Spyderco Phil Wilson Duo.

P

Planetcat

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Messages
740
I've been an admirer of Phil Wilson's knives for years, but couldn't afford a custom from him. A few years back, Spyderco did a collaboration with Mr. Wilson to create the Southfork knife. While still pricey, it is/was half the price of a custom and met my hunting knife needs. It's been a great dressing and skinning knife, but a little on the large side for processing smaller hogs and deer in the field, as well as trout and bass. The sheath has a very slim profile with a nice g-clip. The S90v steel is incredible. It's still factory sharp after dressing/skinning numerous hogs and one big black bear. This kept me yearning for the smaller bird n' trout knife he makes, but still out of my price range.

Luckily, late last year, Spyderco released the Sprig. Same S90v steel, a little shorter, slimmer blade. Perfect for all around field dressing chores and a great fishing knife too. Picked one up a couple weeks ago. It fits perfect in cargo pant pockets and will suit me well this hunting season. Here's a gratuitous picture for your enjoyment of the two knives:
Edit: The yellow tape makes the knife more visible to me. I have a tendency to lay them down in the forest and lose sight of them. This helps me from freaking out over losing an expensive knife. :eek:

20160606_141800_zpsfmwgpeqt.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
 
That's an awesome duo right there. I own both of them and they are outstanding designs that get tons of use...Phil is the man when it comes to fishing/hunting knives! The Southfork is my favorite of the two as I find it more versatile for the fish work I do, but the B&T is great too. I use that one in the kitchen a lot.
 
How well does the Sprig carry on belt? I love the design of it, and it has called to me a time or two to try to EDC it.
 
tchapman414 said:
How well does the Sprig carry on belt? I love the design of it, and it has called to me a time or two to try to EDC it.
Click to expand...

I carry the Sprig fishing all the time inside my waistband. Both the knife and the sheath are quite slim and I forget it is even there. I would have to assume it would be even better in belt carry.
 
I took the g-clip off, since it fits in my cargo pants side pocket. However, I do wear the Southfork on a belt, and like Surfgringo said, it is incredibly slim and unobtrusive. I'm a big guy, and the knife does not dig into my side like others. Also, it sits a bit high on the belt, which I like better for easy access. The point of the sheath doesn't dig into your leg when crouching. Mr. Wilson really thought through these designs. As a hunter and fisherman, I don't think I could have designed a better set of knives for game/fish processing. Excellent materials, slim and comfortable ergonomics, task-appropriate blade shapes and grinds, minimal sheath design that does what it's supposed to do and nothing more. I probably would have 20 less knives in my stable, had these been available 10 years ago.
 
Thank you both for sharing your experiences! My next fixed blade purchase will have to be a Phil Wilson Spyderco.
 
I probably would have 20 less knives in my stable, had these been available 10 years ago.
Click to expand...

That's how I feel and I haven't even got a Sprig yet.

Q : How is the sheath for protecting the edge?

My Cold Steel sheaths . . . I am fighting them because they dull the edge. I been re shaping them to prevent this. Succeeded with my Pendleton Hunter but the Mini Hunter is still getting dulled by the sheath and I haven't even modded the blade like I did on the larger knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top