Whi makes the best fillet knife?

[Nancy]

Just wondering about buying a new fillet knife, but there are so many to choose from. Suggestions?

[prd1]

I have two which I like, a CUTCO and a Chicago Cutlery. The CUTCO is a brand you do not find easily, sold through a direct marketing company as far as I know (my wife bought it for me) and Chicago Cutlery is available about any where. Look for the longer blade (8-9 inch or so) and flexible blade.

Good luck,
Paul

[Skis]

I'd second the Chicago Cutlery. Had mine many years. Sharpen each winter and she flies through the walleyes all year long!

[BlackSilver]

My favorite is a Boker model 600. Perfect design (makes you feel like a surgeon!) and holds its edge incredibly long.

http://209.35.185.42/ShopSite/Boker_600_Fillet_Knife.html

If you want something more economical, Stanley makes a kinda nice set with surprisingly good blades for the price.

http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?ST29

Walk softly and carry a big fish.

Hans/MN

[Walleye daddy]

I have used a Rapala filet knife for 20 years and it still holds a great edge and cuts great. Thet did a field test on 3 filet knives on gear guide on tv. They compared 3 knives, one was the Rapala. This filet knife came out on top based on usablilty, sharpness and cutting ability. Sorry don't recall the other 2 knives, but I know they were higher priced models. I've never had a problem with mine.

[VMS]

If you ever get the chance to go to Reeds in Walker, MN. Check out the Leech Lake Fillet knife. Best blade that I have found for sharpness, versatility and flexibility. It is actually double edged (top and bottom) so you can do a few more things with it. well built and defilitly a beautiful knife to boot. They also travel to some of the sport shows and you can bring your knife there and have it sharpened for free, and buffed back to the nice shine that it originally has. hands down the best knife I have used, but gotta watch out. The recommendations is to have some band-aids available the first time you use it....it's that good.

Steve

[Phil T.]

Of the affordable knives, the wood-handled Rapala is a true bargain. It's easily sharpened, and holds an edge quite well.
If you can find them, the high priced Gerber knives hold an edge better than most others. They should, they cost 6X as much as the Rapala or even more.

[srj]

The Rapala Presentation was a great knife for under $20. Wonder why they quit making them. Is the new Rapala non-wooden handle knife any good?

[Justin]

I have used the wooden and synthetic handled Rapalas and love them both. I have cleaned over a thousand walleyes and they performed well. And before I get flamed for cleaning that many walleyes, I fished on Erie a lot for pleasure and also used to work as a first mate. I also use them on panfish.

[balsl6]

The Leech lake Knives are one of the best I have used. I believe Reeds has link to there web site on walleye central.

[Big Sky]

Another vote for Leech Lake Knives. I have 2. The large version and the small.

[Barry]

I'll second with VMS whole heartedly. Reed's has these hand made knives that are incredible. They are not cheap, but after you have experienced how incredibly sharp they are, and stay, you will scoff at trying to get by with mass produced knives. They slide through the skin like butter, and continue to do so for many fish. Retail $79.99. Also, be careful not to cut your finger on the back of the knife. If you are used to resting your thumb on the blade, it will be sliced.

[JAK]

I have not tried them all, but I have tried quite a few including the Rapala. I only wish I had found the Leech Lake knife sooner. It was given to me by my wife and another friend. I most likley would not have spent that much money myself, but it IS an absolutley fantastic knife! It seems to stay sharp forever. I have cleaned over a hundred fish between sharpenings several times! Expensive, but GOOD!

[Boating Bob]

Forschner, Excellent knives!