Thread: Fish Knives...Bubba vs Dexter vs ???? others?

Looking to buy a good, dependable fish filet knife or two. It seems that Dexter Russell and Bubba Blades are top contenders. There may be others that I am not aware of, if so let me know your thoughts. I have bought a couple of Rapalas, I have not been very pleased with their performance and dependability. They are almost a disposable knife, use once and toss it.

Dexter Russell get my first vote. Go to J&M, they have a good selection.

Search the threads, they was a very good discussion on this topic just 3-4 weeks ago.

CarlF is correct about the previous thread on fillet knives. Since then, I have become more and more fond of my new Morakniv which looks much like a 6" Rapala blade (better handle) but with better steel and stiffer. I have actually had bystanders comment on how well it works. Most of the fish I fillet are under ten pounds and most of them are under five---think Spanish, bluefish, speckled trout, etc., so I don't need or want a heavy duty cutter for them.

When I do need stouter knife---bull reds, big kings, sheepshead, etc.---I keep a Dexter Russell fillet knife on the cart, and if I were restricted to only one knife I think I'd choose it. The D.R. serrated knife is also fantastic, but I wouldn't want to process small fish with one. I really don't like a knife longer than 8 inches---I have a lot more control over a shorter blade, and that's the only thing I have against the Bubba Blades. I've borrowed a couple of Bubba Blades to try them out, but the owners apparently had no clue about sharpening knives, so the trials were over quickly. I have no use for a dull knife.

My opinion of Bubba Blades is that they are hyped up crap. They are made of coated carbon steel, thus making them easier to sharpen, which may be the draw that makes some believe they are awesome. If I really wanted a carbon steel filet knife, I would get another brand, that is better made and cheaper, such as a Svord Svord Kiwi Fish Fillet Knife 9" Carbon Steel Blade, Black Polypropylene Handles, Polyurethane Sheath - KnifeCenter - SVORD-KFF

Dexter Russell or many other NSF certified knives are my first choice as well. With that said the reconditioned commercial knives sold at J&M are my new favorite filet knives. They have more of a swept blade than most DRs, that works very well for me personally. At $4.99 (if I recall correctly, they may be $5.99) a piece they are definitely a bargain and by far the most and best bang for your buck.

My 9" DR serrated knife is scary sharp.
Overkill/not flexible for Spanish, specs, white trout, etc..
But it will fillet up a king or Amberjack like no tomorrow.

Originally Posted by Haywire

CarlF is correct about the previous thread on fillet knives. Since then, I have become more and more fond of my new Morakniv which looks much like a 6" Rapala blade (better handle) but with better steel and stiffer. I have actually had bystanders comment on how well it works. Most of the fish I fillet are under ten pounds and most of them are under five---think Spanish, bluefish, speckled trout, etc., so I don't need or want a heavy duty cutter for them.

When I do need stouter knife---bull reds, big kings, sheepshead, etc.---I keep a Dexter Russell fillet knife on the cart, and if I were restricted to only one knife I think I'd choose it. The D.R. serrated knife is also fantastic, but I wouldn't want to process small fish with one. I really don't like a knife longer than 8 inches---I have a lot more control over a shorter blade, and that's the only thing I have against the Bubba Blades. I've borrowed a couple of Bubba Blades to try them out, but the owners apparently had no clue about sharpening knives, so the trials were over quickly. I have no use for a dull knife.

My brother turned me onto the morakniv. I hadn't thought about using it for fish. I skinned a few animals with it this winter and it did a good job with that.

Originally Posted by ShallowWaterAngler

My brother turned me onto the morakniv. I hadn't thought about using it for fish. I skinned a few animals with it this winter and it did a good job with that.

This is an actual fillet knife by Morakniv. Stainless, good gripping handle.

I was in Cabelas today and picked up a Wusthof Silverpoint II 7'' fillet and sheath combo. I must say it is close to being the sharpest out of box knife that I have ever handled. Just hope it sharpens and holds an edge well. I also got a 7'' Kershaw fillet knife and sheath combo, regular price $19.99 0n sale for $9.99, looks like it will make decent backup. Planned on getting a couple of Dexters but the rack was empty, guess that means a stop at J M when I get down.

I keep a sharpener handy and just have the habit of touching up my cheap filet knife every time I pick it up.
No bragging rights on name or anything but works great for me.

Originally Posted by DRH

the reconditioned commercial knives sold at J&M are my new favorite filet knives. They have more of a swept blade than most DRs, that works very well for me personally. At $4.99 (if I recall correctly, they may be $5.99) a piece they are definitely a bargain and by far the most and best bang for your buck.

Been saying this for some time now......it is hard for me to leave the store without a couple.....I oun many now,still working on the first....that with a sharp rapala to fine cut the 1/2 filet is all I need