This is a good idea for a thread Dcaggie06. The only thing lacking in replies so far is no pictures.
I think that most of us had (or have) other knife company and/or maker interests before we settled in here with Fiddleback. It is fun to hear everyones history and to understand how those influences led you to appreciate Fiddleback knives.
Fixed Blades: I have nine fixed blade field knives besides my Fiddlebacks. Two Busse (NMSFNO & NMFSH), one Benchmade Ritter Mark II, and six Bark Rivers.
I discovered Bark Rivers back in 2008. They were the first nice field knives I ever owned. That was my introduction to the benefits of convex edges. That was also where I learned how to sharpen, strop, and maintain them. I bought and sold probably 20 to 25 Bark Rivers before I finally settled on six favorites.
I first learned about Fiddleback several years ago when Bark River ran the one time production batch of Recluses. I missed getting one at that time, but it started my curiosity to learn more about Fiddleback. That curiosity finally finally me here last September.
It may surprise those of you who know me here as the guy who only buys synthetic handles (primarily Shadetree burlaps), but most of my Bark Rivers wear wood handles. Back then, I was very much into nice Desert Ironwood with one Curly Birch mixed in for variety. Here are some photos of my favorites:
(L to R: 4 Bark Rivers i Canadian Camp, Chef Utility, Golok, Pro Scapel II, and a Bushcraft Northwest BCNW-01. All five were custom re-handled with desert ironwood.)
(Bark River Golok & Canadian Camp)
(Bark River Pro Scapel II & Ultra-Lite Bushcrafter)
Folders: I am down to six user folders in my rotation. Four Benchmades, one ZT, and one Victorinox. I tried to like traditional Case & GEC slipjoints, but they just were not me. I let them all go to new owners that will appreciate them more than me. I dont see myself buying any more folders in the foreseeable future unless I lose one. The two that I use the most are pictured below.
(Top to Bottom: Benchmade Mini Ritter Griptilian w/custom G10 scales & Large Ritter Griptilian, Fiddleback Bushcrafter, Benchmade Ritter Mark II)
My previous experience described above has led me to appreciate Andys knives as definitely being on the next level as Vance said so nicely in his reply. The combination of amazing handle ergonomics, aesthetically pleasing contrasting liner colors, and convex grinds, makes Fiddleback knives a joy to own and use. I also think that Andys knives represent a great value for a handmade knife that is a significant step up in quality from semi-production knives and even many custom makers.
Thanks,
Phil
