-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Models, Tang-Types, Steel Thicknesses, & Weights
- Thread starter Mistwalker
- Start date
A chart with OALs...?
Oh, happy day!
~ P.
Yes! If you need help lmk I'm willing to donate my time!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2006
- Messages
- 13,878
Comprehensivist
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2008
- Messages
- 3,197
Intro:
A couple of months ago, I contacted my good friend Phillip (M4Super90) to ask if I could borrow his Hunter for some comparison photos I wanted to take as part of a Fiddleback knife review I was (and am) working on. We have exchanged knives several times in the past, so this is not an unusual request. Phillip said he would get it right out, no problem. Alog with the Hunter, he continued our custom of sending along another knife just for “fun” to see what I thought of it. That knife turned out to be his Fiddleback Forager.
The Forager is part of a family of new models introduced in 2016 that are all characterized by a raised point on the spine 1”- 2” behind the tip followed by a dished-out or concave spine shape leading back to where the blade meets the front of the handle. The rest of the models in this family include the Sylvrfalcen, Gambler, Rapscallion, and Protagonist. The Forager is the largest knife in this family (so far.)
The point on the upper spine is not sharpened on the models I have seen. The effect of this blade shape is both cosmetic and practical. Cosmetically, this shape gives the knife an old-fashioned swashbuckling look that is reminiscent of the Hudson Bay trade knives that were popular with trappers and outdoorsman in the 1800’s. From a practical perspective, the raised point on the spine puts more metal toward the tip end for a forward weighted balance. This forward weighted balance means the Forager will perform better as a light chopper that you might expect for a knife this size.
Specifications & Reference Photos:
All linear measurements use the top front edge of the handles as a starting point. That means handle length is from that location to the farthest point rearward and blade length is from there to the tip.
Model: Forager
FF Lot Info: ?
OAL: 11.200”
Blade Length: 6.165”
Cutting Edge Length: 6.375”
Handle Length: 5.035”
Steel & Thickness: .154” (i.e. 5/32”)
Tang Type: Tapered
Grind: Convex
Handle Material: Shadetree Navy burlap with black micarta bolsters over 1/8” black liners (no pinstripes)
Weight (oz.): 9.06
Blade Height @ Plunge Line: 1.425”
Handle Width @ Front: .815”
Handle Height @ Front: 1.298”
Handle Width @ Palmswell: .873”
Handle Height @ Palmswell: 1.279”
Handle Width @ Back: .771”
Handle Height @ Back: 1.360”
Distance from Front Edge of Handle to Balance Point: 0.000”
The balance point is right on the front edge of the handle. This means the Forager has a forward weighted bias even in the normal forward position hammer grip.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0093_zpssipi58qa.jpg.html]
[/URL]
The top of the handle is relative straight from front to back. The shape of the bottom of the handle is a shallow “m” shape which provides an open feel that allows good freedom of movement when changing grips. For reference, my hand measures 4” across the center of my palm. There is plenty of handle length on the Forager to allow relaxed movement for me.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0091_zpsyiu7njg7.jpg.html]
[/URL]
The handle gets taller and a little narrower at the back end. This is one feature of the Forager that I like a lot because it gives me sufficient height to provide grip strength and torque control from my pinky and ring fingers. This is important to me on a knife that will be used for snap cuts and light chopping.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0079_zpszdow63ct.jpg.html]
[/URL]
Comparison Photos & Observations:
Here are a couple of comparison photos with Fiddleback knives I had on hand. (Top to Bottom: Forager, Woodsman, Custom Shop Duke, & Phillip’s Hunter)
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0062_zpsymrrttzv.jpg.html]
[/URL]
Some observations on this group are:
The Forager has the longest overall length by approximately .600” over the Woodman & Duke. The difference is mainly due to extra blade length on the Forager.
The Forager has a forward weighted balance, the Woodsman & Duke are perfectly neutral balanced on the center of the first finger depression, and the Hunter has a slightly handle weighted balance.
The Forager has slightly less effective handle length (“EHL”) than the other three due to the more pronounced forward rake to the pommel shape of the Forager. Just to be clear, all four models have sufficient EHL for good maneuverability with my hand size.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0057_zpsvbu6pyaj.jpg.html]
[/URL]
I don’t have a Camp Knife in inventory for comparison with the Forager against a larger knife. Looking back at Page 4 on this thread for the specs of the 3/16” O1 SFT Emerald burlap Camp Knife I had, here are some differences for you to consider if you are choosing between these two models:
The overall length (OAL) of the Forager is 1.463” less than the camp Knife. Is a shorter OAL an important consideration for you?
The weight difference between the Camp Knife (15.4 oz.) vs. the Forager (9.06 oz.) is substantial if the knife is to be carried for any significant distance. The weight difference is due to the difference is steel thickness, OAL, and tang configuration. Is weight a consideration in your choice of knives? If so, what do you prefer on this size of knife?
The larger Camp Knife is more neutrally balanced in the standard forward hold vs. the forward weighted bias of the Forager. Where do you like your knife to balance? Does the 6.3 oz. weight savings on the Forager vs. the Camp Knife change your perspective on this?
A couple of months ago, I contacted my good friend Phillip (M4Super90) to ask if I could borrow his Hunter for some comparison photos I wanted to take as part of a Fiddleback knife review I was (and am) working on. We have exchanged knives several times in the past, so this is not an unusual request. Phillip said he would get it right out, no problem. Alog with the Hunter, he continued our custom of sending along another knife just for “fun” to see what I thought of it. That knife turned out to be his Fiddleback Forager.
The Forager is part of a family of new models introduced in 2016 that are all characterized by a raised point on the spine 1”- 2” behind the tip followed by a dished-out or concave spine shape leading back to where the blade meets the front of the handle. The rest of the models in this family include the Sylvrfalcen, Gambler, Rapscallion, and Protagonist. The Forager is the largest knife in this family (so far.)
The point on the upper spine is not sharpened on the models I have seen. The effect of this blade shape is both cosmetic and practical. Cosmetically, this shape gives the knife an old-fashioned swashbuckling look that is reminiscent of the Hudson Bay trade knives that were popular with trappers and outdoorsman in the 1800’s. From a practical perspective, the raised point on the spine puts more metal toward the tip end for a forward weighted balance. This forward weighted balance means the Forager will perform better as a light chopper that you might expect for a knife this size.
Specifications & Reference Photos:
All linear measurements use the top front edge of the handles as a starting point. That means handle length is from that location to the farthest point rearward and blade length is from there to the tip.
Model: Forager
FF Lot Info: ?
OAL: 11.200”
Blade Length: 6.165”
Cutting Edge Length: 6.375”
Handle Length: 5.035”
Steel & Thickness: .154” (i.e. 5/32”)
Tang Type: Tapered
Grind: Convex
Handle Material: Shadetree Navy burlap with black micarta bolsters over 1/8” black liners (no pinstripes)
Weight (oz.): 9.06
Blade Height @ Plunge Line: 1.425”
Handle Width @ Front: .815”
Handle Height @ Front: 1.298”
Handle Width @ Palmswell: .873”
Handle Height @ Palmswell: 1.279”
Handle Width @ Back: .771”
Handle Height @ Back: 1.360”
Distance from Front Edge of Handle to Balance Point: 0.000”
The balance point is right on the front edge of the handle. This means the Forager has a forward weighted bias even in the normal forward position hammer grip.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0093_zpssipi58qa.jpg.html]
[/URL]The top of the handle is relative straight from front to back. The shape of the bottom of the handle is a shallow “m” shape which provides an open feel that allows good freedom of movement when changing grips. For reference, my hand measures 4” across the center of my palm. There is plenty of handle length on the Forager to allow relaxed movement for me.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0091_zpsyiu7njg7.jpg.html]
[/URL]The handle gets taller and a little narrower at the back end. This is one feature of the Forager that I like a lot because it gives me sufficient height to provide grip strength and torque control from my pinky and ring fingers. This is important to me on a knife that will be used for snap cuts and light chopping.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0079_zpszdow63ct.jpg.html]
[/URL]Comparison Photos & Observations:
Here are a couple of comparison photos with Fiddleback knives I had on hand. (Top to Bottom: Forager, Woodsman, Custom Shop Duke, & Phillip’s Hunter)
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0062_zpsymrrttzv.jpg.html]
[/URL]Some observations on this group are:
The Forager has the longest overall length by approximately .600” over the Woodman & Duke. The difference is mainly due to extra blade length on the Forager.
The Forager has a forward weighted balance, the Woodsman & Duke are perfectly neutral balanced on the center of the first finger depression, and the Hunter has a slightly handle weighted balance.
The Forager has slightly less effective handle length (“EHL”) than the other three due to the more pronounced forward rake to the pommel shape of the Forager. Just to be clear, all four models have sufficient EHL for good maneuverability with my hand size.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0057_zpsvbu6pyaj.jpg.html]
[/URL]I don’t have a Camp Knife in inventory for comparison with the Forager against a larger knife. Looking back at Page 4 on this thread for the specs of the 3/16” O1 SFT Emerald burlap Camp Knife I had, here are some differences for you to consider if you are choosing between these two models:
The overall length (OAL) of the Forager is 1.463” less than the camp Knife. Is a shorter OAL an important consideration for you?
The weight difference between the Camp Knife (15.4 oz.) vs. the Forager (9.06 oz.) is substantial if the knife is to be carried for any significant distance. The weight difference is due to the difference is steel thickness, OAL, and tang configuration. Is weight a consideration in your choice of knives? If so, what do you prefer on this size of knife?
The larger Camp Knife is more neutrally balanced in the standard forward hold vs. the forward weighted bias of the Forager. Where do you like your knife to balance? Does the 6.3 oz. weight savings on the Forager vs. the Camp Knife change your perspective on this?
Last edited:
Comprehensivist
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2008
- Messages
- 3,197
Visual observations:
I apologize up front for the crappy lighting on the indoor workbench photos in my garage. The rainy weather we had in February caused me to move indoors to capture some observations.
Here is another look at the overall length (OAL) for reference.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0163_zps9wrg32ki.jpg.html]
[/URL]
Whether you love or hate the look of the point on the spine of the blade, you have to appreciate the grinding talent that Andy has to produce such even grinds on the compound angles of the “whoop-dee-do” over the point on the spine. The fact that it turned out so evenly balanced from side to side is damn impressive.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0175_zpsp4nojrhz.jpg.html]
[/URL]
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0178_zpsgimggz1q.jpg.html]
[/URL]
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0176_zps9xjbtk3u.jpg.html]
[/URL]
Summary & Conclusions:
The Forager has a lot of positives things going for it in my opinion.
The features that I consider positives are:
- Lighter weight choice for a capable light chopper due to forward weighted balance
- Relatively tall handle height at back end for good grip and torque control when chopping or doing snap cuts.
- Shallow “m” curves on the bottom of the handle for a nice open feel in various grips.
The features that don’t thrill me on this knife are:
- Forward rake to the pommel angle that shortens the effective handle length (EHL.)
- Cosmetic look of the point on the blade spine. This is strictly a personal preference that I don’t care for the point on the spine vs. a more traditional configuration.
I have topped out at Duke-sized models as a maximum size for my personal needs. Even though I consider the Camp Knife to be one of Andy’s perfect masterpiece designs, I believe the Forager may represent a more practical choice for Fiddleback fans who are looking for a light chopper capable knife at a substantial weight and size savings.
Final Look:
After the heavy rains left, my wood pile developed a nice bloom of moss and some interesting color contrasts several days later. I’ll leave you with some beauty shots of the Forager from that setting.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0082_zpsqfkznawg.jpg.html]
[/URL]
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0080_zpsdhle2f1x.jpg.html]
[/URL]
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0078_zpsorid4rtc.jpg.html]
[/URL]
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0076_zpss6rxtpf1.jpg.html]
[/URL]
In closing, I want to thank my awesome friend Phillip for the opportunity to check out the Forager first hand. I appreciate that you continue to challenge my paradigms in many ways.
Phil
I apologize up front for the crappy lighting on the indoor workbench photos in my garage. The rainy weather we had in February caused me to move indoors to capture some observations.
Here is another look at the overall length (OAL) for reference.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0163_zps9wrg32ki.jpg.html]
[/URL]Whether you love or hate the look of the point on the spine of the blade, you have to appreciate the grinding talent that Andy has to produce such even grinds on the compound angles of the “whoop-dee-do” over the point on the spine. The fact that it turned out so evenly balanced from side to side is damn impressive.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0175_zpsp4nojrhz.jpg.html]
[/URL]http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0178_zpsgimggz1q.jpg.html]
[/URL]http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0176_zps9xjbtk3u.jpg.html]
[/URL]Summary & Conclusions:
The Forager has a lot of positives things going for it in my opinion.
The features that I consider positives are:
- Lighter weight choice for a capable light chopper due to forward weighted balance
- Relatively tall handle height at back end for good grip and torque control when chopping or doing snap cuts.
- Shallow “m” curves on the bottom of the handle for a nice open feel in various grips.
The features that don’t thrill me on this knife are:
- Forward rake to the pommel angle that shortens the effective handle length (EHL.)
- Cosmetic look of the point on the blade spine. This is strictly a personal preference that I don’t care for the point on the spine vs. a more traditional configuration.
I have topped out at Duke-sized models as a maximum size for my personal needs. Even though I consider the Camp Knife to be one of Andy’s perfect masterpiece designs, I believe the Forager may represent a more practical choice for Fiddleback fans who are looking for a light chopper capable knife at a substantial weight and size savings.
Final Look:
After the heavy rains left, my wood pile developed a nice bloom of moss and some interesting color contrasts several days later. I’ll leave you with some beauty shots of the Forager from that setting.
http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0082_zpsqfkznawg.jpg.html]
[/URL]http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0080_zpsdhle2f1x.jpg.html]
[/URL]http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0078_zpsorid4rtc.jpg.html]
[/URL]http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Comprehensivist/media/Knives%20Feb%202017/DSC_0076_zpss6rxtpf1.jpg.html]
[/URL]In closing, I want to thank my awesome friend Phillip for the opportunity to check out the Forager first hand. I appreciate that you continue to challenge my paradigms in many ways.
Phil
Last edited: