Put up your Dukes!

xxkcxx

xxkcxx

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Nov 12, 2013
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Fellow Fiddlebackians,
I recently acquired a beautiful crimson Woodsman that I find just a bit too pointy. It's on the market now but am not certain it will sell. This won't make me too sad however, I am very interested in the Duke and wondered if I could stir up some pics and opinions on the subject of the Duke. Things like handle comfort interest me. Please let me know your thoughts. Also if anyone has a Duke they would like to sell or trade that would be awesome. I have tried to get every Fiddleback model in hand this is one of the few I haven't been able to yet!
 
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I have to admit that I am attracted to the Duke profile more than the Woodsman for.exactly the.reason that you point out. The Woodsman sure is pointy, and I get a little more confidence in tip strength with the Duke profile. There probably is little difference in actual tip strength, but it is my perception. I'll try to get some comparison pictures up over the next day or so.
 
I love my Woodsman, it's in 3/16 SFT and does exactly what I want - Chops, Slices and Comforts! It's not that much pointier than a Duke. My Duke is 5/32 TT and feels a little lightweight by comparison although it's very agile and a beautiful looking knife. I don't dress much game so the extra belly doesn't feel like a loss, so for just gut feeling I stick with the Woodsman at this point. I would like to try a Duke in a 5/32 SFT or 3/16 for comparison.

Duke and Woodsman





The other 2 with Hunter



I find the Woodsman handle to be the more comfortable of the 2 knives based on my 2 examples and generally have found the Woodsman to suit me better for a mixture of kitchen duties and light wood processing.
 
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2014 0627 19 – Duke with Evergreen burlap from Shadetree over natural with orange pinstripes, Tapered Tang, convex on 3/16” spalted 01 steel
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I am quite sure you are looking to rid yourself of that burdensome thing!!!

I NEED one!
 
KephaC-

If you are OK with it, I'm planning on shooting a review video on the Duke here in a few weeks or so and I would love to add it to this thread. I've been going through all my Fiddlebacks and doing this. Just put up a Bushcrafter one on BF the other day (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8NI2kQyvvg). Here's a couple pictures of said Duke-

E6hK-HIVvP2emvzOMSbJ3cFk5rUxykeCd5uG97JPPHA=s452-p-no


jwK0Z2FzzgWvJJDjVteGhRl5w-OCnvvpNFoLfU16D9s=w454-h452-p-no


Redwood burl scales over black with a white pinstripe. Filework on the spine. 5/32 O1 and tapered tang. This is the gem of my FB collection for sure.
 
Since I still have Comprehensivist's Duke, I feel obliged to post up a comparo shot with my Woodsman. (Like I ever need an excuse to post pictures)

IMG_4488_zpsfbb49d89.jpg~original
 
rustycurtis said:
KephaC-

If you are OK with it, I'm planning on shooting a review video on the Duke here in a few weeks or so and I would love to add it to this thread. I've been going through all my Fiddlebacks and doing this. Just put up a Bushcrafter one on BF the other day (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8NI2kQyvvg). Here's a couple pictures of said Duke-

E6hK-HIVvP2emvzOMSbJ3cFk5rUxykeCd5uG97JPPHA=s452-p-no


jwK0Z2FzzgWvJJDjVteGhRl5w-OCnvvpNFoLfU16D9s=w454-h452-p-no


Redwood burl scales over black with a white pinstripe. Filework on the spine. 5/32 O1 and tapered tang. This is the gem of my FB collection for sure.
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Yep... that's off the hook.
 
Rusty,

Your Duke is right at the top of the nicest Fiddlebacks that I have ever seen. The file work and fiddle etch really make it one of a kind. Thanks for posting it again.

Phil
 
That's some awesome examples of Duke everyone! Got everything from beautiful wood handles to shadetrees that just pop to a one of a kind duke! I don't have either, but it's funny how I change my mind every other month about which one is better looking between the duke and the woodsman.
 
Man, those Dukes are sweet! Keep the pictures coming.
 
I'll admit it, I really have a dislike of file work, but that fiddle stamp knife is amazing. I'm guessing black epoxy to fill between the tang and g10? Absolutely gorgeous and seamless.

I'd like to point out, too, that the FF crowd seems to really take the photography skills to another level. Excellent macros and backdrops. :)
 
Awesome thread guys -- seeing that I've owned a few of the knives featured in this thread, I'll provide my humble opinion. :D

I LOVE the duke. It's probably the one knife that will handle every single thing that you throw at it (slicing, chopping, shelter building, game prep, camp kitchen, home kitchen, etc.) and keep coming back for more. Its something about the perfect balance of size, belly, just the right amount of tip ;), and a super comfy handle that just makes the duke a beast. I've owned both 3/16" and 5/32" SFT and I've gotta say that they are two totally different animals; the 5/32" has an aire of precision and feels nimble for its size, while still providing a confident and stout hunk of steel that can rise to the occasion whenever needed. The 3/16" is just sick...if you have one, you know what I mean. While I haven't handled a 3/16" TT duke, I could only imagine the near nirvana experience with regards to balance, quickness, and heft all in one neat 10.5" package.

With that being said, I like pointy things. Three dukes and three woodsmen later, only one remains... although I'm sure another duke will be in the cards at some point in the near future ;), but for now, the woodsman remains king of the hill (although maybe its just I haven't found the right duke :p)

Either way, you can't go wrong :thumbup:

IMG_20140717_235249_zpseacbb5f9.jpg
 
M4Super90 said:
I know this is a Duke thread, but that remains my favorite woodsman of all I've seen. I never really wanted one until I saw that one.
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Thurin and mistwalker's photos are so good that they both should be getting sales commissions from Andy for stirring up so much Shark frenzy on Fridays. Evergreen burlap has never looked better and I agree that his Woodsman is my favorite ever.

Phil
 
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