Fishing knife: types and rating of the best models and manufacturers

A fishing knife is the most important attribute of any fisherman. It performs a huge number of functions: cutting tangled fishing line, cutting off a branch, cutting up the catch, setting the table, and this is just the beginning of a huge list. In Russia there is an enormous number of rivers and all kinds of reservoirs. It is not surprising that fishing is one of the most popular national pastimes: for some it is just a hobby, for others it is part of life.

Fisherman's knife.

The history of the origin of fishing knives

The history of the origin of such a tool as a fishing knife dates back to the times of primitive people, for whom fishing was one of the ways of subsistence.

In those days, the rivers were overflowing with fish, which could be caught simply by sticking a stick into the water.

A sharp bone was attached to the end of such a stick, with the help of which the catch was held and not torn off. So something like a harpoon appeared. Historians claim that it was this invention, through modernization and improvement, that was transformed into a modern knife.

Bone was used first, then metal. Also, after a certain period of time, the so-called ouds with steel hooks and a fishing knife appeared. Then it looked like a small plate with one sharpened side; such a device was convenient for gutting fish.

The fishing rods were transformed into all kinds of fishing rods and seines of today, but the fisherman’s knife remained an important piece of his equipment.

Varieties

Today in stores you can find a wide variety of blades for fishing. However, an incorrectly selected tool may not cope with the functions assigned, and may also break or cause injury to the owner. Therefore, before purchasing an assistant, you should familiarize yourself with the main types of fishing knives, as well as their purpose.

Sirloin

This blade is designed for cutting fish into fillet pieces and differs from other knives:

• blade width (usually smaller than the handle);
• small metal thickness;
• increased flexibility;
• sharpening angle of 25 degrees;
• an elongated and elongated blade shape with a slightly curved upward or straight tip.

When choosing a tool, you should pay special attention to the following points:

• the blade must be steel, well sharpened, resistant to corrosion;
• it is desirable that the handle be made of non-slip materials in wet hands that do not absorb odors;
• the length of the product should not exceed 21 cm;
• the blade should be narrow and elongated;
• the amplitude when bending the tip to the sides should not exceed 3 cm.

Often fillets are sold in a set that includes from 3 to 5 knives of different modifications.

Cutting

As the name suggests, this type of blade is used for cutting fish. Its main features include:

• short product length;
• thickened butt;
• blade shape resembling a hatchet;
• the presence of a recess in the handle designed for the index finger.

It is better to choose a cutting knife with a fixed blade, since a folding knife when cutting fish becomes clogged with scales and dirt, which can be quite problematic to remove.

Classical

The classic blade is versatile, practical and differs from the above types in its high strength. With this knife you can:

• clean and gut the catch;
• use in the process of cooking;
• open canned food or bottle;
• cut down branches;
• use instead of a screwdriver, awl, scissors;
• cut off a piece of fishing line or rope;
• to pry something open.

Since the blade can be damaged when performing rough work, it is advisable to supplement the fisherman's kit with a fillet or cutting tool.

Folding

A folding knife for a fisherman has undeniable advantages: functionality and safety. When choosing such an assistant, it is worth remembering that a good folder should:

• fits comfortably in your hand;
• easy to open;
• have a quality lock;
• be light and relatively flat;
• have a reliable clip.

When buying a folding knife, you should pay attention to the lock: a high-quality product should open easily and have no backlash, then it will last a long time and allow the owner to appreciate its advantages:

• no need for a case;
• compactness and mobility;
• quick and easy opening;
• ease of maintenance and care.

Today, products with a Frame-lock lock are very popular, which allows the folder to be opened in several ways at once.

Types of fishing knives

Nowadays, fishing knives are presented in a wide range of models, in which anyone can find a tool that satisfies all their needs. Before moving on to choosing a tool, it is necessary to accurately determine the purpose of its use. After all, each blade has its own characteristics and functions.

Let's look at the six most famous and beloved types of fishing knives by fishermen and try to highlight their strengths and weaknesses.

Beluga knife type

These are small knives whose purpose is to cut large fish. It has a narrow blade with straight bevels, the butt is sharpened specifically for removing scales.

Such tools are made from steel grade 95x18. Blade thickness – 2 mm. They are also equipped with a stopper to prevent fingers from slipping.

Beluga knife type.

Knife type "Splinter"

An excellent option for those. Who, in addition to fishing, is interested in hunting waterfowl. This model is universal, therefore it applies to both knives for fishing and hunting.

This is a small blade, very light, and has a classic, rather narrow blade shape. Made from steel grade 100X13M. The handle is very comfortable and ergonomic, making it easy to gut fish of various sizes and cut up waterfowl.

Knife type "Splinter".

Knife type "Gudgeon"

This knife is medium in size, relatively light, but very durable. The blade is made of steel grade 95x18. It has a very sharp blade designed to rip open any size catch.

The standard thickness does not exceed 2.4 mm. The blade is thin, formed by thin lens-shaped slopes that originate in the middle of the blade. The butt is slightly pressed against the tip.

Knife type "Gudgeon".

Skewering knife

Among Far Eastern sailors, the fishing shear knife – a “workhorse” – is especially popular. The product is made in oriental style. There is a small hook on the butt, like on a harpoon for ripping open fish.

This hook is inserted into the anus of the fish and jerked sharply towards itself, then the head is cut off with the same instrument and the entrails are removed. A characteristic feature is the weighted handle.

Skeleton knife for fishing.

Fisherman's folding knife

A folding fishing knife is the best option in terms of practicality and economy. It can consist of several blades serving different purposes, and be equipped with a bottle opener, screwdriver, or even a fork and spoon. Such knives do not need a sheath; their blade fits into the handle. When folded they are very compact.

Fisherman's folding knife.

Japanese knives

The main task of this type of knives is cutting fish and finishing fillets. To do this, they are equipped with a very thin and sharp blade, which is particularly shock-absorbing and elastic.

Residents of coastal countries, for whom the basis of their diet is fish, could not help but create the most convenient knife for these purposes. The Japanese knife is highly valued in many countries.

Japanese fisherman's knife.

Popular models

Beluga fillet fishing knife
Specialized stores today offer a huge variety of fishing knives. Some of the models are most in demand among professional fishermen:

1. The Gudgeon knife is a lightweight, durable, medium-sized tool. A sharp blade can easily cut any fish. The blade is made of 95×18 steel. The blade thickness is 2.4 mm. The butt at the tip is lowered.
2. The Beluga knife is perfect for cutting large prey. It is characterized by a narrow blade that is perfectly sharpened thanks to straight bevels. On the butt there is a special sharpening for removing scales. To make the blade, manufacturers use 95×18 steel with a thickness of 2 mm. This tool is convenient even when you have to cut in the opposite direction from yourself. The guard prevents your fingers from slipping onto the knife blade.
3. The Splinter knife is a universal tool for both fishermen and hunters. The blade is 18 mm wide and 2.4 mm thick, made of 100×13 steel. The comfortable handle is made of birch bark. With a knife of this model it is easy to cut both fish and waterfowl.
4. The shkerochny knife is rightfully recognized as a real working tool for fishermen. On the butt of such a cutting device there is a special harpoon-shaped hook. They are very comfortable cutting fish. Another feature of the tool is the weighted handle. Shkerk knives are made in the Japanese style.
5. Non-sinking knife (floating knife). The name of this model speaks for itself. Many fishermen had to get knives from the bottom of the reservoir. To prevent such troubles, a floating knife was invented. The secret to unsinking fishing knives is the handle. It is made of cork material or has a cavity inside.

The float knife is lightweight - its weight is 50-70 g. Blade length – 10 cm. The set includes a plastic sheath. There is a bright orange sticker on the handle of the knife. This makes it easy to find a tool that has fallen into the grass. Of course, such a tool will not withstand extreme loads. But it can cope with cutting food and repairing gear without difficulty. Its main advantages are that it will not get lost or drown. The photo shows what a floating knife looks like in water and grass.

A fisherman's knife should become a real assistant in any job. Therefore, durability, convenience and quality are the main criteria for choosing the ideal cutting tool. You may have to pay a considerable amount for such a piece of equipment. But on the very first fishing trip the costs will be justified.

Signs of fishing knives

Every fisherman, when he hears about a fishing knife, imagines something different, but no matter how much one would like to have an ideal, universal device, it is not easy to find one. A quality tool must be functional and practical, and also have:

• little weight;
• compactness, impact resistance and corrosion resistance;
• have a bright design;
• hold sharpening for a long time;
• fits securely in the sheath;
• have a comfortable ergonomic handle.

Rules for choosing a great knife

The huge variety of fishing knives makes it very difficult to choose, since upon entering the store your eyes immediately run wide. Before you go shopping for your treasured weapon, you need to clearly define the requirements that apply to it and compare them with your goals and objectives.

It’s not that difficult to figure everything out, it just takes a little time. Let's put everything into pieces.

Form and purpose

Each blade shape of a fishing knife has its own purpose. There are three main forms:

1. Fillet knife. Equipped with a narrow and thin blade, very flexible. Many models are equipped with a serrator on the butt. The main task is to separate the meat from the bone.
2. Cutting fisherman. Equipped with a thick short blade, used for chopping bones and gutting.
3. Classical. Multifunctional, performs a variety of tasks, not as good as highly specialized ones, but several at once.

Steel

The steel from which the blade of a fishing knife is made must have optimal hardness and corrosion resistance. Recommended hardness is 55-60 units on the Rockwell scale. If the metal is softer, the cutting edge will have to be constantly sharpened.

A blade that is too hard loses its flexibility and can break upon impact; moreover, it is difficult to sharpen in field conditions. Anti-corrosion resistance is achieved by using various alloys.

The higher the content of carbon compounds, the more the steel is subject to corrosion.

Handle

The handle of the knife should fit securely and comfortably in the fisherman’s hand. When choosing, first of all, you should pay attention to the material; it should be tactilely pleasant.

A handle made of natural materials - wood or birch bark - is much more pleasant to the touch than synthetic ones. In addition, such a massive handle turns the tool into a floating knife. The float knife will not sink at the most crucial moment and will serve its owner longer.

But do not forget that when cutting fish, wood absorbs and retains a specific odor . In this case, plastic or dense rubber is a much more profitable material that is easier to care for.

Sheath

The sheath is one of the most important design elements of a bladed weapon; it protects the blade from external influences and protects others from careless handling of a sharp blade.

An ideally made sheath, when the blade enters, makes a characteristic sound, indicating correct fixation.

Preference should be given to a material that will ensure long-term and reliable operation of the knife. The sheath is made from the following materials:

• leather;
• Kydex;
• Cordura.

Fishing knives of various types.

Product Features

A knife for a fisherman should be compact and light weight - optimally no more than 200 g . It is preferable to choose models of bright colors: this way the instrument will not get lost in the grass if it falls to the ground. When choosing a specific product, it is mainly based on its purpose. It must meet some requirements:

• be compact to fit in a backpack or pocket;
• fits well and comfortably in the hand so that it is comfortable to use;
• the blade must have a particularly high-quality sharpening;
• the steel of the blade must be resistant to corrosion;
• It is important that the case has reliable fixation and fastenings for wearing.

Equally important is the comfortable handle. The following materials can be used for it:

• tree;
• natural or artificial leather;
• various synthetic materials.

Since gear is often pulled out with wet hands, it is important that the tool does not jump out or slip.

To achieve the best grip in the hand, handles made of plastic or with rubberized inserts are suitable; wooden handles can keep the knife afloat if it accidentally falls into the water. To protect the handle, it is coated with several layers of varnish to protect the wood from damage.

What to consider when buying a knife

When purchasing a fishing knife, special attention is paid to the following criteria:

1. The steel should have medium hardness, then the knife will not split under heavy load, and will not constantly become dull.
2. Carbon steel blades are not suitable for fishing - they rust quickly.
3. The best parameters for a fishing tool are thin, flexible, narrow with a straight blade.
4. The butt should not be too thick, otherwise the product will be too heavy.
5. The knife should be of medium size in order to perform the maximum number of functions.
6. The main parameter for the handle is a comfortable fit in the hand. It should not slip, and the material should not get wet or absorb odors.

What types of knives are there for tourism and fishing?

The design features of some types of knives are very similar. Based on functionality, such blades are divided into the following groups:

1. Universal knives for hunting and fishing, tourism. Such general-purpose products usually have a narrow blade with a straight spine, a smooth cutting edge, a protruding guard that protects against cuts, and a pointed tip. This category also includes hunting knives intended not for slaughtering animals, but for related work, clip-point models with a more pronounced edge. They can be either folding or with a fixed blade.
2. For cutting carcasses. As a rule, they have a one-sided sharpening and a wide blade - this design is convenient for skinning and cutting game. This includes models with a drop-point blade (the tip is lowered to the middle of the blade), which is convenient for piercing something, and a skinner with a short wide blade. Considering that you have to work with a load, models usually have a fixed blade.
3. Folding travel ones. Convenient to carry in your pockets or hanging. The folding mechanism protects against cuts and ensures compactness. Depending on the type of blade, such a knife can be suitable for different jobs in the field. It is also important that the folding mechanism is reliable and the opening/closing process does not cause difficulties.
4. Fishing. Folding fishing knives are designed for a wide range of tasks. With their help, you can cut branches, plan stakes, cut fish, and cut fishing line. The blade can be straight or combined - with sections of notches, hooks, protrusions.