New to Fiddleback / Question

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Vernal2014

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Nov 5, 2014
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First, let me say Fiddleback knives look awesome. That said, I am wondering if the price paid is more for the visual appeal or cutting ability? I am most concerned with the choice of O1 steel. I have read posts on this site that suggest other steels, which are claimed to outperform O1 in many ways. Are these people wrong? I guess what I am really asking is, what about these knives explains the price and demand?
 
There are so many ways to answer your questions. In short, you have to buy one, feel one in hand, sharpen one, (and most important of all) really use one to understand the price and demand. Until you do so, you'll never fully understand and appreciate what it is to own a fiddleback.
 
I personally prefer 01 and 1095 for edc blades. I have owned many other steels, including xhp, cpm154, bohler, vg10 and others i cant remember and still prefer these "old fashioned" steels. I also love super blue. A big part of the appeal for me is the visual, and that they patina and take on character when used, so they are constantly changing. The other benefit is they are easy to maintain as long as they are not abused. That being said I like fiddlebacks because of their beautiful lines, and superior ergos.
 
Welcome!

The looks are definitely stellar and there's something for everyone in that regard. Dark spalting and nice burl or shadetree scales are gorgeous. The handle ergonomics, blade geometry and overall quality of Andys knives were a big draw for me when I started looking at them. Not every pattern he makes is for everyone but I haven't found one yet that doesn't feel amazing in hand or perform very well for its purpose.

O1 tool steel is a great steel too. It does require some looking after in terms of rust prevention but it's very easy to sharpen, holds a great edge through a lot of work, doesn't seem to get micro chips (hello S-35VN) on the edge, and is relatively rust resistant with a good patina on it. It's very tough stuff. Obviously, if I wanted something to use around saltwater or in a very humid environment like the tropics, i'd look for something like CPM 154 , which Andy also uses for some of his knives. Intended use really dictates what sort of steel you use for the tool. O1 will handle all the woodcraft/game prep or food cutting duties you need it to and you will wear out before it does. :-)

You won't regret buying a Fiddleback. It's a tool that can serve more than just one generation of your family.
 
Thank you for the responses. I can appreciate the benefits you have outlined. I am looking for a knife the will handle game prep (and look good doing it) :) I am going to give one a shot; I guess now I have to cross my fingers and hope I get luck on Friday.

Any recommendations for the first model to purchase? I was thinking of buying a "hunter" or a "bushfinger"
 
The one on top is his kismet practical hunter(kph)
It's a game processing/skinner
This one happens to be in cpm154
 
Pop your fiddleback cherry with a bushfinger. If she's not all you can handle, go from there.
 
What size blade do you usually use for game prep? I used a bushfinger (4") on 3 deer this year and it worked great. I also used a patch knife(3ish") on a few rabbits and it was a pleasure. I think the patch knife would do a great job field dressing and skinning a deer due to the great feel in hand and classic blade profile. The best of both worlds (for me) would be a recluse as it is a 4 inch blade with a more narrow profile to get into those tight spots on a deer if you don't use a "butt-out" tool. Either way you will enjoy preparing your harvest with a beautiful Fiddleback!
 
Best feeling knives I have come across. Great cutting geometry. Steels? That is always a balancing act. O1 is very easy to maintain. cpm 154 will hold an edge longer, but will take more time to sharpen. I like cpm 154 for were I hike is most times very wet.
Between these two steels you have your bases covered. Nice and simple. The amount of steels out there can make your head spin.
I use water stones on O1 and diamond stones on cpm 154.
 
Vernal2014 said:
First, let me say Fiddleback knives look awesome. That said, I am wondering if the price paid is more for the visual appeal or cutting ability? I am most concerned with the choice of O1 steel. I have read posts on this site that suggest other steels, which are claimed to outperform O1 in many ways. Are these people wrong? I guess what I am really asking is, what about these knives explains the price and demand?
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum and reasonable question :thumbup:

IMO many of the replies have hit the nail on the head; from my perspective, you are getting three things:

1. A well made knife: Andy's HT of 01 is pretty spectacular. While other steels could be used, FBF does "something" to 01 that allows for it to be tough as nails, while still being super easy to sharpen and/or maintain. I use my knives... a lot; I also use them pretty hard. While other "super steels" might seem cool or necessary, 01 is a tool steel and when properly heat treated is pretty bombproof. If you live in a humid / wet area, consider a CPM154 offering, but plenty of folks, including myself successfully use 01 in the kitchen, camp kitchen, and backcountry with no ill effect (when the tool is properly maintained).

2. A comfortable to use tool: On the topic of handle shape / ergonomics; many have already mentioned the sublime nature of FBF handles, but if I had to sum it up, I would simply say that Andy's handle designs are organic... they just feel right in the hand, and can provide a comfortable grip even over prolonged / hard use

3. Peace of mind: FBF knives are just well made; I would venture to believe every person at the forge is a bit "type A" and goes to great lengths to ensure that whatever goes out the door is of the utmost quality and craftsmanship. If you receive your knife and disagree, they have a no questions asked, 30 day customer satisfaction gaurantee (last I checked; see here http://www.fiddlebackforge.com/index.cfm/about-fiddleback-forge/)

I have replied to several of these threads before, with the end result all being the same -- try one out; if you don't like it, simply return it or sell it... you'll see ;)
 
For game prep, you might also want to consider the Recluse or one of it's relatives(the Patch has already been mentioned. The Terrasaur and Leuku are larger versions). For general use, all-around knives that can handle game prep as well as numerous bushcraft, camp or kitchen chores, consider the Bushcrafter or the slightly smaller Arete.

I both collect and use my Fiddlebacks. I have more than I can effectively use, but I use the Bushfinger, KE Bushie, Woodchuck and Arete pretty regularly. I recently acquired a Bushcrafter, and it will definitely see field use. Most of my users have micarta scales, but I have Blackwood, Curly Oak and Osage that see field work as well.

Fridays are not the only method for buying Fiddlebacks. Be sure to check out the Flea Market. There are some great buys there. I saw a Black Burlap Micarta Bushfinger in 1/8" O1 there today for $280....that's a steal! Also check out Knives Ship Free, The Knife Connection, USA Made Blade and Blade HQ; they frequently have 6 to 12 FBF knives available.
 
My choice for game/skinning has been the KPH, Nessmuk, and the Camp Muk. I could also see myself using the Bourbon Street Skinner and the Bushcrafter.
 
necrolicious said:
O1 tool steel is a great steel too. It does require some looking after in terms of rust prevention but it's very easy to sharpen, holds a great edge through a lot of work, doesn't seem to get micro chips (hello S-35VN) on the edge, and is relatively rust resistant with a good patina on it. It's very tough stuff. Obviously, if I wanted something to use around saltwater or in a very humid environment like the tropics, i'd look for something like CPM 154 , which Andy also uses for some of his knives. Intended use really dictates what sort of steel you use for the tool. O1 will handle all the woodcraft/game prep or food cutting duties you need it to and you will wear out before it does. :-)
Click to expand...

Never had any problems with my S35VN Fiddlebacks (I have 3).. Any of Andy's steel choices should do fine.

The Bushfinger is great for almost anything. I'm also fond of the Recluse and Ladyfinger:
Pic of all 3 of them together:


The Hunter is slightly bigger than a Bushfinger which gives a few advantages, but it is slightly less nimble
 
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