Schrade Uncle Henry (Pre 2004) Fillet Knife Any Good?

[fairhaven]

A friend has 2 of these knives that are new that I can buy for $20 each. No box for either but both have leather sheaths. Are these knives any good? Another friend says they are made in China.

 

[afishhunter]

I don't know when the original US made Schrade went belly up. These days, most of the Chinese made knives use good steels; it depends on what the importer specifies. For instance, Rough Rider has several patterns made in China, yet they all get rave reviews here.

Personally though, I've always preferred the Rapalla filet knives over the more spendy "name brands" like Case, Schrade, Buck, etc. The Rapala comes sharp, filets/cleans 10,000 bluegills and crapies before it needs sharpened/stropped (ok ... maybe it just seems/feels like 10,000 ...) and cuts bait as well as, or better than, the more expensive blades. My late step father always carried a Case Trapper or Stockman, in his pocket, and considered any other brand to be "junk"; yet he too preferred a Rapalla filet knife, even over the Case filet knife.

 

[Old Hunter]

If they are pre-2004, then $20.00 each is a great deal. OH

 

[Mr. Chips]

Those are great knives.

I have one that I got new in the 80's I guess. I have used to fillet hundreds of fish, and to bone out dozens of deer and moose - and a couple of bears.

It is still in use.

The original sheath gave out and I made a birch bark sheath for it that is better anyway.

 

[alex]

If the blades are stamped with the Schrade USA then they are easily worth twice what he is asking and more. You would be wise to take them off his hands.
I have had one for over 20 years and it is a very good fillet knife.