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Author Topic: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.  (Read 3129 times)

Offline Boss .300 winmag

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Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« on: November 29, 2024, 08:38:15 PM »
Looking to find one for a Christmas present. Any ideas?
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Offline brokentrail

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2024, 08:53:55 PM »
I have been using Rapala fillet knives for 45 years and have always been happy with them.  rapala.com


Offline MADMAX

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Offline jackelope

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #3 on: November 29, 2024, 09:06:33 PM »
I have probably 6-7 of the Rapala knives all of which belonged to my grandfather. They’re all well used and effective. I have a Bubba blade 9” fillet knife and it’s awesome. My buddy bought a super nice one in Minnesota on our boundary waters trip. I’ll see if I can get the name of the knife maker he got it from. It’s art.
:fire.:

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Offline 7mmfan

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #4 on: November 29, 2024, 09:30:30 PM »
Depends on what he's cutting I suppose. I had a Cutco one for years that was OK, but too soft/limber. I've got a couple Victorinox knives that I really like now, different knives foe different purposes. A good worksharp sharpener and I keep them factory sharp.
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Offline HUNTINCOUPLE

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #5 on: November 29, 2024, 09:47:26 PM »
Rapala.  :tup:
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Offline PsoasHunter

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #6 on: November 29, 2024, 11:22:14 PM »
I'll second the bubba knives, I've gotten a 7 and 9 inch as gifts and use the 7 a ton, especially for breaking down deer/elk and trimming silver skin. I have had a rappala forever and it's fine, great for the price, but the bubba's always get used now. If you're looking for something a little nicer as a gift, go with the bubba. If lower cost is a priority, rapalas are great.

Offline Platensek-po

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #7 on: November 30, 2024, 12:56:12 AM »
Vicky
“Under no pretext should arms and ammunition be surrendered; any attempt to disarm the workers must be frustrated, by force if necessary.”

If you are not willing to die for freedom then take the word out of your vocabulary.

Offline 2MANY

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2024, 03:33:33 AM »
Victorinox 40634
10" for me.
Stiffer blade then the whimpy fillet knives.
I keep mine razor sharp and it is a fish filleting machine.

Offline jeffro

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #9 on: November 30, 2024, 05:56:28 AM »
Kershaw
Owned it for 30 years
I’ve hit it with the steel a few times
Never had to sharpen it
One shot. One kill!

Offline fishngamereaper

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #10 on: November 30, 2024, 06:39:03 AM »
Kinda depends on use.
But you can't go wrong with victorinox, Dexter, or Knives of Alaska.
At least an 8" blade.

Offline Tenkara

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #11 on: November 30, 2024, 07:39:32 AM »
Rapala.

Offline boneaddict

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #12 on: November 30, 2024, 08:16:07 AM »
Some of the showier display  knives which would be more apt for Christmas gifts are sometimes a bit stiffer than the practical ones which tend to be more flexible.  Watch the blade material if thinking saltwater use.     Lots of good ones to choose from. Knives are awesome Christmas gifts.   

Offline wadu1

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #13 on: November 30, 2024, 08:29:41 AM »
No longer produced, Coleman Western was the best general purpose. I have a set (6", 9" & 12") that I've been using for over 25 years.
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Offline Webfoot

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #14 on: November 30, 2024, 08:33:17 AM »
I roll with Kershaw.
Fillet probably 50 salmon a year and sharpen it maybe twice a year.

Offline LDennis24

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #15 on: November 30, 2024, 09:09:39 AM »
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.

Offline screedler

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #16 on: November 30, 2024, 11:59:54 AM »
Victorinox. Use it to butcher deer too, got a semi stiff and a flexible model they both work very well
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Offline CastleRocker

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #17 on: November 30, 2024, 12:58:03 PM »
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.
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Offline timberhunter

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #18 on: November 30, 2024, 04:29:06 PM »
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.

Offline carpsniperg2

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #19 on: November 30, 2024, 04:45:49 PM »
Victornix for me for all my butchering needs. Hands down the best knives I’ve used.
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Offline brokentrail

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #20 on: November 30, 2024, 07:49:41 PM »
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.

Offline Reidus

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #21 on: November 30, 2024, 07:54:23 PM »
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/


Offline CP

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #22 on: December 01, 2024, 07:09:50 AM »
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


« Last Edit: December 01, 2024, 07:19:26 AM by CP »

Offline jackelope

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #23 on: December 01, 2024, 07:48:43 AM »
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.”
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline CP

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #24 on: December 01, 2024, 08:33:15 AM »
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.

Offline jackelope

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #25 on: December 01, 2024, 08:37:15 AM »
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.
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline hunter399

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #26 on: December 01, 2024, 08:51:12 AM »
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

Offline Huckleberry

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #27 on: December 01, 2024, 09:07:05 AM »
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.
« Last Edit: December 01, 2024, 09:43:30 AM by Huckleberry »

Offline boneaddict

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #28 on: December 01, 2024, 09:17:30 AM »
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.

Offline jackelope

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Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #29 on: December 01, 2024, 09:26:30 AM »
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
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline elkrack

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #30 on: December 07, 2024, 11:50:55 AM »
I splurged… it is an excellent knife with a great feel. I like a stiffer blade and this one fits that bill. I was unaware of how easy this knife rusts but that was only a one time issue. Now it is taken care of before I put it away. Plus I like supporting local guys  :tup:
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Offline Boss .300 winmag

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Re: Good General Purpose Fillet Knife.
« Reply #31 on: December 07, 2024, 01:39:30 PM »
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.

Ended up getting him one of these at the outlet mall in Marysville on a very big discount. It’s more of a kitchen knife, but that’s what he’ll use it for, he does lots of smoking/ sous vide.
« Last Edit: December 07, 2024, 02:31:46 PM by Boss .300 winmag »
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