what's your favorite fiddleback for deer hunting?

emtyhopper

emtyhopper

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May 2, 2014
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I have been looking for my perfect hunting knife since last summer and have gone through several since then.
I think its about time to try a fiddleback. So which one is your favorite for hunting?

Pictures would be greatly appreciated!
 
emtyhopper said:
I have been looking for my perfect hunting knife since last summer and have gone through several since then.
I think its about time to try a fiddleback. So which one is your favorite for hunting?

Pictures would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

Without a doubt the fiddleback forge reculse
 
I really enjoy a Recluse for working whitetail. I recently used one to skin and prep the meat, the only other tool I used was a large chef's knife for slicing thin meat for jerky. Check out the Recluse!

Plus, it's just a good looking profile!

-Will
 
+1 for a recluse; if you want a slightly larger profile for both game processing and bush/fieldcraft, you can also check out both the hunter or leuku (a larger recluse)
 
Was hoping to be able to give my KPH a try this season but no such luck, looks like it will be a few more years before I get to. Camp Muk and Nessmuk are both begging to get used on some game, unfortunately there is no hunting in Philippines. :(
 
I really love the bushcrafter when dealing w game. It's got enough of a point when needed, but the extra belly, I can't explain how easy it makes all processing tasks.
 
Would totally agree on the Recluse and the KPH. Either one or both are ideal for dressing game the size of whitetail (or smaller/larger).
 
I've tried the Bushfinger, Recluse and Ladyfinger and they all work fine. The wide blade of the Bushfinger isn't an advantage so the Ladyfinger and Recluse are slightly better.
Bushfinger, Ladyfinger and Recluse

PS! I sometimes use a caper for skinning:
 
I used a hunter for several years but for my taste, it seemed overkill. Then I switchted to a Bushfinger and used two different ones over two years. But as stated above, the wide blade isn't the best profile. I've since switched to a non Fiddleback to field dress and debone deer. (Please don't shoot me!)

From my experience and blade use, I believe either a Recluse or Patch would be fantastic! I've been trying to acquire either model for a few months, but then life happened :thumbdn: Maybe when things level out I can find one. :)

Edit to add pics -









I forgot about using my scandi Terrasaur to skin one out!


 
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I haven't used a fiddleback on any game yet. I have a patch and a leuku. I think the patch would do well and the leuku would work although a little on the large end for my taste on that size animal. Although I don't own a recluse, the fact that it is the middle brother to the patch and leuku make me think it would be a fine choice. It seems others feel the same about the Recluse. I am also really partial to the blade shape on these knifes.
 
I also would vote for the recluse, but can't but suggest the WAS Loveless Drop hinter either, an affordable Loveless design.
 
allen456 said:
I also would vote for the recluse, but can't but suggest the WAS Loveless Drop hinter either, an affordable Loveless design.
Click to expand...

Allen is HINTING about his HUNTER. :D

I've not had the opportunity to use a FB on deer yet. I'm sure my Bushcrafter is up to the task, though I dream of a KPH to use as a dedicated knife.



Michael
 
I used my bushfinger this past year, it worked out pretty well. But I can see how guys are saying the profile is too wide. A recluse would be a nice one to use. I'll keep my peepers open for one of those little jewels
 
Bumping an old thread. I have an itch for another hunting knife. (primarily field dressing) I'm in agreement with many others here regarding the Recluse as possibly the best field dressing knife. I already have a CPM154 version just for that. My only issue with the Recluse is the tip. I prefer a drop point. The Ladyfinger has only been mentioned here once but it really intrigues me especially for the down and dirty "back of the deer" work. The blade shape is spot on for that and would, of course, double as a bird and trout. The other knife that keeps coming back to me is the Kephart. Has anybody considered one? The drop point would work nicely but I prefer a short blade profile (spine to edge) so that concerns me a little bit. Any opinons or thoughts on a Kephart?
 
I have used a bushcrafter for elk and thought that was ok, but my favorite would be my recluse.
My wife has a ladyfinger and that would probably be ok too, but although I find that model extremely sexy with its slender nimble curves Its just a bit to long and thin for me. It desnt feel like its up to the rough stuff like slitting joints etc. Not that I think it would fail just not enough girth on it.
If I was looking at something else I think Id go either hunter go terrasaur.
 
I got to use my bushfinger on 4 deer last year and wanted something with a thinner blade for one thing. Butt work. I haven't had a chance to use my ladyfinger yet but I think it'll be perfect. I plan on skinning with a patch since it'll provide a little more finesse with the shorter blade. Good luck in your search
 
Thanks for the input. Again I'm only using it for field dressing so I suspect the Lady Finger is what I'm looking for but it is a little longer than I prefer. I'm going to give a Hiking Buddy a shot this weekend .... if things go as planned that is. :D
 
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