Who Knew?! An introduction, in appreciation

[pertinux]

I am the latest Exhibit A as to why it can be so helpful-- and downright overturning-- to encounter images and impressions of Fiddleback Forge knives hither and yon, and not just in this subforum.

To that end, I posted the first part below in its own thread here in the Traditional subforum, but wanted to make sure to say a proper Hello here, and: THANK YOU.

I think?!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
... So there I was, happily puttering along in the Bladeforums haunts-- speakable and less so -- that have become home to me in my almost 5 years here, when in early September BF member Spyderphreak posted up a picture of a knife he had just secured:

And didn't my ever-lovin', blue-lovin' heart suffer what can best be described as an "episode," and it's been all kancamungus and Fiddleback for me ever since.

I am captivated by the knives and their creation, the hearts that inspire not only the FF folks but their co-creators and supporting dealers, this new-to-me 'world' and the fantastic knives at its center.

In delving into Fiddleback Forge's subforum (so that my brain could start catching up to whatever just happened to my heart), I quickly recognized a spirit of consideration and generosity, manifest throughout many different threads and real-life exchanges, kindred to that which I treasure here in the midst of our Traditional subforum. And ooh la, the knives.

One never knows what will spark, when, and I am only now realizing that some of you have been posting your Fiddleback Forge knives throughout this subforum all along (waves at Gevonovich). I just never 'saw' them before.

Who knew.

SHORT VERSION:

So this happened...

... and then this happened(!)...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

AND NOW THIS IS HAPPENING:

What have ye done to me?!

Speaking of ye, I snuck this into the "special to me knife" thread earlier-- now with added BOLD:

The hunt for Blue, and the process of determining which Fiddleback Forge pattern to select first among so many, introduced me to this subforum and the wonderful community you have all created and fostered here.

This Patch knife could stand on its own merits-- what an amazing piece of cutlery-- but it's all the more special to me because of the caliber of people involved with Fiddleback Forge every step of the way.

I'm grateful to anyone who has ever taken the time to photograph, describe, compare, and/or exult in even one knife-- every bit of information helps when trying to understand a knife from afar-- but am especially grateful to Comprehensivist, Thurin, and Mistwalker for their contributions, and VANCE for his enthusiastic everythings. And of course, I am indebted to Kymedic45 for being willing to part with this stellar knife at all!

Thanks, everyone!

It's All True.


I have at least(!) a couple more knives/sizes in mind, so will likely have a ton of questions for the foreseeable future, most of them likely boiling down to,

"Wait, which knife's that?!"

Oh, and Andy:

I also love pics of ladies using my knives!

I hate having my picture taken, and laughingly proclaim "I ain't no lady!" whenever someone says "Ladies first," but I sure am grateful for you and your team's work so may have to make some exceptions.

Here's my hay-and, at any rate...

Cheers, y'all.

~ P.

 

[Mistwalker]

Very cool post! My wife likes the blue ones as well. I haven't tried a Patch yet, but have fell in lust with a few I have handled. My heart skipped a beat or two over a dyed green maple one in tapered 5/32 a couple of years ago when I did the photos for the "Road To Fiddleback Friday Thread". As for the Esquire, there is definitely another one of those in my future as soon as I can land what I want.

 

[varga49]

Well that's one of the best reads I've laid my eyes upon in awhile. Wordsmith style. It wasn't that long ago I "stumbled upon" as I call it, this fiddleback forge collective of exceptional folks, in April I think it was. Since then I've met some genuinely exceptional people who fill the spectrum of appreciation/obsession with hand made blades. I've slowly acquired a better knowledge and understanding of, to be brief, all aspects of these blades through the generosity of the many "long timers ", as I call them. Looks like I'm going to have to make the sojourn to Track Rock to meet some of these fine folks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Wilsonhome]

Great post and some beautiful knives. Welcome to the fiddleback addiction!

The forum is a wonderful place. I recall a year or two ago stumbling across a particular thread about blue knives in traditionals an thinking...man, that is a beautiful collection. Why don't I have any blue knives? Now I have a number of them, including three fiddlebacks (and more to come if I can ever get that navy blue woodsman). Don't think I ever said thank you for that inspiration, by the way, so many thanks!

 

[VANCE]

I always like reading your posts. The folks here make this a great place to hang out for sure:thumbup: The closest place I can can think of is the Traditional sub-section (coming in a uber close second of course)


glad to have you here

 

[Comprehensivist]

Thanks "~p~" for the great summary and photos of your Fiddleback experience thus far. There is always more to learn about these exceptional knives. Sometimes the best insights come from the people who use them and post their experience. More than once, I have had my opinion of certain models changed for the better after reading comments from members here. It is a great community of folks on this sub-forum. You have been an excellent addition to the conversation here too.

On a personal note, I have enjoyed all the PM conversations we have shared to talk about knives, dogs, and other stuff.

The only remaining question is "what's next on your blue list?"

Phil

 

[Tim the Wizard]

I vote blue suede-lined boots.

 

[schmittie]

Love the post buddy.

I'm like Phil. What's next? ..... I gotta get a blue knife

 

[varga49]

That Blue Esquire though.....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ncrockclimb]

Great post, pertinux. Cheers!

 

[Fiddleback]

I really like your threads too. I hope you hang around, and I'm having Allen make sure we get more blue around the place...

 

[TRfromMT]

Well that's one of the best reads I've laid my eyes upon in awhile. Wordsmith style. It wasn't that long ago I "stumbled upon" as I call it, this fiddleback forge collective of exceptional folks, in April I think it was. Since then I've met some genuinely exceptional people who fill the spectrum of appreciation/obsession with hand made blades. I've slowly acquired a better knowledge and understanding of, to be brief, all aspects of these blades through the generosity of the many "long timers ", as I call them. Looks like I'm going to have to make the sojourn to Track Rock to meet some of these fine folks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This^^

I started checking out the Fiddleback sub forum a couple months ago. Read what sharking was, and now I watch the fun every Friday. And I've been bitten by the Fiddleback bug; pretty much convinced I need a particular Bushboot. I was browsing the web site yesterday and saw a specific model, and am now on a quest for the grail.

I have only recently joined bladeforums, and mostly hang out because I like the people you meet here. I have migrated around just a few sub forums, and linger in the ones that seem to have the most comaraderie. This sub forum is right at the top and I'm looking forward to being able to particpate more.

 

[pertinux]

Wow. Thanks, y'all.

Well that's one of the best reads I've laid my eyes upon in awhile. Wordsmith style.

Great post, pertinux. Cheers!

Aw. Thx!

It wasn't that long ago I "stumbled upon" as I call it, this fiddleback forge collective of exceptional folks, in April I think it was. Since then I've met some genuinely exceptional people who fill the spectrum of appreciation/obsession with hand made blades. I've slowly acquired a better knowledge and understanding of, to be brief, all aspects of these blades through the generosity of the many "long timers ", as I call them. Looks like I'm going to have to make the sojourn to Track Rock to meet some of these fine folks.

This^^

I started checking out the Fiddleback sub forum a couple months ago. Read what sharking was, and now I watch the fun every Friday. And I've been bitten by the Fiddleback bug; pretty much convinced I need a particular Bushboot. I was browsing the web site yesterday and saw a specific model, and am now on a quest for the grail.

I have only recently joined bladeforums, and mostly hang out because I like the people you meet here. I have migrated around just a few sub forums, and linger in the ones that seem to have the most comaraderie. This sub forum is right at the top and I'm looking forward to being able to particpate more.

My experiences are very much the same. I've also been Google-mapping Track Rock, which is a fairly big stretch considering 1) the drive 2) My idea of 'camping' is staying at a hotel. I'm still thinking about it, tho'.

TRfromMT, I saw one of your posts about being 'bitten by the bug,' and almost wrote to you with a link to this thread, "TELL ME ABOUT IT."

Great post and some beautiful knives. Welcome to the fiddleback addiction!

The forum is a wonderful place. I recall a year or two ago stumbling across a particular thread about blue knives in traditionals an thinking...man, that is a beautiful collection. Why don't I have any blue knives? Now I have a number of them, including three fiddlebacks (and more to come if I can ever get that navy blue woodsman). Don't think I ever said thank you for that inspiration, by the way, so many thanks!

And again I say, Wow. Thanks for letting me know! I'm humbled, and happy for you.

I always like reading your posts. The folks here make this a great place to hang out for sure:thumbup: The closest place I can can think of is the Traditional sub-section (coming in a uber close second of course)


glad to have you here

Thanks, VANCE. As I've told you, yours is one of maybe two avatars I recognized in this subforum. Thank you for letting me follow you 'round like a new kid at lunchtime, and for your patience and help.

Thanks "~p~" for the great summary and photos of your Fiddleback experience thus far. There is always more to learn about these exceptional knives. Sometimes the best insights come from the people who use them and post their experience. More than once, I have had my opinion of certain models changed for the better after reading comments from members here. It is a great community of folks on this sub-forum. You have been an excellent addition to the conversation here too.

On a personal note, I have enjoyed all the PM conversations we have shared to talk about knives, dogs, and other stuff.

The only remaining question is "what's next on your blue list?"

Phil

You're certainly welcome! As I've told you privately and mentioned publicly, your help has been invaluable as I attempt to parse the various patterns, and the differences that variations in steel thickness, etc. can make within a pattern-- and why that may or may not matter to me.

There's nothing, but nothing, like having a knife in hand to understand it. Now having a knife or two in hand? Your words fall into place more concretely, and are even more helpful as I contemplate... more. (I'll address "WHAT NEXT?!" below.)

And, but, I'm still busted up about J-dog, and that now affects my re-readings of your reviews. I'm so glad you had her, and so sorry for your loss, all at once.

I vote blue suede-lined boots.

These'll have to do for now...

Besides, my boot game is already strong, pretty much across the board.

I'm like Phil. What's next? ..... I gotta get a blue knife

I really like your threads too. I hope you hang around, and I'm having Allen make sure we get more blue around the place...

Thanks!

And about blue.... The funny thing is, blue is not typically my first choice for a knife handle color [I like natural wood], nor micarta as a handle material [again: wood], but when done right? Ohh, baby.

[You guys do it Right.]

I want to branch out, I really do, but ... it's very likely that I'll often have just one Fiddleback knife on me at a time (we can't all be VANCE), and I'll likely want it to be blue more often that not. So: bring on the Blue, for everyone's sakes.

Because oh-my-goodness, look at THIS:

More, please.

As for "next": I recently brought out (what was supposed to be) all my fixed blade knives (but of course missed a few) to evaluate my current situation and determine a path forward:

(Yes, I know-- my vintage pink formica table is the true star of these pictures. )

Sorting through the foodies...

... and the oooh la...

... I come to this selection of Users and Come-Alongs-- the specific knives I'd like to complement (and in at least one instance, replace):

The top knife is an LT Wright Bushcrafter HC in 1075 that I've called Mr. Ugly from the get-go. It's comfortable as all get-out, and fills its niche well for the general banging around I got it for. But now, in light of a certain Mr. Andy Roy's specific 'design criteria,' of what a handle should not look like, I am looking at it with new eyes.

Ahem. Thanks a lot.

The Patch Knife and Esquire hit their spots and then some. AND THEN SOME.

But, if I am to add more, I think I'd like a Sylverfalcen in the mix (a more central point than on the Patch, and implied mischief in the design). A Hiking Buddy would maybe be more practical(?), but doesn't compel me the way others do.

Beyond that, I want a Fiddleback that keeps my knuckles out of the mayonnaise, in a manner of speaking. Or for reals, as it turns out. I am leaning towards a Gaucho as a 'next size up' knife, but am not yet sure I'm on the right track.

More research is indicated, and any and all pictures of Sylverfalcens and/or Gauchos with other knives for scale are very much appreciated.


But most of all, for right now?

That Blue Esquire though.....

I know, right?!

I burst out of the gate with the Patch knife, and this perfect blue Esquire came along faster than I'd dared hope, and both suit me better than I knew a fixed blade could.

No matter what other goodness may like ahead, I don't want to miss right now.

Thanks again, everyone.

~ P.

 

[VANCE]

wow...just awesome ~P.:thumbup:

 

[TRfromMT]

~P
I like your writing style

 

[FeralGentleman]

Great to have you around! I love your taste in knives, your Esquire is something special.

 

[Mistwalker]

No matter what other goodness may like ahead, I don't want to miss right now.

~ P.

That's the talk I had to have with myself this morning. There are other models that I really want for the project I am working on, and I know very well how long it can take to land specific handle configurations. So I'm looking through the preview post...simultaneously hoping to spot one of them and knowing even if I do my budget is shot for the moment...and that's a bummer. Then I look over on the table beside my desk, piled with recently acquired, and recently completed or modified accent pieces for this weekend's series series of still lifes, and right there on top are three also recently acquired grails. Beautiful knives that I had been wanting fr some time, and needing for this project, and was very fortunate to have the friends I have. And I had to tell myself to not miss out on this truly awesome moment in time, in the here and now, by looking ahead. For now I'm just going to live and enjoy these days, and worry about the next ones a bit later

 

[TRfromMT]

^^ there is some wisdome in these two posts.

I have just received a couple of knives I purchased. They are higher end production knives, but so far one of them is the only known example out in the wild. They are from different makers, an both of the same particularly unique steel, and to my knowledge I have the only pairing of them known. And what am I doing? ... worrying about the next knife.

My daughter is 4, almost 5, and no matter what I ask her to do she always is asking me about something else - what's happening this afternoon, what's for our next meal, where are we going tomorrow (it seems to be a distraction tactic.... I'm on to her). Anyway, in response, my wife and I have taken to saying, "Please don't worry about what's next, just think about what's now!"

I need to listen to myself.

 

[Luca917]

Can't have one foot thinking about yesterday, the other worrying about tomorrow...and wind up pissing all over today.

 

[Mistwalker]

Can't have one foot thinking about yesterday, the other worrying about tomorrow...and wind up pissing all over today.

Exactly, for now I have a beautiful Lonestar, Handyman, and Bushboot to get in use and enjoy for what I am doing, along with the Wingman and a Raptor. I need to hit the field hard this weekend