Folding fillet knife?

G

Georgia woodsman

Joined
Feb 11, 2014
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The fishing here in Georgia is in full force right now and I'm in the market for a folding fillet knife. I've seen them in 12c27, aus8, and 420j2. I don't know much about stainless so I need help. Edge retention is of the highest priority to me any help is much appreciated.
 
I doubt you will find anything better than the steel you listed.

If edge retention is important then Custom is the way to go as you would have access to the better steels that way.

Do a search for BUCK Alaskan Guide Fillet knife.

Not a folder, but it's in S30V and cheaper than a full blown custom. :)
 
Thanks ankerson, I have some really good fixed blade fillet knives( passed down from my grandfather) but I really want a folder of the steels it listed what would you suggest.
 
Georgia woodsman said:
Thanks ankerson, I have some really good fixed blade fillet knives( passed down from my grandfather) but I really want a folder of the steels it listed what would you suggest.
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For a fillet knife?

None of them as they wouldn't be any better edge holding wise than what you already have now.

You would really have to go fixed blade and custom either way to get into the steels that have a lot of edge retention.

That or carry a sharpener with you and touch up as you go, ceramic rods work well like the medium Spyderco.

There are more than a few really good Custom Makers that make Fillet knives, but they won't be cheap, but are worth every nickle. :D
 
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Check this little guy out at Benchmade's website. AUS-8.

Discontinued, but this version as well as the Lone Wolf version are widely available on the secondary market from what I've seen.

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I have a Normark folding fillet. Made outta "swedish surgical stainless steel" Actually, for a fillet knive, I prefer a softer steel that is easy to touch up with a steel or ceramic or whatever you happen to have around. The Normark only takes a couple of swipes and it's back to shaving sharp.
 
What I've heard about the serrated catchermans was that they were designed for slightly more rigorous work, like de-heading fish, as well as fillet work.
 
Taking a small lateral step on this...I think Havalon make a fillet knife with changeable blades. Think a folding scalpel - when one blade dulls you can swap it out.
Also consider Opinel. I believe they use 12C27 for their stainless and while it doesn't hold an edge like some other steels, Opinels sharpen easily and take an incredible edge. They're also really inexpensive.
 
Think I'm going to go with the opinel 15. Actually a couple of them. If it's as good a value as their saw I'm sure I will be very pleased. Thanks for all the advice guys.
 
jill jackson said:
Would serrated make a good fillet knife? I have this one in yellow serrated and I've heard it's the rarest of the Catchermans but I always wondered about why the serrations on a fillet knife.

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Would be used less as a fillet knife and more of a gutting, cleaning knife for the larger fish and sharks etc.
 
Georgia woodsman said:
Think I'm going to go with the opinel 15. Actually a couple of them. If it's as good a value as their saw I'm sure I will be very pleased. Thanks for all the advice guys.
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Take something to touch them up with and you will be fine, but that depends on how much use at one time they will see and what type of fish etc.

A medium grit ceramic rod will keep a nice cutting edge on them, as an example a medium Sharpmaker rod (Use the corners), you only need one and freehand it. :)

A couple of passes on each side will do it usually, stand the rod up straight and make the passes down each side, very quick and easy.
 
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