Nessmuk Design Preferences

[JGON]

Hi Andy and Fiddlebackers,

If I were to purchase a Nessmuk for use doing a litle carving, fire prep, possibly some animal processing, and other general woods shenanigans, what grind is your favorite?

Andy I know you love the Nessmuk design, and I'm interested to get your answer. I'm leaning towards a scandi, but I also love how the saber grind looks as well.

Any user photos and/or feedback on the different grind types would be appreciated!

Thanks,

JGON

 

[JGON]

By the way I should mention that I am wondering only about the "function" of these grinds for the tasks I described, I'm not concerned about aesthetics. And I would be going for the smaller of the two designs available. I generally carry my Gransfors Bruks Hatchet with me on most outings for larger woods duties.

So... best grind on a small Nessmuk that will see some skinning, wood work, and fire prep?

Thanks again...

JGON

 

[Fiddleback]

A Nessmuk should be thin bladed, and convex. I make them scandi too, but for food prep and for skinning there is no comparison. I use convex on my woodwork and fire prep as well, and it excels at this. Scandi is a great grind for woodwork, and probably beats the convex at that, but it isn't as good for the rest. JMHO.

 

[JGON]

Great Andy, that is exactly the information I was looking for. Have you begun toying around with your new design for the Nessmuk yet? I'm interested to see what you change about the design, not that I think it needed changing. New design or old, a 3/32 convex Nessmuk by Fiddleback Forge is tops on my list.

Thanks again,

JGON

 

[wildmanh]

Hey JGON, have you considered a KPH? To me, it feels like a cousin or sibling to the Nessmuk knife. It's a nice handy knife and a standard item for Andy so it might be easier to come by. Just an idea.

 

[JGON]

Wildmanh,

I just looked the KPH over again, and I can see the similarities between the too, very similar lines. But for some reason, the KPH doesn't do it for me the way the Nessmuk does... it's hard to explain, but I'm sure I don't have to to a fellow knife fanatic. There's just something about the Nessmuk design that I love. Thank you for the suggestion though! I'll just have to wait...

JGON

 

[Raining]

Convex is more versatile. It suits the nessmuk far better in function and looks.

It's one of my favorite knives. The handle melts into my hand and the 3/32 blade is a slicer but can still handle stouter tasks.

Here's an old picture:

 

[minnesotashooter]

I agree that convex is the way to go. Also like yourself, I had a KPH and didn't like it nearly as much as I like my Nessie. The KPH got traded away.

Here is my early FF Nessmuk-

 

[wildmanh]

Wildmanh,

I just looked the KPH over again, and I can see the similarities between the too, very similar lines. But for some reason, the KPH doesn't do it for me the way the Nessmuk does... it's hard to explain, but I'm sure I don't have to to a fellow knife fanatic. There's just something about the Nessmuk design that I love. Thank you for the suggestion though! I'll just have to wait...

JGON

JGON, like you said, I totally understand.

Gents, those are some nice pictures and knives that you've posted.

 

[Fiddleback]

Man, that is an old one Minnesota Shooter. I think that was about my 20th knife. Here is the batch it was made with.

You can see the first Bushcrafter in there. It was the first non Nessmuk knife I'd designed and made. The second pattern I ever made.

Either way, more pics of your knife.

An interesting thing to note is that this was the last of the knives that were ground on the 1x42 grinder. The KMG showed up right after this. Woot.

 

[wildmanh]

Andy, thanks for sharing this bit of history with us.

 

[JGON]

It's cool to see you evolve and grow as a knifemaker through this forum. Your involvement here definitely makes owning one of your knives more personal...

JGON

 

[minnesotashooter]

Man, that is an old one Minnesota Shooter. I think that was about my 20th knife. Here is the batch it was made with.

You can see the first Bushcrafter in there. It was the first non Nessmuk knife I'd designed and made. The second pattern I ever made.

Either way, more pics of your knife.

An interesting thing to note is that this was the last of the knives that were ground on the 1x42 grinder. The KMG showed up right after this. Woot.

Thanks Andy, nice to know a little history on it.