Fiddleback's Nessmukapalooza (pic heavy)

Fiddleback

Fiddleback

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Oct 19, 2005
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This thread (as requested) is for Nessmuk knife porn. Wahoo!!!!!!!!:D:D:thumbup:

Feel free to join in the fray, and please remember, I'm a Nessmuk addict. I collect all comers. So please don't hold back posting non-Fiddleback Nessies here!

I started out modding Old Hickory blades (boo Ontario!), they make a great platform for the newb to get started and make his own cutting tool!

OH250-vi.jpg


OH253-vi.jpg


OH262-vi.jpg


OHS270-vi.jpg


Nessy312-vi.jpg



Don't be afraid to drastically change the handle shape, drill new holes for pins, and ignore exsisting holes!

If you're interested in doing this project, there is an EXCELLENT tutorial by Dirk Potgier here:

http://forum.ramanon.com/showthread.php?t=43069
 
Hollowdweller helped to guide me into designing my own, and soon I did this batch. It was my first! They are 3/32 (thin) 01 tool steel. THe blade is ~4", the handle was 4". Since then I've added .5" to the handle, but pretty much try to follow these guidelines. Once or twice I've gone up to 1/8" on these. Nowadays I use 1095 usually.

6ness58g-vi.jpg


Dness82-vi.jpg


AD37-vi.jpg


Dness87-vi.jpg
 
Batch #2. The forge scale didn't turn out as interesting on this batch, so I ground it off. Thats usually my deciding factor. If the forge scale makes interesting patterns, I leave it on there. I hate polishing blades, so if it doesn't I take em to 80 grit, then go to scotchbrite.

Asc75-vi.jpg


Asc79-vi.jpg


Thats the first Bushcrafter in the top of the 1st pic.:thumbup:

FF03-vi.jpg


Handle shape is very important to me. Here you can see some of the contours I put on the handle. Its time consuming, but I want a tool you can make 100 notches with and get no blisters!

ff007-vi.jpg


The bottom two knives in this pic are my larger thicker fancier Nessmuks. They're 1/8" 1095 steel. They're really not all that much longer, but they're thicker and curvier.

ff05-vi.jpg


ff06-vi.jpg


Lacewood and Purpleheart... Yummy.

sale55-vi.jpg



bc35-vi.jpg


bc45-vi.jpg
 
Bus89-vi.jpg


Bus09-vi.jpg


I'm kinda a Nessmuk nutcase.

I guess its not that uncommon though!
 
RescueRiley said:
NIce work as usual Andy, What kind of grind do you usually put on a nessie?
Click to expand...

I usually put a convex grind on everything I make. Though, lately I've been experimenting with flat. But I find convex to the the best in most cases. Some of these (batch #2 I think) I did a convex scandi grind like the one Dan is doing now.:thumbup:;) I liked it, but I worried that it was going to be harder to maintain. I haven't heard any complaints though.

BTW, if you own my knives and have any issues with them, please let me know. Its a learning experience that I need!! I'll do everything in my power to fix the issue, or I'll replace the knife.

I don't believe in perfection. And I think knives allow for fixing errors and learning from them. I usually sell the knives that come out as 2nds at a cut rate. I don't believe in throwing them out when someone could be cutting away with them.:thumbup:
 
Outstanding work Andy! You've really come a long way and turned it into a personal art form! Keep it up! -Matt-
 
Gracias. Lots of credit goes to all you you guys here. The internet (BF and Rammy) is where I learned it.
 
Man Andy you are quickly stepping into the ranks of the premier makers. I'm going to have to pick up at least one of your nessmuks at some point.

Top notch man. Really outstanding work.
 
Thanks Noshtero!! There are a lot of great makers out there though. I'm not anywhere near premier IMHO.

For the life of me I can't find a pic of the knife I made HD. But he posted a pic, so I'm goint to link to that. Its the 2nd fromt he left.

nessmuks1.jpg
 
stingray4540 said:
Vary nice! So you sell these? where? on BF or your sheath site?
Click to expand...

As I finish them they come up for sale here and at Ramanon. Check the makers for sale section out. My website is in the development stages...:rolleyes:
 
Those are lookin sweet man! How do you HT your blades? Just currious.

Damn nice:thumbup:
Nick:)
 
When I first saw the nessies, I didn't care for them at all. I must admit, after being on here so long, they look really good these days and I'd like to try one out. Threads like this certainly don't help at all... or maybe they help a lot. I guess it depends on how you look at it.
 
NWA said:
Those are lookin sweet man! How do you HT your blades? Just currious.

Damn nice:thumbup:
Nick:)
Click to expand...

I've got a charcoal forge (Tim Lively style). I take them to non magnetic and allow to cool in still air 3x, then get them to non magnetic and allow them to soak then quench in peanut oil. (for the 01)

For the 1095 I quench in parks. Same process. I've found I like the 01 a lot better during heat treat, but it costs 3x - 5x more.

I'm going to get an oven soon, or, thats my goal at least.
 
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