Hiking Buddy vs F2 ???

[MajorD]

Ok I'm not so proud that I can't expose my own ignorance occasionally (ok often). Anyway, it's my understanding the F2 started from a Hiking Buddy blade. The difference, obviously, being the spine side of the blade. The F2 blade taking on an upswept blade shape. That said, to me, the blade is still a Hiking Buddy cutting edge. I understand the philosophy of an upswept blade for skinning, small game, birds, etc.. I have owned and used them. I've found the tip of an upswept blade is typically a bit more pronounced or exaggerated than on the F2. They excel as a bird and trout knife. So is the F2 and Hiking Buddy still the same as far as performance? Does the change in the blade shape of the F2 increase performance in a way that I am not seeing? (Thus my ignorance). Make no mistake about it, I don't need a reason to buy another Fiddleback. A simple change in blade shape has me drooling in anticipation for Fridays. I WILL own an F2 at some point. Admittedly, however, I'm always over-thinking Andy's blades when choosing what I "need" compared to what I "want" next. I've been seriously considering a 2nd Hiking Buddy but maybe I need to sit tight at 1 H.B. and look for an F2. If money was no object I wouldn't be posting this.

 

[MajorD]

My apologies to Strigamort. I just realized that he already had a thread going on the F2.

Andy you can lock this or delete it if need be.

 

[Joe Duder]

86 him Andy! Just kidding Major. I did the same thing with my Terrasaur review. There was at least one out there already. The way I see it- the more info the better.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

86 him Andy! Just kidding Major. I did the same thing with my Terrasaur review. There was at least one out there already. The way I see it- the more info the better.

Agreed (the "more info", not 86!)

Only thing that I'd guess would make the F2 a better slicer (assuming the spine thickness is equal) is less material between edge and spine. Even if the F2 has less steel in that area I'd imagine the difference in feel would be negligible.

Appearance is another matter though. Has a very strong pull on my buying decisions.

 

[Mistwalker]

My apologies to Strigamort. I just realized that he already had a thread going on the F2.

Andy you can lock this or delete it if need be.

Well yes, Strig has a post up on the F2 in general. This is a bit more specific though, and as far as I am concerned worth it's own thread for people with the exact same question. I have both on hand, have used both a bit, and as far as slicing goes? Really not that much of a difference. The F2 has a very fine, very sharp point...think needle sharp, great for penetration in fish skin and small fowl. But that fine point is more also more fragile than the tip on a Hiking Buddy. Yes, for a bird and trout knife I would prefer the F2 hands down. For a Bushcrafting knife, I would definitely take the Hiking Buddy...if I didn't also have a Raptor