filleting knife for trout/panfish, as well as salmon

[ormandj]

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase a filleting knife for trout/panfish (fishing trips around my home), as well as for salmon/saltwater fish (or a separate knife for this, if it would be better) for Alaskan trips.

I haven't made up my mind re: steel type, so I'm open to suggestions of any kind. I'm also open to flexible vs. sharp blades, this will be my first fillet knife. I've used fillet knives before, for pan fish, mainly crappie - they were all flexible $10 cheapies, and worked well enough. I'm looking for something nicer that'll last a lifetime. I do have sharpening tools (including diamond sharpeners) so am open to the harder steels if those are optimal. I'm also capable of maintaining a decent blade, so something like 1095 is fine, as well. TLDR; I'm looking for suggestions based on experience.

Thanks!

 

[TwinStick]

You need one of these.

While not actually a filet knife, i have no doubt it will work fine. It is the BUCK Silver Creek Bait Knife. I love it. About $21+ shipping. Handle is super grippy, even when wet, wont rust, sheath wont mold. The Silver Creek name is a series of knives, including filet knives.

 

[Planetcat]

I have a Fallkniven F2 that I use for everything from cleaning/filleting small to medium sized fish to field dressing deer and wild pigs in the field. The VG-10 steel provides a good balance of edge retention vs. easy touch up. It's a little stiff for filleting, but a good knife. The handles is very comfortable and grippy in slimy conditions. Runs about $100. Here's a stock picture:

 

[JohnIrish]

I have a Fallkniven F2 but I don't like it. It is more of a bait knife with a thicker blade geometry. For that reason it is not a true fillet knife or even a very good slicer. It may work for deer dressing but I don't like it as a fillet.

 

[arty]

I also have the Fallkniven F2, and the F4. The new ones are 2.5 mm thick, but the original was 4.5mm thick. Even the new ones are more suited for cleaning the fish, and perhaps cutting steaks, than filleting.
I plan to use mine when I get more leisure time.
I also have real fillet knives for that function, but the Fallknivens are perfect for cleaning out the fish, and can work in a pinch to fillet them.

 

[Aotea]

I'm currently using a Knives of Alaska Steelheader for my fish filleting. I like it. It has minimal flex but its blade is long and slender which is what you want in a filleting knife. The 440C steel easily takes a good edge and holds it well enough to process all my catch after an evening out fishing without requiring further attention. Priced well also. I use a different knife for bait.