Help me identify my ideal "small" EDC fiddleback

Help me find my new EDC fiddleback!

  • Esquire

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • 3 Finger Karda

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • 3 Finger Joe

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Bushboot

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
  • Poll closed .
xxwjtxx

xxwjtxx

Joined
Dec 13, 2013
Messages
2,394
So, I've been through several smaller Fiddleback profiles, in hopes of identifying an ideal EDC that surpasses the typical hinderer / benchmade / spyderco I typically pocket. While, I have found some great knives, inevitably, they wind up on the flea market because I just can't seem to find the right one. I have come close on several occasions; notably with a 3/16" BLJ and a 5/32" 3FK...I'm thinking whatever I ultimately wind up with, it will need to be 3/16" and preferably tapered tang. Seeing that small Fiddlebacks are all the rage, I am not holding out immediate hope, but the models I am considering are: the esquire, the new 3FK, 3FJ, and the bushboot. While the BB is the largest of the bunch, the design just speaks to me.. None the less, I'm always interested in other's opinions, so feel free to chime in! If I recall correctly, someone recently sharked a 3/16" TT esquire -- any feedback on this knife would really be appreciated!

Thanks :thumbup:

Will
 
wow great thread Will; I myself would be very interested hearing about what others have to say. I just snagged my first small(ish) knife in hiking buddy, which I plan to use as my casual hiking/outdoor EDC. Unfortunately, in the office setting, I'll still have to use my Spyderco (current fav being the Sage 2). I've really come to appreciate the versatility of the spyderco leaf shape, and appreciate that being a folder, the handle still covers the width of my relatively large paws. That being said, the first EDC Fiddleback I'm planning on getting in the future is the 3 finger Karda as it seems to have a similar leaf shape blade with a fairly long handle (BB would be my 2nd choice, but possibly too big for the use). Looking forward to hearing from folks who actually know what they're talking about :D
 
The BB is great, I loved mine, but I spend a lot of time in the city and burbs, work in a hospital, and never got to carry it without getting some looks. In the winter it was a little better because I could conceal it more under bulkier clothing. I've tried the Karda and HB too, but had the same issues. Sadly, I had to revert back to a folder so that I could carry it at all times.
 
5/32 Tapered Tang Runt in Shadetree :thumbup:

I am also very interested in hearing about the Esquire.
 
Hey Will, IMHO, I would consider any of the Fiddlebacks that you have mentioned to be stronger and would out perform any of the folding knives that you mentioned. I have not carried any of my folders since obtaining suitable pocket sheaths for my fixed blade knives. I should probably put them all up for sale on the exchange. You might not be able to match the steel choices available on the folders mentioned, but also IMHO, CPM 154 is a very good steel that is hard to beat. When you do beat it, I doubt that you would notice the difference with every day use.

Is the problem with EDCing any of the Fiddlebacks that you have tried more a problem of not having a suitable pocket sheath for your EDC/work situation more than it is a problem with the knife?
 
Will,

Similar to Walt, most of my folders now sit in their boxes, although the Spyderco Sage1 is such an incredible knife it still gets carried occasionally. I'll also always have a Spyderco Balance or a GEC in my watch pocket. But almost every day I now have a Fiddleback either in my pocket or on my belt.

I think my EDC needs are different than yours as I tend to stick with 3/32" or 1/8". I want something light and small. Of the ones in your poll, I only have the Bushboot, and while I carry it occasionally, since it's the largest of my EDC blades, and the thickest, it doesn't get carried as often. Lately my most carried has been the Patch. It's joined the rotation with the HB and Runt and the EDK when it's back. I'm excited to start carrying my 2FK, but I need to get it sent off to RLO for a sheath.

I hope to have an Esquire soon as I think that will fit this role really well. 3FJ is such a cool looking design I want one just because of that. Darn it, you just reminded me of how many I still need to pick up somehow.
 
I only have experience with the Bushboot so that's the one I voted for. I did EDC a smaller fixed blade with a 2,5" edge before I got it though, which was a little small for some tasks imo (mostly food-prep).

But it all depends on what you want it to do I guess.

Here's pic of how the BB carries in a Rick Lowe pocket-sheath in case you haven't checked Mistwalker's thread that's dedicated to the BB & RLO's pocket sheath:

15387973056_121699ce75_b.jpg
 
Will, I voted for the Bushboot. It and the KPH are the only multiple FB's I own. The Bushboot handle ergonomics and shape along with the blade shape have made it the "go to" EDC for me. I have a 3 Finger Karda that is used literally every day in the shop, but not sure of it's function in every day use as a carry knife. All the models you list should be excellent choices depending on your personal likes and comfort. I would be interested in your need for 3/16" in this size blade.
 
Disregarding heavy duty performance, Its hard to argue on a fixed blade over a folder as a EDC. There's a million variables, outside of functionality that come into effect; appearance to the outside, the typical negative stereotypes of a blade from the public increased when they see its a fixed blade vs a folder. And foremost comfortability of carry.

All of that aside, i do believe that a fixed blade can be carried discretely and also meet all functionality one would want out of a fixed blade. I've owned pretty much every EDC knife Andy has to offer. While i would love to carry a BC with me everyday, its just not feasible. I've carried a runt and Karda and found the blade to be lacking. I've had a BLJ, as much as i loved it, i didnt find it practical. A HB and Bushraptor come close, but they still land a little larger than i'm comfortable being judged carrying. Then came along the Esquire. The blade is on par with the Hiking Buddy with a smaller handle reminiscent of a straigter old style Karda handle. This is a blade that falls in between the Runt, Karda, HB, Patch realms. Its perfect for EDC in EVERY Way. Will, get one. This is a blade that you will not give up.

Enjoy!
 
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The Esquire is a bomb-diggity for a small front pocket carry .. but the new 3FKarda is pretty schweet too, it's handle is much more full than the EQ.
 
Will this has been a great answer for a edc knife for me.
Shown with some proper pants by Bonafide

qASQIqv.jpg
 
Just to muddy the waters a bit, it seems to me that the sheath makes a world of difference. I loved my BB for its beauty and design, but it didn't really "click" for me until it was mated to the right sheath, a RLO crossdraw. Now I feel naked when I don't have it on. If you are aiming for pocket carry, it may be too much of a good thing, but don't dismiss it just because it is slightly longer.

I too am intrigued by your desired thickness. To each his own and all that, but I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm discovering (with 4 inch knives) how 5/32 is pretty darn bombproof, but Andy's 1/8 is something special and imminently capable. It's actually got me wondering about the 3/32 in a smaller knife (say a bushcraft Karda.... Hint, hint 😉).

I'm refraining from voting though. I simply haven't handled enough models to be able to speak with any authority in terms of comparison.


Michael
 
Thanks for all of the great feedback guys!! The curly maple 3FK on TKC has been calling my name, but I keep coming back to the esquire -- it seems like a really neat knife! After reviewing some other recent threads on the profile, I'm almost sold on it! Scandi fans worry not, I'm not interested ;), but I will be keeping my eyes peeled for a nice natural handled example in coming Fridays.

As an aside,lots of good conversation here -- a recurrent point seemed to be concentric to my interest in 3/16" for EDC. Well... its purely aesthetic. For me (IMHO), there is something confidence inspiring about a <3" THICK blade. Not that FBF's 1/8" is any worse the wear (heck, I wail on 1/8" regularly)... I just like the added weight of thicker steel in a smaller profile from a "feel" perspective...plus there's a good chance that the handle might be a little fatter which for me adds to the ergonomics in a small knife.
 
I just snagged a 3/32" convex ground Esquire and absolutely love it. It's replaced my 1/8" hidden tang Bushcraft Karda as my fixed EDC. The Esquire disappears quite well in the pocket, handle is comfortable and long enough for a proper grip ( I wear a large size glove).
 
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