FB23 Aqua Salt

From Spydiewiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.

The FB23 Aqua Salt was introduced in 2008.

Appearance in catalogs

The FB23YL and FB23BK Aqua Salt appeared in the following catalogs:

The FB23BBK Aqua Salt Black Blade appeared in the following catalogs;

Designer

History, mentionings etc. from the forums

Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web

FB23 Aqua Salt

Whether sporting or laboring in saltwater two features rate highly in choosing a fixed blade utility knife, reliable cutting performance and the knife's ability to remain rust free without maintenance. The knife industry toyed unsuccessfully with non-rusting steels for years until two years ago when Spyderco started manufacturing blades using an alloy called H-1. H1 is precipitation-hardened steel, utilizing .1% nitrogen instead of carbon. Carbon is the component in steel that makes the blade hard and allows it to hold an edge. Carbon also reacts to chloride, making rust. With nitrogen replacing the carbon; hardness and edge retention are realized but nitrogen doesn't react to chloride so it physically cannot rust.

Aqua Salt's H-1 blade is thick for hearty use with a weight reducing swedge grind on the spine. It is available fully PlainEdged or SpyderEdged and has a thin, hollow-ground cutting surface. For enhanced visibility the fiberglass reinforced nylon handle is available in cornea searing Marine Yellow or subdued black and comes aggressively textured keeping the knife in your hand even if wet, cold or slippery.[1]


FB23 Aqua Salt Black Blade

Spyderco’s original Aqua Salt was an amazingly versatile, do-everything fixed-blade knife that was also incredibly corrosion resistant. Its legions of die-hard fans ranged from commercial fishermen all the way to military special operations personnel and they were all devastated when it was discontinued. Based on popular demand, the Aqua Salt is now back and better than ever thanks to the addition of a non-reflective titanium carbonitride (TiCN) blade coating. Like the original, it features a broad, hollow-ground blade crafted from H-1® steel—an extraordinary nitrogen-based alloy that is exceptionally tough and ultra corrosion resistant. The blade’s deep hollow grind, drop-point profile, and full-thickness spine provide a superior combination of low-friction cutting performance, point utility, and structural strength.

The handle of the Aqua Salt is made of durable fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) and is injection molded directly onto the substantial tang for strength. The handle’s Bi-Directional Texturing™ pattern provides a slip-free grip and ensures superior control, even with wet hands. To protect the knife when not in use and allow it to be conveniently carried, the Aqua Salt includes a matching injection-molded polymer sheath with a multi-position G-Clip™ attachment that supports belt or waistband carry. The sheath’s grommeted construction also allows it to be easily lashed or flex-tied to personal equipment. Available with a PlainEdge™ or fully serrated SpyderEdge™ cutting edge, the Aqua Salt is a truly exceptional cutting tool that is now optimized for tactical applications.[2]

Variations

The FB23 is made in Japan and features:

SKU Handle Edge Steel From/To MSRP Note Number made Grind Sheath Clip Collectors club
FB23YL Yellow FRN PE,SE H-1 2008-2009 $119.95 (2009) Regular production Hollow FRN G-Clip Main
FB23BK Black FRN PE,SE H-1 2008-2009 $119.95 (2009) Regular production Hollow FRN G-Clip Main
FB23BBK Black FRN PE,SE Black TiCN coated H-1 2015-end 2022 $190.95 (2020), $213.50 (2022) Regular production Hollow FRN G-Clip Main

Most collectible variation

The original FB23 Aqua Salt in any variation, complete with original box and papers in mint condition is likely to be the most collectible version.

Questions regarding collecting the FB23

Some interesting questions we are looking for an answer to:

Questions with an answer:

Technical information

Measurements (mm and grams) of the FB23 Aqua Salt:

Variation Length overall Length blade Length edge Blade thickness Weight
FB23YL & FB23BK 235mm 119mm 112mm 3mm 119g
FB23BBK 236mm 119mm 112mm 3mm 130g

Measurements (inches and ounces) of the FB23 Aqua Salt:

Variation Length overall Length blade Length edge Blade thickness Weight
FB23YL & FB23BK 9.25" 4.687" 4.25" 0.125" 4.2oz
FB23BBK 9.28" 4.70" 4.40" 0.118" 4.6oz

References

  1. The FB23 Aqua Salt in Spyderco's online catalog
  2. The FB23 Aqua Salt Black Blade in Spyderco's online catalog

Pictures

The FB23 Aqua Salt, with a yellow handle
The FB23 Aqua Salt, with a black handle
The FB23 Aqua Salt, with a black blade and handle and its sheath

Related

Categories