Best Fillet Knife Reviews in 2023

Nowadays, there are so many tools on the market that make our everyday life so much easier including cooking. Best Fillet knife has been invented by a Japanese cook and has since become a very popular tool in the kitchens and amongst chefs.

What Do You Need to Know When Shopping for a Fillet Knife?

Nowadays, there are so many options of durable and balanced fillet knife on the market that choosing one can become a nightmare especially for an individual who has not bought fillet knives before. To help ease the process, think about what size fillet knife you need as most fillet knives are between five to about 12 inches in length. To decide on what type of blade length you need, think about what type of fish you usually catch, buy and fillet.

For smaller fish types such as Cod a five to seven inch blade will do the trick, however, for bigger fish such as Tuna and Salmon you might want to buy longer fillet knives that are usually sold between nine to 12 inches long. Secondly, think about the type of blade you would like to purchase as most filleting knives are normally made from stainless steel or carbon coated stainless steel.

Top 9 Best Fillet Knife Reviews in 2023

KastKing Fillet Knife

Any angler worth their salt knows that fillet knives need care after you’ve worked with them. Proper care prevents rust and corrosion from getting a hold of your precious blade. However, this KastKing knife is very resistant to corrosion, so that you can get away with a slight bit of negligence.

The feature that makes this blade suitable for both freshwater and saltwater applications is the G4116 German Stainless-Steel. This blade still is high in chromium, so it’s highly corrosion resistant. The balance between chromium and steel also makes it perfectly flexible for filleting purposes. The blade is quite functional when it comes to processing fish.

The low-maintenance polymer handle makes sure your hand doesn’t slip even when it’s wet. It’s also large enough and ergonomic to prevent wrist fatigue. Another feature that makes this knife the top contender for the best fillet knife is the sheath. It is lightweight but handy as it keeps the blade securely locked in place. It’s also designed with gaps, so water drains out and keeps your knife rust-free.

imarku Boning and Fillet Knife

Here’s a good filet knife that’s also suitable as a boning knife. The knife is slightly shorter than other fillet knives in this list, making it more suitable for multipurpose use. This is a high carbon 3Cr13M ov steel knife and is therefore quite hard. It scores around 56 on the HRC scale. So while it might not be as flexible as most fillet knives, it’s still suitable for that purpose.

Additionally, it’s also hard enough to chop through meat and vegetables. The handle on this knife is pakkawood, which is both lightweight and easy to maintain. Moreover, the shape of the handle is suitable no matter how large or small your hands are.

Kershaw Clearwater Fillet Knife

Kershaw Clearwater is a 9-inch fileting knife made of stainless steel and comes in a box with ABS sheath and a belt holster for easy storage and carriage. Plus, the handle is covered in an anti-slip polymer rubber material to prevent the knife from slipping and causing potential cuts or more serious injuries.

The incorporated neon green accents can be used to identify the knife in dark marine conditions while shipping. The manufacturer suggests customers use this Kershaw knife to fillet Salmon, Snapper, Bass, Cod, Tuna and Catfish. The knife does not corrode even in saltwater and can be used on fishing trips or for cooking at home.

Rapala Fish n Fillet Superflex Knife

Rapala Filleting Knives are specifically designed for filleting different sized fish hence you can find the knives in different sizes. However, the blade is rather long and sharp therefor newbies should be very careful when handling this knife.

But remember, once you will get a hang of the knife it will become your best friend in the kitchen. Moreover, its fairly cheap price can become a surprise for many customers as such similar knives cost much more on the market.

Plus, the knife is very easy to clean with many cleaning solutions and can be stored in the leather sheath that it comes with as this will protect it from obtaining scratches and scuffs. The stainless blade has been slightly covered in thin layer of titanium for added blade strength and to prevent rust and corrosion from occurring.

As for the handle, it is made from textured rubber material that can withstand up to 100 degrees Celsius without melting so you don’t have to worry about placing the knife too close to the stove or oven. Plus, this type of handle also makes the knife much more comfortable to grip and use even if your hands are wet.

Elk Ridge ER-028 Fillet Knife

Elk Ridge ER028 is a beautiful and sleek knife with stainless steel and anti-slip handle. Professional chefs have reported the Elk Ridge knife to be sturdy in hand and very balanced during slicing, mincing and chopping.

The knife is easy to clean under the running water with a little dish soap however never use harsh chemical and always dry it with a clean knife. When not in use, the knife can be stored in the sheath so as to avoid scratches and possible scuffs plus the blade has been reported to keep its shine throughout the years without rusting or corroding.

The Elk Ridge filleting knife is very eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing. The knife has a classic look which makes it easy to grasp and use. Also, the stainless steel blade stays sharp for long periods and requires only seldom sharpening. The blade has a 18-degree sharpening angle making it among the sharpest knives right out of the box.

CRKT Clark Fork Folding Fillet Knife

The Columbia River Knife and Tool filleting knife is designed by fishermen for fishermen. It has many innovative features to reduce the number of risks. Moreover, the blade is locked securely into the handle and does not wobble even when much force is applied. The CRKT knife comes with a reinforced nylon sheath that you can use to store the knife when it is not needed.

Moreover, you can clean it easily. The knife does not weigh much; hence you can carry it with you at all times. As the knife is folded and so slightly shorter than most fillet knives, you can’t hope to process large fish with it. However, it’s excellent if you’re working with small to medium-sized fish. It’s quick and sharp, providing great value for money.

Schrade Steelhead Fillet Knife

It has been long known on the market of fillet knives, this German brand has established itself as the manufacturer of some of the best knives in the world including filleting knives. Schrade Steelhead Knife is best used when you need to get clean fillets with precise cuts regardless of the fish size or type.

The blade has been designed from forged German stainless steel in order to give the user best possible control of the knife and especially the long shredded blade. To help the knife resist corrosion and rust, Schrade has coated in with a very thin layer of carbon. This also makes the blade much more durable and stronger.

Moreover, you can clean the knife under running water just make sure to dry it with a clean rag afterwards. Furthermore, many chefs prefer this type of knife because it has a Riveted Staglon handle that does not absorb odors or bacteria with microbes. Lastly, the manufactures has included a nice sheath for you to use as go to storage for this knife.

WÜSTHOF Classic Fillet Knife

Wusthof Classic 7 inch long filleting knife is great for home and professional use plus customers have reported that the knife makes precise cuts and can be used to perfectly fillet all sorts of knife. Moreover, the handle is made from anti-slip material that helps keep the knife balanced plus the handle is ergonomically designed contributing to the overall comfortable experience.

Furthermore, this Wusthof filleting knife is beautiful and will look pretty sitting on your kitchen counter top. However, do not forget to regularly sharpen it with a special knife sharpener and to always clean the knife manually as well as keep it dry at all times.

Havalon Baracuta-Edge Pro fillet Knife

Havalon Baracuta Best Fillet Knife is considered to be the ultimate fillet knife in the circles of professional chefs around the world mainly for its superior quality and long span of service. The knife can be used to cut smooth and very precise pieces of fish or meat fillets, in other words, you can use this knife for a very wide variety of tasks including for cutting chicken that has bones in it regardless of whether you a housewife or a professional restaurant chef.

The blade is very sharp right out of the packaging and can easily cut through ribs, bones and thick muscle layers thereby being a go to knife for cooking various dishes for lunch, dinner and even Japanese cuisine such as Sushi.

Picking the Best Fillet Knife for Your Use

One of the crucial tools you need for a smooth process is a fillet knife if you want to prepare fish. You need to know that a fillet knife is not only something for professional anglers. As a homeowner, you can own a fillet knife to prepare your fish neatly. One of the challenges you might face is picking the right fillet knife for your needs. These four factors help you select the best fillet knife.

Blade’s Strength and Quality

The strength and quality of a blade need to be considered before you get a fillet knife. It is crucial to mention that the blade’s strength is directly associated with the blade’s quality. If you get a blade from a low-quality material, it can break at any time, and it is not advisable for extensive tasks. On the other hand, a fillet knife with high quality can withstand the most challenging heavy-duty task.

Generally, carbon steel knives are more expensive and durable than stainless steel knives. The former can be easily sharpened, and they retain their sharpness for a long time. However, more people use stainless steel knives because they are inexpensive and easy to find.

Grip

Another vital factor you need when buying a fillet knife is its grip. The grip determines the strength and forces you to exert when you want to use your fillet knife. It is best to look out for a fillet knife that provides a comfortable grip and convenience when deboning your fish.

Flexibility

You need to opt for a fillet knife that provides ample flexibility when cutting fish or even meat. It is vital to get a fillet knife that allows you to maneuver as you wish when cutting.

Price

The truth is there are fillet knives at various prices. You can get a fillet knife for as low as $30 that would serve you well. It generally depends on its durability, brand name, and quality. If you want the electric model, you have to spend more. It is also essential to invest in durability and quality to use it for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What Should I Look for in a Fillet Knife?

A: A fillet knife should be longer than it is broad and flexible. While flexibility is most often seen as a weakness in a knife, it is a must-have characteristic in the case of fillet knives. It helps to process fish with more comfort. Moreover, you should take into account what fish you’re working with. The fillet knife should be sharp, thin, and long enough to tackle that specific type of fish.

Q: How Flexible Should a Fillet Knife Be?

A: Fillet knives should maintain a good balance between sharpness, hardness, and flexibility. It should be sharp and hard enough to retain that edge. However, it should also be flexible enough to fillet with ample precision.

Q: Can You Use a Fillet Knife as a Boning Knife?

A: As boning knives and fillet knives are somewhat similar yet different enough in their function; you would technically be able to use a fillet knife as a boning knife. However, it won’t be easy. Boning knives tend to be firmer and have a thicker edge to slice through layers of meat and fat. A fillet knife is thinner and more flexible, so you’ll have a bit of a hard time boning meat with it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to advise to thoroughly think about what fish you normally try to catch if you are a fisherman or what fish you regularly cook at home if you are not a fisherman. Depending on the type and size of the wish that you normally work with, you can easily select and buy the best fish filleting knife for yourself.

The blade size will largely depend on what type of wish your often fillet, for instance, small fish such as cod will require relatively small but flexible blade as the fish tends to have an irregular spine. Larger fish such as Salmon and Tuna will need a much longer blade but the flexibility will no longer be that important.

Moreover, if you intend on taking your filleting knife when you travel or go fishing then look to invest in a nice knife sheath too because it will protect your knife from scratches, scuffs and other undesirable marks that might compromise its quality. The best sheaths for small and large filleting knives is the regular nylon or silicone ones as they can be occasionally tossed in the washing machine for a cleaning cycle.

Lastly, look to buy filleting knives that have at least a 30-day warranty window for just in case you will not like your new knife or if you will some significant flaws in its design that might affect the way it fillets fish.