Fiddleback Friday?

T

TxTechRaider

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Apr 5, 2013
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Hey guys, so I apologize if this post is in the wrong spot. I'm new to this site, and although I've been reading it religiously it seems for a while, I created this account to get my hands on one of those beautiful Fiddleback forge knives. With that, I have a question. What happened to Fiddleback friday this week? I'm not sure if I missed it somehow or maybe I misunderstood but I was under the impression that Andy posts some of his weekly batches on this site each Friday. I've searched high and low and can seem to find it. An explanation would be much appreciated and/or advice of the different ways I can get my hands on one of these knives.

Also, I might as well ask since I'm posting. Any preference between the bushfinger and the recluse? I find the recluse to be more aesthetically appealing but the bushfinger clearly has its fans. Any info. on differences between feel, perceived size, function, etc would be appreciated. Primary use is bushcraft but I'd also like a knife that is suitable for anything from trout to moose dressing. I already own an ESSE 4 and an F1 both of which I love, but, you know...Thanks Fellas.
 
I apologize, as I just found out on my own that there was not a batch this week. Should have been more thorough. Any way, I'd like to hear about the different means of purchasing Andy's knives and/or differences between recluse and bushfinger. Thanks again.
 
It looks like the-knife-connection.com just put a new batch from Andy this week. some real beauties in there.
 
Welcome to the vortex that is Fiddleback. There is a thread by MAW that is pretty comprehensive about the different models. I would say just jump into some of the threads that go on about the different knives. The group of guys that hang out here are Fiddleback Addicts and will gladly let you know anything you would want to know about Andy's work
 
Thank ya'll for the feedback and welcome. I've read MAW's thread as well as every other thread on this site concerning the subject. I guess I was hoping to spur some additional discussion as I'm just as undecided as before. I've little doubt that I will end up owning both at some point so I might as well just flip a coin.

My recent (<6 months) interest in knives was spurred by my ESSE purchase which lead to the F1 and now Fiddleback. $500 on knives in less than 6 month, with little prior interest! Quite the addiction and I can only imagine the ensuing vortex after I buy my first Fiddleback. Awesome looking knives...
 
Andy makes some wonderful knives - the ergos are simply sublime.
I think he was out of town with family this week.
In addition to the above, you can find info and descriptions, and read some reviews, for his knives (and purchase currently available knives through the store - right now it's machetes) on his website at fiddlebackforge dot com.
 
Can I make a suggestion?

Stay with a convex version of his. With the addition of field dressing it will make this a little smoother.

In terms of your perameters - here are the models I would look at:

Bushcrafter
Hunter
Bushfinger
Lady Finger
Recluse
Terrasaur
Arete

Really what you have when looking at these models is how pointed you want the tip, how wide you want the blade, and how much belly you want.

Remember as well that the Recluse is available from Bark River - Andy's design - their steel.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of these designs. If it were me - I would really look at the Bushcrafter, Recluse, Terrasaur, and Arete.

Then do like we do - and buy one of each. ;)

Here is what I know - if you buy one - and it isn't quite your speed - you will be able to flip it with little issue for equal money or just a small investment.

TF
 
I think all the Bark River Recluses are long gone from dealers. I did try to find one, but the good part is that getting one of Andy's will be even better. A bit more expensive though ;)

I would happily use a Bushinger or Ladyfinger for general bushcraft. I haven't done any full skinning and quartering of moose or reindeer with mine yet, but I have taken apart half a moose with the Ladyfinger (didn't skin it) and it worked very well. The wide blade of the Bushfinger works great in the kitchen (if you have a full convex one at least), but might be slightly sub optimal for fine cutting around joints.

I don't own the other suggestions (yet:o)
 
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Welcome:) You won't find a more comfortable knife or a better guy to work with than Andy Roy. I simply can't say enough good things about the man or the company.
 
Hello All,

New to this process and would like to understand how to go on to Andy's "for sale" thread. Apparently from there I am to post an unconditional "I'll take it" ?
Thanks for anyone's help with this!
 
Greetings Robin,

Every friday between roughly 10am and 2pm EST, Andy will post a "fiddleback friday" thread in this forum. In it, are anywhere from 8 to 15 knives that Andy made this week for sale. Whoever posts in that thread a "I'll take it" and the model number Andy posts, get's that knife. In the thread are payment instructions etc.. It's a free for all kind of thing. Andy does not take requests but it's certainly born out that if alot of people are talking about a certain style knife he'll make a few of them for the next week's batch.

You can certainly go back to previous threads and inquire on knives Andy hasn't sold yet...but any previous thread more than a week old is probably gone as Andy seems to sell the unsold Friday lot to one of his various re-sellers.

Good luck!
 
You should also check out the stickied New Lineup and Contact Thread to see descriptions and lengths on most of his knives. Some of the newer models haven't been posted yet. As you probably saw, he varies on the thickness of the steel and will specify that in the Friday thread.
 
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