How have your collections changed?

J

joarthur

Joined
Sep 25, 2006
Messages
305
We all enjoy trying new models and new configurations and materials.

How have your collections changed? And why?

This was mine a year ago:



Here it is now:




BUSHCRAFT KARDA: This knife is the only one left from a year ago because the Karda is such a great utility blade, and the Bushcraft version has the longest handle available (4.75”).

WOODSMAN: At 5.314” in length, the Woodsman’s handle has room for all four fingers without squeezing. The Camp Nessmuk’s did, too, but the Woodman’s blade is more useful for my purposes. (It could just as well be named “Kitchenman”.) In addition, the Woodsman’s handle, especially the hook at the end and the taller palm swell (1.270”), gives me a significantly more comfortable and secure grip. Both Bear Paw handles were too short for all four fingers (5.0”) and more knife than necessary for tasks for which a 3-finger grip provides enough gripping strength.

BIG PALMER: When it comes to 3-finger grips, the Big Palmer is perfect for my large hands. It’s thick (.862”) and the pommel doesn’t jab my palm. Plus, along with the Camp Nessmuk, it’s the model I enjoy looking at the most. I do miss having a Monarch blade, though.

SHORT-BLADE PATCH: Weighing about the same as a Runt (2.7 oz.), and with a handle long enough for three fingers, this one-off, short-blade Patch makes an excellent EDC. With it’s thin handle (.60”), it practically disappears in the pocket.

GAP IN COLLECTION -- A 3.5 - 4” BLADE: The gap in in my collection is a Monarch blade with a handle long enough for a full-hand grip.
 
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You must have big (XL+) hands?... How wide is your hand across the inside palm/big Knuckle area?

From what you are describing with the Bear Paw being too cramped for four fingers then I'd think only the Woodsman, Camp Nessmuk and the Camp Knife would have handles long enough... Maybe the Bishop too.

I went and looked back at the Longfellow (~4" blade and ~5" handle) but it seems to be similar in length to the Bear Paw.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...e-25-Different-Models?p=15613522#post15613522
 
You should look at the three new models. They have handles made for big hands.
 
I think this has a lot of potential to be a great and interesting thread.


For me, as high level as possible ...

It started with Fiddlebacks only, centered around 3" sized blades. Mostly browns and greens with a mix of wood, burlap and canvas.




Somewhere in there I discovered W.A. Surls and Osprey Knife & Tool and bog oak / blackwood so add in bog oak from each of FF, WAS, OK&T.



Then I needed more funds to buy more so most of the initial round / learning curve batch was sold or traded.


Recently:
- Started adding in a few other colors (Brisket burlap, a blue and a red to give them a try)
- Every time I see some, wishing I had gone for tangerine burlap lol
- Been picking up duplicates to the bog oak collection but in CPM154 with G10 or black micarta to save the bog oak and A2 from summer sweat


Since the following include fairly contrasting colors to my collection and they should arrive the end of this week, I'll try post pics this weekend.
WAS Cherry Bomb RMN, WAS black G10, FF blue Sweet Gum, OKT black canvas
 
PolRoger said:
From what you are describing with the Bear Paw being too cramped for four fingers then I'd think only the Woodsman, Camp Nessmuk and the Camp Knife would have handles long enough... Maybe the Bishop too.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...e-25-Different-Models?p=15613522#post15613522
Click to expand...

After trying two dozen models, 30 knives in all counting dupes, I think you're right about these models. As for measurements, that question has come up other threads, and I've come to agree with one of the comments: You just have to try a model, even several examples of the same model. In some dimensions my hand seems an L, in others an XL.

Fortunately, the Woodsman really seems to have the big knife category covered.
 
Warrior108 said:
Then I needed more funds to buy more so most of the initial round / learning curve batch was sold or traded.

"Learning curve batch" -- I like that phrase, Jerry. It captures the pleasure we get from the search. Great pics, too. Keep them coming. I look forward to hearing how collections evolve.
Click to expand...
 
A year ago;


This year;


Everyone's gotta start somewhere!
Im excited to take it on a 2 week backpacking trek next month :)
 
thats funny CanukMike

we love pics of these bad boys out-n-about:thumbup:
 
My favourite Fiddleback is the Handyman. It suits all my needs and performs every task that I put to it with ease. Melts in my hand, pocket or belt.

My collection will feature some Handymen in the future
 
Fiddleback said:
Can you post pics and measurements of your hand. I'm in a drawing mood. I'll make a 6" handled damn knife if I have to....
Click to expand...

Andy,

He sent me a PM with a thread post he started late last year... There are some photos showing his hand holding a Bear Paw as well as "hand spread" measurement?

If I'm doing the same measurement correctly... It seems that his hand spread may be ~1-1/2" to ~1-3/4" greater then mine but I'm not sure how wide he is actually spreading his hand for this measurement?

From a design starting point he says that the Camp Nessmuk handle fits his hand for a full 4 finger grip. So maybe something like a Bear Paw or Hunter shaped blade... 4-3/8" to 4-1/2" grafted onto some kind of similar sized Camp Nessmuk handle?

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ndles-and-Large-Hands?p=15409603#post15409603

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ndles-and-Large-Hands?p=15409618#post15409618
 
Aside from a few that managed to escape their confinement, my collection has continued to Expand. It may soon be time to seek treatment :eek:
 
I've tried almost every model, got rid of most of them except the ones used for sheath making. The Kephart is my favorite, had 32 of the buggers at one time though I am thinning that down as best I can, think I am even in the single digits now.
The Toboggan though, that little swayback is a joy to ed/carry and use. Still waiting to find another one of those in the right color scheme that suits me.
 
Scotcha said:
My favourite Fiddleback is the Handyman. It suits all my needs and performs every task that I put to it with ease. Melts in my hand, pocket or belt.

My collection will feature some Handymen in the future
Click to expand...

Its right up there for me as well. Simple hardworking tool. You should definitely check out the bHermit.
 
Skystorm said:
I've tried almost every model, got rid of most of them except the ones used for sheath making. The Kephart is my favorite, had 32 of the buggers at one time though I am thinning that down as best I can, think I am even in the single digits now.
The Toboggan though, that little swayback is a joy to ed/carry and use. Still waiting to find another one of those in the right color scheme that suits me.
Click to expand...

Ahhhh, I see! When I first came across your eBay sales I thought you just HAD to be some type of Fiddleback Distributors specializing in Kepharts, especially with the nice pictures. (take it as a compliment) Maybe there are special qualifications to become a Fiddleback RE-Distributor? lol


Multi-layer question for you being a Kephart aficionado: Most of your sales have them being 5/32" Is that because most of them are 5/32 or because you just preferred 5/32 when you bought them and do they occur in all 3 flavors 5/32, 1/8 and 3/32?

Thanks
 
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