help from fishermen... please...

strategy9

strategy9

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Apr 27, 2015
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I typically won't ever ask advice on "which knife to buy". No offense but while I'm no expert I know enough to know what I like, and I can decide on what I'm going to buy for myself just fine without any outside help.

However

I'm putting together a small care package for my brother in FL. Nothing over the top, just your basics, but I have a key chain knife, a small sub 3" gentleman's folder, and a 3"+ work folder already picked out, but I want to add a decent new fishing/fillet knife for his tackle box to complete the "pick-4" as he is an avid fisherman.

I've narrowed it down to 5;

9" Buck Clearwater in 12c27mod... $45
- I personally love the 14c svandik steel Kershaw uses, but don't know enough about 12c or Buck's use of svandik in general to go all in?

9" Buck Clearwater in 420hc... $40
- i'm confident in Buck's 420hc all day, (esp. Since he's no knife nut, while good, it great makes for a great knife for the avg. Joe), it just seems a bit high priced for so little no frills...

7.5" SOG fillet fishing knife. 5cr15mov; $35
- I love made in america, down to my red wing work boots, but I'm no stickler for it either. Business is business and made in China doesn't hurt my feelings one way or the next. I'm not the type to be ever be pigeon holed into any one dimensional thought train, and for $5 less then the basic Buck, I do love the sheath design with the cutout creating an access to the blade for cutting line and such with the blade still sheathed

9" ka-bar fillet fishing knife; 440a - $30
- no frills simple ka-bar style, but while 440a in theory makes for a good fishing blade steel, I only know their reputation with cro-van, how are they with their homegrown stainless? I honestly have no idea...

9" Case Stag fillet knife in Tru-Sharp, ($20) which from what I understand (correct me if I'm wrong), is just 420hc from a different source that they market under a special name... It's the bargain of the bunch, made in america, but I don't know enough about it, (case/tru-sharp quality) to really make a solid educated choice. Plastic inner and Leather outer sheath I'm not 100% on either, But if it will do the job every bit as good at $10 less or more, and still be USA made, it's hard to leave it out of serious consideration.

So that's my dilemma... I'm a bit educated enough in "upper" ended blade steels, but still rather ignorant the lower the numbers get as I personally never really actually consider them for my own blades... Buck's 420hc or 8(7)cr/aus8, those are typically as low as I go, (with an unhealthy affection for 440c).

Any input, suggestions, experiences, other options, are all greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
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I'd go with the Buck Clearwater in 402HC.

Buck does 420HC right, especially with the Paul Bos heat treat. Of all the steels listed, that's the one I'd trust most as being the best quality.

The red handle accents makes it more visible for quick locating. And I prefer the blade protector over the sheaths.
 
From your list would go with either of the Buck knives, but my recommendation is to get a Dexter Russell fillet knife. They a affordable, easy to clean, have great handles, good blade steel, and the most are made in the USA. Also they make them in a lot of different patterns so you can find one that suits his needs.
 
I have a Mora fillet knife and have been quite eased with it. It has the familiar Ckmpanion grip and a sharp blade that is easy to touch up. Only problem is it's a little short in blade length so depending on what size fish he is working with it may be too short. I use it on the local catfish in the 2-3 lb range and it works just fine.
 
The Bucks in 12C27 or 420 Hc are a great choice , and for the steel only, the Case, also. The steels won't disappoint : easy to sharpen, hold an edge well and don't rust in reasonable circumstances (I mean, with some cleaning once in a while...).
 
herisson said:
The Bucks in 12C27 or 420 Hc are a great choice , and for the steel only, the Case, also. The steels won't disappoint : easy to sharpen, hold an edge well and don't rust in reasonable circumstances (I mean, with some cleaning once in a while...).
Click to expand...

i agree, thanks for the advice btw

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If you really want to get your brother a great fillet/fishing knife... check out the Bubba blade
 
If you have an inclination - as well as the funds & willingness to part with them - I'd recommend Phil Wilson.

Pricey, but exquisitely made.

At least worth a look.
 
I actually did look at some other nice fillet knives as per different reviews; Alaskan knife, Dexter, Rapalla, but 2 issues being
A) my brother is not a real blade connoisseur, I mean he'll appreciate a good sharp knife, but couldn't tell you the difference in steels, 420hc or s90v, steel is steel to his knowledge; A nice $50 420hc Buck is likely the nicest he would ever buy for himself and think he got a light saber.
And
B) I'm really not wanting to purchase from several locations, S&h and all, I'd rather send from one place, one package, all nice and neat. Those listed are all available in one place at a decent rate along with the rest;
Cost is in fact an issue also as im far from "well to do" but rather lower middle class just doing it well as can be and making it look good in the process. Hardly have money to throw around, just wanting to do something spontaneously nice for my big bro since we hardly ever see each other anymore living so far apart nowadays.

Ftr I've narrowed it down and I'm currently stuck between the tried and tested buck 420hc model and the SOG. He does mostly river fishing in FL, so my biggest issue with the Buck right now is 9" is probablyba bit too big for his needs, 6" might be a little small for some of his larger catches, I do like the 7.5" tweener status if the SOG and built in sheath sharpener (for his sake), and it's about the same price as the 6" buck...

Decisions decisions.
 
Just go to a Cooks store or chefs store and get a 10 or 12" Scimitar knife. 30 bucks or so. They work perfect for filleting fish. I use one for salmon, coho, rainbow, browns etc.etc. keepem sharp
 
I'd go with Sandvik steel- and if you want to test the steel for yourself, get an Inox Opinel folder for a few bucks... they even have folding fillet knives (4", which is a bit too short, 4.75" and 5.9", IIRC). All you have to do is to apply some wax to the pivot area so the wood doesn't swell when used in moist environment, making opening and closing stiffer.
 
Any of those will do fine, but I'd pick the Buck in 420HC.

I turned Alaska Buddy on to customs, and we got him one from George Tichbourne. Wish I would've ordered 3 of them now.

Buck knows 420HC. I'd recommend a Sharpmaker too. Makes short work of fishing knives.
 
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