Top of the Line Fillet Knives

[Jim Uran]

I've got a Buck! I've had it for 3 years now and it's even gutted out some deer, butchered deer, it's great for filleting of course and it's even sharp enough to do this... happened the day after Turkey day... OUCH!

[fishorgolf]

Leech, Looks like a good one! reminds me of when I cut the end of my thumb off filleting up some fish years ago. (not paying attention) I stuck the piece back on and drove to the doctor and he sewed it back on. Good as new except I have no feeling in it. Didn't hurt right away but I bleed like a stuck pig. Hurt latter though!

[Camp Bob]

I have three Leech Lake knives. One I've had since they started in 1985 and still use it. They hold an edge the longest I've seen and they will sharpen for you at no charge whenever you need. I typically take mine to the Sportsman Show in MNpls once a year and I'm good to go for the year. Can't beat them for quality, durability, functionality and they are always admired in the cleaning house. Also good entertainment as noted previously when a novice wants to try them out.

[Bigslugger]

Wow I never relized how many quality knives are out there. Looks like the knives to look at are; Leech Lake Knives, Wustoff, Kershaw, Easly, Cut Co, and Buck.

After looking at these choices they all seem to be in the same price range, except for the Cut Co, which seems rather high for my budget.

The Leech Lake is on sale at Reeds for $89.99, the Wustoff for $74.99, and the Buck is under $40.

I could not find the Kershaw and Easly for the life of me sadly. The Easly sounds like a fantastic from the view of Esox. Like he said if anyone has their info please give it out!

I have to choose between the Leech Lake and Wustoff now. What is the difference in flexibility and keeping the blade? Also how well do they handle their customers if something is to go wrong with the knife?

[Tyler23]

we had a handle crack on one of our leech lake knives. they gave us a new one no questions asked... they also sharpen then for free at the sports show. i would never own anything else

[Wables]

I also have an Easley knife. It has gone through countless walleyes and salmon over the past 6 or 7 years. (6-700?) I got a Leech Lake knife a few years ago, cleaned one mess of walleyes, and went back to the Easley. It has never been resharpened, only passed over a smooth steel 3 or 4 times. I was able to track them down about 4 years ago. I was interested in a 9 or 10" knife for salmon. They said that they had just moved and hadn't set up their shop yet, but they would get back to me. I never heard from them, and I no longer have their contact info. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

However...the messes of perch get cleaned by a Rapala electric knife!

[See yup]

402/727-4827. possible # for Easley. may be good may not be give it a try.

[Jim Almquist]

Quote:

What is the difference in flexibility and keeping the blade?

I love the flexibility of the Leech Lake and all I do is run it across the crock sticks a few times before cleaning any fish. I have never tried a Wustoff fillet knife but kitchen knifes are great !

[quackersmacker]

Cutco Fishermans Solution is the best knife I have eve used. The one feature thats stands out to me is the extendable blade that is totlally removable for ease of cleaning. They also have some little feature such as, a fish hook sharpner, line cutter, and a hook remover all on the sheath. Plus they sharpen the blade for life. Over all it is a great product.

[huskie0302]

has anyone used Knives of alaska??? I bought one 3 years ago, and this summer was the first time I had to sharpen it. Does anyone have a recommendation for a sharpener?

[dan z]

Ill second the Cut-Co knife it is a very nice fillet knive, and very sharp.

My dad has that knife also, and he loves it

[Big Dave2]

electric or cordless. Got a cordless rapala that works good for a few fish and really good for skinning them. Had anAmerican Angeler for three months and burned it out. Getting a plug in rapala soon. They are great compared to a regular knife. After using one and someone hands you a knife you dont really know what to do. There is a little learning curve to the electrics but well worth it in time and meat saved. And the wife wont argue about helping fillet cause its that easy.

Ha Ha.......I also have been using an electric knife for many years and highly recommend them, but.......I have NEVER found your above statement to be true!

[Fred_Bear]

American Angler electric. By the time a guy has one perch fileted, I can have 4 done, and it saves a ton of meat as well. Electrics are the cats meow

If you can clean 4 fish to my 1 with an electric then I'll quit fishing. You must have some pretty inexperienced buddy's.

I've used electrics for taking skins off and it does go a little faster, but they're loud so you can't have much of a conversation or hear the radio or TV.

[bobbymalone]

I know a lot of folks that swear by the electric knife, but you won't catch me using one.

There is something more "real" about filleting them with the traditional method.

I question how much better a $100+ fillet knife can be compared to a $10 rapala, but I haven't ever used a fillet knife that sold for over $20. My guess is they just hold an edge better and look nicer, which is not worth it IMHO.

[aczr2k]

Picked up a Cutco at the show, price wasn't too bad at $65. Normally it would run around $85. Lifetime warranty and free in house sharpening. Looks pretty good, handle is nice and comfortable, blade extends. I can take some pics if anyone would like.

[Andy-LOTW_Rules]

I have a 6 year old Leech Lake. No regret buying it. The flex in the blade takes a little getting used to. Then ya love it.

I use a dual side diamond stone I got at Mi11s Flee Farm. Gets it so sharp it is a little scary working with it.

[hydro]

It looks like I might be a throwback on this thread, but I have always preferred the good old Rapala knife. Growing up at a resort, I always had a ready supply of them, and learned early on how to keep them sharp enough to work well but not so sharp that they slice through bone inadvertently. I like the taper and spring, and I utilize that in filleting to both hold the fish and cut.

I have tried other knives including some of the pricey ones above and never found the same spring and taper that I like. There's nothing wrong with spending upwards of $100.00 for a beautiful work of knife art, but thats $100.00 more than I have spent on fillet knives in my lifetime. As for keeping the blade sharp, I use a stone every few trips and that keeps the edge the way that I like it. I don't put the "razor" edge on it but leave it somewhat blunt sharp.

[leakywaders]

What about Dexter-Russell knives? Not as expensive as the ones you guys are talking about, but I've read some rave reviews about them on other boards (mainly saltwater fishing).

I'm in the market for a Made in USA fillet knife, too.

leakywaders

[aczr2k]

Cutco knives are 100% made in USA, at least thats what I was told?

[prov1900]

Check out the Browning knives. I have the one with the cork handle. It is a really nice knife with a great blade for around 35-40 bucks.

[Harmonica Bear]

I have a Henschel fillet knife. Gift from my dad some 25 years ago. Absolutely an awesome knife, holds its edge seemingly forever. I beleive they were hand-made. Not even sure if they are availble anymmore. Beautiful knife though.