Named after the flowing Clearwater River in Buck’s home state of Idaho, this new series of fillet knives incorporates a triple-edged blade design for superior handling. A full tang structure and rubberized handle provide a comfortable, secure grip and are slip-resistant. The contoured grip is comfortable either with a bare hand or when wearing gloves, both dry or wet. The backside edging is essential in breaking down fish during non-fillet cuts. Available in six-inch or nine-inch lengths and in 420HC or Sandvik steel, these flexible fillet knives integrate cutting edge technology into reliability to suit both freshwater and saltwater anglers.
The extremely flexible blades have a unique three-edge system to maximize your speed and efficiency when the job requires cutting up a cooler full of your favorite catch. The core strength of each blade is enhanced with full tang construction. The tip edge makes it easier to poke through tough scales; the back side edge is useful for opening the belly of a tough-skinned finfish; and the main edge is properly shaped to make efficient and clean cuts all day long. The rubberized handle is shaped for control and comfort while holding in multiple positions over long periods of time. Each knife comes with a rigid plastic sheath featuring built-in drainage holes to minimize moisture buildup to prolong blade life. Each Clearwater fillet knife handle starts off with a tough thermoplastic base that is totally impervious to the vagaries of saltwater. The rubber “over-mold” handle affords users a tacky feel and firm grip whether your hands are wet or dry, with or without gloves. All of the finger grooves and angles have been scientifically designed for comfort, safety and to reduce operator fatigue when slicing up bags of fish fillets. The proprietary anti-slip ridges on the underside of the over-mold handle really work as advertised and give you a great grip for the job at hand.
The Clearwater lineup currently includes a quartet of knives broken down in two distinct groups. The “Select” series features a pair of blades, with your choice of either six-inch or nine-inch models, identified by a red and gray handle. These siblings feature a blade that is shaped from HC420 stainless steel, which offers a unique combination of corrosion resistance while retaining its edge over many cuts. The injection-molded plastic sheath is equipped with an integral belt clip and a stylized drain hole to minimize moisture buildup on the blade, promoting its longevity. The “Avid” series of Clearwater fillet knives include a second pair with similar length blades, but instead use a higher grade of metal to do their thing. The two Avid siblings feature blades manufactured from 12C27Mod Sandvik steel, which can be honed to a razor’s edge and kept that way for a long time. A blue and gray handle provide the requisite identification features to separate these twins from their cousins.
Both the Select and the Avid knives share some commonalities, like a 12.25-inch overall length for the six-inch blades and a 15.25-inch LOA for the longer nine-inch blades. The smaller of the twins weighs only 3.3 ounces, while the larger siblings tip the scale at 3.9 ounces. Translated: these are lightweight, yet strong and flexible fillet knives that can work all day and not fatigue your cutting hand. Each knife encompasses the quality and craftsmanship known to Buck for many generations, is made in the USA and is covered by their famous Forever Warranty. Buck knives many cost a bit more than the cheaper Pacific-rim imports, but they’re worth it!
