feathersticking
feathersticking
Ok so I'm wondering if folks do any feathersticking with their spydercos.
I did a bunch last summer. Both the stretch 2 and the endela were great at this. I'm curious how small I can go. I'm probably gonna go grab a log this week and see how the dragonfly and delica fare.
I'm curious how small folks here have gone.
I did a bunch last summer. Both the stretch 2 and the endela were great at this. I'm curious how small I can go. I'm probably gonna go grab a log this week and see how the dragonfly and delica fare.
I'm curious how small folks here have gone.
Re: feathersticking
Glad you brought this up.
Gives me the opportunity to point out of the probably most overlooked advantage of the spyderedge / SE:
- In my experience an SE Spyderco is just vastly superior over a PE when it comes to "feathersticking"
- For one probably due to the acute chisel grind
- But even more so due to the SE scallops themselves I guess: Just try for yourself, they produce great and amazingly fine "feathers" that will catch a spark like crazy
Concerning your question: When I had only my comboedge Delica for serrations, I often brought this in the outdoors, partly because even that very short serrated section was so good in producing feather sticks...
Gives me the opportunity to point out of the probably most overlooked advantage of the spyderedge / SE:
- In my experience an SE Spyderco is just vastly superior over a PE when it comes to "feathersticking"
- For one probably due to the acute chisel grind
- But even more so due to the SE scallops themselves I guess: Just try for yourself, they produce great and amazingly fine "feathers" that will catch a spark like crazy
Concerning your question: When I had only my comboedge Delica for serrations, I often brought this in the outdoors, partly because even that very short serrated section was so good in producing feather sticks...
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
Re: feathersticking
I prefer to use a knife that I can get a full grip on when I make feathersticks, though I could probably make do with a Chaparral in a pinch.
Also, my feathersticks are only for photo ops and practice. I have never needed to start a fire in the backyard, and it's been ages since I went hiking.
Also, my feathersticks are only for photo ops and practice. I have never needed to start a fire in the backyard, and it's been ages since I went hiking.
- kennethsime
- Member
- Posts: 4860
- Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 8:28 pm
- Location: California
Re: feathersticking
I have featherticked with my Shaman, and my Stretch, but just for fun. Of the two, the Shaman is superior due to its larger, more comfortable handle and straight, humpless spine.
I do have other knives for working with wood - their convex grinds and large, comfortable handles work much better.
I do have other knives for working with wood - their convex grinds and large, comfortable handles work much better.
I'm happiest with Micarta and Tool Steel.
Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
Re: feathersticking
- Jeff
May your feet be warm and dry and your throat warm with whiskey. A knife in hand or in the sock band.
MNOSD Member #0005
May your feet be warm and dry and your throat warm with whiskey. A knife in hand or in the sock band.
MNOSD Member #0005
Re: feathersticking
What the purpose of feathersticking? Kindling?
Re: feathersticking
Yes, processing wood in a way that it will catch a spark and enflame easier.
Especially with wet wood it helps a lot to firstly baton smaller branches (just one or two fingers thick, this can be done with an (better unlocked) folder blade) and then make "feathers" on the dry, freshly exposed surfaces.
NOT only helpful when using a fire steel/ magnesium rod, but also when using a lighter or matches
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- Christian Noble
- Member
- Posts: 68
- Joined: Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:34 pm
Re: feathersticking
Adding a twist to the serrated vs plain edge question as speed matters too, not just the quality of a feather stick
Is serrated quicker than plain edge?
https://masterwoodsman.com/2014/speed-matters/
Is serrated quicker than plain edge?
https://masterwoodsman.com/2014/speed-matters/
Re: feathersticking
Christian Noble wrote: ↑Mon Mar 06, 2023 8:05 amAdding a twist to the serrated vs plain edge question as speed matters too, not just the quality of a feather stick
Is serrated quicker than plain edge?
https://masterwoodsman.com/2014/speed-matters/
Very nice read, thanks!
As you are also the author, you are actually quite a "pro" - ever tried a serrated Spydie for feathersticking?
If so, what is your opinion?
I am not a pro but not a noob either, and as said: The Spyderedge produces amazing feathersticks very quick and easy for me...
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
Re: feathersticking
....
And Alex, my friend, sooooo glad to see you around here again!!!
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
Re: feathersticking
I’ve just been knocking up feather sticks today at work with my Magnacut mule and it works a treat (although it definitely helps if it is freshly sharpened). My favourite knives for feather sticks are my Yojumbo, Yojimbo and PM2 tanto. It occurs to me as I write this that they’re all hollow ground blades, although I can’t imagine how that would be helpful apart from them being thin behind the edge and hellaciously sharp
- Al
Work: Jumpmaster 2 H1 and Temp 1 SE CPM Cruwear Sprint.
Home: DF2 K390 Wharncliffe/DF2 Salt H1 SE and K390 Police 4 LW SE/15V Shaman
Dream knives -
Chinook in Magnacut (any era)
Manix 2 XL SE Salt in Magnacut
A larger Rockjumper in Magnacut SE
Work: Jumpmaster 2 H1 and Temp 1 SE CPM Cruwear Sprint.
Home: DF2 K390 Wharncliffe/DF2 Salt H1 SE and K390 Police 4 LW SE/15V Shaman
Dream knives -
Chinook in Magnacut (any era)
Manix 2 XL SE Salt in Magnacut
A larger Rockjumper in Magnacut SE
Re: feathersticking
What might (just might) also contribute to those models working better for you in feathersticking: The completely straight edge resp at least edge section.JoviAl wrote: ↑Mon Mar 06, 2023 9:02 amI’ve just been knocking up feather sticks today at work with my Magnacut mule and it works a treat (although it definitely helps if it is freshly sharpened). My favourite knives for feather sticks are my Yojumbo, Yojimbo and PM2 tanto. It occurs to me as I write this that they’re all hollow ground blades, although I can’t imagine how that would be helpful apart from them being thin behind the edge and hellaciously sharp
I personally do like that in feathersticking and whittling better than a continuously curved edge (for example the Stretch (long completely straight edge section) works better for me in that capacities than the Manix)
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
Re: feathersticking
I hadn’t considered that but you may be on to something there buddy! They are easy to work with as they are predictable, and I’m sure that predictability likely comes from the completely flat section of blade as you mentioned. This is the main reason I’m always baffled when I see threads saying things like “who even uses a tanto?! ” etc - they are utterly brilliant for wood work and bush craft in my experience.Wartstein wrote: ↑Mon Mar 06, 2023 9:10 amWhat might (just might) also contribute to those models working better for you in feathersticking: The completely straight edge resp at least edge section.JoviAl wrote: ↑Mon Mar 06, 2023 9:02 amI’ve just been knocking up feather sticks today at work with my Magnacut mule and it works a treat (although it definitely helps if it is freshly sharpened). My favourite knives for feather sticks are my Yojumbo, Yojimbo and PM2 tanto. It occurs to me as I write this that they’re all hollow ground blades, although I can’t imagine how that would be helpful apart from them being thin behind the edge and hellaciously sharp
I personally do like that in feathersticking and whittling better than a continuously curved edge (for example the Stretch (long completely straight edge section) works better for me in that capacities than the Manix)
- Al
Work: Jumpmaster 2 H1 and Temp 1 SE CPM Cruwear Sprint.
Home: DF2 K390 Wharncliffe/DF2 Salt H1 SE and K390 Police 4 LW SE/15V Shaman
Dream knives -
Chinook in Magnacut (any era)
Manix 2 XL SE Salt in Magnacut
A larger Rockjumper in Magnacut SE
Work: Jumpmaster 2 H1 and Temp 1 SE CPM Cruwear Sprint.
Home: DF2 K390 Wharncliffe/DF2 Salt H1 SE and K390 Police 4 LW SE/15V Shaman
Dream knives -
Chinook in Magnacut (any era)
Manix 2 XL SE Salt in Magnacut
A larger Rockjumper in Magnacut SE
Re: feathersticking
Super interesting answers here. I'm going to try out some serrated options (I have an endela and salt 2 I can give it a whirl on). I would think it'd be slower because the teeth would add pressure in non-downward angles, but maybe not.
- Christian Noble
- Member
- Posts: 68
- Joined: Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:34 pm
Re: feathersticking
Wartstein wrote: ↑Mon Mar 06, 2023 8:32 amChristian Noble wrote: ↑Mon Mar 06, 2023 8:05 amAdding a twist to the serrated vs plain edge question as speed matters too, not just the quality of a feather stick
Is serrated quicker than plain edge?
https://masterwoodsman.com/2014/speed-matters/
Very nice read, thanks!
As you are also the author, you are actually quite a "pro" - ever tried a serrated Spydie for feathersticking?
If so, what is your opinion?
I am not a pro but not a noob either, and as said: The Spyderedge produces amazing feathersticks very quick and easy for me...
Thank you. And I would say the pros are the ones making their livelihood actually living and/or teaching outdoors living skills. Not me these days, but sincere thank you again.
To answer your question, I don’t own any serrated knives, I know, blasphemy — and I own way too many knives in H1, all PE, which by the way is my EDC, a Salt 2 and lately the ARK . The PE rationale for me has been wanting to be able to carve very fine notches, sharpening in the field, and the occasional scraping.
Maybe I am wrong here, but my train of thought has been serrated cuts extremely well, rope as an example is more easily cut by serrated that PE with everything else be equal. Making a featherstick, while not the finest type of incision, is still somewhat fine and the wood is being sliced, and not so much cut if that makes sense. All that said, serrated can surely slice, and maybe better than PE for something like featherstick, but I am thinking that is only up to a point.
I am not even a noob on serrated, so keep all that in mind please. And at the end of day, aren’t they all serrated anyway if you look under a microscope? I leave my H1 very “toothy” these days thanks to vivi.
Re: feathersticking
14 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
Re: feathersticking
I have many, many times over the years (decades).
One thing I wasn't expecting (but perhaps should have known better), now many many years ago, was/is just how good the hollow ground H1s (Gen 1 & 2 P/E Pac Salts in my usage) feathered. I surmised it was/is due to the hollow grind.
If you are good at feathering, and have not tried a hollow grind PacSalt - give it a try - I think yer gonna like what it does.
I have also used other Spydies, e.g. Delicas, Stretch 1s, Enduras, Bushcraft, ...
The best two for it, in my own usage/experience, are the Bushcraft (no surprise there right?), and the hollow ground Pacific Salt P/E.
u.w.
One thing I wasn't expecting (but perhaps should have known better), now many many years ago, was/is just how good the hollow ground H1s (Gen 1 & 2 P/E Pac Salts in my usage) feathered. I surmised it was/is due to the hollow grind.
If you are good at feathering, and have not tried a hollow grind PacSalt - give it a try - I think yer gonna like what it does.
I have also used other Spydies, e.g. Delicas, Stretch 1s, Enduras, Bushcraft, ...
The best two for it, in my own usage/experience, are the Bushcraft (no surprise there right?), and the hollow ground Pacific Salt P/E.
u.w.
Re: feathersticking
Only hollow ground I have is my ticn salt. Gonna give that a try. And I guess my manbug too??