Overlanding and Fiddlebacks. I’d like your opinion!

RememberTheFallen said:
I replied mainly to tell you about BLM land. We don't have much of it in the south but Utah has quite a bit. I am sure Arizona does as well and you may already be familiar with it. When we got to Zion last fall it was packed and there was no camping available. I had read that there was free dispersed camping on BLM land south of the park on Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway. We were not disappointed. Once we climbed a washed out hill we had the place to ourselves. Best campsite of the month long trip. So keep BLM dispersed camping in mind.

The campsite and view; EDIT

Evidently I cant post photos to this forum via Tapatalk. Oh well, take my word for it that it is amazing!
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Thanks. We more than keep it in mind, we prefer it. If it has hookups and you can get a normal vehicle to the camp site that is not what we normally do. The truck is specifically for getting into places others can't, so that we are away from the crowds. We've been to the Gros Ventre wilderness E of Jackson around the same time frame before and even though the park is packed, we had the place to ourselves.
 
The gear in this thread is mind blowing!!!
Philip, your affinity and taste in guitars, guns, knives, gear, and automobiles is outstanding! Please adopt me!!!!!!!!
As for the blade suggestions I agree with those who have recommended a pointy profile such as a Karda or Shank. I also always endorse a Ladyfinger, I just love the knife and its quick, nimble qualities.
 
I'm late to the game Phillip, but had to comment first on the cool gear in this thread. Now that's a way to go camping.

My suggestions for slots 4 and 5 would be:

4. Either an Arete or KE Bushie in scandi for some fun wood working. Both these models have comfortable handles that a BC fan would appreciate, and the profiles work well for wood, especially in a scandi grind.
5. a Karda or some type (BCKarda, EDK, 2FK, 3FK, etc). Nice little blade that gives you something pointy in contrast with 1-4.
 
Philip,
This looks like it is going to be an awesome time my friend!! To add my .02 to the knife recommendations, I would suggest the following:

1. Camp Knife (3/16" SFT)
2. Terrasaur or Recluse (5/32" SFT)
3. 3FK (1/8" SFT)

I chose to recommend the three based on simple functional use in an all knife trio. I have successfully used all three of these profiles backpacking the AT, and feel comfortable in justifying their use in day-to-day camp chores while overlanding. Seeing that the camp knife is the obvious choice as the chopper, the middle knife (IMO recluse or terrasaur) will really make or break the setup. While I like the handle shape and extra length on the terrasaur, the additional belly on the recluse will prove invaluable in almost every task... hard call for sure. With regard to the "small knife" recommendation, IMO, the 3FK is everything you need and nothing you don't -- the "pointiness" of it will make it invaluable in detail tasks as well as boring holes (if you plan on doing some bushcraft building). I'm actually looking into running just a 3FK and a machete in an upcoming trek; I'm quite confident I will find that I really don't need anything else.

With that said, I hope you have a great trip & thanks for the opportunity to contribute my .02.
 
emoney2277 said:
The gear in this thread is mind blowing!!!
Philip, your affinity and taste in guitars, guns, knives, gear, and automobiles is outstanding! Please adopt me!!!!!!!!
As for the blade suggestions I agree with those who have recommended a pointy profile such as a Karda or Shank. I also always endorse a Ladyfinger, I just love the knife and its quick, nimble qualities.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I can't afford to adopt, it's all tied up in my gear! :rolleyes:

Thank god my wife is cool and has a great job. ;) Actually, she's a bigger gear head than I am. Her philosophy is "why can'y we get one that weighs half as much and is twice the price?" Fortunately, she prefers carbon fiber and titanium to diamonds!!!!! :D :D That rooftop tent is "hers".

Speaking of the ladyfinger another one of the new designs that intrigues me is the Toboggan. I wonder when we will see gen2 and what the changes will be?
 
thurin said:
I'm late to the game Phillip, but had to comment first on the cool gear in this thread. Now that's a way to go camping.

My suggestions for slots 4 and 5 would be:

4. Either an Arete or KE Bushie in scandi for some fun wood working. Both these models have comfortable handles that a BC fan would appreciate, and the profiles work well for wood, especially in a scandi grind.
5. a Karda or some type (BCKarda, EDK, 2FK, 3FK, etc). Nice little blade that gives you something pointy in contrast with 1-4.
Click to expand...

Yep, I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a scandi something for sure - 3FK, HB or KEB. I'm definitely going to take a karda of some kind. A scandi 3FK would kill 2 birds with one stone.
 
xxwjtxx said:
I chose to recommend the three based on simple functional use in an all knife trio. I have successfully used all three of these profiles backpacking the AT, and feel comfortable in justifying their use in day-to-day camp chores while overlanding. Seeing that the camp knife is the obvious choice as the chopper, the middle knife (IMO recluse or terrasaur) will really make or break the setup. While I like the handle shape and extra length on the terrasaur, the additional belly on the recluse will prove invaluable in almost every task... hard call for sure. With regard to the "small knife" recommendation, IMO, the 3FK is everything you need and nothing you don't -- the "pointiness" of it will make it invaluable in detail tasks as well as boring holes (if you plan on doing some bushcraft building). I'm actually looking into running just a 3FK and a machete in an upcoming trek; I'm quite confident I will find that I really don't need anything else.
Click to expand...

I remember that Mist said the same think (it might have been a camp + a 2 or 3FK). Interesting concept. I will have to ponder on that. I will definitely limit myself to only 2 knives a few days to see what combos work well.
 
I don't have a ton of experience with enough Fiddleback models to help you there, but I just wanted to tell you how sweet that Toyota rig is!
 
dhunley1 said:
I don't have a ton of experience with enough Fiddleback models to help you there, but I just wanted to tell you how sweet that Toyota rig is!
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Thanks! We have certainly enjoyed it.

Just an update from the Potentials list:

1. BC Jr., scandi HB, scandi KEB
2. 1/8 Patch or Esquire
3. Karda - BCK, EDK, 3FK etc.
4. Leuku
5. Gaucho
6.

I've been able to score most everything I didn't own but I wanted to try ASAP in the last few weeks. That includes the following: BC Jr., 1/8 Patch an the BCK. Meredith has been using the Gaucho quite a bit and I think it's safe to say it's going over the Leuku. Here are the 4 knives I've spent the most time with recently (the 3 new knives plus the Gaucho).

_DSC2534.JPG


The BC Jr. absolutely rocks, which I fully expected. The BCK was the most surprising to me. Specifically because I can't believe how much the small amount of extra grip changes the feel vs. the EDK. Also, the OD micarta texture is fantastic. I've had the same experience with the micarta BC I own. I previously had a 2FK with the same config scales as the new-to-me BCK. Loved the scales but the 2FK moved on. The OD over lime & black in 5/32 TT would about as perfect as you can get for a synthetic Jr. in my opinion. Ken, if you cruise through here, please keep that in mind. ;) I've yet to put the BCK to wood (damn desert), but I can see how it would instantly be a favorite for detail work. Very pointy! Thanks for the advice Brian. This BCK is a keeper for sure. A gratuitous pic:

_DSC2540.JPG


I'm still warming up to the Patch. Honestly, I've been so infatuated with BC Jr. and the BCK that it has not received its due attention. Here's a few pics of the new patch with a sheath from bonafide I paired it with:

_DSC2557.JPG


another shot of the Gaucho

_DSC2554.JPG


If we left today the list would be

1. Camp Knife
2. Bushcrafter Sr.
3. Bushcrafter Jr.
4. Bushcraft Karda
5. Gaucho

A parting shot of the group with new Joufuu leather for the Camp Knife. BTW Bud, we need a BC Jr. & Sr. version of your new BC model with the flap closure just like "B" in your 3/31 sale thread.

_DSC2568.JPG
 
M4Super90 said:
1. Camp Knife
2. Bushcrafter Sr.
3. Bushcrafter Jr.
4. Bushcraft Karda
5. Gaucho
Click to expand...
Good update Phillip. I think this group would definitely cover all your bases and then some. :thumbup:

I really want to try a BC Jr. I love that one that you scored. My favorite of the ones that have come out so far. Based on the pictures that have been posted, the Jr appears to have a slightly pointier blade and less taper (heightwise) towards the butt than the standard BC. But my eyes could be playing tricks on me.

Regarding the Patch, I definitely prefer it 1/8", both SFT and tapered. Tapered can make for a pretty thin handle, but I don't mind. The height at the palm swell makes up for it for me.
 
Kirkwood said:
Regarding the Patch, I definitely prefer it 1/8", both SFT and tapered. Tapered can make for a pretty thin handle, but I don't mind. The height at the palm swell makes up for it for me.
Click to expand...

Question for you on the Patch knives - does it have a little more of a swell than the Recluse? Many of the pics I've seen it looks a bit more pronounced, which I like by the way. But it may be my eyes playing tricks on me or a result of shortening the handle.....
 
I don't have anything to add to what others have said knife wise, but your rig is bad ass man. I love the shelter setup. I would love to do some similar mods to my 12' Trd off road taco. Love the yota's!!!
 
Wow Phillip,

That looks like a great setup for the long hall and that FJ is just awesome! The only thing I might change for me would be the Bishcrafter jr with something like a EDCII. It has a spear point to help with drilling and is about the same size I think since you have the BC sr with a Drop point. Love that Gaucho!
I'm always so envious of you guys with such beautiful land to play in, here everything is dead, hot and dusty hahaha.
Cory,
 
schmittie said:
Question for you on the Patch knives - does it have a little more of a swell than the Recluse? Many of the pics I've seen it looks a bit more pronounced, which I like by the way. But it may be my eyes playing tricks on me or a result of shortening the handle.....
Click to expand...
Wish I had an answer. But I've never had a Recluse for too long and never taken any measurements. I want to say you're right - that the palm swell is taller on the Patch relative to the rest of the handle. But can't be sure. Here's an old pic with a Recluse and two Patch for whatever it's worth.

imagejpg2_zpsb3c3b446.jpg
 
Some non-knife related updates. I've been finishing up the drawer system and the fridge slide in the back. Here's the progress as of this weekend. Sorry for the crappy phone pics.

Lower component from the first picture I posted. The compartment will hold our snow peak IG3 table setup. No more unloading to get to the table! Plus a cubby for all tarp and hiking poles:

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Some fitting, planning and template making

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Getting upholstered to match

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Fridge frame for Engel 45 qt. freezer fridge combo

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Drawer side going on w/ 500 lb lockout slides

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Slide extension fitting

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Some more fitting w/ fridge

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Off to finish the drawer, sand, paint and upholster.
 
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