Does anyone have any experience with the Hamilton Beach kitchen knife for filleting crappie? Had a Mister Twister for several years that die on me last week and every Walmart and Academy within driving distance was out of electric knives. An older woman who fishes the same area as me and catches more fish than me normally recommended the kitchen knife. She said she's been using them for years. I've filleted about 100 so far and it works great. Only cost $20. Just wondering how long its gonna last.

I've had a mister twister as well but I was originally prescribed a hamilton beach, fella's filleting reds down here on the coast swore by them, I also think taking care of it and storing it in a dry place, replacing the blade when needed, and just a little cleaning after filleting fish should keep it right on ticking!!! Hope this helps,

Jess

That's all I use and I assure you it will skin way more than 100. At less than $20 you can't beat them. I buy two at a time and keep them in my boat. I have wore one out but i got my $20 out of it. They will out last mister twister every time.

Clay

You will get your moneys worth out of it for sure. I have one too and it works good for me.

I'm not allowed to use knives anymore.

That's what I've used for the last few years.

I have used them and they work well. The only thing that wears out is the trigger (from turning on and off so many times). The best way to keep electric knives from wearing out is to tape the trigger down so that it runs constantly. It will keep the motor cooler and the trigger will not wear out. You just have to be careful with it. I have averaged cleaning around 5000 a year for the last 25 years and the Mister Twister is the worst I have used and the best was the old GE kitchen knives.

The only issue I have with a Hamilton Beach knife is the way I hold it I press the blade disengage and have to reset the blades. This was the issue on knives two years back, maybe the latest design is different? I have used the Black and Decker knives sold at Wal Mart under $10. Not all Wal-Marts carry them. The last time I found them was the Wal-Mart in Harker Heights and I purchased five of them which will last me a lifetime. Don't recommend them for cleaning big reds but crappie and trout or no issue.

Those old GE knives were wonderful. I used one for about 25 years on everything from specs and reds to Bass and Crappie. I wish they would build them again but oh no...we gotta buy Chineeze junk now.

I used the same H-B electric knife from 1976 (wedding gift) until 2000. Wife made me throw it out for a newer, cleaner one without the blood stains. It was used for T-day turkeys too. Never could find another on like it, or as good. I use a Mister Twister saltwater version now. The key is new/sharp blades often, with any model you choose.

Side: The M-T Salt is new to me, I haven't decided if I like it.

I prefer the new American Angler due to ergonomics, i.e. depressing the blade release. But, whatever knife motor body you use, Mister Twister 9" blades are the ticket IMHO. They flex better and the point cuts better than any other I've used. About $8 at Academy.

I tried one last year. I thought it was a good deal at $15, but it started smoking and locked up after two sessions of cleaning whites. I got an older American Angler off ebay. This is what I used prior to losing it after moving.

I have the MT saltwater and I am disappointed. Cleaned 25 whites yesterday and it was struggling. Brand new knife & blades fresh out of the box. I need to find a WM carrying the HB knives. Mine was out last time I looked.

Here's a well spelled out opinion:
http://www.learntocatchcatfish.com/american-angler-mt3