First Custom Fixed Blade - Fiddleback Nessmuk

Tom Watson · Mar 17, 2017

I have been on a bit of a fixed blade shopping spree in the last week as I'm preparing for a good year for the backcountry. About 5 years ago I had the chance to visit Andy when he was still making knives from his basement (I live about 10 minutes from him). After purchasing a couple of Bark River Knives I wanted my first custom fixed blade to be a Fiddleback. His generosity in showing me around his business and answering some questions made a big impact. I purchased a couple of his knives this week and wanted to show one of them off today. I'm taking this one on the Appalachian Trail tomorrow...should be able to get some more good pics.

The lines on this Nessmuk are just so sexy and the colors on that handle. Great job Andy!

Fiddleback Nessmuk by Tom Watson, on Flickr

FeralGentleman · Mar 17, 2017

Very nice Tom. The Nessmuk in several of its varieties is one of my favorite models. That is a nice example that you have.

Nbrackett · Mar 17, 2017

I would think it would be a great companion on the AT.

Tom Watson · Mar 17, 2017

Nbrackett said:
I would think it would be a great companion on the AT.

Thanks! I'm pairing it with the Bark River Bushcrafter. Not that I need both but what the heck!?

FeralGentleman said:
Very nice Tom. The Nessmuk in several of its varieties is one of my favorite models. That is a nice example that you have.

Thanks! I really like how this feels in the hand!

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VANCE · Mar 17, 2017

the Nessmuk is an awesome pattern

congrats & good luck

we expect pics when you can:thumbup:

Scotcha · Mar 17, 2017

Congratulations!! Andy's Nessmuk design is the sexiest I've seen and yours is a prime example.

varga49 · Mar 17, 2017

Tom Watson said:
I have been on a bit of a fixed blade shopping spree in the last week as I'm preparing for a good year for the backcountry. About 5 years ago I had the chance to visit Andy when he was still making knives from his basement (I live about 10 minutes from him). After purchasing a couple of Bark River Knives I wanted my first custom fixed blade to be a Fiddleback. His generosity in showing me around his business and answering some questions made a big impact. I purchased a couple of his knives this week and wanted to show one of them off today. I'm taking this one on the Appalachian Trail tomorrow...should be able to get some more good pics.

The lines on this Nessmuk are just so sexy and the colors on that handle. Great job Andy!

Fiddleback Nessmuk by Tom Watson, on Flickr

Tom, Not only is the Nessmuk one of my favorites, and not only is yours a exceptionally fine example, I have to add to what everyone else has said,..That's an absolutely "great capture" as they say...!

Odaon · Mar 17, 2017

Awesome! Every time I write off the Nessmuck someone comes along and posts one that makes me rethink things.

Tom Watson · Mar 17, 2017

varga49 said:
Tom, Not only is the Nessmuk one of my favorites, and not only is yours a exceptionally fine example, I have to add to what everyone else has said,..That's an absolutely "great capture" as they say...!

Appreciate that!

Odaon said:
Awesome! Every time I write off the Nessmuck someone comes along and posts one that makes me rethink things.

I think you should

That big belly of a cutting surface seems very useful to me.

Scotcha said:
Congratulations!! Andy's Nessmuk design is the sexiest I've seen and yours is a prime example.

I think Andy pulls this design off better than most.

ncrockclimb · Mar 17, 2017

That is a stellar choice for your first Fiddleback!

Besides being a visually dynamic and attractive design, Andy's Nessmuk interpretation is a super workhorse that does almost everything really well. Lots of other Fiddleback models get discussed with more frequency, but imho there is not another Fiddleback design that is as versatile. Oh yeah; that Tsunami Burlap is just way too cool!

Congrats on getting such a winner for your first Fiddleback. I am very sure you will be happy with your choice.

Now, quit being secretive and post some pics of the other Fiddlebacks you purchased.

Tom Watson · Mar 17, 2017

ncrockclimb said:
That is a stellar choice for your first Fiddleback!

Besides being a visually dynamic and attractive design, Andy's Nessmuk interpretation is a super workhorse that does almost everything really well. Lots of other Fiddleback models get discussed with more frequency, but imho there is not another Fiddleback design that is as versatile. Oh yeah; that Tsunami Burlap is just way too cool!

Congrats on getting such a winner for your first Fiddleback. I am very sure you will be happy with your choice.

Now, quit being secretive and post some pics of the other Fiddlebacks you purchased.

I will! Just didn't have time to set it up properly for a picture. Will have to wait until next week. For now, just excited to take the and my BRKT Bushcrafter on the trail.

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VANCE · Mar 17, 2017

Tom Watson said:
I will! Just didn't have time to set it up properly for a picture. Will have to wait until next week. For now, just excited to take the and my BRKT Bushcrafter on the trail.

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little more excitement on the Fiddleback

hahaha

Tom Watson · Mar 17, 2017

VANCE said:
little more excitement on the Fiddleback

hahaha

Maybe so! Although until this week the nicest fixed blade I've owned is the Fallkniven F1 so this is all a big step up for me.

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ncrockclimb · Mar 18, 2017

Tom Watson said:
Maybe so! Although until this week the nicest fixed blade I've owned is the Fallkniven F1 so this is all a big step up for me.

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I don't want to be a jerk to Fallkniven or to you. My first nice fixed blade was a Fallkniven. It worked well and I liked it.

That being said... The step up you just took is not "big," it is absolutely HUGE!

I hope you have a fun and safe time on the Appalachian Trail tomorrow!!

adequacy · Mar 18, 2017

Great looking knife. I like the nessmuk patten as well!

VANCE · Mar 18, 2017

Tom Watson said:
Maybe so! Although until this week the nicest fixed blade I've owned is the Fallkniven F1 so this is all a big step up for me.

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I took the same route as you. I can understand.
At one time i hàd about 20 Bark Rivers.
Ih5ave 2 now.

Tom Watson · Mar 19, 2017

Just got back from the AT. Some good times with my new Nessmuk.

Fiddleback Nessmuk by Tom Watson, on Flickr

heat_treat · Mar 19, 2017

The Nessmuk is one pattern I go back and forth on. I want one, then I don't, then I do, etc.. Your pictures have me wanting one again.

Very nice.

Tom Watson · Mar 19, 2017

heat_treat said:
The Nessmuk is one pattern I go back and forth on. I want one, then I don't, then I do, etc.. Your pictures have me wanting one again.

Very nice.

I would say it is good for its intended purpose as stated by Andy. It is a good companion knife paired with other tools. He mentions the design originally matched up with an axe and pocket knife. I could see it working itself out really well in that scenario. Over the weekend it was working really well with my food prep, doing some digging on the back side of the blade, and some other general chores around the camp. The carving was ok but the belly kept wanting to slice instead of cut deep (if that makes sense?). This might just be me getting used to it but I'm not sure yet. It was very comfortable to work with.

Odaon · Mar 19, 2017

heat_treat said:
The Nessmuk is one pattern I go back and forth on. I want one, then I don't, then I do, etc.. Your pictures have me wanting one again.

Very nice.

This describes my feeling towards the Nessmuck as well.