New Fillet Knife

Chris Montgomery

Chris Montgomery

Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Messages
2,183
I have never been truly satisfied with the fillet knives I have owned. Most wouldn't keep an edge to my satisfaction or were uncomfortable if I had many fish to fillet. I am sure that some of the discomfort comes from arthritis, I was warned by a Dr. When I was twenty that it would become an issue for me when he looked at an ex ray image of my hand. So I recently decided to take matters into my own hands.

I had an idea of what would work for my uses, so I decided to sketch what I felt would work.

I chose 15N20 steel for this project for its properties and that I have the ability to heat treat it myself. I started with .080" thick stock and ground out the profile.

I then performed the heat treat techniques for this steel. Thermocycle, quench in heat treat oil and temper shooting for 60-61 Rockwell. I then ground the primary bevels and distal taper. I put an edge on it and began testing to see if I achieved my goals in heat treating.

I sliced up a pizza box without any noticeable difference in how it cut.
Some old pine knot to test how tough the blade is.


No damage to the edge and still cutting some hair, not quite as much as at first. But I am still liking where this is going. So it's time to see if it's got the flex I was hoping for.

Good so far. Moving on to the finish. I really like a hand rubbed finish.

More tomorrow.

Chris
 
I really like the contours of your knife, Chris! Looks to be a fine design. Looking forward to how this one turns out:D
 
Looking great Chris. :thumbup: Did you grind the whole shape or did you use a plasma cutter or some other method? What do you have planned for scales? I can't wait to see the final product. :cool:
 
Very interesting knife and thread, Chris! :thumbup::thumbup:
I really admire you guys with the skills to take on these amazing DIY projects.
Looking forward to the next installment of your story! :)

- GT
 
Thanks for the kind comments.

Bob, I ground everything on a 2"X 72" belt grinder. Micarta is what I have chosen for the handle. I will get some more pics up when I can, I should have finished pics tonight.

Chris
 
Nicely done Chris !

Looking forward to seeing it at completion. Don't forget to post it in the fishing thread when you get it finished, with fish, of course ! ;):D
 
I like the shape as well.
In my experience it should be sharp, but not at too acute an angle.
If you penetrate the skin and start separating the meat from the bones it should glide over the bones, not cut through them.
Decent technique is also important there..
 
Very nice fillet knife Chris. :thumbup:

Looking forward to more pictures of your progress. :)
 
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Freak'n awesome!!!!

I must have 20 or so fillet knives that I've accumulated over the years and have found the same issues as you. None have been "the one". Looks like you have built the ultimate fillet knife. Well done Chris!

David
 
Wow! You're not wasting any time on this project. That looks fantastic! Someday when I'm better, I'm going to give this a go myself.It's something I've wanted to try for a long while. Chris, you're an inspiration. :D :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
Thanks for the kind comments.

Bob, I have already finished the knife. My 50 hour a week work schedule keeps me busy. I am trying to post images from my phone as I have time and I am not so good with using photo bucket. When you decide it's time to try I will help in any way I can, even if there are guys here that are professional knife makers and much more qualified. Until then, know that you are in the prayers of my wife and I.

Chris
 
Very good looking 'and' useful looking Knife you have made there.!** As I now only fish to catch and release I would have no use for such a made to order Knife such as the one you have put together with your magic with Steel and know-how.* One of the "best" I have ever seen.^^ { when are you going to use it and let us know just what you think of your Knife.? }
 
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