My Fiddleback Challenge

[RRaconteur]

Wow. Wow. WOW!!!

Imari55, you won't be disappointed. Thanks for your encouragement throughout this process.

McVeyMac, more than anyone else, you have been there, pushing me at the right times and sharing an encouraging word at the right times. On top of that, you've trusted me with one of your Fiddleback children, and I am so very indebted to you.

Comprehensivist & Duder, thank you for your incredible generosity. You two are both folks in this community who I really look up to. Half the time, I feel like no one wants to hear from me because I don't know what I'm talking about. But I appreciate beauty, and I know the value of a kind word, so that is what I have tried to offer. To hear your affirmations--and to experience your generosity is outstanding beyond belief.

Mistwalker, thanks for that. Your photos and Fiddleback explorations have really driven me toward my goal. I think I have subscribed to all your reviews, and I reread them constantly.

Bartlax4, knowing you've got my back has given me such drive lately. For your support and trust, I am grateful.


Thanks again to Andy, Ken, and co. for your graciousness in this. You are upstanding guys, as if we didn't know it already.


Michael

 

[Joe Duder]

Half the time, I feel like no one wants to hear from me because I don't know what I'm talking about.

Never feel that way man. You contribute. Every time you ask a question people share their ways of doing things and their beliefs. In a way, you asking a question is opening up a door to new ideas and new ways of doing things. If you wouldn't have asked, that door never would have been open. You're part of the family man. It's nice having you around. :thumbup:

 

[RRaconteur]

Never feel that way man. You contribute. Every time you ask a question people share their ways of doing things and their beliefs. In a way, you asking a question is opening up a door to new ideas and new ways of doing things. If you wouldn't have asked, that door never would have been open. You're part of the family man. It's nice having you around. :thumbup:

Just for the record, no one around here has EVER given me reason to feel that way. It's just that internal self-doubting melancholy that I struggle with daily. YOU ALL are part of what brings me out of that and helps me feel affirmed and worthwhile. Thanks again for he encouragement, Duder.

Now that's about as much touchy-feely stuff as we dare have on a knife forum. ON WITH THE BLADES!!!! 😄


Michael

 

[xxwjtxx]

Yep -- what Duder said; we're all in this together man. Glad to have you and congrats on making the goal. Its awesome that you have made a priority of your health for all of the right reasons (i.e. family). Keep at it, and it will continue paying in dividends long term.. Hell, I worked out (outside) this morning in 90deg heat -- it was epic, I was miserable and wanted to vomit, but being healthy is worth it.

So, as Duder said, we're glad to have you, keep at it, keep asking great questions (especially about natural hardwood FBs!) and most importantly enjoy that new burlap BC... It will suit you well!

 

[Bamboo]

Half the time, I feel like no one wants to hear from me because I don't know what I'm talking about.

Michael

I'll agree with what Duder said. I've had the opportunity to teach - mostly woodworking and martial arts - and questions were always the doorway for me to walk through towards deeper knowledge. I can't tell you how much my practice grew after I began teaching. So... questions are vital to the health and growth of anything I'd say.

As an added incentive towards your personal growth, we'll ship the Bushcrafter as dull as snot so you can start playing around with the sharpening process.

 

[RRaconteur]

I'll agree with what Duder said. I've had the opportunity to teach - mostly woodworking and martial arts - and questions were always the doorway for me to walk through towards deeper knowledge. I can't tell you how much my practice grew after I began teaching. So... questions are vital to the health and growth of anything I'd say.

As an added incentive towards your personal growth, we'll ship the Bushcrafter as dull as snot so you can start playing around with the sharpening process.

Aw, gee! You guys are the best! 😉

I too have learned that you never really know a subject until you teach it. You have to be ready to address every crazy, off the wall question that pops up. I guess I'm glad to be "that guy" for this forum. 😉


Michael

 

[FeralGentleman]

That's a real nice BC.. congrats!

 

[bonafide]

Beautiful Bushcrafter. Congratulations on reaching the goal and grabbing that brass ring. I have a Fiddleback with the same green handle and its one my favorites. Enjoy it!

 

[a2vg1095]

I just stumbled on this thread today.
It's great to hear someone takes on a tough journey with all the support around here!
I've always been a health nut all my life, but 3 years ago my injuries have finally caught up. It was tough.
Wasn't able to workout to my satisfaction so I needed to find a new hobby. For some strange reason, I turned to knife collecting.
Mostly collected factory knives, then I thought I give a custom knife a try, I bought a Hunter from the-knife-connections.com, I was hooked.

Congratulations RRaconteur!

 

[wbaxley]

Congrats - another prayer answered!

 

[catalystman80]

Congratulations Michael, I've just started working out about a month ago after falling off the wagon early last year so I can certainly relate to what a challenge it must've been. That Bushcrafter is screaming to be a user, and I'm sure you'll put it to good use. Hope you keep up this lifestyle, but most of all, that you'd continue to walk strongly with the Lord despite the hardship that it entails, striving for that final finish line.

 

[hasco]

Congratulations Michael and thanks to all the folks that chipped in to help out. I think it is wonderful that Andy and crew offered you that amazing bushcrafter. That would have been hard to shark. I don't think you could find a better set up, tapered tang, 5/32 and a bushcrafter with shadetree burlap! I think you could do anything with that knife. I can't wait to see some pics. Good work everyone. What a great community this is!

 

[RRaconteur]

Thanks guys. I'm really working to keep things up (though admittedly, not QUITE as hard). I actually would like to try to drop another ten by the end of the year. We'll see if it happens. For the time being, I'm actually much more focused on helping the Frau drop the baby weight so she can get back to marathoning and other craziness.

Today was the day! My challenge knife arrived. I have heard many of you talk about the unique packaging with its special touches, but it still impressed me.

Again, everyone says it, but the pictures (at least mine) do not do this knife justice.

With the pants from Bonafide's GAW a while back.

She's already gotten dirty...in the kitchen anyway. I'll be throwing some more pics in the Fiddlebacks & Food thread.

Obviously with 5/32nd O1 and the lower grind, this isn't going to be a slicing machine. But I was still impressed at how well it chopped even the onions.

A few other thoughts....

McVeyMac loaned me a SFT Kephart in maroon and 1/8th with a high grind that I've been playing around with roughly the last two weeks. The differences between the two are far more dramatic than I expected. The Kephart feels delicate in comparison. After feeling the tapered tang of the Bushcrafter, the SFT tang of the Kephart feels handle-heavy (though it seemed beautifully neutral before I felt a tapered tang model).

I can't believe the burlap. I swear the stuff is even grippier when its wet. And I find myself just staring into it--it is so beautiful by itself. This Bushcrafter is emerald burlap, but it has more yellowy-brown than I expected in some lighting conditions. It is definitely green, and under the right light it is brilliant emerald green, but it isn't that pure color all the time. That's not a negative by any means--somehow that makes it even more endearing to me, like there is more mystery about it.

And everyone says it: but I just can't believe the craftsmanship that went into this thing. Everything fits perfectly. Everything flows. Everything feels organic. The tapering is beautiful. The spalting is among the best I've seen out of the Forge in a while. The grind is perfect. It is beautifully sharp.

It is a perfect working tool. And I can't wait to put it to work in the woods.

Thank you Andy & Co for your brilliant work. Thank you forum members for your kindness and support in so many ways. I hope you all don't get tired of me. I FINALLY get to participate in all these threads!!!

Peace,


Michael

 

[viral]

Thanks guys. I'm really working to keep things up (though admittedly, not QUITE as hard). I actually would like to try to drop another ten by the end of the year. We'll see if it happens. For the time being, I'm actually much more focused on helping the Frau drop the baby weight so she can get back to marathoning and other craziness.

Today was the day! My challenge knife arrived. I have heard many of you talk about the unique packaging with its special touches, but it still impressed me.

Again, everyone says it, but the pictures (at least mine) do not do this knife justice.

She's already gotten dirty...in the kitchen anyway. I'll be throwing some more pics in the Fiddlebacks & Food thread.

Obviously with 5/32nd O1 and the lower grind, this isn't going to be a slicing machine. But I was still impressed at how well it chopped even the onions.

A few other thoughts....

McVeyMac loaned me a SFT Kephart in maroon and 1/8th with a high grind that I've been playing around with roughly the last two weeks. The differences between the two are far more dramatic than I expected. The Kephart feels delicate in comparison. After feeling the tapered tang of the Bushcrafter, the SFT tang of the Kephart feels handle-heavy (though it seemed beautifully neutral before I felt a tapered tang model).

I can't believe the burlap. I swear the stuff is even grippier when its wet. And I find myself just staring into it--it is so beautiful by itself. This Bushcrafter is emerald burlap, but it has more yellowy-brown than I expected in some lighting conditions. It is definitely green, and under the right light it is brilliant emerald green, but it isn't that pure color all the time. That's not a negative by any means--somehow that makes it even more endearing to me, like there is more mystery about it.

And everyone says it: but I just can't believe the craftsmanship that went into this thing. Everything fits perfectly. Everything flows. Everything feels organic. The tapering is beautiful. The spalting is among the best I've seen out of the Forge in a while. The grind is perfect. It is beautifully sharp.

It is a perfect working tool. And I can't wait to put it to work in the woods.

Thank you Andy & Co for your brilliant work. Thank you forum members for your kindness and support in so many ways. I hope you all don't get tired of me. I FINALLY get to participate in all these threads!!!

Peace,


Michael

I got a knife from a FBF once, ripped it open as soon as it came. I don't know how you guys can even consider taking a picture of it wrapped up.

Anyway. congrats on everything. That knife is a stunner. Be proud of it. Im working on purchasing a house in Sedalia, after the purchasing all happens you can come down and cut things with it if you want! hahaha. Have fun with it man, and dont stop googly eyein that knife. I keep mine on my coffee table so I can always check em out.

 

[wbaxley]

Thanks guys. I'm really working to keep things up (though admittedly, not QUITE as hard). I actually would like to try to drop another ten by the end of the year. We'll see if it happens. For the time being, I'm actually much more focused on helping the Frau drop the baby weight so she can get back to marathoning and other craziness.

Today was the day! My challenge knife arrived. I have heard many of you talk about the unique packaging with its special touches, but it still impressed me.

Again, everyone says it, but the pictures (at least mine) do not do this knife justice.

With the pants from Bonafide's GAW a while back.

She's already gotten dirty...in the kitchen anyway. I'll be throwing some more pics in the Fiddlebacks & Food thread.

Obviously with 5/32nd O1 and the lower grind, this isn't going to be a slicing machine. But I was still impressed at how well it chopped even the onions.

A few other thoughts....

McVeyMac loaned me a SFT Kephart in maroon and 1/8th with a high grind that I've been playing around with roughly the last two weeks. The differences between the two are far more dramatic than I expected. The Kephart feels delicate in comparison. After feeling the tapered tang of the Bushcrafter, the SFT tang of the Kephart feels handle-heavy (though it seemed beautifully neutral before I felt a tapered tang model).

I can't believe the burlap. I swear the stuff is even grippier when its wet. And I find myself just staring into it--it is so beautiful by itself. This Bushcrafter is emerald burlap, but it has more yellowy-brown than I expected in some lighting conditions. It is definitely green, and under the right light it is brilliant emerald green, but it isn't that pure color all the time. That's not a negative by any means--somehow that makes it even more endearing to me, like there is more mystery about it.

And everyone says it: but I just can't believe the craftsmanship that went into this thing. Everything fits perfectly. Everything flows. Everything feels organic. The tapering is beautiful. The spalting is among the best I've seen out of the Forge in a while. The grind is perfect. It is beautifully sharp.

It is a perfect working tool. And I can't wait to put it to work in the woods.

Thank you Andy & Co for your brilliant work. Thank you forum members for your kindness and support in so many ways. I hope you all don't get tired of me. I FINALLY get to participate in all these threads!!!

Peace,


Michael

Now that's awesome!

 

[McVeyMac]

Hi Michael, it is Friday, and I might be missing the post for this week. But I had to find your pictures of the BC. Thank you for posting. It does amaze how different similar sized knives can be. That BC is a beast that will take a thumping. I would not regard the Kephart that you have the same way.

 

[Comprehensivist]

Congratulations again Michael. Great accomplishment and a great reward in the end. Your Bushcrafter is a looker for sure. I hope that you get a lifetime of enjoyment out of it.

Phil

 

[hasco]

That is a beautiful knife! I really like the blue pinstripe. Congrats!

 

[RRaconteur]

Hi Michael, it is Friday, and I might be missing the post for this week. But I had to find your pictures of the BC. Thank you for posting. It does amaze how different similar sized knives can be. That BC is a beast that will take a thumping. I would not regard the Kephart that you have the same way.

Exactly my thoughts. In terms if the maths, it seems like there shouldn't be a huge difference between them. But there is. OH BOY there is. I've been on the road all day, but played a little more last night. Cut some notches, a reduction, hole through stick, etc. The knives feel very different and (I found) must be worked differently. But I pleasantly discovered I could still accomplish the same tasks when I adjusted my technique.

Congratulations again Michael. Great accomplishment and a great reward in the end. Your Bushcrafter is a looker for sure. I hope that you get a lifetime of enjoyment out of it.

Phil

Thanks, Phil. It's funny, but once in hand it is obvious this is what I was looking for. Will it be my last Fiddleback? Certainly not. But I think it will be with me to the end.

That is a beautiful knife! I really like the blue pinstripe. Congrats!

You know, me too. I like blue, but wasn't sure how it'd look with the emerald burlap. In truth, I mistakenly thought it was going to have a black pinstripe. Don't know where that came from, but the blue is REALLY nice. I would not hesitate to pick up another FB in the same handle combo.



Michael

 

[RRaconteur]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I thought it'd be OK here. After all, this update is a piece of the Challenge story too. But let me paint the scene for you....

I was down to about two pounds to go, and I SHOULD have been steaming through. But I was most definitely NOT. Stress was at an all time high. The Frau and I were in the hospital, trying to get our son born. When it came to meals, I was after easy. Not health. Not reasonable portions. Not anything like what I needed. And I was feeling horrible about it. Because I was down to about two pounds to go. And I really wanted to make my goal before Everett was born. And now I knew that wouldn't be possible. Which made me feel even more horrible. And guilt--as it often does with me--drives me to food, where the whole cycle repeated itself.

So I found myself trawling the Fiddleback Forge form, trying (as I had many times before) to find enough inspiration in Andy's handiwork to power through my darkness. And there, on the flea market, I saw this beauty, offered for sale by Bartlax4 (his picture):

It was the day after my son was born, and I looked at Jared's pics dozens of times that day--wishing, hoping, dreaming that I had already met my Challenge....

But I needed a bit of light. Two pounds was an eternity. And so I found myself shooting off a late night email that began "Man, I don't know what I'm doing. But that BB is working on me something awful. A part of me hopes it is already gone. The other part..."

As has been consistent with my experience in this forum, Jared responded with courtesy, compassion, and uncommon kindness. A plan was hatched that involved Jared hanging onto the knife for me until my Challenge knife was on its way. I won't quote Jared here, but let me say that i could probably recite his pm from memory, given how many times i have reread it. It spoke of honor, trust, and respect, and continues to inspire me. Thank you, Jared. From the bottom of my heart. I actually don't know if I could have finished this without your help.

Anyway, enough with the sentimental babbling... ON WITH THE PICTURE SHOW!!!

Michael