Fillet Knife

J

Jerry Reichlin

Joined
Apr 10, 2003
Messages
6
I am looking for a fillet knife whose performance will impress and Alaska fisherman who uses fillet knives all day. It's a gift, I owe him. Any ideas? I could go up to $200 for the right knife but it really has to be the right knife. Thanks, everybody.
 
I don't know if he makes fillet knives but Thomas Haslinger in Canada was a Chief for 20 years. He might just be able to fix you up. There are also lots of other opinions out there. Look around, talk to the makers, and make your decision. There are lots of decent factory offerings too.
 
If blade performance is what you are after, here are the four best I can think of in ascending order:

Microtech Black Marlin. S30V, good heat treat, a bit on the stiff side, only drawback is the handle is metal, which might not go over so well in Alaska (Cold). I think these are in the $80 to $100 range if you shop around. The black coating will look scraggly after a while but will help keep corrosion at bay.

One link to get you started:
http://www.theknifeconnection.com/micblacmarfi.html


Melvin Dunn makes fine, affordable fillet knives from CPM 440V. The Diamondwood (pakkawood) he uses isn't my favorite for looks (but is quite durable and practical), but there are 3 colors that are tolerable (Rosewood, Oak, Earth). He also does micarta... linen micarta bead blasted would look a bit dull but would retain some grip when wet, and would be pretty durable. Or you have him do something else nice that is also durable like Ironwood for an adder (that's what I did). He does 3 sizes, 4.5", 6.5", and 9", $119, $129, $149. He's been heat treating 440V for a good while... and so it should be an abrasion resistant and corrosion resistant fillet knife. Melvin isn't exactly the easiest or most congenial maker to talk to, so don't let that through you off of a good knife.
http://www.dunnknives.com


Bob Dozier has some very nice looking fillet's and he'll do them out of S30V now, but these start at $215 and go up to $275. Dozier's handles are great... and he knows how to heat treat also. D2 might be a bit of trouble around salt water, depending on how well this guy takes care of his knives. I know a lot of the guys I fished with in Louisiana bought $20 knives and treated them like he11... sitting in salt water in the bottom of the boat, etc. Bob is charging a $60 premium for S30V but it should hold up noticeable amount better than D2 corrosion-wise.

www.dozierknives.com
His web site won't come up for me right now... think these are in the "knives for sale" or "Available now" area. Just poke around and you'll find them.


Maybe the best of the best would be from Phil Wilson. He is an expert in making fillet knives and an expert with the CPM steels, so I'd probably choose S30V. He doesn't have a web site... think his knives start at $275 or more though.
 
I would find a maker that is willing to undertake the project and then send your friend a greeting card with the maker's business card. If your friend uses his knife that much then only he would know exactly what he wants in a fillet knife. Just set up the arrangement and leave it up to them to work out the details.

n2s
 
Hello Jerry,

I offer 2 models of fillet knives. The one most used by fisherman for large game fish is my Model # 9, which has a fairly stiff 7" blade. Add a black, soft-grip Neoprene handle, and your set for lots of filleting.

Best Regards,
Jay Maines
Sunrise River Custom Knives
www.sunrisecustomknives.com
 
The Cold Steel's are inexpensive for sure ($20 something).

They are made from the "mysterious" Carbon V, which is 0170-6, a simple carbon steel. That's why they are coated with what is probably a black powder coating.

For saltwater use? Whew... the edge would rust rust rust and be a pain to maintain IMHO. For freshwater, they'd work well if you took care to clean and oil the exposed cutting edge after use.

Black Kraton handles. Good performing knives for a good price if you use for freshwater and take care of them. But not exactly any kind of particularly special gift.

http://www.coldsteel.com/fixed-blades-filet-knives.html
 
If you want a northern knife for a northern fisherman then you could try George Roberts of Bandit Knives located in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. He makes a variety of fillet knives the largest specifically targeting Alaskan fishermen. I may be wrong on the blade size but I think it has a 9inch blade for large salmon and halibut.

His website is http://www.yuk-biz.com/banditblades/. You could get his email off of it and see what he's got and prices.

Good Luck,
Sean
 
I have used Phil Wilson's fillet knives, and had them used by friend and family that are professional fisherman. Impressed they were at the cutting ability, edge retention and general handling characteristics. Phil will work in a range of stainless steels depending on just how high a performance you want to obtain (420HC, 154CM, S30V and S90V).

-Cliff
 
Phil Wilson! Ol' Phil was pretty much a pioneer using CPM440V, and makes probably the finest fillet knife in the world. He has written some great articles on the abilities of the mentioned 440V knives he makes. In one of his articles he tells of some Eskimos or northern Indians butchering salmon all day on cardboard. At the end of the day, if memory serves me, about all they had to do was steel the knives a few times, and were ready for business again. I am a sincere fan of Phil Wilson and his work.Phil also writes accurate details and has done a lot for the custom making business. I'm not trying to hijack a thread, but does anyone have his address? I lost it when my pc shot craps.
 
John:

Phil's address is enroute to you.

I carried and extensively used a Phil Wilson Bird & Trout design and a filet knife made in S30v in Alaska last year. This was a 10 day nothing but camping and fishing trip...you know I used them a lot.

I endorse Phil without reservation if you want the best filet knife for an Alaskan (or anybody)!
 
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