Help me choose

jascolli

jascolli

Joined
Nov 16, 2014
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I'm looking to front pocket carry a Fiddleback. I'm having a hard time choosing between a Baby boot, Esquire and Pocket Ninja. Those of you with experience, what would you choose and why. These are the specific ones available that catch my eye. Thanks in advance. JasonScreenshot_20200412-153908~2_resize_50.jpg Screenshot_20200412-154001~2_resize_16.jpg Screenshot_20200412-154041~2_resize_75.jpg Screenshot_20200412-154129~2_resize_19.jpg
 
Do you want a full 4 finger handle or do you mind 3 or 3-1/2 finger handle?

I think the Baby Boot is 4 where the rest are 3 or 3-1/2. You could hold out for a Hiking Buddy which is a full handle. I have big hands and I get 4 fingers comfortably on my HB.
 
I carried an Esquire in my front pocket for years. For me it's about the perfect size. It fits my hand well and has just enough blade to handle most daily tasks. I also have a Babyboot and Pocket Ninja. They're all great knives. I rotate through my EDC knives so they all get carried once in a while. The Esquires have definitely seen the most pocket time though.
 
Definitely can't go wrong with an Esquire. At 3.75 inches, it has the most handle of the three. Personally, right around a four-inch handle (+/- 0.25) is what I've found most comfortable. Also, don't rule out the Hiking Buddy, Loner, Toboggan and other similar sized models; they all can be easily carried in the front pocket.
 
Thanks for the tip on the hiking buddy I was thinking it might be too big. How about a2 vs cpm154 for carry in hot humid Florida?
 
jascolli said:
Thanks for the tip on the hiking buddy I was thinking it might be too big. How about a2 vs cpm154 for carry in hot humid Florida?
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Especially for EDC, I'd say CPM 154, but I also prefer keeping my knives looking new. I'm in hot humid Georgia, and the knives I EDC are stainless. I know others in the same climate prefer A2, though, so it really comes down to personal preference.
 
Esquire all the way for me. HB borders on too long for me for pocket carry, again, that depends on your pockets. I like the Esquire as the profile for the handle is straight, the Bushboot crowded my fat fingers with its arc--- though other love it.
Bill
 
I carry a HB in my front pocket in an isp sheath and it’s def not too big. I had and returned that Osage Esquire because it just didn’t fit my hand well. It was exceptionally nice though and you can’t go wrong with cpm154.

I’ve always been a huge stainless fan but I like a2 equally. It earns a nice patina with use which protects it from red rust. Put some mineral oil on it periodically and it’ll hold up.
 
I front pocket carry 95+ percent of the time. The smallest I carry is the Gnome at 5.5 inches. The largest is the BCKarda at 7.25 inches. If I was asked to make a recommendation I would choose either an EDKarda or a D.Humpback. Lots of great suggestions.
 
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In reference to your original question jascolli jascolli I would go with the Esquire. It’s a great size and for an XXL hand such as mine, I still get a nice grip. It’s one of my favorite smaller knives. And when you get that and try it out for a bit, get a few more and rotate them. Nothing wrong with that. Keep us posted.
 
Thanks for the great suggestions. I'd forgotten about the EDKarda, very interesting. I recall drooling over those back in the day. I do see one available after scouring the web.

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I guess it's looking like an Esquire. I like pointy edc blades, so it limits some of the smaller choices. Now which of the three available on their website??? So hard to choose.
 
Having held the Osage one it’s a beauty and would get my recommendation. It will only look better with time too the way Osage ages. I know it costs more than the other two though. It comes down to if you want stainless or A2, synthetic or wood.
 
I'd be hard pressed to resist that particular Baby Boot. Though I can't recommend as I have no experience with any you are proposing. Just choosing vicariously. ;)

The other choice would be the FB apprentice knife - J.B. KNIFEWORKS SHADY BABY - with coffee bag burlap handles. EXCELLENT price on a very nice knife.
 
Congratulations! Based on the 25 or so models I've tried, and given your medium hand size, I'd say you picked a perfect knife for an EDC, and Osage to boot.
 
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