Your Thoughts About A Knife

[ten99j4]

I'm looking for input about how good everyone thinks a fish fillet knife would turn out if cut down to make a carving knife.

I have a fillet knife that belonged to my grandfather while he was alive that I was wondering if it could be made into a carving knife. I know of someone local to me that makes knives and was thinking of seeing if they would turn the fillet knife into a carving knife for me.

Does anyone have experience with carving wood with a fillet knife blade? Would the blade be good or dull too easily?

I just thought it would be really nice to have a knife that belonged to my grandfather, in my carving box, but I don't want to ruin it if it will not make a good carving knife.

Thanks for you input.

[Steve Reed]

Ok, I'll bite LOL Usually fillet knives are pretty flexible. In my opinion only, keep it for the fish. Some may disagree, but I think you'ld have to shorten it down to nearly nothing to use it for carving. Come on folks, chime in here.

[gtech]

You can make a carving knife from about anything, but it doesn't mean it will be good...

I would keep it as a souvenir, and would buy a real carving knife first.

Gilles

[Dagwood]

my thought is are you needing a carving knife...or wanting to keep something from your grandfather....if your wanting to keep this as a memory of your grandfather then keep it a fish knife even if you dont use it... every time you look at it you will remember him... if you change it into a carving knife and are unhappy with the result you will hate you messed it up... just my .03 cents worth

[mpounders]

I'd keep it like it is. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you always should.

[SlowMover]

I agree with keeping it as a fish knife. That's the way your grandfather bought and and that is what he used it for....I have some of my grandfathers straight razors (he was a barber) and no way would I turn them into knives even though I know they would make great knives...they were what he used to make a living and raise my mother with, and I love them for what they are. I would hate for you to change your grandfathers knife and then regret it later, there is no going back. Carving knives are cheap, something from a grndfather is priceless. Just my opinion.

[Just Carving]

You know an idea might be to carve a plaque or a carving of some sort--maybe one related to fishing--and incorporate the fillet knife, and a photo of him into it. A photo of you and him fishing would be fantastic.

As a rule knives for filleting fish are stainless. If it's an old one, it may not be. But the sentimental value of that knife far surpasses it's value for carving. That's why I suggested creating a plaque--or any carving really--that you could incorporate the knife and preserve your memories. Then you could know it is safe, being useful, and can be looked at and shown off any time, for years to come.

Bob L

[happyhal]

I have a fillet knife that broke and I shortened it to use as a carving knife. I would not recomend doing it. It is not a knife I use often if at all. Just too flexable for my taste. Hal

[ten99j4]

Thanks everyone for you input. I am 100% convinced that I need to just keep the knife as a fillet knife. I have one carving knife that I got in a Little Shavers Beginner Set and have requested a couple more for Christmas. I will just wait and see if my wife get them for me.

Thanks everyone. I like the plaque idea alot too. May turn into a future project.

[Budatmaint]

I made my Dad a fillet knife for Christmas, one year. I got it back after he passed away and it reminds me of how much he appreciated it.