Reflections on my first month of Fiddlebacks (more pics on page 2)

M4Super90

M4Super90

Biochemical Superfreak
Joined
Aug 26, 2008
Messages
1,036
Let me start off by saying I am truly impressed with the level of craftsmanship of these knives. Each a true work of art, and yet, a tool. I bought my first (the Kephart) used. Took me forever to be able to sit in front of computer for hours on Friday, but I was successful - mainly by random luck - to log in right around start time a few weeks in a row. Each resulted in a knife being sent my way by FF.

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Also, I might note that I was surprised by which one I like the best vs. which I thought I would like. All are awesome, but I wanted the blade profile of the Recluse the most. I was surprised how slim and light the Recluse was when I received it. I have large hands and fit-wise it is the least comfortable. Love the knife, but I doubt it will see a lot of use in the field. Kitchen - maybe.

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The next was the Nessmuk, which honestly blew me away. I just held it for hours. I bought it for my brother's Xmas present. Honestly, I think this one will stay with me until I can get another similar one. His birthday is February, so maybe...MAYBE...he'll get his own. :D

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The last was the Bushcrafter. I just wanted this knife to try. I have a pile of custom bushcraft knives and I'm still searching for that perfect one. The weird thing is, the picture in my head was much closer to the Recluse, but not after I held this. THE most comfortable grip I've ever held. I think all my other field knives my take a back seat for a while (potentially forever ;)). I can't wait to get this in the woods. Maybe someday FF will stick this grip on a Recluse blade profile.

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Looking forward to getting some more and I would still like to hold a Terassaur. My wife has her eye on the Arete or a Hiking Buddy after playing with the Bushcrafter.

I spent a lot of time here looking before I pulled the trigger. Thanks to everyone here that has posted thread after thread of pictures and comparisons. All the collective knowledge was really helpful.

Best,
Phillip
 
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You may want to try the Arete next. It's pretty close to your "Bushcrafter handle on a recluse blade". I was a bushcrafter lunatic until I got an Arete. that's my favorite woods knife now.
 
Good reviews M4

Those are some of the prettiest handles I've ever seen on a group of knives!

I agree on the handle shape of the Bushcrafter. I have XL hands, and the rounded butt of the Hiking Buddy/Arete/Bushcrafter just feels right as it doesn't dig into my hand at the end of the handle
 
solid4ever said:
You may want to try the Arete next. It's pretty close to your "Bushcrafter handle on a recluse blade". I was a bushcrafter lunatic until I got an Arete. that's my favorite woods knife now.
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Will do. Oddly enough, most would probably not guess from my first purchases I'm really more of a synthetic handle guy. Of course, I also like blue. An Arete or HB is next on the list... Thanks!
 
thurin said:
I agree on the handle shape of the Bushcrafter. I have XL hands, and the rounded butt of the Hiking Buddy/Arete/Bushcrafter just feels right as it doesn't dig into my hand at the end of the handle
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Thanks. I totally agree about the rounded butt.
 
What are your thoughts of the Kephart? I see it was your first but missed you commenting on it.
 
newyork said:
What are your thoughts of the Kephart? I see it was your first but missed you commenting on it.
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Like it. I prefer its grip to the Recluse. I like like the knife and will take it along to camp to compare with others, but I really haven't done much with it. It had the best feel to me until I bought the Bushcrafter. We have some time off and will be able to head into the national forest between the upcoming holidays.

By the way, the Reculse is 1/8 SFT, the Nessmuk is 1/8 and tapered, the Kephart is 5/32 full tang and the Bushcrafter is 5/32 tapered.

I'll post some new pictures for you when I can. It got bubble wrap and yellow mustard tonight. :thumbup:
 
Much prefer the natural light for the photos, but you get the idea..... I think it came out pretty nice.

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Thanks for the idea. I might go 15 minutes instead of 20 next time. But I think it looks like a natural extension of the spalting.
 
Fabulous collection. I really (really) like the dyed wood. If I wasn't a synth nut myself I'd go for it. Only way to make those any nicer is with the little forged pig tails that Andy does.

I'm about to go nuts waiting for my knives and it hasn't even been very long. :( Lucky you for getting to play with so many fine knives right now!

Oh and having a wife that's into knives as well. :)

Thanks for the pics and words. I really enjoy threads like these.
 
I agree with S4E & thurin.
The Bushcrafter indeed has one freakin' awesome grip; one of my favorites. The Arete/HB are very similar & right up there for me in comfort as well. Who doesn't like rounded butts?

I would love to see Andy make a knife with a Bushcrafter grip & Kephart blade. Now that would be bada$$!


Great post & pics M4
 
Man, you bought four beauties. I love the Buscrafter as well. I'm glad it fits you. I think you are missing out on the Bushfinger though. Don't let that go for too long. That model, there is just something about it.
 
Fiddleback said:
Man, you bought four beauties. I love the Buscrafter as well. I'm glad it fits you. I think you are missing out on the Bushfinger though. Don't let that go for too long. That model, there is just something about it.
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... and don't overlook the Sneaky Pete, either ...

I am also relatively new to FF knives ... my first was a Tuxedo Bushboot, as I wanted a smaller "hiking" knife, and the lines appealed to me ... great knife for that, terrific "payload" blade-wise for what you are carrying ... my second FF was a Bushfinger, as a Bushcrafting / camp blade was my goal, crazy comfortable grip, love the blade geometry, love that knife.
Then I started watching the FF Fridays party ... nothing specific in mind ... but I spotted a Sneaky Pete that had the combination of features on my rough "list in my head" ... the SP had intrigued me from first look due to the handle ergos, and the "attitude" of the blade as it naturally extends when gripped. Once I got it in hand ... wow ... now it is a tussle between the SP and the Bushfinger ... jury's still out.

Sorry for the long post, point being, I would get a Bushfinger and a Sneaky Pete in-hand - both very different and both excellent. (BTW, I would say my hands are between L and XL).

You have quite an impressive collection already ... some really beautiful knives, and a great variety of models; every one of which looks outstanding. Nicely done!
(My youngest son would flip, as he loves everything blue.)

All the best in your quest ...

~Edge
 
Beautiful set of knives! Wow!
If you decide to sell that recluse, Well, drool.
Nice treatment on the kephart too!
I also second the love for the sneaky pete. fits like a glove.
 
I'll add too that these knives are incredibly well made. It seems that Andy has thought about every aspect of the design and when you get it in hand you instantly realize that the maker wants it to feel as good in hand as it looks and to be an even greater joy to use. Great job Andy!

M4Super90 those are some great knives you have in your collection. I really like the background that you used for your picture. It makes the colors of the handle and the blades just pop. :)
 
I have a nice hiking buddy in blue curly maple if you are interested. It would match your others well.
 
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