Thread: Best Filet Knife

Mark, you clean more fish in a month than I do in a year so I'll try one of the new American Anglers when I find one. I know Cabelas and BPS quit carrying them and I haven't seen any at Wally World. I've been using a regular filet knife more and more because most of the time I just clean three or four during a lull and then throw them on ice.

If you are near an Academy Sports store, I am just about positive they carry the American Angler knives. I'm pretty sure I saw them last time I was in OKC.

Originally Posted by cricket george

a custom made fillet knife, around $160.00

This is the best advice on the whole thread! When my Rapala died last year, I didn't replace it. Instead, I dug out my old fillet knives, sharpened them up and now use them. Been thinking about making me a fillet knife about 7 inches long for Crappie. The only time I wished I had an electric back is when I'm cleaning cats. It takes me a tad longer with a normal fillet knife, but I like working with a knife and I'm not in a hurry so all goes well!

Academy in Tulsa didn't seem the have them. They have Rapala/ Mister Twisted Sister and then an off brand like Trophy Angler.

A couple of years ago I bought a "Saltwater American Angler" 12v that is white and it's junk, slow and under powered. My thinking was that "saltwater" meant "power". My friend has a black with yellow trim American Angler 12v that works great. I bought a 110v American Angler that is gray that works very well. The best catfish fillet knife I ever saw was a GE 110v with a bread knife that my friend used. That thing went through 20lbers rib cage and all like hot butter.

Amen to the fact that the Berkley and Rapala electric knives are junk. I tried both on some 1.5 pound plus crappie and neither would make it to the tail without bogging down. When I took the Berkley back to BPS they didn't even ask why, then told me that they get em back all the time. They're used to it. I have switched to 12.00 electrics from WM when I have the rare big mess to clean but if you're looking for a standard fillet knife I love my Wusthof Classic Ikon. Sharpens easily and really holds an edge. Pretty much best Fathers Day gift ever several years ago.

Dave McCroskey makes the finest knives money can buy for under $200. He is making fillet knives for $160, I believe. He is in Stillwater 405-624-9900. We have 7 of his hunting customs and they are the ONLY hunting knives we use. I have processed 8 deer before resharpening one of my elk hunter knives. The knives are far sharper than a Buck ever thought about being and many times harder steel. I have known Dave since 1976. Crappie, bream, bass and cats ribcages etc are not a challenge at all.

CG, here's another maker in your neck of the woods that turns out great knives. Rick Menefee of Menefee Knives.