I just bought an American Angler Gold. I got a severe case of sticker shock but it came with 5 sets of blades. My last American Angler lasted 4+ years of guide use.
Hello, hope somebody has insight! I have a Rapala corded electric fillet knife I bought several years ago and it's worked fine. I think it was called the heavy duty model, it was about $60. This season, it kept working worse and worse and I assumed it was the blades. Tried to sharpen them but it didn't work. Bought a new set of blades and was surprised... I don't think it is any better. The problem is cutting through bone. This is bass. I make the first cut downward through the flesh no problem but when I turn the knife to follow the backbone like I always do and cut through the ribs, it cuts awful. Just doesn't seem to want to cut! It seems I have to make a sawing motion with my hand to make it through, lol. Something is clearly not right as I have filleted a bazillion bass in my life and, as I said, this knife used to work ok. When I look at the blades as I press the button to have them make their motion back and forth against one another, I do not detect anything different from the way it used to be. What the heck? The only other thing worth mentioning is I detect the knife getting a little hot and I do not recall that warmth before. Any ideas?
EDIT: I have filleted about 120 bass in the past month with this knife and they are, generally, 1.5 lb. to 2 lb. fish with a handful being 2 lb. to 3lb. And if I had to buy another, I don't know what it would be. I have seen threads about how great American Angler brand is but then people say they are not what they used to be. When I was young, I used Mama's ham and turkeyu carving Hamilton Beach and it worked fine, lol.
Last edited by livemusic; 05-04-2021 at 11:17 AM.
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Bill
I just bought an American Angler Gold. I got a severe case of sticker shock but it came with 5 sets of blades. My last American Angler lasted 4+ years of guide use.
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blueball, SpeckledSlab LIKED above post
Try new blades or toss it.
At 40 bucks can't go wrong!
Mister TwisterŽ Saltwater Piranha Electric Fillet Knife
this is the best i have used. i have two bubba blades and this is still my favorite. Amazon.com
My last Rapala stripped the nylon gears cutting walleye rib bones. Now I buy the cheap Mister twister and replace the blades more often. If the motor dies on me it's not that expensive to buy a new one. I can get at least 5 years out of one.
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I retired this year after 19 years guiding parties of up to 6 on a reservoir with no limits on panfish. Tried many brands of knives. When the AA Pro first hit the market it was by far the best knife I ever used. I think I got 3 seasons out of it where I used to go through 2 knives a year. I replaced it with another and It's not near as strong a knife. It seems like when AA gets a winner they start looking for ways to manufacture them cheaper and it shows up in the quality. Same with their replacement blades. I've always had good luck buying the 8" shark blade until last year. I bought 2 and both were ground poorly and useless. I like the Bubba but not their Titanium blades. They're great when they're new but don't last long. Wish they had stainless blades.
Your story is the type I read a lot and I am hesitant to spend the big bux for the AA knife that might not be what it used to be. I also don't like to have to buy five blades when I only need one, lol. I just found the Saltwater Piranha for a good price and I think I will try it because that is not expensive.
EDIT: HEY... I found Granny's old Hamilton Beach! I am going fishing right now and hope I catch a couple, will try it, lol!
Last edited by livemusic; 05-04-2021 at 03:21 PM.
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Bill
I buy every Hamilton Beach I see at FLW markets and yard sales.
Usually get them for 2-4 bucks.
I replaced the Rapala blades with Mr. Twister.
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RM Fishin LIKED above post