The classic birch-handled fillet knife with a thin, flexible stainless blade and a leather sheath. People pick it as a low-cost, proven knife for cleaning panfish, trout and walleye.
Specs
- Blade: European stainless steel, progressively tapered, full tang
- Handle: varnished birch with a brass ferrule and safety notch
- Sheath: tooled leather with belt loop
- Includes: single-stage sharpener
- Blade lengths: several, roughly 4 to 9 inches depending on the retailer
- Price at Tackle Warehouse: $25.49 to $39.49 (Oct 2026)
- Maker claim: over 100 million sold
What reviewers say
Field & Stream names it the best budget fillet knife. Reviewers credit its thin, flexible blade for clean cuts on smaller fish and note it has been around for decades with a reputation for lasting. Next to rubber-handled knives like the Bubba, it wins on price rather than grip; Field & Stream ranks the Bubba higher overall for handling.
Good
- Low price
- Thin, flexible blade suits small fish
- Sharpener and sheath included
- Proven design
Not so good
- Wood handle grips less than rubber-handled knives
- Too light for big saltwater fish
Who it's for
Anglers who clean panfish, trout, perch and walleye and want a simple, cheap knife. Skip it if you fillet large saltwater fish; a stiffer knife with a rubber grip suits that better.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-19. Specs from the maker; review notes summarized in our own words.