or 2 though) :)
Click to expand...

Hi pap11y,

You are quite welcome. I too wish I could own them all! :) Andy's work is impeccable and his business ethics are sound as a pound! To boot, we have a wonderful group here in FBF Forums that is a delight to be a part of. It's all good!

Sincerely,
Mark
 
Mark - great photos, comparison and service done for all in these threads -- thx!

I've not seen many KEBushies since I've been hanging around on Fridays and went searching the forum for more info. Either my search skills are lacking or there isn't much out there.

Since you have both, can you compare it to the bush finger in 30 words or less? I have only one 4" blade from Andy and generally prefer a shorter blade, but I LOVE my Curley cue bush finger and seeing the KE + those Kenyatta, I may add another ( or two) to the collection.

I know everything is subjective but your opinion. Would be great. Thx
 
Mark,

You did it again! Thank you for your hard work brother. :thumbup:

Roman
 
Last edited:
Well...Mark's comparisons are a bit of a sensory overload for a Fiddleback fan, but I'm thinking if this thread doesn't get made a sticky, then we need to just keep bumping it back up :)
 
Shamr0ck said:
Mark - great photos, comparison and service done for all in these threads -- thx!

I've not seen many KEBushies since I've been hanging around on Fridays and went searching the forum for more info. Either my search skills are lacking or there isn't much out there.

Since you have both, can you compare it to the bush finger in 30 words or less? I have only one 4" blade from Andy and generally prefer a shorter blade, but I LOVE my Curley cue bush finger and seeing the KE + those Kenyatta, I may add another ( or two) to the collection.

I know everything is subjective but your opinion. Would be great. Thx
Click to expand...


Hi Shamr0ck,

Sorry for the late reply. I got a tad bit busy with the Christmas celebration!

The KE Bushie is a compact knife for sure. The basic difference between the KE Bushie and the Bushfinger is that it has a narrower blade (~1-inch). I prefer this to the wider blade of the Bushfinger (~1.25-inch). However, I think I prefer the handle of the Bushfinger to that of the KE Bushie. The birds head handle on the KE Bushie is a bit more exaggerated than the other knives I have. Hence, when using the reverse grip, particularly as in chest lever cuts, the reverse grip is not as comfortable as with Bushfinger, Hikingbuddy, Arete, and the Kephart.

I tried to be brief as possible. :) I hope this helps in some way.

Take care.

Mark
 
ridnovir said:
Mark,

You did it again! Thank you for your hard work brother. :thumbup:

Roman
Click to expand...

Thank you Roman.

mistwalker said:
Pretty sure it's a labor of love :)
Click to expand...

You are right there Mistwalker!

mistwalker said:
Well...Mark's comparisons are a bit of a sensory overload for a Fiddleback fan, but I'm thinking if this thread doesn't get made a sticky, then we need to just keep bumping it back up :)
Click to expand...

Thank you Mistwalker. I did these comparison threads in the hopes it would help folks out and it was a tad bit a labor of love too. I apologize for the sensory overload caused to any Fiddleback fan. :p No harm was meant. :)

CapitalizedLiving said:
Nice work. Again it confirms which one I like best, and I love it when I'm right!
Click to expand...

And right you are! :)
 
maw said:
You are right there Mistwalker!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was pretty sure of it :)

maw said:
Thank you Mistwalker. I did these comparison threads in the hopes it would help folks out and it was a tad bit a labor of love too. I apologize for the sensory overload caused to any Fiddleback fan. :p No harm was meant. :)
Click to expand...

It has helped a lot, for me definitely and I am sure for others, to have all of the models together to compare. I know which one I need next :)

It's ok man, I'm a big boy I can take it. It may get a little rough if you ever add a camp knife and comp cutter but I'm sure I'll manage :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top