H1 Questions (Pacific Salt)

[mathman]

I have searched and read most posts that I could find on H1 steel (particularly in the Pacific Salt model by Spyderco). I have a couple of questions and would appreciate it if someone could help me out.

First, is the serrated edge in H1 much better in edge retention and performance? I prefer plain edges as they are easier to sharpen, but might get a serrated edge if its performance was a lot better.

Second, how tough is H1 steel when it comes to 'normal' tasks around water? You know, like cutting up fish, cutting ropes, etc...

Lastly, it seems that the Pacific Salt would make a decent filet knife...has anyone tried to filet a fairly large fish with one? If so, how does it perform?

Thanks! I'm looking to possibly by the Pacific Salt (in yellow ) and it would be my first Spyderco...something tells me it wouldn't be the last though!

 

[Ming65]

G'day Mathman,

I've used a plain edged P-salt since they came out. I've only filleted smaller fish like herring and whiting with it but it works fine and is the only knife that I take beach fishing.

The H1 holds it's edge perfectly well. We're a funny bunch us knifenuts, we seek the holy grail of a super edge holding steel only to deny ourselves one of lifes greatest pleasures - sharpening. The H1 can handle a day on the water with me that will include cleaning/filleting fish, cutting nylon rope, being used as a mini prybar/scraper, without losing a decent cutting edge. 5 minutes with an old worn diamond stone and a quick strop and it is as sharp as anything I own.

In general I'd rate the edge holding similiar to generic cutlery stainless steel, like 440C. Although it doesn't hold an edge like S30V or VG10 one of the peculiarities of the steel is that it performs better than these supposedly higher end steels in some abusive cutting tasks, like hacking through salt encrusted nylon rope. Go figure eh?

Having just returned from a swim and a walk on the beach to watch the summer thunderstorms play on the horizon, I have a salt encrusted P-Salt IWB of my salt encrusted shorts as I type.

 

[mathman]

Thanks for the reply Ming65...it sounds like a great knife. I have not heard anything negative about it. I have nothing against a knife that is easy to sharpen...and from what I hear, H1 is easier to sharpen than most steels. I probably will buy the Pacific Salt (PE) with the yellow handle...and then maybe a SE down the road.

 

[Boats]

I love mine. It is the only stainless locking folder I even own that doesn't have Buck on it.

I bought the plain edge because I believe PE knives are more versatile. However, if mine were going to strictly be a boat knife, I'd make sure I had one with each type of edge. My PE Pacific Salt can get wickedly sharp, but it doesn't hold it nearly as long as my D2 folders. Then again, nothing even remotely approaching a stain, let alone corrosion, has marred the blade.

My only complaint about the PS is the same one I have against all FRN Spydie folders--the clip mounting system is rather primitive and even with teflon tape on the screw threads, I find the clip threatening to come off at very inconvenient times. I am thinking I will just loc-tite it since there is not any rust to worry about.

 

[mathman]

I think I've heard enough good things to go ahead and buy one...but feel free to add more comments to make me feel even better.

 

[mathman]

Well, I went to a local store and checked out the Pacific Salt (PE)...man...that's a light knife! They wanted full retail for it, so I came home and ordered one from knifeworks.com...I hope that is a reputable place to get it. I paid less than $60 for it (including shipping).