Need recommendations for a good non - electric fillet knife.
One that holds a good edge.
Thanks!

rapid river knifes makes a really nice one,

You're probably going to hear Rapala (what I use, when not using an electric knife) and Bubba Blade, but if you really want the best it'll cost a lot. I've looked at the Dexter fillet knives and always liked their steel, but haven't used them.

How big of a knife are you looking for?

Just a regular sized fillet knife - going to use it mostly for red meating white bass

I like the Rapala myself, the bubba blades handles I just don't care for. I prefer a bigger blade than I need like a 7 1/2" for medium-large crappie sized fish. You get more cut per stroke. For more detailed work I use the 4" blades, like for cutting ribs out of the fillets.

Do you have a budget in mind?

rapid river has a website

Rapala's made in Sweden, NOT the chink copies.

Finland

I have used a Fiskars “Babe Winkleman endorsed :)” fillet knife since I was like 14. It has the built in ceramic sharpener in the sheath made in Finland. They haven’t made them in years but can still be found on EBay used. I put one wrap of orange electrical phase tape on the handle so I can find it if I drop it in the water (my fishing buddy dropped mine in the water at a fillet table on the Kenai River in Alaska and I thought it was a goner but found it behind a rock 10’ downstream) hence the reason for the orange tape.

I don’t have a recommendation. I’ve always used Rapala’s and have never used anything else to compare them to. Seems like they make a fairly affordable, decent fillet knife.

I’ve always used the one with the 4 1/2 inch blade and the next size up which is around a six or 7 inch blade I think.
I found this one at a yard sale and just had to buy it. I’ve never used it, I just had to have it. LOL

Smaller fish... Rapala
Larger... Dexter Russell

Neither will break the bank.

Lug, I think I have all the sizes. 4, 6, 7 1/2 and 9" blades. That 9" blade is great for big flatheads. Makes quick work of bigger walleyes and northerns too. Reaches right through a 7# largemouth bass.

I use good ol white handle Dexter Russells on everything from speckled trout, Spanish mackerel , and flounder to cobia, mahi, wahoo and tuna.

I use the 9”er in Canada on lake trout and walleye. That knife must be 30 years old. I always use the part closest to the handle for going through the ribs. That leaves the forward part sharp for the rest of the cleaning.

*Rapala

Leech lake Fillet knife.

Dexter

I've always used the 7.5 for bigger fish. I guess I'll have to pack the nine-incher when I head to Hopatcong this spring and try it on the big walleye there.

Rapala or Dexter…I like a longer blade.

Most that are mentioned are good knives, but it doesn't matter which you use, if you don't know how to sharpen them.
And keep them sharp.
Once you get the sharpness you like, you need to touch it up often , or it will take a while to get that edge back again.

Great info. Appreciate it. I prefer the 7-9 inch blades.

I have a Utica & a Case both USA made. I wouldn't part with either of them.

CASE , Love carbon steel, can get it sharp enough to shave your face with it, and easier to get sharp.
Stainless is a lot harder to work with getting as good edge.

Utica top
Case bottom
The Utica are carbon steel as well.

Didn't know they made a fillet knife, used one for skinning beaver, but never knew they made other knives.
Another good carbon steel knife!

X2

Thank you for the information on Dexters, learn something everyday on this site.

Dexter Russel. Good knives. I find myself using them often, all sorts of fish and other game too. The short stout blade is great for boning/breaking down deer , and the longer thinner blades for filleting fish.

Rada, if you can find one!