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Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 2:19 am
by fixall
I'm am currently shopping for a couple of fillet knives to give as gifts to my little brother. He's an avid fisher/hunter and is in need of a flexible 6" to serve as his regular fillet knife and a stiffer 10" fillet knife to handle fish like sturgeon. Right now he's using standard big box store knives with 420j2 steel and he is completely fed up with their lack of edge retention.

After searching around, it seems there's a gap in the market. There is one 6" fillet knife available for $110 that features s30v steel (Buck Alaskan Guide), but it's too stiff in my opinion and is more like a boning knife. From there, your only real options are to step down to 420HC/12c27mod or spend $200+ on a custom knife.

I think with the increased interest in blade steel lately, Spyderco could be successful offering an affordable, durable, fixed blade, fillet knife (>$100 MAP) with better edge retention than 420HC. Maybe the heat treat on a blade that is 1/16" complicates things?

Would anyone else have interest in something like this?

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 4:34 am
by Marulaghost
Not sure if it's exactly what he needs but I'd say have a look at the waterway. An actual fisherman designed that knife.
I have no clue on the 10 inch department.
Another good option may be the upcoming 4 inch Z cut knives. Super thin and flexible

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:20 am
by bearfacedkiller
I would be interested. Something like cpm154 would be nice.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:40 am
by T_MAC686
I would be down for a couple, one for my father and one for myself! Be cool if they could do it in LC200N but I’m not sure how thin they can take certain steels.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:45 am
by Catamount123
As I understand it, a proper fillet knife has a thin flexible blade. While LC200N is probably the first choice, looking at the Z-Cut kitchen knives, it seems like BD1N would be a good candidate for a less expensive one.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:47 am
by T_MAC686
Catamount123 wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:45 am
As I understand it, a proper fillet knife has a thin flexible blade. While LC200N is probably the first choice, looking at the Z-Cut kitchen knives, it seems like BD1N would be a good candidate for a less expensive one.

Yea I would think this would be a good choice for a more affordable option- plus I hear that BD1N is pretty stain resistant.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 9:34 am
by Sharp Guy
Our Spyderco fillet knife gets used in the kitchen fairly regularly. Since they were discontinued I would assume they weren't very good sellers.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 1:41 pm
by fixall
Marulaghost wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 4:34 am
Not sure if it's exactly what he needs but I'd say have a look at the waterway. An actual fisherman designed that knife.
I have no clue on the 10 inch department.
Another good option may be the upcoming 4 inch Z cut knives. Super thin and flexible


bearfacedkiller wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:20 am
I would be interested. Something like cpm154 would be nice.
I'm a big fan of cpm154, I think it would be a very suitable steel for the application.

T_MAC686 wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:40 am
I would be down for a couple, one for my father and one for myself! Be cool if they could do it in LC200N but I’m not sure how thin they can take certain steels.
That's the spirit! I still don't have any experience with LC200N just yet, but I'll be fixing that soon. I'm really curious to see how the edge retention is.

Catamount123 wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:45 am
As I understand it, a proper fillet knife has a thin flexible blade. While LC200N is probably the first choice, looking at the Z-Cut kitchen knives, it seems like BD1N would be a good candidate for a less expensive one.
BD1N is actually exactly what I had in mind. I'm finding it to be an extremely versatile steel for both kitchen knives and pocket knives and I think it would carry over well to a fillet knife.

Sharp Guy wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 9:34 am
Our Spyderco fillet knife gets used in the kitchen fairly regularly. Since they were discontinued I would assume they weren't very good sellers.
Yea, I don't understand why they weren't better sellers. If I remember correctly, they were made with MBS-26, which would be one of the better steel offerings found in fillet knives back then (and now for that matter).

I'd like to see them in a more premium steel to really differentiate them from the dozens of other fillet knives offered for $10 - $30. BD1N or S30V would really excite me.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 2:12 pm
by cycleguy
Right on!!!! But, flex is key as you have already referenced. My use is for Kokanee about 18"-22" in length. I have used the Rapala 6" Finland for years and it does the job well. It was bought at Kmart for a couple of bucks. Dulls easily and sharpens quickly so when filleting a catch of 10 to 20 fish I'll have to sharpen a couple of times as I fillet. A steel with a longer edge life would be preferred so I wouldn't have to sharpen while working. The knife is constantly wet, slimey, and washed off in the lake so the wood handle isn't a good choice for material as I see it. G10 or FRN would work but think the texturing needs to lend itself to cleaning and not providing spaces for fish matter to collect. A stainless blade is the best match and preferably one that doesn't scratch easy as I often use the sand and fine mud along the shoreline to scrub the dried remains from the knife; but ultimately the scratches on a blade really don't matter. I've looked for other fillet knives of higher quality but they have always been too stiff for my use and more suitable for bigger catches which isn't my geographic area. Always amused by the sales staff when they inquire about what I am doing when I flex the blade against a hard surface.

CG

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 3:42 pm
by fixall
cycleguy wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 2:12 pm
Right on!!!! But, flex is key as you have already referenced. My use is for Kokanee about 18"-22" in length. I have used the Rapala 6" Finland for years and it does the job well. It was bought at Kmart for a couple of bucks. Dulls easily and sharpens quickly so when filleting a catch of 10 to 20 fish I'll have to sharpen a couple of times as I fillet. A steel with a longer edge life would be preferred so I wouldn't have to sharpen while working. The knife is constantly wet, slimey, and washed off in the lake so the wood handle isn't a good choice for material as I see it. G10 or FRN would work but think the texturing needs to lend itself to cleaning and not providing spaces for fish matter to collect. A stainless blade is the best match and preferably one that doesn't scratch easy as I often use the sand and fine mud along the shoreline to scrub the dried remains from the knife; but ultimately the scratches on a blade really don't matter. I've looked for other fillet knives of higher quality but they have always been too stiff for my use and more suitable for bigger catches which isn't my geographic area. Always amused by the sales staff when they inquire about what I am doing when I flex the blade against a hard surface.

CG
I agree wholeheartedly with every word you just wrote. :)

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 4:43 pm
by Deadboxhero
It would be great to get a Phil Wilson designed Fillet knife. Especially since thats what got Phil started making knives. He couldn't find a fillet knife with killer steel and the right flex. So he made it.

Phil is a legend, I consider him the "Godfather" of using PM steels for knives and helping push the industry to use these really cool high Vanadium steels like 420v/s90v.

I'd be stoked if a Phil Wilson Fillet knife was made to round out his Spyderco collaboration collection.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:18 pm
by fixall
Deadboxhero wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 4:43 pm
It would be great to get a Phil Wilson designed Fillet knife. Especially since thats what got Phil started making knives. He couldn't find a fillet knife with killer steel and the right flex. So he made it.

Phil is a legend, I consider him the "Godfather" of using PM steels for knives and helping push the industry to use these really cool high Vanadium steels like 420v/s90v.

I'd be stoked if a Phil Wilson Fillet knife was made to round out his Spyderco collaboration collection.
You just gave me goosebumps. I’d be in for a couple of those and probably still have a hard time giving one to my brother.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:22 pm
by Bloke
I can’t abide having to sharpen a knife halfway through an task. Depending on the species of fish I cut through bones often enough and sometimes I’d need to sharpen after each fillet cut. That all changed when I started using my Sprig which lets me fillet many fish cutting through bones often as thick as matches between light touch ups when I remember.

So, I’d love a dedicated Spyderco Fillet Knife in Vanax SC, S90V, S110V ... and willing to pay the premium such a knife would demand. :)

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:24 pm
by Deadboxhero
fixall wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:18 pm
Deadboxhero wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 4:43 pm
It would be great to get a Phil Wilson designed Fillet knife. Especially since thats what got Phil started making knives. He couldn't find a fillet knife with killer steel and the right flex. So he made it.

Phil is a legend, I consider him the "Godfather" of using PM steels for knives and helping push the industry to use these really cool high Vanadium steels like 420v/s90v.

I'd be stoked if a Phil Wilson Fillet knife was made to round out his Spyderco collaboration collection.
You just gave me goosebumps. I’d be in for a couple of those and probably still have a hard time giving one to my brother.
Same, that would be great way to hail the legend.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:31 pm
by Deadboxhero
Bloke wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:22 pm
I can’t abide having to sharpen a knife halfway through an task. Depending on the species of fish I cut through bones often enough and sometimes I’d need to sharpen after each fillet cut. That all changed when I started using my Sprig which lets me fillet many fish cutting through bones often as thick as matches between light touch ups when I remember.

So, I’d love a dedicated Spyderco Fillet Knife in Vanax SC, S90V, S110V ... and willing to pay the premium such a knife would demand. :)
S90V would be rad.

That Vanax is insanely expensive.

It's facinating how it's made.

Larrin touched on that in his Nitrogen steel article and some conversations we have had.

The fact that the Nitrogen has to be added AFTER the steel is powdered with a special oxygen free Nitriding process THAN hot Isostatic pressed like other PM steels adds a HUGE cost.

I Love my Chad Kelly custom in Vanax. Very fine structured steel. I use it a ton. Chad has a sharp mind and a killer heat treatment on that stuff. I'd say when I think of Vanax I think of Chad.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 6:00 pm
by JD Spydo
T_MAC686 wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:40 am
I would be down for a couple, one for my father and one for myself! Be cool if they could do it in LC200N but I’m not sure how thin they can take certain steels.
I would love a CATCHERMAN model to be brought back in LC200N if they would offer it in full SE. If most of you would ever get lucky and get your hands on one of the original full Spyderedged Catcherman models you would quickly agree with me.

But I would also welcome a premium fixed blade fillet knife too if they would also offer it in full SE.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 8:39 pm
by steelcity16
JD Spydo wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 6:00 pm
T_MAC686 wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 5:40 am
I would be down for a couple, one for my father and one for myself! Be cool if they could do it in LC200N but I’m not sure how thin they can take certain steels.
I would love a CATCHERMAN model to be brought back in LC200N if they would offer it in full SE. If most of you would ever get lucky and get your hands on one of the original full Spyderedged Catcherman models you would quickly agree with me.

But I would also welcome a premium fixed blade fillet knife too if they would also offer it in full SE.

I literally came to this thread to say this about a full SE LC200N Catcherman. While I love H1 SE, the ability to FFG LC200N gives it the edge over H1 on this model in my opinion. Great minds JD, great minds. I think a full SE LC200N Catcherman would be a big hit.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 9:28 pm
by fixall
A serrated fillet knife confuses me. Wouldn't the teeth want to catch on bones? Using a sawing motion is the exact opposite technique you want to use when filleting a fish. You want the knife to flex around the bones, not catch and saw through them... And how do you properly remove the skin from a fish with a serrated knife without ripping holes in the skin?

What am I missing, do I need to be enlightened?

I could see a serrated fillet knife being good for getting through scales on big fish like Yellowfin, but I don't see the value for the every day catch.

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2019 11:48 pm
by NoFair
A remake of the MBS-26 Catcherman in LC200-N would be great. Thin, flexible and rust resistant. I'd prefer PE, but a bit of serrations like the MBS-26 CE one is fine too. I wouldn't want SE (and I've tried it)

Re: Would anyone else have interest in a Spyderco fillet knife?

Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2019 12:28 am
by crazywednesday
fixall wrote:
Sun Jun 02, 2019 9:28 pm
A serrated fillet knife confuses me. Wouldn't the teeth want to catch on bones? Using a sawing motion is the exact opposite technique you want to use when filleting a fish. You want the knife to flex around the bones, not catch and saw through them... And how do you properly remove the skin from a fish with a serrated knife without ripping holes in the skin?

What am I missing, do I need to be enlightened?

I could see a serrated fillet knife being good for getting through scales on big fish like Yellowfin, but I don't see the value for the every day catch.
Over the years I have realized that people have different interpretations of what it means to fillet a fish.