I recently took a trip to Brace Lake Outfitters with my family, to do some relaxing, and of course some fishing. Prior to the trip, I was able to pick up a new filet knife from North Arm Knives, who are based out of British Columbia. I was put on these knives from another angler, Aaron Wiebe, who hosts Uncut Angling. I spoke with Mike from North Arm Knives and he recommended the Kermode 6”, based on the type of work I’d be putting it to, namely cleaning Walleye.
My previous blade was (and not to name names) was one of those you find in the aisle at any store that sells fishing and camping gear, and was part of a package that included some pliers. What I didn’t like about that blade was that is was not sturdy to hold, and more importantly, the blade lost it’s edge after cleaning just a couple fish. Enter the Kermode 6”.
The steel for the blade is made in the USA, but the actual blade, handle and sheath are milled right in BC by Mike and his father. As soon as you hold it in your hand you can appreciate the great weight and balance, and the quality of the craftsmanship is evident. The real test would of course occur in the cleaning hut!
The video below should pretty much cover my very favourable opinion (apologies for saying the blade name wrong). At the point I shot the fishing cleaning video, I had personally cleaned 30 Walleye. In addition, the lodge owner and two staff head each filleted a fish to try it out. So 33 Walleye, no sharpening, and it performed better on the last fish than my pervious knife would have on the first.
When you spend the money to do these remote trips, and you plan to harvest fish, you learn pretty quickly that you want to use quality gear. You’ll pay more for this knife than you will in the retail aisle, but based on the value I experienced on this single trip, you’ll be further ahead. If you have any questions, send me an email at scott@canadianfisherman.ca and be sure to check out North Arm Knives if you are in the market for a new blade.
Check out my video review….