Handle Durability - Production vs Custom Shop

ncrockclimb

ncrockclimb

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Nov 20, 2014
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I have decided to buy a Camp Knife in 3V. I like the looks of the production, but want a lanyard hole. Therefore, I am considering a Custom Shop version with a bolster and Shadetree handle. My only question is how durable is the handle going to be on the custom?

Other Fiddlebacks have at least 6 pins (counting the lanyard hole), but the Camp has only 3. I am probably being paranoid, and know that Andy will stand behind the knife 100%. However, I am curious as to how solid you think the connection is on the Custom Shop Camp compared to the production version or even the O1 version.
 
I have both, and I really can't imagine how there is any difference. Same material, made in the same shop, the same way = no difference. I honestly don't believe the pins really matter much with the strength of the epoxy bond. It'd probably be just fine with no pins at all. I imagine the force required to separate them would also break the tang and/or blade as well.
 
According to the article in Knives Illustrated on the production Camp Knife it looks like they will be available with a lanyard hole in the future.
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys. It is pretty much what I expected. However, you never know until you ask.
 
Those camp knives look like they have some heft behind them. Has anyone used one as a chopper?
 
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I have both and the custom is convex ground and the production is flat ground.I find the custom is a better chopper due to the grind,the production sticks when chopping.
 
I have Custom Camp Knives in 5/32" Full Tang, 5/32" SFT, 5/32" Tapered Tang, 3/16" Full Tang, 3/16" SFT and 3/16" Tapered Tang. I also have productions with the bolt on scales and the custom shop with the glued up scales. I have used all of the above knives in all sorts of functions, including chopping. I prefer a 3/16" with a little thickness "behind the edge" as that edge geometry seems to wedge and split wood very well. Now I must say, the Fiddleback Camp Knife an ANY configuration is one of my very favorite profiles. I normally carry 1 knife for a weekend in the woods and unless on the trail, a Camp Knife is my most carried blade. The 3V is freakin' incredible! They are all awesome combinations and any one of my Camp Knives is VERY capable of most tasks. I still remember opening my very first Camp Knife USAMadeBlade shipped me years ago. I could not get the grin off my face... WOW, what a huge knife, but now.... it's my normal woods tool! Make sure to get the tip area SUPER sharp as it is what you use for detail work, with fish and game or carving that detailed inset edge.

-Will
 
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