Douglas Net Company Fish Scaler

Update 6/16/13: I have changed the rating to 5 stars because the small tip makes it work the best with the smaller size fish fillets.I usually use a knife blade (held vertical) to scrape off fish scales, but the scales fly everywhere. There must be something better, but what? I compared 3 scalers side by side on removing salmon scales - both small and medium scales with the sharp edge of a knife.1. The first was Fish Scaler Scale Remover #2262  Fish Scaler Scale Remover #2262 . I had high hopes for this inexpensive device, but it barely works against average to small size scales. As another reviewer noted, its teeth are not even slightly sharp. Not only are the scales barely removed, but the scales still fly everywhere. I finally gave up! Inexpensive, but USELESS! Perhaps it would work better for large scales? Sorry, but definitely 1-star.2. Fish Scaler by Douglas Net Company (this one) did not make a good first impression since it looks like it was stamped out of an old galvanized garbage can and it was coated with some greasy substance. Additionally, its hard edges and sharp teeth make it a bit hard to hold. However, it was the least expensive and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked. It removes scales much quicker and effectively than a knife and captures a fair amount of scales. It can be used by pulling or by moving sideways over the fish skin. It is easy to clean, although I am not sure how long the galvanized metal will last. It seems quite strong. It is a worthwhile purchase.3. Stainless Steel Fish Scaler - 9-1/2"  Stainless Steel Fish Scaler - 9-1/2"  does NOT look exactly like the picture. The one in the picture appears to have been bent and damaged in shipping. The one I received has more uniform sides, although the metal is somewhat flimsy. Unlike the picture, it also has actual teeth which quickly and efficiently removed the fish scales. It is slightly more expensive than the other two. A side to side motion seems to work best and it cleans easily. It captures just a bit more scales than number 2 and it is easy to hold. It is just a bit better than number 2 overall and so it is my favorite scaler of these three. Although it is not perfect, I give it 5-stars since it is the best manual scaler I have found so far.

I have been using this fish scaler close to 50 years. This summer relatives visited us from Norway. When they seen me cleaning the fish in minutes, they asked for the fish scaler. What can you do when your wife relitves asking for something. I parted with the scaler. The local sporting and fishing stores do not have this type of the scaler any more, but I was able to find it on Amazon. I ordered 3 of them, and they were very inexpensive, and arrived in 4 days. I wish that I could find and buy that easily many more "older" tools/things.One happy fishermanTom Szepsy

Had a large amount of scaling to get done and needed help fast. Placed the order and a couple days later the scaler had arrived. My assistant was there and in a couple of hours 300 fish were done. The product worked as advertised and the price at least 50% less than any store I visited.

this is a great item to have it works great and is easy to use and comfortable to hold works great.

My husband has been asking for another one (since his was lost on a previous diving trip) and I found this. It seemed like the one he had (and liked) PLUS the price wasn't at all hard to swallow SO.. short story shorter.. He wanted, I found, I bought, He Liked. =)

No offense to the seller - this item was shipped super fast, and I have no complaint there. But as far as the item itself - I used it for one half of a trout, and then switched back to using a plain spoon, which worked better. The jagged teeth just didn't catch all of the scales, and I was afraid to press too much because I didn't want to cut the fish up. Yes, it is very cheap price-wise, but a spoon is even cheaper.

Product purchased, made it a little easier to clean fish, i would recommend to a friend, great for the price.

The scaler is not as it is shown in the picture. Its handle is difficult to hold.I gave three stars because it works alright.