Pro Kephart Question

S

sd550

Joined
Oct 9, 2004
Messages
693
I keep looking at the pro Kephart as my next FF knife, but I have one question that need to be addressed before I hit the BUY button. The pics I see of it shows a fine, thin tip and while I never pry with a knife I was wondering how strong that tip is.
 
Hello sd550,

The Fiddleback Forge production Kephart is a great knife.

A few factors come into play here:

1. S35VN is not a particularly brittle steel, so I would not expect a tendency to snap off randomly

2. It is a perfectly appropriate design for all bushcraft tasks, which could include drilling and woodwork related to performing a bow drill for firemaking

3. The tip is fine, and suitable for fine work, and I certainly would not advise prying open car windows with it (a buddy of mine snapped a piece of M4 doing this)

4. If your intent is to use the tip hard, you could pre-empt damage by thickening the edge at the tip so the edge itself is stronger

5. I don't think we have a record on this forum of a snapped production Fiddleback, but I think you could manage it if you tried hard enough

I would have no issue taking the knife in a reverse grip and slamming it full force tip-down into a piece of oak to rest by a fire.

That said, rest assured that Andy and crew stand by the knives and will certainly warranty them within reason!

See this thread for an example of how this knife performs in the wild:

http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/alaska-fly-fishing-production-kephart.1433257/
 
Used my production Kephart and Duke during the recent Fiddleback weekend and came away completely impressed. Both arrived razor sharp and remain that way after a weekend of bushcrafting fun. I re-oiled (mineral oil to keep food safe) this am and tried a paper cut test after a wipe down. Good as new, little evidence of use beyond the leftovers on the blade before mineral oiling. Tip wasn't used to drill, but did some detail hole work on my try stick with ease and have no doubt the tip would stand up for the long haul.

Noah
 
I've drilled, sliced, dug in the ground, battoned, and just plain beat on it. I've even thrown it at tree (don't ask), and it's been the toughest knife that I've hard used. The design is great but the grip of the handle is the best out there. So much so, that it's the only knife that I bought a spare of and will not sell. Tip is perfect for normal needs
 
Should be fine for everything you throw at it with proper use and care. Drilling always depends on the technique. But, we haven't had one tip fail yet...
 
Thanks for all of the comments, y'all have just caused me to spend more money :D. My pro Duke and Hiking Buddy have been great so far and I'm sure the Kephart will be also. I guess I will need to go ahead and get the Bushfinger next !!!!
 
If you get the pro-kep you'll not need the pro-Bushfinger. Get a custom instead.
 
Got the pro-Kephart, that rascal sure is pointy & sharp !!! The handle fits my hand perfect, now I need to find some time to try it out.
 
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