filet knife.

[toughguy]

I use the Rapala black handle knife that comes with a red sharpener. I don't think it's the best knife in the world, but it gets the job done, and it's a lot cheaper than the high end knives. I just assume that I'll have to buy 1 per year. I lose, damage, burn, destroy my stuff way too easy. That's why I go with affordable, effective, gear. From guns, poles, reels, etc. I don't like to baby my gear and I hate it when I break expensive stuff. If something is expensive because it is durable I will pay more for it, i.e. otter portables. Just my opinion and gear philosophy.

[Cheeser]

$67 directly from Cutco.

[Minnesota_Herb]

I use a Benchmade (model 10115) folding fillet knife (thanks Petey) and couldn't be happier with it.

Inexpensive, lightweight, and versatile.

[ZEEK1223]

My local butcher suggested a forschner fillet knife made in Germany. best knife i have ever had. they are not that expensive either

[TUMBLEWEED]

I have an early made Cutco and find the adjustable blade

is like having two knives As far as Rapala, I did find a really nice one that has a 3/8" inch wide blade that is

very flexible. I find the stainless blades to be less flexible (very important in a filet knife, as much as

sharpness). The "skinny" bladed Rapala is one

exception that I have found. I paid around twenty bucks

for it. The Cutco was around fifty when I got it. They

are around 70 bucks now??

[Northlander]

Forschners are good knives and I really liked mine before it disapeared. I now use a electric and love it. When I travel where there is no power I just bring some folding rapala knives and as long as I sharpen them a few times a summer I have no problems with them.

[bassaddict]

I have a 9" Wusthoff for regular use. Really a great knife but heavy price tag.

[harvey lee]

BassAddict

Welcome to fishing Minnesota. Your are correct in regards to the Wusthoff knife, there are a very good knife.

[Hookmaster]

My buddy has the adjustable Cutco but I have never used it. Maybe I'll try it on the Canada trip this year. I got my Leech Lake Knife in 2001 and it's still going strong with its once a year sharpening. I have given 3 fishing buddies one as gifts and they really enjoy them. I know one is going on his third season without sharpening. They do hold an edge. I have the large one and it handles the panfish fine. I've used a small Rapala before but I always use a the larger knife for taking the skin off.

[dirtking]

I'm a leech lake knife guy! I had a professional knife sharpener sharpen it after the 2nd year I used it and look out - that baby is sharp!

[let it snow]

This post came across about a year ago somewhere....but I still stand by what my wife tells me...she was taught how to fillet fish when she was 15. She started w/ the 6" Rapala and that was the knife of choice for many years. One day she and her step dad cleaned 302 walleyes....all w/ the Raps. Then the Leech Lake knives showed up and the Raps have been in the drawer ever since. I'm not sure what I would recommend. The Rap is a great standard and easy to sharpen (those Chicago's can be tuff cuz of the edge but lots of folks like 'em) and I know my fillet queen has looked at Cutco and never tried it so has no in put. She likes the Leech Lake - make sure you try out the "firmness" before you buy....there are many different types to meet your needs. You can also get them sharpened at most sports shows for $2.-$3.

Mr. LIS