Why should you get yourself a best fish fillet knife? What does it take to get the best that there is in the market? Where should you look for the best fish fillet knife? What type of knife do you prefer to have with you?
The above are just but a few of the things that you ought to have in mind before you go into the market to get yourself a fish fillet knife.
Why do you need to have a fish filet knife with you? As most people know, fillet is a boneless piece of meat and in most cases, the word comes up, we normally have fish in mind. Fillet is simply prepared via separating meat from bones and skin and it is normally accomplished with the aid of a fillet knife.
The knives are normally narrow close to the tips which makes it easier for you to be able to cut the meat off from difficult places especially around the bones which ensures that there is no wastage of meat whatsoever.
Having in mind that making a section of the Best Fish Fillet Knife can be quite a difficult task especially to those who are new to cooking their catch- which is one of the most satisfying things that an angler can enjoy-, let’s have a look at some of the things that you ought to have in mind so as to get the best fillet knives.
Choosing a fishing fillet knife is not as easy as most people think. From the length of the knife to the type of handle as well as the nature of the knife- either electric or manual- you need to pay heed to all the small details.What material is the blade made out of? Normally, stainless steel is the standard quality of the knives and the quality of the steel varies from one company to the other hence it is best that you always go for the most reputed for better performance and durability.The flex on the knife should not be overlooked. This varies with the length of the knife- the smaller the knife the higher the flex and vice versa. Having a fillet knife set if you are not sure of the length you really need is recommended before you go fishing hence you’ll be able to have the best of the best as you deserve to.
Justin Hoffman
10 Best Fish Fillet Knife On The Market In 2024
1. Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife
Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife
If you want to have one of the best that there is, then the Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife should not miss out on your shopping list whatsoever.
The knife comes with a plastic handle that has got a high friction grip with an easy to clean sheath and more so two interchangeable belt clips which will make it easy for you to be able to carry it while on your fishing grounds.
This quality stainless steel blade comes in two sizes and with this version- 3.5 inches- handling the small sized fish as it will be easier for you to reach all the difficult places due to the flexibility of the knife.
As for durability, the knife comes with chromium content within the stainless steel that makes it less susceptible to corrosion as well as oxidation than the those that have got carbon in them hence allowing you to use them for a longer span of time.
Pros
- 3.5 inches long- this allows you to easily handle the smaller fish due to utmost flexibility that allows you to easily cut the meat from the bones and flesh.
- The stainless steel has got chromium incorporated within it that makes it last longer- the best fillet knife you need for your fishing.
- High friction grip handle that allows you to handle it better and more so, it will be easier to clean
Cons
- When it comes to locking the sheath, you may not always find it as secure as it ought to be.
2. Kershaw Fillet Knife With Sheath
Kershaw Fillet Knife With Sheath
If you are looking for the best fillet knife for large fish, then this is definitely what you ought to go for. Comes in 9.25 inches and 14.25 inches long that sees to it filleting larger fish is simpler.
The steel is softer which allows the knife to bend without breaking hence you will be able to move it easily throughout the body of the fish hence giving you the ideal fillet that you deserve.
The best fillet knife is considered so not only because it is able to get the job done most efficiently but also if it will be durable enough to allow you to be able to use it even while in the waters. With the Kershaw Fillet Knife with Sheath, you’ll get to enjoy its highly corrosion resistant steel.
With neon lights on the handle, you can easily be able to spot it even in a marine environment. Still at the handle, its copolymer nature gives you an excellent grip and with its soft and firm texture, filleting a large fish is simplified.
Pros
- Japanese 420J2 stainless steel with optimal flex that makes filleting quite easy.
- Co-polymer handle material that offers an excellent grip that makes filleting.
- Durable handle that is specifically contoured for fileting comfort & comes with neon lights which makes the knife easily visible in marine environment.
Cons
- Not sharp enough when out of the box hence you may be needed to sharpen some more so as to get the best performance.
3. Rapala4 Soft Grip Fillet Knife
Rapala4 Soft Grip Fillet Knife
Rapala flexible stainless steel blade which is also non-slip. With this, you have the assurance of handling your fish with utmost ease. Other than having a durable blade, the handle is a soft-grip molded textured handle that allows you to have maximum control while filleting.
As for the sheath, it comes in a black one that allows you to be able to fit it easily in your belt and other than this, there is a single-stage sharpener that allows you to keep your soft grip fillet knife in its peak performance.
Another added advantage of having this knife with you is that it does not dull easily and in addition to this comes at a minimum of 6 inches and a maximum of 10 hence you can always be able to use it even for both the larger and the smaller fish.
Pros
- Comes with a sheath that allows you to fit it in your belt.
- Length is between 6-10 inches long hence you can use it on both the small and large fish.
- Super thin hence flexible allowing you to use it most efficiently.
Cons
- Be keen while ordering so as to get the right product instead of a fraud- you deserve the best.
4. RapalaFish’n Fillet Knife
RapalaFish’n Fillet Knife
Comes in 3 different sizes for multiple cleaning chores- 4, 6 or 7 inches. With 4 and 6 inches, you will be able to most efficiently handle the small fish and if you are looking or an average length that will take care of fish regardless their size, it is best that you go for the 7-inch blade.
The RapalaFish’n Fillet Knife boasts to come with a fine tooled leather Laplander sheath which allows you to easily secure your knife and more so, it will always retain its durability.
As for the maintenance, the RapalaFish’n Fillet Knife comes with a single-stage sharpener hence ensuring that the edges of your knife are always at peak performance.
Thin and flexible hence allowing you to fillet and gut your fish with utmost precision- definitely the best fishing fillet knife to get the job done.
Pros
- Comes with a leather Laplander sheath which allows you to keep your knife secure and durable.
- Get the whole fillet knife set-4, 6 and 7 inches and you are good to go- you’ll be able to handle your catch regardless of the size.
- Both thin and flexible hence you’ll be able to gut your fish with utmost precision.
Cons
- Though sharpened, it can at times lose its edge quite fast.
5. Rada Cutlery R200 Fillet Knife
Rada Cutlery R200 Fillet Knife
The Rada Cutlery R200 Fillet Knife comes in a black rubber handle that makes its handling easy and unlike other knives that come in different types of handles, the grip on the rubber handle prevents slippage.
Other than being razor sharp, the knife comes in a leather case which other than being easy to use when it comes to cutting your fillets will also be able to easily. With the leather case, you will be able to properly secure your knife- maintain the sharp edges and prevent the occurrence of any potential accidents.
When it comes to filleting, flexibility is one of the things that should be paid attention to. Having this in mind, it is worth taking note that there is no better way for you to debone or fillet a fish other than getting yourself one of these.
Pros
- Black rubber handle- better grip & easier for you to clean and maintain.
- T420 High Carbon Surgical Grade steel which makes it as durable as it is sharp for you to do your filleting.
- The blade comes is 7 1/8 inches which is just the optimal length for handling both the large and smaller fish
Cons
- When it comes to maintaining the edges, you might be needed to do some extra bit of sharpening
6. South Bend Floating Fillet Knife
South Bend Floating Fillet Knife
The South Bend Floating Fillet Knife has got a 6-inch stainless steel blade which other than being sharp and one of the best picks there are out there for smaller fish, it is also lightweight and floats on water hence you do not have to worry about losing it.
As a safety mechanism, the knife is designed in such a way that upon falling into the water, it floats with the sharp end facing downwards hence retrieve it easily without the risk of injury. Other than this, the handle is orange in color that makes its visibility easy.
Owing to the fact that it comes with a plastic sheath, it will be easier to maintain the sharp edges and in addition to this, you’ll be able to have it around you sort of the worries of being injured.
Speaking of the blade, its top-notch durability allows you to be able to use it even in marine environment without it succumbing to any spots whatsoever.
Pros
- Has got a floating handle which other than preventing the loss of your knife floats with the sharp ide facing downwards hence preventing unnecessary accidents.
- High quality stainless steel- the best fishing fillet knife in salt waters as you don’t have to worry about rush spots or corrosion.
Cons
- Has got lead in it hence you should always clean your fillets thoroughly before packing and cooking them.
7.Gerber Gear Sengyo Fillet Knife
Gerber Gear Sengyo Fillet Knife
The blade on the knife is 9.5 inches long making it not only an ideal but also the optimal choice for you if you are looking for a fillet knife that will allow you to handle both the large and small fish quite effectively.
The Gerber Gear Sengyo Fillet Knife comes with Gerber’s patented Gator Grip handle other than being durable has got quite a good feel on your hand regardless of whether the conditions are cool or dry. With such a handle, you’ll surely be able to handle your fillets with ease and efficiency.
Comes with a hand molded sheath and in addition to this a built-in ceramic sharpener which allows you to fillet both offshore and onshore.
Pros
- Full tang stainless steel blade- takes care of the knife’s durability ensuring that it is able to serve you for the longest time possible.
- Comes with a rubber handle that eliminates any worries of being discolored or splintered as compared to the knives that have either a plastic or wooden handle.
- The edges are sharp out of the box and in addition to this, you can always maintain their sharpness with the aid of the built-in ceramic sharpener.
Cons
- Occasionally, the blade may fall out of the handle which will then require you to reattach it if you want to continue enjoying its service.
8. Victorinox 6-Inch Flex Boning Knife
Victorinox 6-Inch Flex Boning Knife
Looking for the best fishing fillet knife? Then the you should not overlook the Victorinox 6-Inch Flex Boning Knife. It comes with a 6-inch, thin & flexible blade that allows you to easily do your filleting even in the most difficult sections to reach to.
Other than being flexible, the blade is stainless steel, ice-tampered and high-carbon that gives you optimal sharpness and in addition to this utmost edge retention.
Patented Fibrox handles that are textured as well as slip resistant and designed specifically to offer you balance as well as comfort hence giving you not only an easy time but also guaranteed precision as you do your filleting.
Pros
- Made out of cold-rolled steel and has otbolsterless edge that makes its sharpening easy.
- Ice-tampered, high-carbon stainless-steel blade that offers optimal sharpness and edge retention.
- 6 inches long which is not only ideal for separating fish from the bone but is also quite flexible to use.
Cons
- Though the handle is durable & slip resistant, it may seem a little bit heavy for you hence it might take some time to get used to it.
9. Buck Knives 220 Silver Creek Folding Fillet Fishing Knife
Buck Knives 220 Silver Creek Folding Fillet Fishing Knife
The Buck Knives 220 Silver Creek Folding Fillet Fishing Knife comes with a titanium coating on its 420 J2 stainless steel blade that is able to prevent the occurrence of any corrosion. With this, you’ll definitely be able to use it for a longer span of time.
Has got a rubberized anti-slip grip that has got a stainless steel safety guard as well. With these two, you’ll be able to handle your fillets with utmost ease and at the same time, you’ll not have to worry about being injured by the blade.
With the 6.5-inch-long blade, you’ll definitely be pleased with the flexibility of the knife since you will reach out to flesh even in the most difficult places hence no wastage whatsoever.
Pros
- Rubberized anti-slip handle; this makes it easy to handle the knife and with the safety guard, you won’t have to worry about injuring yourself.
- Has got a titanium coating that prevents the occurrence of any corrosion hence better durability.
- The flexible blade makes it an even better knife for filleting.
Cons
- The blade may demand frequent sharpening after doing some filleting on the fish.
10. Schrade 168UH Uncle Henry Walleye Fillet Knife
Schrade 168UH Uncle Henry Walleye Fillet Knife
Comes with a Staglon handle. This is in turn attached and firmly held in place by three steel rivets which ensure that the stag does not come lose whatsoever. In addition to giving you optimal strength, the stag handle is prevented from cracking or coming off whatsoever with the aid of the three steel rivets.
When it comes to sharp edges, the Schrade 168UH Uncle Henry Walleye Fillet Knife boasts to be the best fillet knife as compared to others in its class. Speaking of a sharp edge, you can always have it within the leather sheath.
Comes with a lanyard on it with which you won’t have to worry about losing the knife overboard.
Pros
- Has got a rugged leather sheath- with this, you can always have the sharp edge properly secured to maintain the sharp edges and prevent any accidents.
- Stagalon handle that has the blades firmly held on to it by three steel rivets for maximum strength.
- 5.3-inch-long blade that is quite sharp hence allowing you to handle the smaller fish most efficiently due to better flexibility.
Cons
- The knife may be a little bit long for you but all in all, it is always up to the task when taken on board.
Always Pay Heed To The Size Of The Blade.
Speaking of the physical appearance of the blade, length is one of the things that should not be overlooked whatsoever which in this case is between 4 and 9 inches.
The standard sizes for the blades are normally 4, 6, 7.5 and 9 inches. The reason as to why there are a variety of these is that the fish do vary in size as well. The bigger fish normally require a longer blade owing to the fact that you will be needed to work on a larger surface are.
If you handle smaller fish for most of the time, going for the shorter blades will allow you to handle less overkill. If you go for fresh water fish mostly or the smaller sized panfish, trout or fish, a 6 or 7-inch knife is the size that you ought to go for.
For larger fresh or saltwater fish such as pike and salmon, it is always best that you go for the larger knives- in this case, 8” or 9” ought to do the job as needed. In some instances, you may be needed to carry a set of different-sized knives.
If you want a standard sized knife that is bound to handle almost any type of fish, it is best that you go for the 7.5-inch-long blades. These will allow you to fillet both the small sized and the large fish satisfactorily and more so, with the least amount of struggle.
All in all, so as to get the best out of your fishing, it is always best that you go for a variety of sizes since upon doing so, you will be able to get to even the most difficult areas and in the long run, filleting will be fun and easy.
What Material Is The Blade Really Made Of?
When it comes to the material that is used in the making of the fillet knives, the most preferred is stainless steel for the obvious reason being due to the durability of stainless steel.
One thing that you should always have in mind however is that the type of stainless steel used in the making of the knives is not always the same.
Considering the fact that you may unfortunately fall for the wrong blade, it is best that you go for the blades made by a reputable company for a strong, durable, corrosive resistant and most of all extremely strong.
Still at the type of material used in the making of the knife, always have in mind that since even the type of material for the common cheap brands is stainless steel, it is always best that you buy your knife from a reputable brand. Just spend a little bit more and get the best that there is out there; you deserve the best.
How Flexible Is The Knife? Is The Flex Really Optimal?
This Is the main reason as to why you should go for a fillet knife rather than just going for any kitchen knife to separate flesh from bone.
Due to flexibility, you can be able to reach places that would not be as easy to get to when you are using a rigid knife for your filleting, more so, it is worth taking note that filleting with a chef’s knife can result to destruction of the fish which is probably the last thing you want considering the price of fish.
Another thing that you ought to always have in mind is that despite the fact that you may be having the best filleting knife, you also need to employ utmost keenness while doing the job.
Considering teaching yourself from scratch can be quite a hard task, the best thing that you ought to do is either seek the assistance of an angler with some experience or alternatively, try to watch a video and get to see how the pros do it.
Speaking of flex, it is worth taking note that the thickness of the blade is normally the main determining factor- the thicker the blade, the less flexible it is and vice versa.
If you are working on the smaller fish, it is normally best that you go for the shorter blades since you are going to need to work on tighter angles and sharper cuts. As compared to the shorter blades, it is not that important to maintain the best flex on the longer blades.
Blades that range between four and six inches ought to be thin and flexible such that when the tip is pressed straight down and pressure applied to it, it should be able to bend considerably.
With an increase in length of the blades, there is an added thickness so as to maintain its tensile strength hence a reduction in the level of flex
Types Of Handles On The Fillet Knives
When it comes to making your selection of the handle on your fillet knife, it is only fair that you have the best. Normally, they are either made of stainless steel, hardwood or plastic.
Hardwood, though cheap and easy to come along is not the best choice if you have other options due to the fact that it can get slippery and more so, some of the fish odor can get stuck on it which is not pleasant to you as the angler at all.
When making your selection of the fillet knife handle, always consider paying heed to the comfort, grip and how well you can be able to use it; normally, a well-constructed handle should be able to offer you all of these making your filleting safe and effortless all the same.
Presently, plastic and rubber are the main materials that are dominating the market. Between the two, rubber is the better option as it can be able to provide a greater grip owing to the fact that it can be squeezed tightly.
The tractability of rubber and plastic is excellent and in addition to this, they can both be cleaned easily and thoroughly as well hence as compared to wood, you do not have to worry about the bad odor of fish
Electric vs manual fillet knives
The type of knife that you choose for your filleting also does matter. In this case, you can wither go for the electric or the manual fishing knives.
Whereas you may be familiar with the manual fillet knives, this may not be the case with electric fillet knives. Electric knives are referred to as rechargeable knives in some instances and they are best used when you are needed to handle lots of fish- the best electric fillet knife should be able to offer you ample time of use.
The electric knives allow you to be able to work effortlessly on your catch and even though they have a bit of a learning curve, it may take you some time to get used to them.
Most of the models that you’ll get are normally the ones that come with rechargeable batteries i.e 12 volt lighter plugs, 110 volts wall plugs or the 12-volt post clips. If fishing is your favorite hobby, then this might just be what you need to take care of your filleting- get to slice through your catch like a hot knife in butter.
Another thing to take note of is that since the electric fillet knives are meant to be used out in the field, then it is not best that you use them indoors which in this case is in your kitchen.
Maintenance And Storage Of The Knife
When it comes to the storage of your fillet knife, it is best that you always sheath it before storing it in your cupboard or tackle box when it is not in use.
The best fillet knives in the market will normally come with a sheath which not only lessens your chances of getting injured but also ensures the knife’s edges are not blunted and are only exposed when you are filleting.
If you want to maintain the sharp edges of your knife, the best thing to do is go for the knives that come with a sharpener since the sharpener will specifically be customized for the knife that you go for.
Some knives will come with a small sharpener that is hand held hence before you do your filleting, you can always give it a few swipes for optimal performance.
Back to the storage, some knives will come with a sheath that will enable you to have the knife under your belt short of having to worry about being injured whatsoever.
When it comes to the cleaning of the kitchen knife, it is pretty much what you ought to do to any other knife. Hand wash the knife after use after which you should properly store it- sheath it and place it in a moisture free place most probably a cupboard.
It goes without saying that the fillet knives that come with a wooden handle should be given utmost attention when cleaning so as to get rid of any fish odor. Other than this, you should ensure that they are completely dry so as to prevent slippage when filleting.
What About Serrated Fillet Knives?
One mistake that most anglers do is using the fillet knives for other fishing jobs such as the cutting of bait. For such, it is always recommended that you carry with you say a penknife with which you will be able to do other fishing jobs.
Cutting scales and skin is one of the things that dulls a knife. You might be using a fillet knife meant for separating flesh from bone to do this and upon doing so, you’ll be disappointed at how dull it will become in a short span of time.
Using a serrated or a scalloped fillet knife to do the initial cuts ought to be able to save the edge of your fillet knife.
Final Verdict
After going through the above, getting the best fishing fillet knife is what you should always strive for.
The first thing that you should always consider is durability regardless of whether you want an electric or a manual fillet knife. The blade should always be able to withstand corrosion regardless of how salty the waters you are fishing at are.
Do you need an electric or manual fillet knife? the former is always the recommended option as it betters your skills in filleting. The best electric fillet knife should have a long battery life and should only be used when there is ample work to handle.
As for the maintenance, always keep your edges sharp for optimal performance and in addition to this, properly clean you knife before you sheath and store it.
When it comes to the handles, rubber is the most preferred choice on the best fillet knife for fish as it has a better grip and does not threaten to splinter as in wood and plastic and will not retain any bad odor whatsoever.
