Fillet knife recommendation?

[HighHook94]

I have two fillet knives, a Rapala and a dexter. I can't stand the dexter knife and the Rapala is okay. I sharpen the blades every time I fillet fish. When I'm trying to get through the rib bones on a blackfish or sea bass, my two knives struggle big time, especially the dexter. I've been reading online that the Cutco fisherman's solution is one of the best fillet knives, but it is pretty pricey. I don't mind spending the money, but I'd like to know if it's worth it. Or if you have any other recommendations.

[SaltLife1980]

Bubba Blades

[MVP]

Not sure what Dexter model you are talking about
Based on application you mention the Dexter 1378 with wood handle is probably the best all around knife you can buy

[HighHook94]

The dexter knife I have has a white plastic type handle. It struggles big time trying to get through the rib cage.

[jmurr711]

Originally Posted by HighHook94

The dexter knife I have has a white plastic type handle. It struggles big time trying to get through the rib cage.

Might be the dishwasher safe one handy for trimming in kitchen buy not much else. Bubble blade works great on big ribs stripers, roaster & up tog but the good old wooden dexter is all ya need for sea bass, ling,scup,smaller togs

[Irish Jigger]

Dexter 2333-9 hands down the best!!

[bulletbob]

I have used rapala knives for decades, and always liked them fine.. guess I don't understand your cutting through the ribs??.. I have never had to cut through bones on most any saltwater fish... i always cut around the rib cage.. fillet knives are really not designed to cut through bone.. Dulls the sharp thin blades REALLY fast.. Maybe I'm all wet, but a plain old rapala has always done a good job for many of us... bob

[TheFishSlayer]

Originally Posted by HighHook94

I have two fillet knives, a Rapala and a dexter. I can't stand the dexter knife and the Rapala is okay. I sharpen the blades every time I fillet fish. When I'm trying to get through the rib bones on a blackfish or sea bass, my two knives struggle big time, especially the dexter. I've been reading online that the Cutco fisherman's solution is one of the best fillet knives, but it is pretty pricey. I don't mind spending the money, but I'd like to know if it's worth it. Or if you have any other recommendations.

I have the cutco. Great for fluke, seabass, bluefish...not so much for stripers and tog, it does not get through ribs well.

[HighHook94]

I'm buying the wooden handle dexter that a lot of you recommended. Thanks for the help

[Finprof]

I have the Cutco and the Dexter wood handle with carbon steel blade as well as an old Herter's Canadian filet and a very old Western. My wife likes the Cutco best. She does the fish cleaning at our house. However, we do not cut through bones with a filet knife. I use the Western because I like the way the handle fits. They probably quit making them 50 years ago.
A fishing buddy down on Chesapeake Bay cleans fish like you do, by cutting through the rib bones. He uses a discontinued Browning knife that is serrated and thick bladed just above the handle and then tapers to a thin flexible blade toward the tip. He says it is the only knife that works for his manner of fish cleaning. Of course, that knife was discontinued 10 years ago. Ted Trueblood said that if you find something you really like, buy two of them because if it is any good they will quit making it.