Models, Tang-Types, Steel Thicknesses, & Weights

[fogdart]

Awesome writeup, Phill... The only thing I like better than the info you've presented in this thread are the photos of J-Dog! Absolutely love the photo of her starin' down those cookies! Thanks!

 

[Scotcha]

What a great review Phil. Love reading them. I think we might favour the same FB models.

 

[Gevonovich]

What a fantastic reference and effort, Mist and Phil!!! I have bookmarked this thread and Thank You!!:thumbup::thumbup: Thought I would post and give this thread a bump

 

[Comprehensivist]

This has always been one of my favorite threads. My several contributions over the last two years are about as close to a Blog as I'll ever get. It means a lot to me to read the nice comments from folks that this thread has been useful to them to decide which knives to buy. I hope others will continue to post data here on other models that have not been covered yet. If things go well at the Blade Show next week, hopefully I'll have a new model or two to write-up soon.

Thanks,

Phil

 

[Tekton]

This thread has been very helpful to me as well as to a lot of others. I've come back to it over and over again for specific details of various models. Many thanks to all who have contributed to it.

I'd like to add a few pics and details from my collection as well. Some of the models included here are from WA Surls and one is from OK&T. Hopefully this will also be helpful to some of you.

The format I've used is borrowed from Comprehensivist, and I've also included the measurement from the center of the forward finger groove to the bottom of the handle end. (For reference my hand is 4" across the widest part of the palm and 8" from base of palm to tip of middle finger)

 

[Tekton]

Model: WA Surls Arowana

Lot info: 2016 02 15
OAL: 10.854"
Blade length: 5.878"
Handle length: 4.976"
Steel + thickness: A2 .92"
Tang type: SFT
Grind: Flat
Handle materials: White Corian w/black liners and blue pinstripes.
Weight: 6.45oz
Blade height @ ricasso: 1.263"
Handle height @ palm swell: 1.108"
Handle width @ palm swell: .811"
Circumference @ palm swell: 3.678"
Distance from front of handle
to center of palm swell: 1.912"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: .673"
Balance point: .173" behind first set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger groove to bottom of handle end: 3.548"

Model: Camp Muk

Lot info: 2015 09 25
OAL: 9.389"
Blade length: 4.257"
Handle length: 5.132"
Steel + thickness: A2 .187"
Tang type: Tapered
Grind: Convex
Handle materials: OD bolstered Ironwood
Weight: 8.45oz
Blade height @ ricasso: 1.383"
Handle height @ palm swell: 1.150"
Handle width @ palm swell: .829"
Circumference @ palm swell: 3.739"
Distance from front of handle
to the center of palm swell: 1.679"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: .638"
Balance point: @first set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger
groove to bottom of handle end: 3.695"

Model: Nessmuk

Lot info: 2015 10 16
OAL: 8.613"
Blade length: 3.946"
Handle length: 4.667"
Steel + thickness: A2 .121"
Tang type: Tapered
Grind: Convex
Handle materials: Black bolstered Black Ash burl
Weight: 4.70oz
Blade height @ ricasso: 1.395"
Handle height @ end of bolster: .995"
Handle width @ end of bolster: .612"
Circumference @ end of bolster: 3.222"
Distance from front of handle
to end of bolster: 1.489"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: .669"
Balance point: .111" behind first set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger
groove to bottom of handle end: 3.300"

Model: Kephart

Lot info: unknown
OAL: 8.601"
Blade length: 3.753"
Handle length: 4.848"
Steel + thickness: 01 .126"
Tang type: Tapered
Grind: Convex
Handle materials: Beadblasted tuxedo, black canvas over natural liners and white pinstripes
Weight: 4.60oz
Blade height @ ricasso: 1.275"
Handle height @ palm swell: 1.057"
Handle width @ palm swell: .708"
Circumference @ palm swell: 3.401"
Distance from front of handle
to center of palm swell: 1.669"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: 1.062"
Balance point: .474" behind first set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger
groove to bottom of handle end: 3.458"

Model: Bushboot

Lot info: 2014 12 19
OAL: 7.342"
Blade length: 3.120"
Handle length: 4.222"
Steel + thickness: 01 .126"
Tang type: SFT
Grind: Convex
Handle materials: Tuxedo, black canvas over natural liners and white pinstripes
Weight: 4.15oz
Blade height @ ricasso: 1.117"
Handle width @ second set of pins: .633"
Circumference @ second set of pins: 2.897"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: 1.312"
Balance point: .816 behind first set of pins

Model: Toboggan

Lot info: 2015 11 04 TKC
OAL: 7.187"
Blade length: 2.886"
Handle length: 4.301"
Steel + thickness: A2 .125"
Tang type: SFT
Grind: Convex
Handle materials: OD bolstered Bocote
Weight: 3.90oz
Blade height @ ricasso: 1.073"
Handle height @ palm swell: .957"
Handle width @ palm swell: .739"
Circumference @ palm swell: 3.228"
Distance from front of handle
to center of palm swell: 1.953"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: 1.333"
Balance point: .884" behind first set of pins, right at second set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger
groove to bottom of handle end: 3.375"

 

[Tekton]

Model: WA Surls Big Palmer

Lot info: 2015 12 11
OAL: 6.987"
Blade length: 2.932"
Handle length: 4.055"
Steel + thickness: A2. . 125"
Tang type: SFT
Grind: Flat
Handle materials: Green cloud magma w/black liners and yellow pinstripes
Weight: 4.40oz
Blade height @ ricasso: 1.131"
Handle height @ palm swell: 1.091"
Handle width @ palm swell: .831"
Circumference @ palm swell: 3.592"
Distance from front of handle
to center of palm swell: 1.788"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: 1.152"
Balance point: .723" behind first set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger
groove to bottom of handle end: 2.907"

Model: WA Surls Lil Ness

Lot info: 2015 12 16
OAL: 6.545"
Blade length: 2.459"
Handle length: 4.086"
Steel + thickness: A2. .126"
Tang type: SFT
Grind: Flat
Handle materials: Cloud magma over black liners with white pinstripes
Weight: 4.55oz
Blade height @ ricasso: 1.176"
Handle height @ palm swell: 1.107"
Handle width @ palm swell: .862"
Circumference @ palm swell: 3.664"
Distance from front of handle
to center of palm swell: 1.845"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: 1.251"
Balance point: .841" behind first set of pins, right at second set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger
groove to bottom of handle end: 2.868

Model: OK&T EDU

Lot info: 2016 03 25
OAL: 6.403"
Blade length: 2.653"
Handle length: 3.750"
Steel + thickness: CPM154 .108"
Tang type: SFT
Grind: Flat
Handle materials: Bone linen bolstered dyed Buckeye burl w/ white pinstripes
Weight: 2.65oz
Blade height @ ricasso: 1.221"
Handle height @ palm swell: .863"
Handle width @ palm swell: .650"
Circumference @ palm swell: 2.920"
Distance from front of handle
to center of palm swell: 1.405"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: .952"
Balance point: .357" behind first set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger
groove to bottom of handle end: 2.385"

Model: Palmer by WA Surls

Lot info: 2015 11 18
OAL: 6.374"
Blade length: 2.729"
Handle length: 3.645"
Steel + thickness: A2 .094"
Tang type: SFT
Grind: Flat
Handle materials: Brown canvas micarta over black liners and lime green pinstripes
Weight: 3.30oz
Blade height @ ricasso: 1.078"
Handle height @ palm swell: 1.051"
Handle width @ palm swell: .757"
Circumference @ palm swell: 3.455"
Distance from front of handle
to center of palm swell: 1.568"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: 1.115"
Balance point: . 729" behind first set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger
groove to bottom of handle end: 2.489"

Model: WA Surls Revere

Lot info: 2015 10 28
OAL: 5.491"
Blade length: 2.477"
Handle length: 3.014"
Steel + thickness: A2 .095"
Tang type: SFT
Grind: Flat
Handle materials: Black canvas micarta over black liners with lime green pinstripes
Weight: 1.90oz
Blade height @ ricasso: .903"
Handle height @ palm swell: .705"
Handle width @ palm swell: .640"
Circumference @ palm swell: .2.651"
Distance from front of handle
to center of palm swell: 1.216"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: .777"
Balance point: .345" behind first set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger
groove to bottom of handle end: 1.962"

Model: Runt

Lot info: 2016 01 15
OAL: 5.262"
Blade length: 2.044"
Handle length: 3.248"
Steel + thickness: A2 .125"
Tang type: SFT
Grind: Convex
Handle materials: CA Buckeye burl over black liners and lime green pinstripes
Weight: 2.70oz
Blade height @ ricasso: .965"
Handle height @ palm swell: .917"
Handle width @ palm swell: .691"
Circumference @ palm swell: 3.084"
Distance from front of handle
to center of palm swell: 1.565"
Distance from front of handle
to balance point: 1.083"
Balance point: .610" behind first set of pins
Distance from center of forward finger
groove to bottom of handle end: 2.290"

 

[LostViking]

Phil, Brian, and everyone else here who contributes to this thread and others like it.

I used present tense here, because I hope they continue.

As I was preparing to dip my toes back in the Fiddleback Pond. I had no idea where to begin. I thought about grabbing another Recluse, or Woodsman, that I had experience with. Then again the Nessmuk is calling. And so is the Renegade.

I was going to post up a new thread and ask a buch of questions about knives for use in specific roles, that I do most.

But not wanting to sound like a total newb, I kept digging and searching. One search led me to this thread. And it resulted in a purchase of my latest Fiddleback. The Leuku off the Fiddleback Friday post.

Your comparo shots of the Patch, Recluse, and Leuku, sealed the deal for me. Don't ever think these reviews have fallen out of favor. Because for me at least, they have not.

Your stacked shots of all three piled high, and especially your balance beam photos, told me as much as possible without being able to actually compare all three in hand. Something I may never get to do.

For what I seem to do most the 5' blade seems to be in my sweet spot. But I always loved my Recluse. So after reviewing your shots and dialog, the Leuku seemed like a no brainer for me.

Plus, I have never tried the Evergreen Burlap, but I also found info and love for it here.

I am currently in that painful and long waiting period from the I'll take it point. To the I have it post.
I am sure this will not be my only Fiddleback. I really like the Nessmuk.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and the others here, who have taken tons of their time to get this all down in a realistic and informative way.

The shots of the Leuku, Recluse, and Patch, lead me to believe they are all in my future.

Thanks again, and may I be worthy of your efforts,
Walt

 

[dogbone11]

Thanks, Nathan for your great addition to this wonderful thread. Most all of us use this thread repeatedly in our sharking, planning and drooling for FB knives. It's great seeing the knives from your collection and I especially like that you have some Surls and OK&T knives in the analysis.

 

[trestle]

Great updates Nathan and thank you to everyone who has built this treasure trove of information. The amount of data is unbelievable, there's almost no mung whatsoever, and the in-hand photos+observations are priceless. Awesome thread, let's not let it die.

 

[Comprehensivist]

This thread has been very helpful to me as well as to a lot of others. I've come back to it over and over again for specific details of various models. Many thanks to all who have contributed to it.

I'd like to add a few pics and details from my collection as well. Some of the models included here are from WA Surls and one is from OK&T. Hopefully this will also be helpful to some of you.

The format I've used is borrowed from Comprehensivist, and I've also included the measurement from the center of the forward finger groove to the bottom of the handle end. (For reference my hand is 4" across the widest part of the palm and 8" from base of palm to tip of middle finger)

Wow Nathan! This is an awesome addition to the thread. You have a great selection of the smaller models that have been missing from the database here. You have some gorgeous handle combos too.

Here are a few comments and observations I got out of studying your post:

1) I like the fact that you included the measurement for the distance from the center of the forward finger groove to the bottom of the handle end. This is an under-appreciated measurement in my opinion. Given the fact that many models have handles that taper inward front & back from the top to the bottom, I find that measurement to be a better indicator of comfortable fit for me than the OAL of the top.

2) The data on the Arowana further piques my interest in that model. The weight of 6.45 oz. is light for a knife that size and the balance looks superb. I would expect that knife to be very nimble feeling. The circumference at the handle swell is also close to my personal sweet spot of 3.700”-3.800”.

3) The in hand photos are very helpful, especially with a known reference point. I have a Palmer, and like you, I can fit all four fingers on the handle if I scrunch my fingers together. The extra length on the Big Palmer looks like it would be a perfect fit for me based on your photo and measurements.

I am sure that more details will jump out at me as I study this post some more. I appreciate all the work you put into this. At some point, I would like to hear if this exercise gave you a new appreciation for certain models or what features surprised you that you overlooked before.

Thanks again for this important contribution to the thread.

Phil, Brian, and everyone else here who contributes to this thread and others like it.

I used present tense here, because I hope they continue.

As I was preparing to dip my toes back in the Fiddleback Pond. I had no idea where to begin. I thought about grabbing another Recluse, or Woodsman, that I had experience with. Then again the Nessmuk is calling. And so is the Renegade.

I was going to post up a new thread and ask a buch of questions about knives for use in specific roles, that I do most.

But not wanting to sound like a total newb, I kept digging and searching. One search led me to this thread. And it resulted in a purchase of my latest Fiddleback. The Leuku off the Fiddleback Friday post.

Your comparo shots of the Patch, Recluse, and Leuku, sealed the deal for me. Don't ever think these reviews have fallen out of favor. Because for me at least, they have not.

Your stacked shots of all three piled high, and especially your balance beam photos, told me as much as possible without being able to actually compare all three in hand. Something I may never get to do.

For what I seem to do most the 5' blade seems to be in my sweet spot. But I always loved my Recluse. So after reviewing your shots and dialog, the Leuku seemed like a no brainer for me.

Plus, I have never tried the Evergreen Burlap, but I also found info and love for it here.

I am currently in that painful and long waiting period from the I'll take it point. To the I have it post.
I am sure this will not be my only Fiddleback. I really like the Nessmuk.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and the others here, who have taken tons of their time to get this all down in a realistic and informative way.

The shots of the Leuku, Recluse, and Patch, lead me to believe they are all in my future.

Thanks again, and may I be worthy of your efforts,
Walt

Congratulations on the beautiful Leuku Walt. Excellent choice! I used to have a Bushcrafter Sr. in that handle configuration and it is a very attractive combo. The nicely spalted and tapered 5/32” A2 is the perfect choice for that model in my opinion. I’ll bet it balances really well in hand.

I am glad that my photos and commentary helped play a role in your decision. The main point of the thread for me is to help folks make informed decisions about what model best suits his or her needs and tastes. More info and pictures are always better when you are spending your hard earned dollars to buy something over the internet without the benefit of actually feeling it in hand. Andy has a 30-day no questions asked return policy in case you don’t like the knife when you receive it, but that result can usually be avoided with some careful research on the part of the buyer.

Please post some photos of your Leuku and let us know what you think when you get it.

Phil

 

[Tekton]

Thanks, Nathan for your great addition to this wonderful thread. Most all of us use this thread repeatedly in our sharking, planning and drooling for FB knives. It's great seeing the knives from your collection and I especially like that you have some Surls and OK&T knives in the analysis.

Thanks Paul, I've come back to this thread over and over again so I wanted to give back to it. I'm glad you liked the addition of WA Surls and OK&T.

Great updates Nathan and thank you to everyone who has built this treasure trove of information. The amount of data is unbelievable, there's almost no mung whatsoever, and the in-hand photos+observations are priceless. Awesome thread, let's not let it die.

This is one of my favorite threads. It is so very useful. Hopefully others will continue to add information on many models not yet covered here.

 

[Tekton]

Wow Nathan! This is an awesome addition to the thread. You have a great selection of the smaller models that have been missing from the database here. You have some gorgeous handle combos too.

Here are a few comments and observations I got out of studying your post:

1) I like the fact that you included the measurement for the distance from the center of the forward finger groove to the bottom of the handle end. This is an under-appreciated measurement in my opinion. Given the fact that many models have handles that taper inward front & back from the top to the bottom, I find that measurement to be a better indicator of comfortable fit for me than the OAL of the top.

2) The data on the Arowana further piques my interest in that model. The weight of 6.45 oz. is light for a knife that size and the balance looks superb. I would expect that knife to be very nimble feeling. The circumference at the handle swell is also close to my personal sweet spot of 3.700”-3.800”.

3) The in hand photos are very helpful, especially with a known reference point. I have a Palmer, and like you, I can fit all four fingers on the handle if I scrunch my fingers together. The extra length on the Big Palmer looks like it would be a perfect fit for me based on your photo and measurements.

I am sure that more details will jump out at me as I study this post some more. I appreciate all the work you put into this. At some point, I would like to hear if this exercise gave you a new appreciation for certain models or what features surprised you that you overlooked before.

Thanks again for this important contribution to the thread.

Phil

Thanks Phil, I did find this exercise very informative. I'm currently processing all of the information and I'll give more thoughts when I have a chance to sit down and write it out. I agree that the distance from the center of forward finger groove to bottom of handle end is an often neglected but most helpful measurement.

The Arowana has really impressed me, I now find myself wanting one in 5/32" or 1/8"TT. I think this would shift the balance point to just ahead of the pins rather than just behind. 👍

One thing I did come away with though: I need some larger Fiddlebacks

 

[Nbrackett]

Bump. Great reference for those of us that haven't been around all that long.

 

[blood604]

I hope this thread is ever growing, great info and pics, I hope it will include every fiddleback model to help narrow down every ones must haves!!
I hope it is ok to ask in this thread but does any one know the master list of current/available fiddleback models? (Sorry if I'm blind and keep missing it some where...)
These are all the ones I have seen and can think of... Please let me know if I am missing any! (I'm trying to compile a list of all the FB knives personal wish list) that's why I am loving this thread, really helps me determine which of the ones on my list, may or may not work for me!

Anyway here are all the FB knives I can think of: (is it complete??)

Runt
Clipsqeak
Stubbymuk
Sylvrfalcen
Minimuk
EDC
EDC II
Bushboot
Nessmuk
Bushfinger
Bushnub
Bushcrafter
Bushcrafter Jr
Bushcrafter Sr
Kephart
Pocket kephart
Bear cub / bushcraft cub?
Bear paw
Ladyfinger
Woodsman
Hunter
Duke
Hiking buddy
Arête
Terrasaur
Handyman
Renegade
Drop point renegade
Recluse
Patch knife
Gaucho
Leuku
Pygmy
Shaman
Chief
Esquire
Monarch
Big mitt
F2
Longfellow
Woodpecker
Carver
Bushraptor
Karda
ED Karda
Bushcraft Karda


Thanks for the help

 

[VANCE]

i probably forgot a few(long night)

3 Finger Joe
Arête
Asp
Bear cub / bushcraft cub?
Bear paw
Big mitt
Bow Legged Belt Knife
Bow Legged Joe
Bushboot
Bushcraft Karda
Bushcrafter
Bushcrafter Jr
Bushcrafter Sr
Bushfinger
Bushnub
Bushnub II
Bushraptor
Camp Knife
Camp Muk
Carver
Chief
Drop Point Maverick
Drop point renegade
Duke
ED Karda
EDC
EDC II
Esquire
F2
Gaucho
Handyman
Hiking buddy
Hunter
Karda
Kephart
Ladyfinger
Leuku
Lone Star EDC
Longfellow
Maverick
Minimuk
Minnow
Monarch
Nessmuk
Old School Ladyfinger
Padre
Patch knife
Pipsqueak
Pocket kephart
Pygmy
Rebel
Recluse
Renegade
Runt
Sandokumuk
Scorpion
Shaman
Stubbymuk
Sylvrfalcen
Terrasaur
Wasp
Wingman
Woodpecker
Woodsman

 

[pertinux]

Y'all have a Mosquito?

Also: KE Bushie.

~ P.

 

[Comprehensivist]

VANCE,

Add-in:
Bishop
Bourbon Street Skinner
Bush Hermit
Competition Cutter
2 Finger Karla
3 Finger Karla
Forager
(Whatever that big ass knife that Bill picked up at the Blade Show is called.)

...and more that I can't think of right now.

Phil

 

[prom52]

Phillip:

Also:

Protagonist
Fighter

Peter

 

[PolRoger]

Add-ons for the list:

Gambler
Rapscallion
Snubnose
Bull Frog Bowie
Drop Point Toad
Woodchuck
Toothpick
Fiddleback Fighter
Palmer

It might also be useful to have another cross-reference list by family size/style...

Pocket Kephart
Bear Cub
Kephart
Bear Paw

Sylvrfalcen
Gambler
Rapscallion
Forager

Stubbymuk
Minimuk
Nessmuk
Camp Nessmuk

Scorpion
Asp
Sneaky Pete
Big Sneaky

Patch
Recluse
Leuku

and so forth...