Request for Comparison of Kephart and Hiking Buddy

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plue

Joined
Oct 3, 2012
Messages
712
Hello everyone,

I have been looking at FBF knives for over a year now, trying to snag the perfect blade each Friday (although unfortunately always too slow on the trigger). I've never been in much of a hurry, as I have knives that I can use in the meantime, and a Fiddleback is more of a luxury item, it's all about the Friday hunt for the perfect one. My goal so far has always been the Kephart, but lately I've been looking at the Hiking Buddy design and liking it more and more. I'm looking for a smaller knife that I can use for tasks from whittling to cleaning fish, and that I can use to cover all my bases when paired up with a hatchet. Does anyone happen to have experience that they can share with both knives and/or comparison photos of the two?

Thanks for any information. :o
 
First, a couple of comparison shots. Sorry for the poor quality, shooting this at night in the basement on a grid so you can see a good dimension comparison.

If I get a chance tomorrow I'll get some shots in better light and do some in-hand if that will help.

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I'm not much of a fisherman, and haven't used either of these for cleaning fish, so others will have to comment on that aspect of your request.

I've had the Kephart for a longer time frame and have used it a lot more - i just picked up the Hiking Buddy.

The Kephart is a great design. Nice sized handle. Good blade shape for carving on wood which is what I've used it the most for. In my opinion, the Kephart is a good example of Andy's signature pointy blade style. It is my go to blade if I'm wanting to sit on the front porch playing with some wood. Mistwalker did a great review of the Kephart here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...erpretation-(photo-heavy-post)?p=11762163#top

The Hiking Buddy is a smaller knife, both in blade length and handle length. It's more of a Puukko style with a flatter back than the Kephart. I see it being my dedicated hiking blade when I'm going for lightweight, and it's been with me on the last few hikes. It's light weight, but still enough blade if I need something while I'm wandering around. If I'm camping or backpacking, I'll have a Bushfinger with me, but this is the knife I want when dayhiking with a lightweight pack. With more belly, it will probably work well in the kitchen/camp, but I haven't tested it there yet.

I like both of these knives a lot for different reasons - for me, they serve different roles.

Good luck on your hunt. Either of these knives would treat you well. Either one pared with a hatchet would be great. If you're going for a trio, a hatchet, kephart and folder would fit the bill. For a duo, hatchet and hiking buddy would make a pretty sweet combo.
 
The Hiking Buddy is great for small tasks. I wouldn't want a larger knife for a bird and trout knife. (Don't forget about the F2 though)

Thurin's pics show the size of the two you are considering very well. Good choices too by the way.


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Thank you both for taking the time to reply and post those wonderful pictures. I can't say my mind is made up, in fact, I'm probably more on the fence than before after seeing both knives up close. The pictures did help for me to be able to compare the knives better than before, and both still look great to me. I'm still drawn to the pointy shape of the Kephart, but thinking it might be a bit too big as an all-rounder (which is what lead me to look at the HB to begin with).
 
I think the Hiking Buddy is a great size for an edc type knife, and great blade shape for all-rounder, Kephart is bigger and maybe a little big for edc in some places, but to me more comfortable in long term use carving and whittling. In these photos the the bolstered and dyed blue box elder is the Hiking Buddy, and the natural G-10 is the Kephart.



 
plue said:
Thank you both for taking the time to reply and post those wonderful pictures. I can't say my mind is made up, in fact, I'm probably more on the fence than before after seeing both knives up close. The pictures did help for me to be able to compare the knives better than before, and both still look great to me. I'm still drawn to the pointy shape of the Kephart, but thinking it might be a bit too big as an all-rounder (which is what lead me to look at the HB to begin with).
Click to expand...

If you like the blade shape of the Kephart, but like the size of the Hiking Buddy, you might take a look at the EDKarda. I'll post some pics of it with the Kephart and Hiking Buddy when I get home.

mistwalker said:
I think the Hiking Buddy is a great size for an edc type knife, and great blade shape for all-rounder, Kephart is bigger and maybe a little big for edc in some places, but to me more comfortable in long term use carving and whittling.
Click to expand...

My new Hiking Buddy has joined the Runt and EDKarda in my EDC rotation. Liking it a lot so far. For my location, law dictates an under 3.5" blade length, so that rules out Andy's 4" blades for EDC. Like you, I love the Kephart for carving and whittling.
 
I'm glad to see pics of the 'original Bushfinger' resurface. I was beginning to wonder about it. Is that how she looks after the spa visit Mist?
 
Oh, it has been in hiding lately. Actually it looked more like this after the Spa treatment :)

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Here's a quick shot of the Kephart, Hiking Buddy, EDKarda. Let me know if there are any other shots I can take to help out.

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You guys have been way more than helpful, and Thurin thank you for taking so much effort in helping me. That EDKarda is another option to consider, I definitely like the shape of it and it sure looks like a comfy blade, but now you've made my decision even harder! :confused:
 
plue said:
You guys have been way more than helpful, and Thurin thank you for taking so much effort in helping me. That EDKarda is another option to consider, I definitely like the shape of it and it sure looks like a comfy blade, but now you've made my decision even harder! :confused:
Click to expand...

Well, if you're still on the fence there is also the Karda which is a little smaller than a Hiking Buddy, and the Bushboot which is the same size different shape :D

 
Well with the help you guys provided, I'm now fully on board looking for a Hiking Buddy. Hopefully something pops out before another year is up. Thanks again for all the help you guys provided! :D
 
plue said:
Well with the help you guys provided, I'm now fully on board looking for a Hiking Buddy. Hopefully something pops out before another year is up. Thanks again for all the help you guys provided! :D
Click to expand...

The Hiking Buddy is awesome. If you want an all-around-er I'd suggest the convex grind over the scandi grind. I've had one of each, my wife got the scandi, a close friend (and my banker) got the convex, both were full tang. When I get the one I want it will be convex with a tapered tang, and 5/32 O-1. Hopefully bolstered, but I like the tuxedo config, the maroon, and the natural versions as well so not sure which I will end up with.
 
mistwalker said:
The Hiking Buddy is awesome. If you want an all-around-er I'd suggest the convex grind over the scandi grind. I've had one of each, my wife got the scandi, a close friend (and my banker) got the convex, both were full tang. When I get the one I want it will be convex with a tapered tang, and 5/32 O-1. Hopefully bolstered, but I like the tuxedo config, the maroon, and the natural versions as well so not sure which I will end up with.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions, Mist! I was thinking a convex, tapered tang, 1/8" in O1 steel with ??? scales. I can't really decide on a scale material since Andy always throws up something new that I like, although the pine cone ones have probably been my favorite so far (it's too bad they're so rarely seen).
 
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