What are some decent budget fleshing knife options? I don’t sell any hides and only plan on keeping a few here and there for wall decorations so I’m not needing anything super high quality but don’t want junk either. I’d like to have something with a sharp edge also for the occasional beaver or big coons.

You can make one out of an old file or other piece of scrap metal and a grinder.

If You can get one of Lee Steinmeyers knives you won't regret it

I recommend Lee's knives also. The quality is amazing. I have a couple other knives that I bought quite a few years ago. The cheaper ones are too light weight. They will work you way more than a heavier quality made knife will.

Cheap knives and beaver don't get along.

This.
Wish I would've bought one decades ago instead of trying to make do with cheaper or improvised tools.
LOL, I started out with old draw knives, so you CAN make due.

Woops, I read your post incorrectly. I thought you meant skinning knives. For fleshing I got the Ron Post knife which is deadly sharp (never lay it parallel to your body) and excellent. I don't have a budget recommendation, I'm just answering this because I answered it incorrectly before.

Hay I use either a blade from a good two handed sickle or a good machete with a glove on the remaining sharp edge. Works for me. The sickle blade is VERY good metal and you can sharpen it to a real fine edge......jk

Get one of Lee's knives and you will pass it down to your grand kids!.

Cheapest is a deer shin bone.

Go to a convention Lots of them there. Some used . Some new.
just

I have one of the Green English knives... quite happy with it, absolutely no complaints.
About $48 USD

Green English Fleshing Knife

I bought a budget 2 hander fleshing knife, I put a sharp edge on the outside curve and it worked fine on coons, But having never used a "quality" knife I don't know how they compare.

I think it would be a good idea for everyone that gives advice on what fleshing knife to use to also add a pic of the fleshing job they can do with said knife.

Let’s see what kinda work these knives and you can do.

Been using an old lawn mower blade for years now. Everybody has made some great suggestions, I probably would have gone with one of them myself but I was impatient.

I started with a necker 600 went to a post 2 now I only use my knife from Lee Stienemeyer there the best and your not talking much more money; JP I didn’t see you give any advice or knowledge just wanted to see pictures of our work all I know is the work is a whole lot easier with a quality knife

Spend the $60 -$80 on a good one. Don't loan it out, keep it clean and it will take care of you for years. I like Lee's, ZEPH is good, never used a POST but never heard bad of them.

Yeah for well under $100 you can buy a very good one and have it forever. Or sell it when your done.

I've got this one you can just have if you want. I used it for 9 years, it worked well for me for coons and beaver. PM me if you want it. It's just sitting in my garage collecting dust.

Nice offer loosegoose! Looks like just what he needs.