The 3 1/2" EDC Share

[Comprehensivist]

You are off to a great start Orion. As Sarah stated, you have an overwhelming quantity of knives to evaluate in a relatively short time. I like how you and Marney are approaching the task so far. The fact that you are each drawn to different models illustrates why there is no perfect knife for everyone. If you do a good job of pointing out the objective criteria and your observations, people will use that data to form their own subjective opinions which model is right for them.

I like where you are going with the last two photos of the Sylverfalcn (I can never spell this name correctly. ) In a form follows function world, I see no need for the Rhino horn on the blade spine other than aesthetic preference. Either the leaf configuration in the second-to-last photo or the drop point in the last photo would get me excited about buying one because those variations meet most of my preferred criteria. I look forward to your comments on that model in particular.

Thanks for dedicating the time to share your thoughts with us.

Phil

 

[pertinux]

PS. Quick little preview to the next post. While sitting at the computer working on the last post I had the knives laid out in their canvas rolls and started playing with the SylvrFalcen. More details later...

I too would like to see a hornless sylvrfalcen.. it would look especially sharp bolstered.. I guess I could always do it myself but then I'd have to ruin my beautiful sylvrfalcen hahah

Which if the two do you prefer? The "leaf shaped" or the "puukko" style.

I would find it very difficult to modify a Fiddleback myself!

I like where you are going with the last two photos of the Sylverfalcn (I can never spell this name correctly. ) In a form follows function world, I see no need for the Rhino horn on the blade spine other than aesthetic preference. Either the leaf configuration in the second-to-last photo or the drop point in the last photo would get me excited about buying one because those variations meet most of my preferred criteria. I look forward to your comments on that model in particular.

I am smitten by the overall aesthetic of the Sylvrfalcen as stands (yes, Phil, it's a bear to spell!), "rhino horn" and all, assuming a good wide swedge.

[The swedge not only makes the knife for me when viewed from the side, but provides way cool symmetry from above when seen on a tapered tang blade.]

Rhino horn, Shmino horn-- the knife's a Stubby Scimitar, for crying out loud.

photo credit: Fiddleback Outpost

That said, I do agree that either of Orion's proposed alternatives would make for a very sweet carry, indeed. The Sylvrfalcen's size, relative slimness, blade angle/point orientation in hand and straightforward handle appeal to me on several levels. Which I was able to ascertain even while having to contend with the Burnt Brisket in which Jerry's knife is clothed.

Of the two proposed blade shapes, I (far) prefer the first, more leafy one. The second one tips towards sinister, which is a No for me (both for myself, and in my environments).

But for me, it's still the original Swashbucklin' Sylvrfalcen or bust. Bring It On.

If you do a good job of pointing out the objective criteria and your observations, people will use that data to form their own subjective opinions which model is right for them.

Yes! I'm grateful for everyone who takes the time to present his or her own spin, words, and pictures when helping us all to understand what works and some of the why. And I'll say again that I remain indebted to you for your thorough, scientific, measured (literally and philosophically) approach to comparing so many patterns for us. :thumbup:

Thanks for dedicating the time to share your thoughts with us.

Yes, that.

~ P.

 

[Nbrackett]

Great job so far Odaon! I'm enjoying it.

 

[varga49]

I like both proposals! That said I definitely like the first rendering of a possible scalped sylverfalcn...As an animal protein skinner/user I'd want it in 5/32. #1 appeals to me more strongly for said purposes !

 

[NOLA]

How does the first design compare to the EDC II? I like the second mod with the more puukko style.

 

[Odaon]

Thanks everyone! I'll get back to do some targeted replies here in a little while. Just wanted to check in, another box showed up today! This one from Kirkwood.

Some nice knives for sure! I'm really excited about getting the chance to check out some Fletcher models.

Hoping to work on another post tonight!:thumbup:

 

[Warrior108]

I am smitten by the overall aesthetic of the Sylvrfalcen as stands (yes, Phil, it's a bear to spell!), "rhino horn" and all, assuming a good wide swedge.

[The swedge not only makes the knife for me when viewed from the side, but provides way cool symmetry from above when seen on a tapered tang blade.]

Rhino horn, Shmino horn-- the knife's a Stubby Scimitar, for crying out loud.

But for me, it's still the original Swashbucklin' Sylvrfalcen or bust. Bring It On.


~ P.

I concur with the ~P on the aesthetics and the "Stubby Scimitar" totally cracks me up. Leave it to Sarah.

In a form follows function world, I see no need for the Rhino horn on the blade spine other than aesthetic preference.

Phil

For my form/function, the Sylvrfalcen is one of the best knives for opening Small Flat Rate USPS boxes from Phillip because of the Rhino horn. It provides a wider area to the blade for prying. On the end of a box, I'll usually cut the tape on the top and sides and then insert the blade towards the top of the box and then twist the knife to pop the box end open. A shorter blade (top to bottom) will not provide as much pry capability. The Sylvrfalcen is one of my favorite knife-unboxing knives.



Thanks!
Jerry

 

[Heespharm]

I concur with the ~P on the aesthetics and the "Stubby Scimitar" totally cracks me up. Leave it to Sarah.



For my form/function, the Sylvrfalcen is one of the best knives for opening Small Flat Rate USPS boxes from Phillip because of the Rhino horn. It provides a wider area to the blade for prying. On the end of a box, I'll usually cut the tape on the top and sides and then insert the blade towards the top of the box and then twist the knife to pop the box end open. A shorter blade (top to bottom) will not provide as much pry capability. The Sylvrfalcen is one of my favorite knife-unboxing knives.



Thanks!
Jerry

I savagely rip into mine like an 8yo on xmas [emoji23][emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Odaon]

Haha! I don't order enough knives to have a knife box opening knife!

Whenever I get a box of anything I typically sit in the car and open it immediately.

I've got pictures and thoughts for the next post, just haven't had time to write it up tonight. I'll probably post it tomorrow morning sometime. Should be a quicker one, less pictures.

I sat at the table tonight and played with several different models and my preferences started shifting from the 6.5" ish models towards the 7.5" ish models. The more I handled the slightly larger knives, the more I enjoyed the slightly larger-ness of them. The Bushboot is quickly growing on me, and I sort of wrote of the EDK but it's coming back to tell me differently. It will be interesting to see how things unfold as a little more time with these knives passes. :thumbup:

 

[Odaon]

Yesterday I received Kris' box of knives as you can see from my previous post, he sent me a few models made by Dylan, a Surls Patch, and a Sgian Dubh (SD). I wanted to jump back to the 'smaller' knives to touch on the Sgian before moving on to some of the next models.

It's very similar to the PK in shape and size, but between the two I find the SD more comfortable. It seems to sit in my hand more naturally than the PK and it's more comfortable in a variety of different grips. I still don't think it's quite what I'm looking for, but I think I would probably buy a Sgian Dubh before a PK based on how they feel in my hands. There's another PK, among other things, on the way according to Jerry so I'll get to compare with a second PK to make my final decision.

Next up we'll start getting into some of the slightly larger knives. I started with these four; the ED Karda, SylvrFalcens, and Lonestar.

I've gone in every direction possible with the EDK; sometimes I want one, sometimes I don't, I like the looks of it, the blade is too small, the handle seems to big, etc. When all of these knives first arrived the OS Karda immediately grabbed my attention away from the EDK even though I thought I would prefer the EDK. Last night as I was sitting at the table playing with some of these models I started leaning more towards the larger, more hand filling, handles instead of the smaller Esquire and OS Karda sized handles (Surls Patch excluded, more on that later). I'm interested to see if that trend will stick around.

I find the EDK handle quite comfortable in pretty much every grip I could think of, my only thought, still, is that I think the blade might be a touch short for all of my uses. - blade gripes are a trend with these 3(4) models. Otherwise I quite like this model, and if the right one were to pop up I would have a difficult time saying 'no'. *This model will probably make it into my "final considerations" at the end of this experience.

I said I find the EDK handle quite comfortable, well I find the SylvrFalcen handle even more so. When I pick it up the curves just sort of lay into my fingers and palm, a very nice experience. The only grips that the EDK wins are the reversed grips (blade edge facing back), and it's an ever so slight win because of the extra handle length. I also find the Lonestar handle comfortable, but I don't find it pleasing to the eyes, the contrary in fact, sort of bulbous... it just doesn't do it for me. The rustic wrap SF is interesting, it still has some of the comfort of the standard handles curves, but lacks the hand filling-ness that I enjoy. I think I would like a rustic wrap to play with occasionally, but this isn't the model for me.

So, the blades as I mentioned above, and as many of you probably figured with my preview post of the SylvrFalcen, I just don't find the blade shapes aesthetically pleasing. I sort of really want to on the Falcens because the handle is so dang comfortable!! Alas, the eyes continue to say, "no thanks", and I'm not one to argue with them when so many other more eye catching (for me) models exist. However, because, like I said, the handle is so darn nice, I played with the blade to see what it would take to win me over. And so I share these pictures again...

I don't expect the forge to start cranking out every variation that we come up with (I don't even want them to!), but it's fun to think and talk about. Of the above two 'versions' my eyes prefer the bottom more Puukko style blade, but I also kind of like the 'leaf shaped' one. I didn't bother playing with the Lonestar blade because of the aforementioned handle aesthetics.


So, I don't seem to have a 'pesky pinky' like Sarah, but I do have some 'pesky eyes'.

 

[Warrior108]

Yesterday I received Kris' box of knives as you can see from my previous post, he sent me a few models made by Dylan, a Surls Patch, and a Sgian Dubh (SD). I wanted to jump back to the 'smaller' knives to touch on the Sgian before moving on to some of the next models.

It's very similar to the PK in shape and size, but between the two I find the SD more comfortable. It seems to sit in my hand more naturally than the PK and it's more comfortable in a variety of different grips. I still don't think it's quite what I'm looking for, but I think I would probably buy a Sgian Dubh before a PK based on how they feel in my hands. There's another PK, among other things, on the way according to Jerry so I'll get to compare with a second PK to make my final decision.

So, I don't seem to have a 'pesky pinky' like Sarah, but I do have some 'pesky eyes'.

Hey Orion,

Thanks for sharing these pics especially! I had dismissed the SD a while ago due to size and thought it was smaller. I like the fact that there's no guard there so you get more use of the blade. And I think I like the blade shape a bit better too. The downside to me though, is that there's no curve in the lower handle and hence, nothing to help prevent a slippage onto the blade. Best of both worlds would be a Sgian Dubh with a pre-curve in the handle as in the *rough* mock up below. Again, always fun to discuss and throw ideas back and forth!

Thanks,
Jerry

 

[Odaon]

For sure the second picture

I find that the "puuko" style fits the curve of the spine in a very attractive way. It's like a chunkier OSKarda.

I agree, I find the second more appealing. The curved handle into the straight spine creates a pleasing visual for me.

You are off to a great start Orion. As Sarah stated, you have an overwhelming quantity of knives to evaluate in a relatively short time. I like how you and Marney are approaching the task so far. The fact that you are each drawn to different models illustrates why there is no perfect knife for everyone. If you do a good job of pointing out the objective criteria and your observations, people will use that data to form their own subjective opinions which model is right for them.

I like where you are going with the last two photos of the Sylverfalcn (I can never spell this name correctly. ) In a form follows function world, I see no need for the Rhino horn on the blade spine other than aesthetic preference. Either the leaf configuration in the second-to-last photo or the drop point in the last photo would get me excited about buying one because those variations meet most of my preferred criteria. I look forward to your comments on that model in particular.

Thanks for dedicating the time to share your thoughts with us.

Phil

Phil, thank you. I'm doing my best to make my observations in a way that people can relate to in order to from their own opinions on a model, though sometimes it's difficult as I just don't like something and I'm not quite sure why! The 'rhino horn' is definitely all about aesthetic preference, it's just that my preferences fall on the opposite side of the spectrum! I like smooth, slight, gradual sexy lines; straight minimalistic designs, the less 'extras' are usually the better for me.

I am smitten by the overall aesthetic of the Sylvrfalcen as stands (yes, Phil, it's a bear to spell!), "rhino horn" and all, assuming a good wide swedge.

Rhino horn, Shmino horn-- the knife's a Stubby Scimitar, for crying out loud.

That said, I do agree that either of Orion's proposed alternatives would make for a very sweet carry, indeed. The Sylvrfalcen's size, relative slimness, blade angle/point orientation in hand and straightforward handle appeal to me on several levels. Which I was able to ascertain even while having to contend with the Burnt Brisket in which Jerry's knife is clothed.

Of the two proposed blade shapes, I (far) prefer the first, more leafy one.

Stubby Scimitar indeed!! I agree with you completely on your above points pertaining to the Falcen, the only thing that catches me up is the blade shape... my pesky eyes. I also agree with you on the brisket burlap, it's interesting but my not 'cup of tea'.

I had a feeling you would prefer the leafy shaped one. Also, someone, Jerry I think, mentioned the likeness to a Palmer once the horn is removed, I can definitely see that relation. I'll post a picture later today.

Yes! I'm grateful for everyone who takes the time to present his or her own spin, words, and pictures when helping us all to understand what works and some of the why. And I'll say again that I remain indebted to you for your thorough, scientific, measured (literally and philosophically) approach to comparing so many patterns for us. :thumbup:

Yes, that.

~ P.

Thank you! Doing my best! Sometimes I find it difficult to explain why something is one way or another for me, it just is. Hopefully I'm providing enough details for others to garner some information from all of this.

Great job so far Odaon! I'm enjoying it.

Thank you! I'm planning on getting into Allen's models next!

I like both proposals! That said I definitely like the first rendering of a possible scalped sylverfalcn...As an animal protein skinner/user I'd want it in 5/32. #1 appeals to me more strongly for said purposes !

I also think it would make a very nice skinning knife. :thumbup:

How does the first design compare to the EDC II? I like the second mod with the more puukko style.

I think the blade on the EDC has even more of a hump to it, though I can't say for sure. I don't have an EDC II to compare too, but the Lonestar was made from an EDC II from what I understand, and I much prefer the handle of the Falcen to the handle of the EDC II/Lonestar.


That said, the SylverFalcen was once a Minimuk right, or at least based off of it? Maybe I should be looking into the Minimuk... I always go back and forth on the Muks. I can't decide if I like the humped blade. It sort of goes against the preferences that I laid out...

 

[Odaon]

Hey Orion,

Thanks for sharing these pics especially! I had dismissed the SD a while ago due to size and thought it was smaller. I like the fact that there's no guard there so you get more use of the blade. And I think I like the blade shape a bit better too. The downside to me though, is that there's no curve in the lower handle and hence, nothing to help prevent a slippage onto the blade. Best of both worlds would be a Sgian Dubh with a pre-curve in the handle as in the *rough* mock up below. Again, always fun to discuss and throw ideas back and forth!

Thanks,
Jerry

Definitely! I find the mock up interesting... having all these knifes around is starting to show me some preferences that I wasn't aware I had. Of the two handle types my preference is seemingly to lean towards less of the finger notches and extra curves, though I don't mind some. Hence the enjoyment of the Sgian Dubh, SylvrFalcen, OS Karda, Bushboot (thoughts to come), etc. I think it also depends on the intended use of the knife. If I'm processing game or doing some more intense cutting tasks I definitely find some value in finger curves and guards. For light use knives I don't mind the lack of those or much gentler curves.

 

[schmittie]

I've been enjoying this thread quite a bit. Orion, like you, the Runt was too small for me. But I had no idea the PK could be a 4 finger knife! Now you've got me thinking. I need to put one on my short list.

 

[PolRoger]

Another great comparison thread! :thumbup:

I have bigger hands... my hand width is ~ 3-7/8" to ~ 4.0" and my fingers are a little longer then some other folks hands that I've compared to who also have a similar hand width (my glove size between L/XL).

I prefer full size size knife handles in the 4-1/2" to 5.0" range and sometimes even larger handles if the blade is big.

I find that I have to be careful with EDC type knives because handle designs can get cramped dimensionally along the bottom finger side measurement which then might lead to an encounter with the crowded pinky/joint syndrome.

The two fiddleback designs that I favor for EDC both happen to have some of the longest bottom side length measurements of ~ 3-7/8" The Handyman and the EDC II/Lonestar. The Minimuk also has a handle design that works for me (~ full 4 finger) and possibly the Sylvrfalcen which also shares a similar designed handle but is actually slightly smaller dimensionally (~ 3-1/2 finger).

A few photos with a ruler...

Handyman and Lonestar:



EDC II and Lonestar:



Full sized handled KE Bushie and Old School Ladyfinger:

 

[Odaon]

I've been enjoying this thread quite a bit. Orion, like you, the Runt was too small for me. But I had no idea the PK could be a 4 finger knife! Now you've got me thinking. I need to put one on my short list.

Thanks! The PK is just barely 4, depending on the hand position, more of a 3.5. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you're interested, it's a cool little model.

Also, I got your last email, just haven't had a chance to reply yet!

 

[Odaon]

Another great comparison thread! :thumbup:

I have bigger hands... my hand width is ~ 3-7/8" to ~ 4.0" and my fingers are a little longer then some other folks hands that I've compared to who also have a similar hand width (my glove size between L/XL).

I prefer full size size knife handles in the 4-1/2" to 5.0" range and sometimes even larger handles if the blade is big.

I find that I have to be careful with EDC type knives because handle designs can get cramped dimensionally along the bottom finger side measurement which then might lead to an encounter with the crowded pinky/joint syndrome.

The two fiddleback designs that I favor for EDC both happen to have some of the longest bottom side length measurements of ~ 3-7/8" The Handyman and the EDC II/Lonestar. The Minimuk also has a handle design that works for me (~ full 4 finger) and possibly the Sylvrfalcen which also shares a similar designed handle but is actually slightly smaller dimensionally (~ 3-1/2 finger).

A few photos with a ruler...

Handyman and Lonestar:



EDC II and Lonestar:



Full sized handled Old School Ladyfinger and KE Bushie:

Thank you for this post! It shows me a couple models that I haven't had the chance to check out, not that I need any more!!

Your hands are definitely larger than mine, mine are more long and narrow so I can get away with some shorter handles.

Lots more comparisons coming!



This goes for anyone, feel free to let me know if you'd like to see some model to model comparisons while I have everything here! I was planning on doing some eventually anyways.

You can see Jerry's list in the first post, I also have the following from Kris, Nathan, Douglas, and my own knives.

Fletcher Vizug, 24/7, Pro 6-5
Fiddleback Mosquito, Toboggan, Sgian Dubh, Wingman, OS Ladyfinger, F2, Bushfinger (arriving soon), Maverick
Wa Surls Sawnee, Huntsman, Revenant EDC, Spear Point, Patch

 

[Warrior108]

Another contender for the sub 3.5" blade category: Kyle's Cricket http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1479750-Kyle-s-Kricket?p=17024604#post17024604

 

[pertinux]

... I also find the Lonestar handle comfortable, but I don't find it pleasing to the eyes, the contrary in fact, sort of bulbous... it just doesn't do it for me.

... So, the blades as I mentioned above, and as many of you probably figured with my preview post of the SylvrFalcen, I just don't find the blade shapes aesthetically pleasing. I sort of really want to on the Falcens because the handle is so dang comfortable!! Alas, the eyes continue to say, "no thanks", and I'm not one to argue with them when so many other more eye catching (for me) models exist.

... So, I don't seem to have a 'pesky pinky' like Sarah, but I do have some 'pesky eyes'.

I've quoted the above because for me this is a critical point. In fact, when faced with the immense and relatively un-cataloged breadth of Fiddleback offerings, I identified which patterns to focus on by browsing this subforum extensively and writing down whatever caught my eye. I then noted which patterns consistently caught my eye, and then started to learn about their relative sizes, others' impressions, etc. from there.

And, the converse of finding knives that are aesthetically pleasing is encountering those that... aren't, as you state above. My own eyes are plenty pesky-- ha!. For example, a very popular pattern that I intensely dislike, starting with its visual presentation, is the bushb-

[video=youtube;nGt9jAkWie4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGt9jAkWie4[/video]


Wait, where were we?


Ah, here: I can't tell you how much I love these two pictures, and all they capture both within and beyond the images...

... pointing straight back to so many great things-- the work of everyone at the Forge, Jerry's generosity and trust, the privilege and wonder of sharing these knives hand to hand to hand, the great knives we each seek out for ourselves based on the pictures and descriptions and information so freely shared here....


Good, good stuff. :thumbup:


Bang-up job, Orion.

~ P.

 

[schmittie]

^^^ I'm in agreement with the above.