My Fiddleback Challenge

Thanks, Joe. And I think you hit the nail on the head. My initial post was a selfish attempt to manipulate myself onto staying on the straight and narrow. I had already seen deep generosity around this forum, but who am I? I'm nobody. But apparently, around here nobody matters. 😄 I continue to be blown away by this group. I dream (quite literally, in actual dreams) of one day being able to repay everyone, but I don't know how it could ever be accomplished in this life. So I'll keep saying thanks. A lot. Over and over. And over. Thanks.


Michael
 
RRaconteur said:
Thanks, Joe. And I think you hit the nail on the head. My initial post was a selfish attempt to manipulate myself onto staying on the straight and narrow. I had already seen deep generosity around this forum, but who am I? I'm nobody. But apparently, around here nobody matters. 😄 I continue to be blown away by this group. I dream (quite literally, in actual dreams) of one day being able to repay everyone, but I don't know how it could ever be accomplished in this life. So I'll keep saying thanks. A lot. Over and over. And over. Thanks.


Michael
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I don't think you owe any of us a solitary thing. We are all nobodies as well. A thanks is more than enough for us all I imagine. A thanks will do just fine.
Joe
 
Congratulations on the sheath! and... Congratulations on the weight loss!

I do love a Fiddleback Kephart and it is a wonderful everyday blade/handle profile, but many of Andy's knives are great all purpose knives! The Bushfinger was my original lust and is still my go to, but the others are fantastic as well! An Arête sure is a beautiful knife and VERY good at MANY tasks! Recently, I realized a KE Bushie was just an overgrown Hiking Buddy... that sure messed me up and got me using KE Bushies ALL THE TIME! One thing is for sure, if you buy the wrong Fiddleback for you, it will be easy to pass along at next to no loss and go fishing again! Boy, that makes them even more fun!

I can't wait to see what you snag first! Make sure to tell us what you are looking for, so we can save it for you!!!

-Will
 
Just some random Kephart thoughts...

I have two FF knives, one, a 5/32" o1 tapered Kephart with g10 scales, the other, a Karda, everything being equal but for the fact that the tang is not tapered on the little Fiddleback.

First, I like a substantial knife. If I could do it all over again, I'd probably still have gone with the thicker steel. That said, if you're on the fence, 1/8" is perfectly suited to the knife. It's actually probably much better suited to my own needs since I'm not really hard on my knives, and I like slicy blades.

So. Get it in 1/8" if you're inclined, (imo) most anyone would be fine with that blade.

Now, if you're also on the fence about the tapered tang, I'd say go tapered. Aside from the good looks (subjective), it also reduces a noticeable amount of weight (fact). Using my highly calibrated finger scales, I'd point out that my Kephart is only slightly heavier than my Karda.

In the end, every configuration is going to be a huge win, but a super svelte Kephart just sounds awesome to me!

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Michael, congratulations on the sheath - and on the weight loss.
6 lbs in 6 weeks sounds imminently doable to me, but you definitely need to stick with it.
I posted a few pages back that I started a new life plan regarding eating in mid-January. My goal was primarily to lose "that last 10," but also to maintian a healthy lifestyle so I can remain active and involved as my kids get older and find new hobbies and activities. I lost the 10 in 2 weeks, kept going to support my wife, and actually lost 20 after about 7 weeks. (Any more and I'll blow away.) Even though I've gone a bit nuts giving in to cravings a couple times, I've kept it off relatively easily for the past 6 weeks.

There's been a lot involved, but a key for me has been cutting out carbs in the afternoon/evening. Enjoy a potato or a reasonable serving of pasta, rice or bread during lunch - but then just veggies and protein for dinner.
I can point you to a book that I followed if you like, but it sounds like you're well on your way.

I hit my 20lbs down point/final goal the weekend of my birthday (early March), and my wife had given the go-ahead to order a Fiddleback. Oddly, when I was all set to jump, I didn't see one that grabbed me the way my KE Bushie did. (Plus I was way slow on the shark-fu) so I haven't picked up another yet. But, part of that is I have the one of my dreams already - so another might be a tad superfluous. Though I'd still love a 1/8 Hiking Buddy in Shadetree or in flamey maple to match my Bushie.

Congrats, keep up the hard work, and share many, many pics of the new baby and the Kephart as they join your family.
 
Strigamort said:
Just wondering how you're doing Michael. Hope everything is going well for you.
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Thanks, Strigamort, for the prompting. I needed a push.

I've not been having an easy time lately. I suppose the lack of posting has been embarrassment that I've taken a few steps backward. Despite having gotten within striking distance of my goal, I managed to get overworked and overstressed, and I fell backward about 3.5 pounds. That was a big blow to my momentum, despite the fact I had still dropped so much weight overall. Anyway, I've fought my way back to about 6 pounds to goal. So I'm in the same place I was at four weeks ago now.

The thing is, I know I'm so close I could do something radical and lose the weight in a week. But this isn't about getting down fast, it's about changing behavior patterns so I can keep the weight off. That's a bigger challenge to me, and a more meaningful one. But holding off the short pay-off for the long-term one is never the easy choice.

I really appreciate you and willic sharing your thoughts about the kephart and other knives. They really do help me process and imagine my uses and needs more accurately. I think we need to get an arete into Mistwalker's hands so he can do a three-way review: kephart, arete, and KE bushie. As if Andy needs any more help selling knives these days... :-D

I appreciate your (all of you Fiddlebackers') continued thoughts, prayers, smoke signals, etc., especially as I try to maintain in this final stretch.


Michael


6 pounds to my first Fiddleback
13 days (expected) until the birth of my son (child #3)
 
Hey man, nothing wrong with a little backslide. Believe me when I say that I know more about it than most! :D

It's ALL about getting back on the horse and nothing more.

I'm looking forward to seeing you win this thing. When you do, I've got something for you.

What a blessing, a new addition to the family. I have 4, the youngest being 1. Prayers for health and joy sent your way.

Anthony
 
Michael,

Good job pushing through and staying on track. There's always going to be the ups and downs, the key is what you do with the temporary setback and it looks like you've decided to keep on pushing.

Congrats on the new upcoming addition!

Nathan
 
Fiddlebackers, meet Charles Everett S. We will call him by his middle name.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1400893689.566447.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1400893716.377552.jpg

Born yesterday after too much trouble for Mom, but both are healthy and should be coming home tomorrow.


Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, smoke signals, karma, love, or whatever. We'll take it.


Michael


Ps. Now to lose these last five pounds.... the flea market is getting hot.
 
You are obviously a well loved and blessed man, congradulations!
 
Congrats, looks like a great family.

Hope there is some sleep in you near future ;)
 
Congratulations Michael to you and the rest of your family .Glad it all went well.

Mick
 
Big congratulations on the new addition Michael.

Now lets get back on track and tackle those last few pounds!
 
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