Our team of dedicated outdoorsmen knows that the right tool makes the difference between a quick, clean job and a slow, sloppy one.
The newest tool in our lineup, the Westslope knife, proves that philosophy yet again. It addresses a gap in fishing gear most anglers are forced to work around.
A Knife for the Freshwater Angler
Named for Montana’s state fish, the westslope cutthroat trout, the Westslope knife is freshwater anglers’ ultimate companion.
Most knife makers focus on deep-sea fishing and big fillet knives, but unless you’re on the coast, most fish caught in the United States are smaller freshwater species. Some of America’s most popular freshwater fish are trout, pike, walleye, bass, redfish, and crappie.
None of these species typically require a large fillet knife, yet that’s what most fishing knives are. Freshwater fishermen are often forced to use tools that aren’t right for the job.
The Westslope is here to change that. It excels at the intricate work of gutting and cleaning freshwater trout, pike, walleye, or redfish right on the bank or boat. This isn’t a blade that gets buried at the bottom of your gear bag — it’s a specialized tool crafted for all freshwater fishing’s nuances.
Whether you’re cleaning your catch at camp before dinner or preparing bait for your next cast, this knife delivers the precision and control small- to medium-sized fish require. It even serves as an excellent bait knife when you’re cutting up smaller fish to catch the big ones.
Conservation Through Craftsmanship
Classified as a species of concern in Montana because of declining populations and limited range, westslope cutthroat trout are struggling with habitat loss, non-native species competition, and environmental changes.
By creating the Westslope knife, we’re raising awareness about conservation efforts that protect genetically pure populations, restore critical habitats, remove competing non-native species, and support sustainable fishing regulations.
The collaborative work among federal, state, tribal, and private organizations has made promising progress in habitat restoration and population monitoring — efforts we proudly stand behind as a Montana company committed to preserving our state’s natural treasures.
Modified Sheepsfoot Blade for Perfect Control
The Westslope’s distinctive blade profile features a curved edge with a subtle drop at the tip, designed for edge-up gutting and cleaning.
Most knives are designed to cut with the edge down, moving forward. The Westslope works best when held with the edge up, almost like you’d hold a pocket knife but flipped. When used this way, you ergonomically angle the blade’s curved belly to glide through fish.
Many small bird and trout knives feature pointy tips that can easily puncture your hand when handling slippery fish. We’ve blunted the tip to minimize the risk of accidental punctures or hand slices while maintaining just enough point to get under the skin.
The Westslope’s geometry nails the balance between sharpness and safety. It gives you just what you need to separate meat from waste without mangling what you plan to chow down on later.
MagnaCut Stainless Steel Meets Water Head-On
As a cryogenically heat-treated stainless steel, crafting the Westslope from MagnaCut was a no-brainer. It’s the perfect blend of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance — critical qualities for a knife that frequently encounters moisture, river water, and fish slime.
Unlike other stainless steel blades, MagnaCut can be easily resharpened, even by novice knife owners. More wear-resistant than other stainless steel and more corrosion-resistant than carbon steel, MagnaCut is in a class of its own.
Clean, Fisherman-Friendly G10 Handle
The Westslope features our signature G10 handle scales, optimized for fish processing’s unique challenges.
The bulletproof G10 material won’t absorb fish smells, won’t crack or break, and maintains excellent grip even when wet with water or fish muck. We designed the contours for comfortable extended use, whether you’re cleaning a single catch or processing an entire day’s haul.
We’ve also kept the handle profile clean with no jimping (textured ridges) for easy cleaning. Anyone who’s tried to clean fish guts out of a heavily textured knife handle will appreciate this thoughtful detail. The smooth profile lets you simply wipe the knife clean without worrying about residue building up in hard-to-reach crevices.
Exclusive MKC Kydex Sheath
Each Westslope comes with an American-made, custom MKC Kydex sheath.
The sheath features a built-in retention screw to customize blade tension and allow for secure carrying. Perfect for attaching to your fishing vest, waders, chest pack, tackle box, or belt, the sheath keeps your knife clean and protected between uses while allowing quick access when you need it.
Free Sharpening for Life and Beyond
MKC Generations® is our promise to restore your knife to its original, unmatched working condition.
MKC will clean, sharpen, repair, and even reshape your blades when necessary, free of charge. While we perform all necessary sharpening and maintenance, our aim is not to return your knife to its brand-new appearance but to maintain its character and functionality for generations of use.
Final Thoughts on the Westslope: Your Go-to Fishing Companion
The Westslope is our contribution to the tradition of freshwater fishing, crafted with the same care and attention Montana’s anglers bring to their time on the water.
We built it for the moments that matter — when you’re standing streamside with a fresh catch and need a tool as dedicated to precision as you are.
Whether you’re a lifelong angler or just getting started with one of America’s most accessible outdoor activities, the Westslope is an essential part of your kit. This is freshwater fishing done right.
by Josh Smith, Master Bladesmith and Founder of Montana Knife Company
