I am in need of an excellent fishing knife

G

gubby

Joined
Sep 23, 2005
Messages
71
This spring I'm going backpacking up near Yosemite with a friend and we plan to do a LOT of fishing. Sturm & Ruger Firearms sent me their merchandise catalog the other day and I was thumbing through it and found the Ruger Light Hunter with a 4" blade and a sabre hook; it is made by Case Cutlery and costs about 65 dollars US.

So I've got some questions, because I don't know much at all about knives.

1. Is Case Cutlery a maker of quality knives?
2. Would a sabre hook be useful for gutting trout, or should I just use my fingers instead (they work)?

If you could answer those I'd be extremely happy. Also, could you folks perhaps recommend me some other knives that would work well for fishing? I'd prefer a fixed blade (folders just have more nooks and crannies to clean the blood and guts out of), and it must come with a sheath. It's gotta have a clean look (who wants to buy an ugly knife? :D ) and it has to be QUALITY stuff. USA made preferred, and I'd be willing to spend at most probably 120 bucks, as long as the knife is going to last me a long, long time.

THANKS SO VERY MUCH

Oh, btw, I'm not really looking for a fillet knife either
 
I love my Spyderco Catcherman better than any other fillet knife I've ever used fixed blade or otherwise.

I can't recommend it enough. It is much more capable than I gave it credit for until I bought one.
 
hmm...but fillet knives have very flexible blades, and couldn't that make you slip as you're gutting the fish, resulting in you bleeding as well?

That catcherman looks pretty cool...anything similar that doesn't fold though?
 
I'd go with one of the Western brand hunting knives or a Schrade Old Timer. A new one will run you about 50 bucks and you should be able to pass it on to a young outdoorsman someday.

Either one will provide you good service as they have for hunters and fisherman for decades.

I'm not fond of gut hooks. If you are up in the Yosemite, the fish will be of modest size. Are you planning on C&R or are they destined for the pan?
 
The S-Line looks good for the price...I may buy one just to keep around the house. I also have something a lot like the Utility Puukko that I bought in Finland when I travelled there, but within the last 3 or 4 months I have misplaced it :(

I have to run an errand but afterwards I'll go look at the brands you mentioned, hatchetjack. And we plan on a lot of C&R and feeding on some of the trout, as necessary.
 
Gubby, you might want to consider the SOG Hunter Revolver, weighs about 7 ounces and made in U.S.A.

Just reviewed by North American Hunting Club members and given a 9.1 out of 10. It is quality, and has a gut hook which my son has used for all types of fish and it just takes a second to "Zipper" one open.

Then when you get it cleaned, you might want to use the saw to cut enough fire wood to cook your fish with...... :D

Here is a link/pics of the knife.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=354507

Robbie Roberson ;)
 
Ok, I got a stiffy (figuratively) for that SOG Revolver...I showed my mom but she ruined the moment and reminded me about my Glock Entrenching Tool...a foldup shovel made by the firearms company with a nice sawblade slipped into the end of the handle. Keep 'em coming guys...I never realized how many different types of knives there were out there in the world! :cool:
 
Esav, thanks ! :rolleyes: I really appreciate that. :thumbup:

Gubby, whoa there, these are just blades were lookin at :D

Now heres one that will make the hair stand up on your neck,

The ultimate fishing knife, never gets dull, never needs sharpening :rolleyes:

Click "Cancel" after clicking on (SAFE knife content) link.......

http://sog-japan.com/revolver/r_02.html

Robbie Roberson ;)
 
OK, well I've been looking around and thinking for the last couple of days...I am torn between the SOG Hunter Revolver and the Spyderco Catcherman...so you know what I came up with? Buy both! I can use the revolver as a survival knife while we're out in the wilderness, and the catcherman if we catch a HUGE trout that needs to be eaten; then we could fillet him and prep him better. And hell, it's not like I won't use both of them...I can guarantee they'll both get lots of use. Time to save my money up :cool:
 
Gubby, great choices, you sure can't go wrong with either of those picks. The SOG Hunter Revolver is an amazing knife, just you wait and see. You will be amazed at how versatile it is. Spyderco makes some of the best knives in the world too, so you should be set for a long time, good luck with your adventures............. :D :thumbup:

Robbie Roberson ;)
 
Gub,

Filet knives are made flexible. I hope (but doubt) that you will catch any trout large enough to have to filet.

Here is a great folder that can be carried when fishing. I'll put it up against any Spyderco and win the bet.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=10115

It is a benchmade Salmon Creek.

For small trout (seems most of mine are small) I just scoop out the inards with a finger. I don't head them. Just gut and into the fry pan, head, tails, scales and all.

Yum!!!

Here is a good folder for camping.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=550

It is called a "Griptilian Model 550" and is very popular for good reason among more experienced knife users.

Don't forget to take a small bow saw for cutting firewood. It beats the heck out of lugging around an axe or hatchet.

We want pics of your trophy trout!!!
 
Esav beat me to it. I'd also recommend a Finnish knife. There are a couple of nice ones here. I like these traditional styles a little better than the plastic-handled variety, and they're almost as inexpensive. Kellam knives J-line. There are a couple knives designed for fishing toward the bottom of the page, and they'lll also hold up very nicely for other camp chores.

Peace.
Alex.
 
Any Mora knife is great for utility grunt work on a boat, dock or whereever. You don't have to freak out if it gets dirty, because it only costs you 8 bucks! I realize that you wrote you don't need a filet knife, and while the Mora will be great for cutting bait, you should pick up a Rapala with wooden handles. Another great knife, and another cheapie too. I currently have a Buck 315 rigging knife, and while you won't need that this time, if you have a boat, it will make an excellent knife. I've got a Spyderco Pacific Salt on the way, my regular Salt did a great job on the boat. If you fish often, the Pacific Salt and the Benchmade 100 would be great ideas to leave with your gear.
 
I don't need a rigging knife...I have an old folding ka-Bar rigging knife my granddaddy gave me (I think he used it when he was in the Navy during the Korean War, or at least that's how I interpreted it). Now it's time to make more decisions LOL
 
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