Filson Bag Thread: With Pictures

[Count de Monet]

hey guys! Could you help me identify this filson bag? I can't find any model numer or anything.

As Dan correctly stated, it is either a large or small Pullman. On my two the white label with product number and date code is attached to the hidden side of the interior straps. Easy to miss.

if it is the discontinued large the label will say 70243 or simply 243. But, as noted, odds are it is the small. Either way, a nice looking bag.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Hey Matt! Been a while since I've been here, last time was around page 1000, can't believe how this thread just keeps going! Things have been real busy, just wish I could make more time to relax and sit down at my computer but life has a way of keeping me from any sort of leisure these days. My wife is pregnant with our 2nd little girl, about to pop any day now, hoping she doesn't come too early but the doctors said it could be anywhere from a few days to a week or two. So, I don't see things letting up anytime soon haha.

But, glad to see everyone doing well and still loving their beloved Filson gear. Since I last spoke to you Matt, I ended up giving away one of my bags to my brother, selling a couple, and down to 2 now. My first 257 from Tinman and the Talon era 257 that I was able to show you when we met up at the flagship store in NYC. Both 257's of course! They both get a lot of love, and I have to snap some pics when I get a chance, but one of the other are basically used almost every day that I'm working from home or the office.

I see you're looking for a new knife! I remember the Buck55 that you picked up, and nice to see the brass bolsters getting some nice patina, my favorite thing about brass.

It's hard to make any sort of recommendations because the options are really limitless. And, based on your price range, there are many that would probably fit the bill in any bracket really.

So, you like the look of the micarta. Great choice, another one of my favorite, with green micarta being my favorite followed by black(which looks more like a grey). There are a few types of micarta, the one you are referring to is known as canvas micarta, and has the most personality of the others. Actually, in my opinion, aside from natural materials like wood or bone, canvas micarta is the next best thing, but even better in certain circumstances like how much abuse they can take. You can drop micarta handle knives and have virtually nothing happen to it, as opposed to beautiful wood or bone scales. Its literally unbreakable with normal hard use.

And, as a bonus, micarta has some very cool traits. First, its grippy, even when wet or soaked in blood for those that process animals with their knives. This is very important for a knife that you will be doing work with, as people don't realize how much grip changes on a slippery knife once your hands start to sweat.
Also, micarta can look different depending on how you treat it. If you just let it be, over time it will slowly lighten up in color and become more "faded" if that makes sense. But, if you handle it with time, the oils in your hands and fingers will give it character and darken up where you touch it more. And, if you really want a change, a rub down in mineral oil will darken the scales nice and dark and fresh looking. Again, this will eventually lighten up after months or years, or if you don't like the dark look, just clean with soap and water will bring it lighter again. With my micarta handles, I'm constantly watching it change color much like a wood or even something like brass or copper in the way it changes. I also enjoy dipping in mineral oil for a dark look and sometimes I like cleaning the oil off it and turning a dark green micarta into a lighter faded green with soap and water. It's actually funny, as it probably perfect for you Matt since it will essentially match your Otter Green bags depending on what you do with it.

For between 100-200 bucks, spyderco and benchmade make great knives, but i will agree that some are overpriced for what you are getting. Spyderco are known for their thin blades that are amazing at slicing. Benchmade has more options on blade shape than spyderco though, in case you're not crazy about the very pointy tip. All preference, and both are probably the most popular for their respective price points and categories. As far as blade steel, S30V is still a fantastic steel, and will hold an edge very long. A whole different world than 420! No way you can go wrong with that choice. Spyderco likes to push the limits with testing out different blade steels, and usually are the first to experiment with them in production runs. Benchmade is great too, but I believe all around Spyderco's heat treat has the edge between the two, on most applications.

Many people might disagree with me, especially with how popular the Benchmade Bugout is, but I really dont' care for the Bugout. It's more "entry level" than most other benchmades out there, and I've heard many bad things about construction and fit and finish with those. Something to be aware of.

Another Side note: In the pics you posted of the two knives with micarta. The pic with the black flag is for sure canvas micarta. You can see that if you zoom in, looking at the little uniform "squares" in the material. Basically its resin infused canvas, hence the name. But, in the pic of the knife with the black screws, I don't think that's canvas. More like linen micarta, same principle but the material is closer to a linen than canvas, as you can see with the striations or longer horizontal fibers. Both are fantastic so it's personal preference, just thought I should point that out. Know if you want canvas micarta or linen micarta when ordering the scales.

If you want to go up a bit in price, you have even more options. My absolute favorite company for production knives these days is still Chris Reeve knives. Basically the Filson of knives. The new model 31 just dropped, and I can see a small 31 sebenza with micarta inlay scales in your future perhaps Much better blade steel, construction, damn near perfect tolerances, fit and finish, etc. but you'll pay almost double the Para 3. But, in the edc world, they have been on top forever, and will continue. If you get a chance to handle one, you'll see why they command the price they do. Without going to a full custom, its very hard to compete with. If you have the money for a custom, I would say give CRK a shot first. A small 31 on the secondary market in mint condition can be had for around 350. The manufacturing they have there in Idaho, is the best in the whole knife business. Better than any production knife company, for sure, and wins the manufacturing awards at almost every knife show for the last 15 years! And, although they are very expensive for the average person, it's still a fraction of the cost of some custom knives. But, made in the USA is important to a lot of people too, so that could be a factor.

As far as customization, you also have Hinderer knives, that are about the same price range as a sebenza, but not as perfect. But, you get a TON of options on picking all sorts of aftermarket stuff like different colored screws and hardware, which some people love. Just another option but if you're in that price range, I still say go with a sebenza personally.

Now, if that is a bit more than you're wanting to spend, or if they are both a bit too "modern" for your tastes, I can again recommend Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC). They are the top when it comes to traditional type knives, mostly slip joints and some lock backs, with thousands of options for different blade shapes, different wood, bone, more natural "old timey" knives that are just amazing for the price. More around the range of Buck, but made way better fit and finish, and more along the lines of knives that are built like they were since the 1800's, and just the best for patina, which I know you love. A whole different beast than the others though, as the others would be categorized as modern folding knives as opposed to traditional. Usually these knives mostly come with 1095 steel, which again, is far better than 420, takes a beautiful patina, and holds an edge decently long for how cheap they are. Made right in Pennsylvania too. But, again these are traditional knives with traditional steel, construction, no pocket clip, etc. More of a legacy brand, again similar to other legacy brands like Filson.

There are of course, way more options, but if you're wanting to stay more with the popular options, its still like 4 or 5 companies that are always on top and collected by more than the others. The Para 3 with micarta is a great knife. But, just wanted to let you know that there's literally no end to the amount of possibilities, and for some odd reason, knives seem to be more popular than ever now in the edc world. In fact, the term "edc" didn't even exist 10-15 years ago. Everyone thought it was a trend, but it just keeps getting bigger and it's not going away any time soon. But, as you know I love talking knives, and if you have any questions give me a shout. I only barely listed some of the most popular options, but there is a LOT more if you decide to dive in.

These days, I've been selling off most of my collection and staying with a few select brands. Chris Reeve, Gareth Bull Shamweris, plenty of GEC's, Snecx, etc. Those seem to bring me the most joy as of late, and since they hold their value I know I can always sell them for retail or in some cases way more. Some guys actually take investing in collectible knives very seriously, but I can't pretend I do, I just wait for something to get my blood going and I grab it if I can. And, there is a huge market for any category or range.

Here is an example: The other day Gareth Bull had a drop for a production version Shamweri. Normally his knives start at around 1300, and go up from there. Very hard to get, and when he drops them they sell in seconds. Well, with the production version that he released a few days ago, being that these were more affordable than his custom knives, there was at least 30 thousand people all trying for a run of less than 500 knives. The day prior, he released a small batch of 20 of them, and the site hit 20k visitors in the first 10 seconds. Normally, I wouldn't have a chance to be quick enough to score one without going to the secondary market with a mark up, but there was a software issue with the servers because of how much traffic the site saw in a matter of seconds. Wouldn't you know it, because of that I was not only able to grab one, but I scored 2 of them! I am pretty sure I was the only one who managed to get more than one. These knives are said to sell for 4x-5x the price when they hit the secondary market, but I'm not one to try to profit from flipping knives, I just love the knives and enjoy the chase. But, I consider myself very lucky to be able to grab those when so many people were downright pissed off. Guys took off of work that day in advance, and many waited for months for this drop. They should be here tomorrow or monday and I can't wait. But, the market for certain knives is just out of this world, and its exciting if you're into it. First you start with a Buck, then it just gets out of control haha.

But, don't think you're gonna save up for a 400 dollar knife and that be the end of it. Hell, there are sharpening systems and jigs that cost upwards of 1000 bucks, and thats just to sharpen the blade on your expensive little knives haha.

Sorry to be all over the place with my response, I tend to get a little to excited about things I am passionate about and what sounds like a well executed and planned reply in my head, ends up being a disorganized mess of random thought or points about different aspects of whatever I'm talking about. But again, I don't claim to be an expert in knives, just been obsessed with them since I was a kid and have thousands of dollars into my collection at any one time, which is always changing. I hope at least something I said might have helped a bit in your decision.

But, glad to hear everyone is doing well, and staying safe in these crazy times. I'm glad to be back, it's been too long, and hope to start participating on a regular basis again. I'm looking forward to seeing what I've missed, and admiring all the great Filson gear posted. And its great to see how active this thread is, and have gotten a few people into filson since last time we spoke. The guy I sold one of my Talon era bags to, is constantly sending me pics of his bag and it's great to see other people as excited about their bags as we are.

Stay safe everyone.

Dave

I’m happy my topic and shoutout helped bring you back to the conversation and with such a well thought and sizable reply. Thanks for sharing your experience and extensive knowledge with the group Dave!

Last we spoke over text you were telling me that you were expecting, but time sure does fly, and here we are. Congratulations again. Glad to hear that you were able to move some of those #257’s but kept the ones that meant the most to you. I already know which one you are referring to. We have a member searching for a Talon Era Otter Green 257 right now, I’m helping in the search.

I hadn’t heard that about Micarta before, even after scouring Blade Forums alike, that’s awesome! Makes total sense being an epoxied resin canvas. I believe I read chefs use them too, because of their non-slip properties. I like them even more now. The Green does match my personality lol. Also it’s patina power is very alluring.

I’ve recently switched blade material to that of S35VN

Spyderco Para 3 Folding Knife | Brown G-10 + Black S35VN | Blade HQ

This Para 3 model has a brown G-10 handle and a black finished CPM-S35VN steel blade with a plain edge. Get yours at Blade HQ!

www.bladehq.com

I hear what you’re saying about Spyderco’s thin pointy blades. That was a con for me at first because I was considering a Buck 112 Ranger with a Drop Point. The full flat ground blade of the Para 3 and unique blade style won me over. It’s not just another clip point. The issue with the Benchmade Bugout, isn’t it at all with the company. I have heard good things about them, and what @TinMan3 says definitely rings true to what I like about them. The issue with the Bugout is the flimsy Grivory handle materials and the nature of mostly anything that is classified as “Bugout”. These things basically live in a Bugout bag only to be used when the situation calls for it. I know it’s just a name, but it’s a really stupid name for something that is classified as an EDC.

That’s absolutely crazy that you were able to tell what kind of Micarta material each picture was, you’re in a completely different league then most! I know you said it’s about personal preference, but if you had to choose between canvas or linen, having a good idea about what I like, what would you recommend? Or is there another popular Micarta material I should be looking at? Thanks

Chris Reeves knives are very impressive. “The Filson of knives”...i like that. I can totally see one of these on my future

As far as Great Eastern Cutlery, I like the design and patina ability, but that's not the carry style I am looking for. Funny, the second I looked at their classic slip joint designs I thought of Brooks from Shawshank Redemption lol

Congratulations on your Gareth Bull score, that is absolutely epic! That reminds me of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection in the Bourbon and Rye world. I was able to score a George T Stagg and William Larue Weller for retail ($105 and $117 respectively). Both are now easily worth $500 and over in the secondary markets. As for sharpening, I am a beginner, so I am looking at getting a Spyderco Sharpmaker. I think as of now I am leaning towards the Spyderco Paramilitary 3 in S35VN steel, and search for a Micarta that speaks to me, most likely a lite military green, so I can watch it darken. Thanks a whole bunch Dave for taking the time that you did to craft that very impressive reply.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

This is me exactly. I love my benchmade valet knife. Extremely sharp, held an edge for over 2 years of regular use. I should send in for resharpening but haven’t bothered because it’s still sharp after 2.5 years. I’m not a knife guy per se, but the quality and usability is undeniable with benchmade. Also can’t beat the lifetime warranty with free lifetime sharpening.

The Benchmade Valet is very impressive. I couldn’t help but check that one out. When I did I saw this:

Shinola + Benchmade Custom 485 Valet Pocket Knife

Shinola has teamed up with Benchmade of Oregon City, OR for a custom iteration of their newest pocket knife. Featuring Benchmade’s patented AXIS® locking mechanism, premium M390 steel blade, orange G10 spacer, stainless steel hardware and discreet Shinola branding.

www.shinola.com

 

[McRiz]

hey guys! Could you help me identify this filson bag? I can't find any model numer or anything.

I'm pretty certain you have a Small Pullman. The "large" pullman has a connecting "o" ring on its handles (or whatever you call it), such as the ones circled below. The large travel bag uses the same handle design, while the medium does not.

 

[TinMan3]

The Benchmade Valet is very impressive. I couldn’t help but check that one out. When I did I saw this:

Shinola + Benchmade Custom 485 Valet Pocket Knife

Shinola has teamed up with Benchmade of Oregon City, OR for a custom iteration of their newest pocket knife. Featuring Benchmade’s patented AXIS® locking mechanism, premium M390 steel blade, orange G10 spacer, stainless steel hardware and discreet Shinola branding.

www.shinola.com

View attachment 1397836

Yes sir this is the one I have! It’s a beauty and 99% of what I will ever need out of an edc knife.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

I'm pretty certain you have a Small Pullman. The "large" pullman has a connecting "o" ring on its handles (or whatever you call it), such as the ones circled below. The large travel bag uses the same handle design, while the medium does not.

Glad you beat me to it. You’re right on the money. Btw, Did that guy get into a fight with a croc?

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

The Benchmade Valet is very impressive. I couldn’t help but check that one out. When I did I saw this:

Shinola + Benchmade Custom 485 Valet Pocket Knife

Shinola has teamed up with Benchmade of Oregon City, OR for a custom iteration of their newest pocket knife. Featuring Benchmade’s patented AXIS® locking mechanism, premium M390 steel blade, orange G10 spacer, stainless steel hardware and discreet Shinola branding.

www.shinola.com

View attachment 1397836

Awesome!!! It’s on my radar as well, just need to learn a little more about the construction and steel type.

 

[speedy611]

hey guys! Could you help me identify this filson bag? I can't find any model numer or anything.

Small Pullman. Well regarded as a more manageable version of its big brother the original Pullman. Clamshell is useful if you like that sort of thing, but it packs very differently to a duffle. Exterior zip pocket surprisingly large and useful as long as the rest of the bag isn’t over filled.

 

[singjai]

What's up guys. Hope all of you are having a good weekend considering the circumstances. Since we're still staying indoors, figured this was the perfect day to clean/condition the new, used, briefcase (just for my own sanity on used things). I noticed a couple interesting things with the talon 256 that I thought some of you folks might also find interesting.

Talon 256 pics on top, 2014 Filson-YKK 257 underneath

The zipper's bottom stops on the talon era vs the Filson-YKK era ends at different positions. There was a bunch of green oxidation on the talon zipper's end stop but wiped away pretty easily. Looks like I missed a bit at the bottom corner.

The talon's zipper has the wavy effect. I know this can happen when bags shrink or when the zipper is too long. Saw it happen on somebody's Filson briefcase after he washed it in the washer. Not sure if that was the case with this bag but based on this vintage stock photo I found, looks like it might have been pretty common?

For a 20+ year old bag, I'm surprised the leather button piece is stiff enough to still stand up. I think my 257 started slouching pretty fast.

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

What's up guys. Hope all of you are having a good weekend considering the circumstances. Since we're still staying indoors, figured this was the perfect day to clean/condition the new, used, briefcase (just for my own sanity on used things). I noticed a couple interesting things with the talon 256 that I thought some of you folks might also find interesting.

Talon 256 pics on top, 2014 Filson-YKK 257 underneath

The zipper's bottom stops on the talon era vs the Filson-YKK era ends at different positions. There was a bunch of green oxidation on the talon zipper's end stop but wiped away pretty easily. Looks like I missed a bit at the bottom corner.
View attachment 1397896
View attachment 1397897

The talon's zipper has the wavy effect. I know this can happen when bags shrink or when the zipper is too long. Saw it happen on somebody's Filson briefcase after he washed it in the washer. Not sure if that was the case with this bag but based on this vintage stock photo I found, looks like it might have been pretty common?
View attachment 1397905

View attachment 1397906
View attachment 1397908
View attachment 1397907
View attachment 1397910

For a 20+ year old bag, I'm surprised the leather button piece is stiff enough to still stand up. I think my 257 started slouching pretty fast.
View attachment 1397919 View attachment 1397920

Excellent side by side comparison shots! The difference (I think) between an assembly line process VS a small team of craftsmen.

How come you wiped away your oxidation...or “Hulk Matter” as I have been known to call it?

I am in love with mine still and find new spots constantly on my 25 or so year 257 that have it. Here’s some old shots of it:

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Maybe I was wrong about this new seller and his pricing practices. He is out of his right mind in fact! @GzStudio and @TinMan3 what are your thoughts, considering you two offer the biggest (and best) Filson secondary markets on the internet.

1. Build Date is the exact same as mine (1010) and mine was also in new-like condition. However I paid $370 or so and he is charging......well you can see

Filson Sportsman Boston bag FM018 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Filson Sportsman Boston bag FM018 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

2. Crazy to think Filson missed out with charging extra for a simple universal brass padlock. They could've made a fortune charging what this seller thinks they are worth. Filson bag sold separately

Filson Padlock FM074 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Filson Padlock FM074 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

3. Nothing like paying $95 for stickers.

Filson Sticker 4 Pieces Set FM058 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Filson Sticker 4 Pieces Set FM058 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Because of new sellers like this, my daily Filson eBay search is taking much much longer. This number has tripled in recent days, as you can see from my screen grab:

 

[singjai]

Excellent side by side comparison shots! The difference (I think) between an assembly line process VS a small team of craftsmen.

How come you wiped away your oxidation...or “Hulk Matter” as I have been known to call it?

I am in love with mine still and find new spots constantly on my 25 or so year 257 that have it. Here’s some old shots of it:

View attachment 1397922

View attachment 1397923

View attachment 1397924

Wow, that's all over the place! Was it that way when you purchased or just built up since? The only spot it showed for me was at the end stops. Guess I just wiped it away as a result of habit while cleaning ha. Didn't really think twice about it. Totally forgot about it until I saw the little piece in the pictures!

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Wow, that's all over the place! Was it that way when you purchased or just built up since? The only spot it showed for me was at the end stops. Guess I just wiped it away as a result of habit while cleaning ha. Didn't really think twice about it. Totally forgot about it until I saw the little piece in the pictures!

Most of mine was built up from decades in storage. However the oxidation seen on my Buck 55 is very new. It's coming up through the Walnut. It's not required to keep it on, I just like it because as many of you know...I am weird like that.

 

[danfilsondill]

Great day to Kayak! Store all the kayak supplies in the large duffle (any excuse to buy another Filson bag...)

 

[OtterMeanGreen]

Apart from the absolute ripoff that this Japan seller is listing his 2010 #266 for, check out that price difference from not even a decade ago ($155). All that for a bag that does not equal the same footprint as the previous #266/#70266.

eBay seller:

Filson.com

On a side note I enjoy how Filson whitewashed their review ratings on their website, namely a bag that they re-released a little over 2 years ago. They adopted a new review style liking system and erased all of my thumbs up. How disappointing. I still gave them 3 stars for effort.

The fabric weight is certainly up for debate, in a way I am messing with them a little here

However there's still this elephant in the room: