I know I want a fiddleback....

Krav

Krav

Joined
Jun 6, 2013
Messages
13,275
Just having a difficult time deciding. And I'll probably own more than one, I know.:thumbup:

I wanted something in the 4 inch range, no bigger than 5 but can be a touch under 4.

Don't want a scandi grind.

The handles are so awesome on fiddlebacks, but I wanted to stay away from wood. I just don't like the smoothness of wood right now. I want some grip.

Blade thickness? What ever you guys suggest.

I'm not in any rush, I really enjoy looking at all of your beautiful knives. I do want to narrow my broad highway down atleast a bit.

Thank you
 
IMO, any 4", 1/8" stock model in burlap or sandblasted micarta should suit you nicely. What are your usecases / intended purposes for the knife? Woods-bumming, hunting, skinning, cooking, etc?
 
Hey Krav, welcome! I'm sure the more senior/experienced guys will chime in soon, but if you haven't, check out this link first:
http://www.fiddlebackforge.com/index.cfm/fiddleback-forge-knives/4-inch-blades/

It lists just about all 4" knives from Andy. It's really a matter of finding the handle shape, material and blade profile you want and diving in. The handle materials, blade thickness, etc. really come in all types, just matter of figuring out what you want and finding it through various venues (fiddleback fridays, flea market, online vendors, etc.). Good luck.
 
Thank you guys. I have visited the site many times. :D.

I'll be using it mainly for woods, bumming around, just carving wood, having fun.
 
My current favorite bumming around knife is my Recluse in 1/8", find it super nimble, looks good, and very versatile from light bushcraft work to skinning small games. It can be done as I've done with many other 1/8" knives, but I don't baton with the recluse as it does taper pretty thin towards the tip. But what you get in return is an excellent slicer. Of course the handles come in all sorts of variety. As Will mentioned, Burlap scales should serve you well if you're looking for grip (they look nice too, so it's win win really).
 
Yes the recluse looks good with a high grind, handles look nice, thick, I like that with a burlap scale.
 
+1 on the recluse; its a GREAT knife -- super light weight, plenty slicey, and versatile profile shape!
 
IMO, i would suggest the recluse or the kephart. Both are great multi-purpose models. As far as grippy handles, either sandblasted micarta or burlap. We only sandblast micarta, not any burlap. The burlap is sanding by hand down to 400 then followed by scotch brite pads. Although burlap is sanded smooth, the natural tendiences of it yeilds to become a bit more grippy over time. I handle all of the fiddlebacks daily and and know the shapes, curves, handle postions, and versatility. My third suggestion would be a bushfinger. Hope this helps, alittle inside view from one of the makers, lol.
 
Krav said:
Thank you guys. I have visited the site many times. :D.

I'll be using it mainly for woods, bumming around, just carving wood, having fun.
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I noticed you mentioned 'no scandi' & 'carving' among other things. Not to critisize or anything, but is there any particular reason you wouldn't want a scandi grind? I'm just curious because in my experience nothing carves wood like a scandi.


Just going by looks I really like the Asp in the 4" range myself.
 
Hey Krav, welcome. Not to sound too much like a broken record, but I find that the Recluse is probably the 4" Fiddleback that I carry the most, with the exception of the Sneaky Pete. But I carry these two different knives for completely different purposes. I EDC the SP in an IWB/inside pocket sheath in the event of an unforeseen emergency. When I am working outside or bumming around in the woods, the Recluse is often on my belt. I prefer the 5/32" thickness in 4" to 5" blades, and I even have some examples in 3/16" for my intended applications and liking. However, there are certain things that the 1/8" blades will do far better. I cannot imagine that you would be disappointed in an 1/8" or a 5/32" Recluse.

Regarding GB's comment on scandi grinds, he does have a point. However, it is probably not the strongest edge that you can get in 01 steel. The scandi grinds are pretty acute, hence prone to chipping and damage. But they do carve like nobody's business. I have a Terrasaur (similar blade profile to Recluse) in scandi, and it is a whittling fool. However, it would not be my go to knife if I had to baton through stove lengths to get at some dry wood for fire starting.

Allen's comments on handles is spot on. He should know, he handles them on a daily basis. Good luck in your discernment process, and feel free to ask any additional questions. We all have our opinions, and we all are willing to share them freely.
 
Krav: Welcome to a very fun decision to have to make: which one is the first one. Which only leads to an infinite loop of "which one is next".

You had some good solid advice so far. You can't go wrong with any of the mentions. I'll throw the Arete into the mix as well as a good all-around woods, bumming, carving wood knife.


GooberBoober said:
I noticed you mentioned 'no scandi' & 'carving' among other things. Not to critisize or anything, but is there any particular reason you wouldn't want a scandi grind? I'm just curious because in my experience nothing carves wood like a scandi.
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McVeyMac said:
...
Regarding GB's comment on scandi grinds, he does have a point. However, it is probably not the strongest edge that you can get in 01 steel. The scandi grinds are pretty acute, hence prone to chipping and damage. But they do carve like nobody's business. I have a Terrasaur (similar blade profile to Recluse) in scandi, and it is a whittling fool. However, it would not be my go to knife if I had to baton through stove lengths to get at some dry wood for fire starting.
...
Click to expand...

These comments go hand in hand with the Two for Tuesday post about many purposes for knives so needing many knives. It was made in jest, but in this case, it kinda rings true. I'm blessed to have way more Fiddlebacks than I need, and love having some of them in scandi. They are carving machines. If I had to have only one knife for everything, it would probably not be a scandi, but not for the reason mentioned above. (In case your wondering, the "one" knife for me would probably be my Camp Nessie). I think a scandi would do just fine. I've used an Arete (now out on a pass around) with a scandi for a lot of things, including batoning, cross grain batoning, in addition to the wood carving it excels at. It might take more maintenance as it will have more micro edge issues due to the reasons Walt mentions, but scandis are very easy to maintain. The main reason for me that a scandi would not be the "one" all-around knife, is that it would not make a good kitchen knife.

I think there's a religion and politics forum we could discuss convex vs scandi in. ;) :D
 
Hey Krav, Will (xxwjtxx) has a really nice Recluse for sale in the Flea Market at a really good price. The handle might be a little slick based on what you have said, but it might be a good place to start. Obtaining Fiddlebacks are a like eating Lays potato chips, no one can have just one.
 
I prefer Herr's :D

Seriously though, I second Walt's input. Highly recommend getting that Recluse from Will. Recluses can be hard to get at times, and Will's a trusted member, you can't go wrong.
 
GooberBoober said:
I noticed you mentioned 'no scandi' & 'carving' among other things. Not to critisize or anything, but is there any particular reason you wouldn't want a scandi grind? I'm just curious because in my experience nothing carves wood like a scandi.


Just going by looks I really like the Asp in the 4" range myself.
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Thank you for the warm welcome.

I have nothing against scandi. Own couple mora's, LT wright genesis in scandi grind.

Have sharp maker, wicked edge, shapton pro stones, balsa wood 1 micron paste and some leather for fine tuning. No problems in the sharpening area.

Just wanted to try different grind
 
allen456 said:
IMO, i would suggest the recluse or the kephart. Both are great multi-purpose models. As far as grippy handles, either sandblasted micarta or burlap. We only sandblast micarta, not any burlap. The burlap is sanding by hand down to 400 then followed by scotch brite pads. Although burlap is sanded smooth, the natural tendiences of it yeilds to become a bit more grippy over time. I handle all of the fiddlebacks daily and and know the shapes, curves, handle postions, and versatility. My third suggestion would be a bushfinger. Hope this helps, alittle inside view from one of the makers, lol.
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Yes, thanks. Kephart and the bushfinger are attractive. I think having a comfortable handle is the most important thing for me. Something in a medium to darker color. I have a barkriver knife (aurora) in black and white ebony. My only criticism is I wish I got it in g-10 or micarta. It's just a bit smooth for me.
 
Krav said:
Just having a difficult time deciding. And I'll probably own more than one, I know.:thumbup:

I wanted something in the 4 inch range, no bigger than 5 but can be a touch under 4.

Don't want a scandi grind.

The handles are so awesome on fiddlebacks, but I wanted to stay away from wood. I just don't like the smoothness of wood right now. I want some grip.

Blade thickness? What ever you guys suggest.

I'm not in any rush, I really enjoy looking at all of your beautiful knives. I do want to narrow my broad highway down atleast a bit.

Thank you
Click to expand...

In your primary uses, do you prefer more belly, or more pointy?
 
Awaiting.... "Which fiddleback next???" Thread
I like the bushfinger myself
 
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