Fillet Knives?

alanmikkelsen · 09-09-2005, 10:18 AM

I've been using a Frost (Sweden) fillet knife, but it's a bit of a pain to sharpen, and I'm pretty good with knives. I'm looking at a Kershaw fillet knife, maybe the blade trader. The Kershaws are 420 steel, which should sharpen a bit easier than 440c. Any opinions out there on knives, how they are to sharpen and how well they hold their edge?

Phil Layer · 09-09-2005, 10:44 AM

PM sent

FastActionRodTip · 09-09-2005, 10:45 AM

mine's held its edge real well this year...from lack of use...I like the Normark cheapos in the 9"...but I have a few different more expensive ones as well...Don't like my Gerber...too stiff

fishsticks · 09-09-2005, 10:47 AM

I use the Dexter knives. Stainless blade, non-slip plastic handle. I think they are used in many commercial applications. They seem to hold an edge and sharpen well.

#1 Okie · 09-09-2005, 11:57 AM

Another great fillet knife are the Forshner big wide blade ones. They stay sharp for a long time and honestly are a right now one pass knife on Salmon and Stergon. Obviously you have to do your trimming and cleaning but they will cut 1 pass fillets off of very large fish.

pescado mucho · 09-09-2005, 12:20 PM

Forschner is the way to go. You can get them on line really affordably. I ike their "salmon" model. IT is a 12" blade that is about 1 inch deep, and has granton (bevels cut into the sides that let the fillet "float". Also Forschners are stainless, yet sharpen really well. You can run them through the dish washer and all.

They are what pro kitchens use. I recommend using a diamond sharpening rod (a long kitchen style one).

I have a full set for my kitchen. My only complaint is that I need to use other brands for "heavy" work like breaking bones, etc.

BigWaterBigFish · 09-09-2005, 12:22 PM

I have seen # of good fishermen carry Dexters, there is one that is a larger "butcher" knife, about 9' to 11' - they seem to be pretty standard for big fish, hold edge and you get a good grip with slippery hands.
I use a older kershaw filet knife and its losing it's flex, looking pretty wavy
Been thinking about one of those new X-tool fillet knife with ergo handles and floats *** anyone have one yet?

09-09-2005, 01:03 PM

I don't understand why you are having problems sharpening a Frost, mine (down to 2) are razor sharp at all times? Dexters are good, I have several, but I wouldn't recomend a Kershaw.

rock bottom · 09-09-2005, 01:17 PM

I purchased the blade trader at the Kershaw sale last year and have been pretty happy with it. I must not be versed in fillet knives because after much use both blades are still one pass sharp without sharpening. It was pretty inexpensive so maybe down the road a few years it may begin to fail.

we shall find out.

rola76 · 09-09-2005, 01:20 PM

I've got a Cutco that I absolutely love, and have yet to sharpen in 3 years...same bite as new. I've also used Kershaws, which are good but seem to need replacing fairly frequently.

Orion · 09-09-2005, 01:35 PM

Second on the CUTCO. A week ago I broke the blade while cutting a fish to bleed it. The fish rolled hard and the blade broke. The model I have has an adjustable blade that is removable. I sent an e-mail to CUTCO and explained what happend and offered to pay for a replacement blade. They said the new balde would be shipped the following day at no charge! Great knife and great service. For a fixed blade I use Buck fillet knives.

Orion

Johnny Mac · 09-09-2005, 01:51 PM

Quote:

I purchased the blade trader at the Kershaw sale last year and have been pretty happy with it. I must not be versed in fillet knives because after much use both blades are still one pass sharp without sharpening. It was pretty inexpensive so maybe down the road a few years it may begin to fail.

we shall find out.

We were at the same sale and got the same thing. I'm pretty happy with mine. It's been through a few salmon and some Tuna! as well and is about as sharp as the day I got it.

Cosmic Lazy Susan · 09-09-2005, 02:05 PM

I asked this question last winter and based on inputs here wound up getting a Dexter-Russell.

I've been very happy with it. Real easy to keep sharp. I just give it a few licks on a flat hone steel.

My fillets have really improved since I started using this knife. Seems to have just the right amount of flex and is wicked sharp.

Dale

scubadad · 09-09-2005, 02:36 PM

I have a couple of Dexter-Russell's that see constant use. The Kershaw blade trader I gave to my brother. Dexter-Rusells are a quality blade that keep an edge with very litte honing.

KZ4LIFE · 09-09-2005, 03:08 PM

I aggree with fishsticks. Dexter Russell knives are great. Buy a Diamond Hone at the same time and your set. They are a joy to use.

Filet of soul · 09-09-2005, 05:20 PM

Dexter is good and not expensive, I paid 15 bux for one and it works well

NR Seahawk Boy · 09-09-2005, 05:38 PM

I use what 1 Okie and Pescado mocho use. They fillet through 30# fish easily and stay very sharp.

eyeFISH · 09-09-2005, 06:52 PM

I will use anything I can get my hands on, but the old wood handled Rapala/Normark with the 6" blade is my personal favorite. Just gotta learn to quit losing them!

Fish mojo · 09-09-2005, 07:03 PM

Believe it or not, I have switched to an electric. I got the Rapala 12 volt "pro" model- 18' cord and hook it up to the boat or car battery. Fast, clean fillets. Did a 20# urb today in about 1 minute while my buddy was unloading his gear. Did a couple more earlier in the week. Also works great for walleye. Professional looking fillets with little waste. Slice thru the rib bones clean and easy. After the fillet is off the carcass, then fillet the rib bones right off. I used to butcher up some fillets pretty bad. I like this way better.

nehalemfishfinder · 09-09-2005, 08:35 PM

where can you get dexter knives?

lingslayer · 09-09-2005, 09:05 PM

We got my Dexter at Englund's in Newport. It seems to be a good compromise between "stay sharp" and easy to sharpen. I have a Buck that holds an edge great, but stands up to Buck's reputation for being too hard at sharpening time.

Good luck,
Jamie

16/0 Circle · 09-09-2005, 09:30 PM

Most United Grocers have the Dexters at a decent price. Scott.

alanmikkelsen · 09-10-2005, 07:26 AM

Thanks for the replies, everyone! Now, how about some more posts on best places to buy Dexter Russells or Forschners, since that seems to be a consensus.

NorthRiverRick · 09-10-2005, 08:39 AM

The Dexter Russels are great knives. Go to Fisherman's Marine Supply for a pretty good selection. Dexter also has a "slicer" with the wide blade and grantons just like the Forschner. I got mine at the Delta park FMS.

Get the diamond hone sharpener while you're there

FearNoEvil · 09-10-2005, 04:13 PM

dexter russells are the way to go.. i like the 9" narrow..