Folding fishing knife?

[BigBluefish]

I'd like to get a locking folder for fishing. I'd like a slim blade, not more than 4 - 4.5 inches. Tasks to be cutting bait, gutting, simple fileting, scaling, cutting line, etc.

I'd like to stay within a $70 budget.

Any suggestions?

[carrot]

Spyderco Catcherman would be ideal but it has been discontinued. Perhaps the Benchmade Salmon River instead?

[Gazerbeam]

Check out the CRKT Surf 'N Turf Folder 5" blade, Micarta handle, liner lock, thumb stud, pocket clip, sounds like the bomb. There's a video on this link.

[Gryffin]

I second the suggestion of the Benchmade Salmon River. I have one, and it works great!

However, I'm not convinced that a folding knife is really appropriate for gutting or filleting. Not that they're not capable of it, just that it's very messy work, and folding knives in general are a royal PITA to clean properly. No matter how many times I wash and flush out my Salmon River, it never seems to be enough.

[RepProdigious]

Opinel slim-line in the size you like! Very VERY cheap compared to *everything* else but just a great buy!

I you dont like the price you can always get one with exotic wood or just jam some diamonds in the handle

[guardpost3]

I have a few folding filet knives from kershaw that ive found are great for keeping in my tackle boxes, cost me about 20 bucks each. The blade is a little longer than you want at 6 inches, but might be worth a look.

[BigBluefish]

I second the suggestion of the Benchmade Salmon River. I have one, and it works great!

However, I'm not convinced that a folding knife is really appropriate for gutting or filleting. Not that they're not capable of it, just that it's very messy work, and folding knives in general are a royal PITA to clean properly. No matter how many times I wash and flush out my Salmon River, it never seems to be enough.

I agree. Folders are a PITA to clean. And I have a couple of suitable fixed blade knives. And I usually filet, or used to, many moons ago, at home in the kitchen. My wife probably won't go for that now, though ...

The problem is, I want a folder for "suburban" fishing with my son. Grab-the-stuff-and-go after work for an hour or so. Years ago, I could get away with carrying a fixed blade around town. Not anymore. While a blade over 4" is legal if I am fishing or hunting (otherwise, there is no provision under my state's law to carry a knife with a blade over 4") my life will be much simpler if it's a folder that rides in my pocket out of sight. So the filet knife and the Bucks are out of the question.

That CRKT knife looks nice...low stock thogh. I wonder if they have any left.

A couple of you guys mentioned the Benchmade Salmon River. Who stocks that model online?

[skyfire]

you should check out the spyderco "salt" line-up which is supposed to be rust proof. comes in all shapes and sizes, straight blade or serrated. and very affordable.

i use a spyderco salt 1 which is similar to the delica and it works great for line cutting, rope cutting, bait, and other things. it doesnt fillet that good. but i use a fillet-only knife for that.

[Gryffin]

I agree. Folders are a PITA to clean. … The problem is, I want a folder for "suburban" fishing with my son. Grab-the-stuff-and-go after work for an hour or so. Years ago, I could get away with carrying a fixed blade around town. Not anymore.

Ah, gotcha. Makes sense now.

A couple of you guys mentioned the Benchmade Salmon River. Who stocks that model online?

Just checked the Benchmade site, it's listed as "discontinued". A quick Googling didn't turn up any online from any stores I recognize, so scoring one might be a bit of a challenge. You could always try fleaBay, I suppose; I see one Salmon Creek (5.72" blade version) up there now.