Only one more 'batch' of Fiddlebacks after this one and then we're moving on to the other makers starting with W.A. Surls!
Before we continue into the larger EDC models, I received another box from Jerry and I was also loaned a couple small knives by Nathan (Thurin), so I'm going to touch on those.
First, a new style 3-Finger Karda. I was glad that Nathan brought this model when we met up today (more on that later) because I've been curious about it. Even better, he sent it home with me so I could include it in the comparisons. As you can see, it's about the size of the EDK but it has more blade; just a slightly larger, chunkier blade. Of all the Karda models that I've handled, this one is actually my least favorite. The back edge of the handle hits a weird spot in my hand and it's not very comfortable for me. Nathan also had a very nice EDK that had much thinner handle scales than Jerry's BRB EDK (all of my pictures of that knife from today aren't very good, but it looks like an EDK I promise). I found that I preferred the thin handle if I was going to be using the knife in EDC tasks, the thicker handle would definitely be nice for wood working and such.
Next up, Jerry's 2nd package included another Runt and PK, and Nathan also sent me with his Pygmy to check out.
I definitely prefer the Pygmy to the Runt and the Mosquito. It feels better in my fingers and I like the blade shape a little more. Marney is the opposite, she wasn't a fan of the blade. Also, she's been getting over a cold so I haven't been bothering her with knife stuff. She already kind of picked out her EDC model, the Runt, but I want to get her thoughts on some of these 'larger' models so I'm going to see what she thinks she would like as a camping/woods knife. Marney likes the second Runt that Jerry sent, it's blue! I feel the same about the Runt model as I did in my previous post.
Of the two Pocket Kepharts, I much prefer the new bolstered navy one! It feels like it's about half the weight, it's actually 2.64 ounces to 3.42 ounces, but that thinner steel and different handle material really makes a difference. I'm pretty set on 3/32 for my EDC models for that reason.
On to the "big" ones! As you can see by my crappy picture below (sorry for the blur) the next knives I played with were the Wingman prototype (sent to me for testing a while back by Phillip), Toboggan, Bushboot, Hiking Buddy production regrind, and Handyman.
I'm going to start with the Wingman because I've had it in my possession for a couple months now. I will be doing a separate post for this knife, but wanted to include it here as well. *Also keep in mind that this is a prototype version, the final version has a slightly longer handle.
If you couldn't guess, aesthetically the Wingman is not my favorite, but I have found it to be a very handy little knife. The (short*) handle fits my narrow hands well and the swells fit into my palm and fingers and really lock the knife in. I have done some EDC tasks with this knife and I found it to be adequate! The swept back tip isn't ideal for everything, but it worked for everything that I've used it for. The real testing I put this through was with game and it did quite well at those tasks. It don't see myself getting this model as my EDC knife, but it works great as a small game and general use knife if you're looking for that, I already have a small game knife in my F2.
The Toboggan is an interesting model... I can't think of too many Fiddlebacks with upswept blades like the Toboggan has. I find the handle quite comfortable, sort of like someone took a Hiking Buddy handle and bent it back ever so; nice and hand fitting. The blade seems very useful, but overall the knife just isn't really my style. I do think that a lot more people would own these if they got to handle them though. In my left hand, as a "food knife", the upswept blade gives me plenty of clearance, if it wasn't for that guard I would be able to use the entire edge. Someone who does a lot of food prepping with their EDC would definitely find value in a Toboggan, especially a guard-less one!
I've already mentioned several times that the Bushboot surprised me. That probably doesn't come as a shock to many of you considering how quickly these things have been selling! Like the OS Karda, the 'parabolic' shape just fits right into my hand, it's quite nice. I tried this thing in all sorts of grips, and the only one that I didn't find comfortable was the reverse-underhand grip. The guard catches the meat of my hand a little bit. I can hold the knife a little bit lower in my hand so that the guard clears, but then I catch the sharp end of the handle in my thumb webbing. Anyhow, you may be wondering why I even try that grip... well, this winter when I was in the field for work, bundling trees with twine, I found myself pulling my knife out of it's sheath to quickly cut twine and this was the grip that I ended up using, so I test it. Is that grip important? No. Am I still going to buy a Bushboot at some point? Yes. Is this
MY EDC knife model? You'll find out later...
Next up, the surprising production regrind Hiking Buddy! It's a Hiking Buddy, most everyone knows how awesome of a model that is (myself included now! Oh, hints!?). I have handled a production BC Puukko which is a guardless Hiking Buddy so I have a good idea of what the non-regrind feels like, and I much prefer the regrind! I find the higher grind visually appealing and it also makes it slightly lighter, though it's probably negligible. I already knew that I liked the handle shape because of my F2 which is essentially the same handle just slightly longer. EDC or not I'd love to have one of these just for the S35VN!
Last up is the Handyman! Yet another very comfortable handle! I like pretty much everything about this model, it feels good every which way in hand, it has a nice, simple, useful blade shape, no guard for extra clearance, and it's just a darn good looking knife! I would be very interested in comparing a 3/32 Handyman to a 3/32 Hiking Buddy. The Handyman is just slightly longer, maybe 1/4" if that, but between the 3/32 Hiking Buddy and this TT 1/8 Handyman I prefer the HB which weighs just about 0.7 ounces less. This Handyman feels more like a "do everything" knife which I will be getting more into with the final batch of Fiddlebacks! Maybe tomorrow!
Thanks for reading along! Let me know if you have any questions about any of the models so far or want any comparison pictures that I haven't posted yet! :thumbup:
PS. Don't worry about the stunningly good looking navy Hiking Buddy that I've neglected to mention. I'll be including it and the F2 in the final group of Fiddlebacks.