Help Me Make My Next Fiddleback Purchase...For My Wife!

[pveiled]

Hey All.

As the title of this thread announced, I am making plans for my next Fiddleback purchase…but it won't be for me. No, I am looking to snag one of these beauties for my better half and I'm hoping some people here might want to weigh in and help me narrow down the blade shape I want to look for. It's going to be part of her Christmas gift and there's only 17 Fiddleback Friday's between now and then!

As with anything Fiddleback, I'm know something perfect for the occasion will just show itself among all the gems Andy routinely produces, so I'm sure I'll have that "know it when I see it" reaction anyway, but I still want to figure out what blade shape to fix in on.

My wife has relatively small hands and likely wouldn't have much use for any of the larger knives. I'm thinking it's between the likes of the Karda/Bushcraft Karda, 3 Finger Joe, Bushboot, EDC or the Hikingbuddy. Any of these would probably be a fine choice and in her case I think it's going to be a little bit more about waiting until the right handle configuration comes up.

I would really love to hear anyone's opinions, experience or suggestions, including suggestions for other blade shapes I’ve overlooked. I was thinking that maybe the Recluse or the Ladyfinger were also contenders, but I don't know they might be too large.

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Take care and happy slicing

 

[schmittie]

If your wife is like mine, I'm thinking a pink micarta Karda with a neck sheath would be it. (that's what mine would want, it's like a pimped out outdoors necklace!)

But I can't say I can recall Andy producing a pink handled knife before....

 

[geargeek]

Actually the Bushfinger might be a contender also, it is not any bigger than the Recluse or Ladyfinger, and it feels and functions a lot like a kitchen paring knife on steroids... It handles like a smaller knife.
If she wants something smaller than that I'd vote for the Hikingbuddy, in 1/8th stock; it is so versatile... Don't know what her tastes are, but for a gift I'd go with the classic beauty of natural wood.

 

[pveiled]

These are great suggestions so far, thanks!

@schmittie pink or purple micarta or g-10 would definitely be something she'd love, but I've never seen that type of thing either. Not that I've been looking haha. I know she'd want a belt sheath though, that much is for sure. Although the idea of a pimped-out outdoor necklace makes me laugh I'm really not worried about colours though: she loves wood grain and there are lots of handle configurations I've seen Andy do already I know she'd really enjoy. Those white on orange combos are particularly slick, and the doublemint green that was done a batch or two ago would be a hit for sure.

@geargeek I have a Bushfinger and I think that it might be a little too large for her hands and for her usage. That's what makes me question the Recluse and the Ladyfinger as well. I think you're spot on with the 1/8" HB though: I think the ultimate grail for her would be a 1/8" HB on Stainless, since she would benefit most from a slicey knife that is easy to take care of. I know that's a real rarity though so I'm not holding my breath. The classic beauty of natural wood is definitely a real possibility however: we both love wood grain and the first major purchase we made as a couple was a solid wood, Amish made brown maple dining table. It is absolutely stunning, and I know she'd appreciate one of Andy's fine wood inlay handles as well.

To further clarify, my wife would mostly use this when we're camping, hiking, kayaking etc. but more often then not I would suspect she'll do light food prep and maybe a little bit of casual carving. She certainly doesn't need anything capable of prepping firewood or butchering game or fish etc. So something thin and slicey, like a 1/8" HB, would probably be best.

Thanks again!

 

[eginder]

I think you're spot-on with a 1/8" Hiking Buddy; I'd add that a convex edge and as flat and a grind as possible would be good; seems to slice more like a conventional knife than a Scadi grind.

My wife has used my Recluse many times at camp, but probably because it's my primary camp knife and is always readily available. If she had to choose a knife to carry, I doubt it would be the Recluse or, for that matter, any of my 8"-9" knives.

I personally adore my Bushboot, but my wife prefers the straighter handle and blade of the Hiking Buddy; it's just more usable for what she will do with a knife. Mine is 5/32" thick and I think she finds it a bit heavy (for it's size) and not quite perfect for slicing. 1/8" would be money.

As for color, she loves the translucent jade handles. I get everything in natural micarta. Really went nuts on my last purchase, which was antique micarta. She finds this boring. Different strokes I suppose, but the jade does seem to appeal to ladies.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Eric G.

 

[maw]

Hi pveiled,

My suggestion would be the Hikingbuddy or the KE Bushie. Both of these knives have an extremely comfortable handle which can be held in a number of different ways and have blade lengths in the range from 3.125" to 3.9" inches. I believe these might be your best choices.

Mark

 

[rpn]

I second the idea of Hiking Buddy in 1/8"...convex if possible, it's so nice! :thumbup:

 

[wildmanh]

My mom likes the Ladyfinger and Woodsman. I'm considering getting her one of those for Christmas. The Woodsman's handle might be a bit big for your wife, and if so, I say look at the Ladyfinger for sure.

 

[Kal-El]

Stop the presses. I just received a little package in the mail from Andy that I think would be the perfect knife you have in mind for your wife. The EDK - Everyday Karda.
This is one sweet little knife! I own two of Andy's hiking buddies which are fabulous, but this little guy is sweet. It has the Bushcraft Karda blade shape and size, yet a slightly smaller handle. I have a small wildlife removal business and use a blade quite often throughout the day.. Cutting twine, rope, zipties, etc. All in the means of setting traps and such. I usually carry a folder hidden in my pocket as not to scare my little old clients here in Florida, and not to look like the "Turtle Man" with a large bowie on my hip. But, the EDK will get some serious consideration as an alternative to my folder which is not too convenient when I'm working with an animal and I need something quick. Here is the link to Andy's sales thread. It is the Blackwood with blue pinstripe and it is a looker! If need be, I can take some in-hand shots for you. I don't have large paws, so it works really well for me.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/983970-Fiddleback-Friday-Batch-Bushfinger-Galore

Sergio

 

[NoFair]

Stainless Ladyfinger (if she is like my wife it will be forgotten in a wet sheath from time to time). Preferably ground thin and convex.

Both my wife and 7 year old daughter are quite taken with my Ladyfinger (O1)

 

[w.t. anderson]

I'd say the Hiking Buddy like several others have already mentioned - it's such a petite classic, yet so functional and reliable.

 

[justdrifting]

Ladyfinger or Hiking Buddy fits my lady's hands best. She didn't try the Karda out.

 

[Fiddleback]

This is a cool thread. GG is right. A Bushfinger can be tailored to small hands. It would do and she could handle it. I've thought again and again about sending Ruth Hawke a Bushfinger, so she had a decent tool she can actually use. Any of the 4" or smaller knives with a thinner handle would work. Conspicuously not on GearGeek's list IMO is the Bushboot. I think the Bushboot is my second favorite of my knives. Its really comfortable and useful and small and light.

 

[geargeek]

I second the idea of stainless and convex, whatever style you choose. Your wife is one lucky lady!

 

[saucyCT]

I was looking at a ladyfinger for the wife, but ended up getting the maroon linen (wide whitewall and nat can liner = stylee) Bushfinger, as my wife has a bigger hand. She LOVES it. It was between that and the Padre, and I imagine I will still get her a Padre before all is said and done. Regardless, seriously, I would say that no matter what you end up picking, a Fiddleback blade immediately projects its quality craftsmanship and beautiful lines and ANYONE receiving one as a gift will be appreciative. It is an obviously well-made item and worthy of immediate owner love. Good luck with your purchase! Make sure it is a looker.

 

[chainring]

The little 3finger Karda fits my wife's hand pretty well perfect.

 

[pveiled]

Wow! You all really are the best: thanks so much for all the helpful input and suggestions. It's very appreciated.

So, there's lots of votes for the Hikingbuddy...for sure. That is high on the list so it may come to pass. One thing thats been mentioned a few times and that will probably be a key factor in my decision is the option of a stainless steel blade: I know these don't come up too often so I'd really have to get lucky but it is probably a very good suggestion, as I KNOW that she will not take as much care of this knife as it deserves. I once tried to explain the difference between rust and patina to her when I was cleaning some old blades and I've never seen her eyes glaze over so quickly. Haha so a robust steel that can be put away wet is probably a smart choice.

I think you're spot-on with a 1/8" Hiking Buddy; I'd add that a convex edge and as flat and a grind as possible would be good; seems to slice more like a conventional knife than a Scadi grind....

...I personally adore my Bushboot, but my wife prefers the straighter handle and blade of the Hiking Buddy; it's just more usable for what she will do with a knife. Mine is 5/32" thick and I think she finds it a bit heavy (for it's size) and not quite perfect for slicing. 1/8" would be money.

You pretty much nailed all my concerns Eric. I'm definitely thinking convex and as thin as possible, as she will end up using this mostly for light food prep (chopping veggies, meat, cheese etc.) So with that in mind I definitely want something that is BUILT TO SLICE! Haha. A 1/8" full height convex HB would likely be best, but I think my wife would really love the spalting (she commented on how "pretty" it was) so we'll have to see what comes up I guess.

My suggestion would be the Hikingbuddy or the KE Bushie.

Hey Mark, I was thiking about the KE Bushie but the thing is they don't seem to come up too often in Andy's batches these days. Seems to be a bit of a "thing of the past", if I'm not mistaken. That being said if I saw a KE Bushie in the right handle configuration etc. I would certainly go for it, because you're right it fits the bill just as well as a Hikingbuddy

Stop the presses. I just received a little package in the mail from Andy that I think would be the perfect knife you have in mind for your wife. The EDK - Everyday Karda. This is one sweet little knife! I own two of Andy's hiking buddies which are fabulous, but this little guy is sweet. It has the Bushcraft Karda blade shape and size, yet a slightly smaller handle.

If need be, I can take some in-hand shots for you. I don't have large paws, so it works really well for me.

Thank you for offering to take pictures Kal-El! Although it won't be necessary--I have a pretty good idea of the size of all the Fiddleback blades, as I did a rough comparison diagram on some drafting paper based on the listed dimensions--your offer is still seriously appreciated. Thank you

As far as the EDK goes, you are not wrong. It is on the list for sure, and I think anything in the Karda family would probably fit the bill. I remember when you picked up that knife and at the time I thought "LUCKY!!!" because that is a seriously sweet blade. My biggest counter argument to one of the shorter blade styles, like the EDK, is simply that she'll use this mostly for food prep, so a little bit of a longer blade might be a plus. Again, the EDK is definitely a conteder though.

GG is right. A Bushfinger can be tailored to small hands. It would do and she could handle it. I've thought again and again about sending Ruth Hawke a Bushfinger, so she had a decent tool she can actually use. Any of the 4" or smaller knives with a thinner handle would work. Conspicuously not on GearGeek's list IMO is the Bushboot. I think the Bushboot is my second favorite of my knives. Its really comfortable and useful and small and light.

Yeah Andy the biggest concern is that I own a Bushfinger and she's used it and has said to me that she finds is a little large. The handle isn't monstrously oversized for her or anything, but it is a tag large and I can tell that by just watching the way she holds it etc. I think she might even cope better with a slimmer blade, and therefore a slimmer handle, so a 1/8" BF might work fine. She does have pretty petite hands and fingers though so I think. if I'm being totally honest with myself, I'm likely going to end up looking for a sub-4" blade.

Now the Bushboot is a real possibility. They are one of my personal favorite blade shapes that Fiddleback makes and there have been some astoundingly good looking ones in recent batches, but my concern here is the handle shape. Since this is mostly going to be a for food prep I think maybe a straighter handle might work better. Anyone with a Bushboot want to chime in and comment about how it handles kitchen work?

Regardless, seriously, I would say that no matter what you end up picking, a Fiddleback blade immediately projects its quality craftsmanship and beautiful lines and ANYONE receiving one as a gift will be appreciative. It is an obviously well-made item and worthy of immediate owner love.

Truer words have not been spoken. One of our shared philosophies is that anything worth its salt is made with love, care and time. Andy's knives fit the bill and I think that she is really going to love this when it's all said and done. I think one of my favorite things about Andy's knives are that they are functionally classic, in terms of blade shape, steel profile etc. but the handle configurations give them that modern flare that will enable a knife to be both a tool and a personal accessory.

I plan to get her a custom sheath from one of our fine leatherworkers here on the Fiddleback forum and I couldn't be happier to be giving gifts that are made by real people (not machines) who are passionate about their work. If every transaction in life worked like that we'd have much less depressed, stressed people in the world IMO.