Well, I've gotten my hands on a Fiddleback for the first time.
The mailman just dropped off my Sneaky Pete, and it is my first knife from Andy. I obviously haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I thought I'd post my initial thoughts as a new FB owner.
I bought this last Thursday night when KSF put up a new of batch of Fiddlebacks (thanks again for the heads up Baron). I bought it so fast that I didn't even read the full description, as it turns out, it has a tapered tang, which I consider to be a bonus.
I'm surprised to feel how light the knife was, between the skeleton and tapered tang, it really is a feather weight. I was happy to see that the center of gravity was still in the handle though. In no way does the knife feel blade heavy. I'm very happy with the light weight and the distribution of what little weight there is. As for the taper itself, it's beautifully done and really displays Andy's talent.
The scales are beautifully done and add to the looks and light weight of the knife.
The grinds are perfectly symmetrical...even at the plunge line. It is a pet peeve of mine when makers can't get their plunge lines symmetrical. Again, Andy's talent and ability as a knife maker are really put on display in these grinds. This has a very nice and even convex grind...not too steep, not too shallow, perfect. The way he beveled back the shoulders is a very nice touch as well. I'm extremely happy. lastly, this came as sharp as I could possibly hope for.
Overall I'm not sure how I feel about the feel of this knife in the hand. The knife is very secure in my hand, which I like, but I feel like it could lead to hand cramping eventually. Only one way to find out...I'll use it and see it how it goes. I don't have big mitts, usually wear a medium glove, so maybe my hands are just too small for this knife.
The only disappointment is in the blade length. Andy's website says the blade on the SP is 4.5" and the blade on this knife is 4" at best and has a cutting edge around 4 3/4". This isn't a major issue, I was just hoping for a slightly longer blade.
I have a Bushfinger coming this week too, and can't wait to see how they compare.
Initial impressions are very good. Whenever I look at a new knife I immediately look at the grind lines, that tells me a lot about the maker IMO. I've never met Andy, but if he's not a perfectionist, I'll eat my hat, these grinds are simply beautiful. I'm a big fan of O1 tool steel so I can't wait to get some use with this under my belt. Life is too short for safe queens, this will be abused.
On to the pictures. The first is from KSF and the second is one I just snapped at my desk to show the taper (sorry for the crappy phone pic).
Have a good one everyone.
The mailman just dropped off my Sneaky Pete, and it is my first knife from Andy. I obviously haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I thought I'd post my initial thoughts as a new FB owner.
I bought this last Thursday night when KSF put up a new of batch of Fiddlebacks (thanks again for the heads up Baron). I bought it so fast that I didn't even read the full description, as it turns out, it has a tapered tang, which I consider to be a bonus.
I'm surprised to feel how light the knife was, between the skeleton and tapered tang, it really is a feather weight. I was happy to see that the center of gravity was still in the handle though. In no way does the knife feel blade heavy. I'm very happy with the light weight and the distribution of what little weight there is. As for the taper itself, it's beautifully done and really displays Andy's talent.
The scales are beautifully done and add to the looks and light weight of the knife.
The grinds are perfectly symmetrical...even at the plunge line. It is a pet peeve of mine when makers can't get their plunge lines symmetrical. Again, Andy's talent and ability as a knife maker are really put on display in these grinds. This has a very nice and even convex grind...not too steep, not too shallow, perfect. The way he beveled back the shoulders is a very nice touch as well. I'm extremely happy. lastly, this came as sharp as I could possibly hope for.
Overall I'm not sure how I feel about the feel of this knife in the hand. The knife is very secure in my hand, which I like, but I feel like it could lead to hand cramping eventually. Only one way to find out...I'll use it and see it how it goes. I don't have big mitts, usually wear a medium glove, so maybe my hands are just too small for this knife.
The only disappointment is in the blade length. Andy's website says the blade on the SP is 4.5" and the blade on this knife is 4" at best and has a cutting edge around 4 3/4". This isn't a major issue, I was just hoping for a slightly longer blade.
I have a Bushfinger coming this week too, and can't wait to see how they compare.
Initial impressions are very good. Whenever I look at a new knife I immediately look at the grind lines, that tells me a lot about the maker IMO. I've never met Andy, but if he's not a perfectionist, I'll eat my hat, these grinds are simply beautiful. I'm a big fan of O1 tool steel so I can't wait to get some use with this under my belt. Life is too short for safe queens, this will be abused.
On to the pictures. The first is from KSF and the second is one I just snapped at my desk to show the taper (sorry for the crappy phone pic).
Have a good one everyone.
