Thread: Fillet Knife Recommendations

I am in the market for a new fillet knife. I currently use several cheap Rapalas that are getting to a point where they no longer hold an edge. I also use a MisterTwister electric fisherman that has cleaned hundreds of fish, both fresh and saltwater. I am looking for an affordable (not cheap) knife that can be used in a variety of situations. What do you folks recommend?

I have used Mr. Twister for quite a while. It lasts.

Dexter Russell. Sharp as hell, great grips and reasonably priced. I believe J&M carries them.
I have a DR 9" serrated fillet knife that is scary sharp.

You're not going to believe this but J&M has some recondition fillet knives at their checkout counter for $4-$5 that have worked great for me as an all purpose knife I too clean my most of my fish with an electric knife but have had no problem filleting with these knives Goes right through filleting for cut bait Doesn't come with a sheath but I found some easily online

I have had this knife for years. You can even send it back to them and they will sharpen it if you don't want too. If they can't get it sharp then they will replace the blade.

https://www.cutco.com/products/produ...117h1863fcgief

Dexter Russel gets my vote also

I actually have that same blade as spottedbass mentioned in the link. I had no idea what it was or where it came from until just now. It was one of those things where I moved after college and it just appeared in a box of kitchen stuff. I will say that it's a great knife. Probably my favorite Thin blade that stays sharp. I also have a Bubba Blade that I use all the time. Laugh if you want, but I love that thing.

For small fish I don't think you can beat the Rapala, but you're right, they aren't lifetime knives---I'm able to sharpen mine with the Gatco system, but it takes practice. I got a fillet knife from Morakniv that is promising, about the same size and feel as a Rapala, but with better steel. When you move on up to larger fish like kings and reds, the Dexter Russel really shines. I was helping a guy clean a big redfish last year and did one side to show him and when he started on the other side, he asked, "Just how sharp is that knife of yours, anyhow?"

If Gerber has fixed the problem with their handles splitting, they make a good small fillet knife, 6" to 9". Good steel and easier to sharpen than the Rapala, but the soft handles had a tendency to split along the back if you put much pressure on them.

I've heard a lot of people praise the Bubba Blade. I've never tried one, and they look a little unwieldy to me---too much handle and a bigger blade than I need for most fish.

There are quite a few good knives out there, but you generally have to pay for good steel and they have to be maintained. I much prefer a smaller knife that is easy to control and make precise cuts with over a big hacker. A good sharp knife is a pleasure to work with and a dull one will make you cut yourself and ruin your fillets.

+1 on Bubba Blade

i use this:
Gone Fishing Outdoor Series Knife and Fish Cleaning 8 PC Set in Case SHIP Free | eBay