Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.

[LDennis24]

You guys that are all talking about 20+ yr old Rapala knives. Are they the same steel these days? I just use my trust hunting and fishing club ones as I don't do a whole lot of filletting. I cook the whole fish alot of times.

[screedler]

Victorinox. Use it to butcher deer too, got a semi stiff and a flexible model they both work very well

[CastleRocker]

Victorinox. Use it to butcher deer too, got a semi stiff and a flexible model they both work very well

That's exactly what I use.  I sharpen them with a mill *censored* file.  Sounds crude, but it works well.  Have an old Normark (bought out by Fiskars in the '80's), that works well too.

[timberhunter]

I have been using a kershaw clearwater for about 10 years to fillet fish and cut game meat. I have a rapala also but prefer the kershaw because of the grip. I can also get the kershaw a little sharper with a diamond steel.

[carpsniperg2]

Victornix for me for all my butchering needs. Hands down the best knives I’ve used.

[brokentrail]

You guys that are all talking about 20+ yr old Rapala knives. Are they the same steel these days? I just use my trust hunting and fishing club ones as I don't do a whole lot of filletting. I cook the whole fish alot of times.

I have no idea if the steel has changed or not.

[Reidus]

For economical
Mora/frost
Vixtorinox
Dexter

If you want something nicer look at 3 dog knives fisher or north arm knives kermode fillet knife.
https://www.northernknives.com/online-store/3DK-Fisher-8-Fillet-Knife-Orange-G-10-p136102243

https://northarmknives.com/product-category/kitchen-knives/

[CP]

For economical
Mora/frost
Vixtorinox
Dexter

If you want something nicer look at 3 dog knives fisher or north arm knives kermode fillet knife.
https://www.northernknives.com/online-store/3DK-Fisher-8-Fillet-Knife-Orange-G-10-p136102243

https://northarmknives.com/product-category/kitchen-knives/

I was gifted a 3DK Fisher a few years back and it has been a solid knife.  Edge retention is fantastic.  Pricey, more than I would spend on a knife for myself but it was a great gift.


https://www.3dogknife.com/shop-1?Category=The%2520Fisher

[jackelope]

You guys that are all talking about 20+ yr old Rapala knives. Are they the same steel these days? I just use my trust hunting and fishing club ones as I don't do a whole lot of filletting. I cook the whole fish alot of times.

According to the internet it’s the same. And it’s just “European stainless steel”. I did some googling. Found this comment in a forum from 9 years ago. It rings true with me because my grandfather didn’t care as long as it was sharp.

“I bet no one knows, because, because, back then, no one cared. It wasn't a selling point, nor did the internet exist to promote the steel-of-the-week mentality.”

[CP]

You guys that are all talking about 20+ yr old Rapala knives. Are they the same steel these days? I just use my trust hunting and fishing club ones as I don't do a whole lot of filletting. I cook the whole fish alot of times.

According to the internet it’s the same. And it’s just “European stainless steel”. I did some googling. Found this comment in a forum from 9 years ago. It rings true with me because my grandfather didn’t care as long as it was sharp.

“I bet no one knows, because, because, back then, no one cared. It wasn't a selling point, nor did the internet exist to promote the steel-of-the-week mentality.”

Back in the day you really only had 2 choices in steel;
“High carbon” – took a great edge and held it but it would rust.
“Stainless” – not so great edge retention but it didn’t rust.

I would expect that all knife makers have kept up with the vast improvements that have been made in metallurgy over the past few decades.  If not, they won’t stay in business.

[jackelope]

You guys that are all talking about 20+ yr old Rapala knives. Are they the same steel these days? I just use my trust hunting and fishing club ones as I don't do a whole lot of filletting. I cook the whole fish alot of times.

According to the internet it’s the same. And it’s just “European stainless steel”. I did some googling. Found this comment in a forum from 9 years ago. It rings true with me because my grandfather didn’t care as long as it was sharp.

“I bet no one knows, because, because, back then, no one cared. It wasn't a selling point, nor did the internet exist to promote the steel-of-the-week mentality.”

Back in the day you really only had 2 choices in steel;
“High carbon” – took a great edge and held it but it would rust.
“Stainless” – not so great edge retention but it didn’t rust.

I would expect that all knife makers have kept up with the vast improvements that have been made in metallurgy over the past few decades.  If not, they won’t stay in business.

Agreed. That comment was made roughly a decade ago too.

[hunter399]

These are pretty good,if you need a throw away.
Or if you have a work sharp,or can keep it sharp.
I used it on a deer ,and some stuff. I think my wife used it.
Now it's dull, sharpness did last very well for about a year.
I'd recommend if you need something to beat up,throw in boat or tackle box. Beater to beat the life out of it.
Keep your receipt, exchange for a new one every 90 days ... 😂

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Fillet-Knife-6/188892796?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wmlspartner=wlpa&cn=FY25-ENTP-PMAX_cnv_dps_dsn_dis_ad_entp_e_n&gclsrc=aw.ds&adid=22222222298188892796_0000000000_21835691471&wl0=&wl1=x&wl2=m&wl3=&wl4=&wl5=9033778&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=188892796&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr7C6BhDRARIsAOUKifgK3SgVvgE2q1ZLDOt0X9Tu94LnXy_5DN5xqRmYj4fNsLjNbWzFf0AaAg1KEALw_wcB

[Huckleberry]

I have really enjoyed the outdoor edge folding filet knife for my throw away. Sharpens easy enough, edge retention is adequate and it folds up which is great. They are cheap, I toss them in about everything. Stainless so it doesn't rust with my duck or salt water gear. Online or forks outfitters. Haven't seen them too many places. The red handled rapalas have a bit better blade but the case seems to get misplaced occasionally.

[boneaddict]

If you really want to get fancy you could go the ULU route.   My Dad got me a set on his Grizz hunt.  Mostly they are decorative and look cool on the shelf.  Now that there is University of You tube where you can actually watch how they use them, pretty cool.

[jackelope]

On his way to meet on our BWCA trip in September, my buddy from Michigan stopped at Rapid River Knifeworks in Michigan and bought their folding fillet knife. It’s a splurge but man, it’s a sweet knife.

https://rapidriverknifeworks.com/products/folding-fillet?variant=44786993037443