Fillet knife

[eyedr]

Looking to add to my christmas list. I was wondering what knives do you guys use and which ones stay the sharpest. I got a cheapy gerber with the cheap red two stage sharpener and it works alright but I want quality knife that will stay shaper longer. Suggestions for a knife and a decent sharpener? I have 7 1/4" inch blade right now and I like it, wouldn't mind a little longer but don't want to go any shorter.

[Fishin4fun_MN]

I have a Gerber and that is my go to filet knife. I use the sharpener that is built into the sheath. I use it for all my filet knives. I also a few other no name ones that I got here and there. They all seem to be good quality, but cheap. My next one will most likely be a Rapala though.

[Iambjm]

I also have the Gerber with the sharpener in the sheath and I love it, I know I always have a sharpener with me. Mine is at least 12 years old and even though my husband bent the tip on it I will keep using it as long as it lasts. I have a rapala and three other cheapies,and they stay in the drawer most of the time. I want to get another Gerber, but I haven't seen them around anywhere.

[Fishin4fun_MN]

Got mine on close out at Wally World a hand full of years ago. Think I say it at Scheels in Hunting with the other knives, not sure though.

[highlife4me]

I have a Cutco, no built in sharpener but I use a Chefs choice sharpener. The edge lasts a very long time. Would buy another in a heart beat if I lost this one, although I wouldn't mind having a Leech Lake knife either.

[Bigslugger]

I know this knife is a bit shorter at 6", but as a meat cutter, these blades hold an edge like no other for under $20. There are 2 models a flexible and a stiff. I prefer the stiff.

Victorinox 47513 6-Inch Flex Boning Knife with Fibrox Handle

As for a sharpener, a good quality steel will keep that edge straight as can be for a long time because of the high carbon content of the blade. If looking for a true sharpener, a sharpening stone soaked in packer oil does a fantastic job.

Hopefully this helps!

[mww24]

I would love a don caney leech lake filet knife. They are a beautiful knife and from what I hear they work great. My pocketbook doesn't agree though. Lol google them though.

[Jim Hudson]

The Rapala knives with the light colored wooden handle have been really good for me. I use these to fillet all my clients fish, summer and winter. Been very impressed with how they keep an edge. I usually need to sharpen mine after about 10 Trout, and thats cutting the fillets off through the rib bones.

[mww24]

I have a rapala knife that jim talks about. They are good knives. I use to clean pannies and cut right through then bones usually. Work good and if i remember they are under 20.00

[Esox_Magnum]

I use electric now but my old knife is a hand made Easely I have had for 20+ years and been resharpened twice, still my first choice when I have a couple of eyes to clean...

[AaronM]

I use Chicago Cutlery. I get it professionally sharpened once a year for around $7.50. My dad used to guide in the 70's, and still has his same knife.

It really depends on how many fish you fillet each year. If you don't do too many fish, any decent fillet knife should do nicely for you. A good, clean, fillet table will also delay any sharpening.

Best of luck!

[eyedr]

Thanks guys. I don't fillet thousands a year, but who doesn't like to get new knives? I am a little ticked off at myself, I was between the gerber and the rapala with the wood handle and went with the gerber. I have heard very good things about the rapala knife, its the same one my grandpa used. I would love a leech lake knife too, they look pretty sweet. Well, I might have to give the rapala a try this year. Thanks again.

[Ballyhoo]

+1 on the Chicago cutlery. I have one and know several LOW guides that use them and swear by them. Hold an edge well and easy to touch up. I use the 78S which I see now that they don't go by that number anymore, it is just called 7 1/2" filet knife. They also make a shorter one called the 65S. Not an expensive knife but good quality and a good feel. My second choice would be a wood handled Rapala knife. I have two of them. 1 short one for fileting ducks and panfish and a standard length which I keep in my ice fishing bag.

[laportian]

Chicago cutlery here. I have actually filleted thousands of walleyes with the one I have. It has the right amount of backbone to take the fillet off nicely and it ribs well too. It shines at skinning. I carry a smith's 3 in one sharpener and it touches my chicago up nicely. In this lower price range nothing really compares to chicago knives.

[graf703]

Wustof has a much cheaper fillet knife available now as well for ~$40. It still uses german steel.

I have a dexter that took some work to get razor sharp but it is fantastic now and holds an edge well. Most commercial fisherman in Alaska used dexter-russell or victorinox. My canadian guide uses a wustof. Leech lakes are the prettiest.

[GatorBait]

Huh, maybe i'm an oddball but ever since my dad trusted me with a knife I've used an electric mister twister which is still working to this day. Which was around 12 as I remember filleting buckets of jumbo's up in Winnie. I don't honestly think I could use a fillet knife as precisely and clean as I do with the ol'electric. Props to those that can though.

[eyedr]

Ill sell you mine for 5 bucks. After doing some research I think I may go for either a chicago cutlery or a henkel.

[AaronM]

There are always some nice vintage Chicago Cutlery knives on a popular auction site. I do know if you go the CC route, you'll have a knife that will outlast you. I would recommend getting a leather sheath made for your knife. Any reputable leather worker should be able to whip up something.

Best of luck whatever route you go!

[Hardyboy]

I use the leech lake knife and would highly recommend it. If anything ever happens to it i will be replacing it. I may just get another and " hide" it for when i may need it. The wife likes to go try and find mine to use it for things other than intended use. At least MY intended use lol.

[Chaws]

Havalon Baracuta! Replaceable blades and the blades are surgical sharp. I have both one of the fillet knives and a regular knife that zips open deer and waterfowl without any effort.

[amateurfishing]

if anyone is looking for knives, i have an entire kit of extras with carrying case i would like to part with

filet knive

boning knive

chefs knife

diamond steel

carry case

brands r forschner, gerber (maybe even henkel)