Who has a sweet new Hiking Buddy?

R

rpn

Gold Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2008
Messages
6,031
That would be me! Ish from the forums here recently hooked me up with a grail: a 1/8" convex HB and it's a sweet knife!

IMG_2703.jpg


I had the 5/32 and it was a tank of a knife. This one feels so much lighter and slicey. The handle ergos are just perfection. I was struggling a bit sharpening it, but have been stroping the hell out of it and have it close to where I want it.

IMG_2701.jpg


IMG_2700.jpg


I really haven't used it much, but these curls where thin and soooo easy to cut. Tip on this is pretty thin, but I pushed it a little and it held up fine. I like a nice point on my smaller blades often. Can't wait to get this sucker in the kitchen. Thanks again Max...and Andy for making this great knife! :thumbup:

IMG_2699.jpg
 
She is a real looker with performance to boot! Thank you for sharing.

Mark
 
Thanks guys! had it in the kitchen today cutting up fruit and oh yes, it slices! :thumbup:
 
Do you own a Bushfinger? If so, how do they compare in fire/food prep? I'm looking to get a smaller companion to my larger choppers, I'd like the ability to baton some smaller kindling if need be, but still be able to make a meeeeaaan feather stick. A 1/8" Bushfinger would be godly :D (Do they exist?!)
 
Talfuchre said:
What sheath came with it?

TF
Click to expand...

One of the light tan ones...reminds me, I would like to bag a new one...a bit smaller and tighter.

pialia said:
Do you own a Bushfinger? If so, how do they compare in fire/food prep? I'm looking to get a smaller companion to my larger choppers, I'd like the ability to baton some smaller kindling if need be, but still be able to make a meeeeaaan feather stick. A 1/8" Bushfinger would be godly :D (Do they exist?!)
Click to expand...

I think Andy's scandi Bushfingers come in at 1/8" inch? I had one...serious tough, beast of a knife. Beautiful knife...
 
Just the thread I was looking for!

The Hiking Buddy has me intrigued. I am looking for a candidate for a new neck knife. I like something with a functional handle size and blade. The HB looks about right.

I recently purchased a knife for this purpose and upon delivery I was surprised how heavy the knife was and how wide the handles were. The pics looked good, without anything for scale, I misjudged the size. I didn't ask the right questions before the sale. Just no way I could hang this around my neck.

For the HB, I'm interested in weight and handle thickness. I've gone through the thread on knife models and specs, but no mention of weight or handle specs.

I would be grateful if anyone with a HB in 1/8" blade could tell me how much it weighs.

Also, in the HB spec thread, there were two models. One with scandi grind and thinner wood grips with no liners, and a convex blade with liners for a thicker grip. I would appreciate any info on grip width of these two models.

Thank you, TR
 
I would think you could get a ballpark weight but it wouldn't be exact. Since these are all hand made, with different grinds and handle combinations, there are many variables. I can weigh my HB later on tonight though. It is, at least, 1/8".
 
schmittie,

Don't need the weight to three decimal points. Just get me in the ballpark. :)

Thanks for the help.

TR
 
I have a HB, don't think it would qualify as a neck knife, just my opinion though. It is 7 1/4" long, with the handle being as thick as 7/8". Nice meaty handle in my opinion for a small knife Andy makes a small knife called a Runt, I have not seen one around in a while. I think that would be the neck knife, or the Karda, or Bow legged Joe.
 
Ghe HB was never intended for the neck. It is an edc able fixed blade. The karda is a necker.
 
Thanks for the input. I really don't care for most neck knives as the handles and blades are typically too small for my preferences.

After reading Cody Lundin's books years ago, then watching "Dual Survival" I finally decided to give the neck knife concept a try. I normally don't like things around my neck in general and didn't think I'd care for a knife swinging around there either. What the heck, a mora knife is dirt cheap, couldn't hurt to try.

Surprise! I liked it. It carried like a dream despite the overall length of 7 3/4". The secret is the light weight and modest handle girth. Since then, I've picked up a few nicer light weight puukkos and will be trying them out soon. They look promising. The puukkos are similar in length to the Mora, but also fairly light. Useful length and light weight is what I am looking for.

I was feeling a little puukko'd out and was looking for other non-puukko alternatives to a neck knife. I have a few paring knives at home, and the size and weight looks good for this purpose. I'd just like something a little nicer than a cheap paring knife.

Cruising around the BF site, I found the Hiker's Buddy. The pics look good, but I made that same mistake before, buying based on size/weight impression from pic. Sounds like the HB is not the ticket. Thanks for the input.

Well, one can never have too many belt knives, so I'll keep watching the posts for a Bushfinger or Bushcrafter that turns me on.

Cheers, TR
 
"Well, I saw a Bushcrafter FS on the Exchange...."

schmittie, I've had my eye on that one.

But, tomorrow is "Fiddleback Friday". I'm curious to see what new knives that may bring.

TR
 
Every once in a while I make hidden tang versions of my models. The hidden tang HB is definitely doable as a necker.
 
I initially dismissed the Karda, due to the blade being shorter than I wanted. After a second look, I like the concept using a working size handle. I can work with a short blade easier than I can work with a short handle. When both are short, I'll just use my pocket folder instead.

"Every once in a while I make hidden tang versions of my models. The hidden tang HB is definitely doable as a necker."

Now, a hidden tang Hiking Buddy would be just about perfect! Similar concept as a Puukko in a visually different package. Sexy!

Anybody score a hidden tang HB that can show it off with some pics???

TR (patiently hitting the refresh button, waiting for Fiddleback Friday)
 
Last edited:
I happen to have a used hidden tang scandi ground Hiking Buddy with canvas micarta scales and 3/32" thick 3D Spalted 01 steel sitting right here. Even a Kydex sheath to go with it. I'll sell it to you for $175 shipped in the US. The sheath is the first kydex sheath I made that I thought was worth a crap, and features my own designed ambidextrous belt loop.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top