7 Best Fillet Knives for Saltwater Fish 2023
Seafood does not come cheap and, therefore, you can’t afford to have anything going to waste. It is for this particular reason that you need to make sure that you’re investing in nothing but the best fillet knife for saltwater fish.
As you might be aware, saltwater can easily corrode even the once cute knife. And, therefore, you need to always think beyond the looks and focus more on the quality of the materials used.
Besides corrosion resistance, other features to ponder on include:
- Blade size
- How flexible the blade is
- Quality of the handle
We’ll discuss the buying guide for saltwater fillet knife later but first here’s the list of some of our top picks.
The Best Saltwater Fish Filleting Knives 2023 – Comparison List
Listed down below are the particular saltwater fillet knives reviewed further below. So, if you don’t have the time to read the in-depth reviews, the following quick list can be of help.
1. Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife
If you are a fisherman out in the waters and you desire a fillet knife that is designed to withstand such rough conditions, the Morakniv Fishing Comfort fillet knife is one great option you should consider.
It is available in two versions, the 3-Inch, and the 8-Inch versions, the latter being the most comfortable to use.
The blade is constructed from Sandvik stainless steel which is very sturdy and features a chromium substance which gives it an impressive corrosion and oxidation resistance. This feature is quite crucial in making it the ultimate outdoor fillet knife in moist conditions.
Additionally, the blade is very easy to sharpen.
The knife has an ergonomic handle which is patterned and has a non-slip grip for comfort and safety. It also comes with two belt clips for portability purposes and a plastic sheath for safe storage.
Pros
- Easy to sharpen
- Ergonomic non-slip handle
- Sturdy steel construction
Cons
- Poor edge retention
2. Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife
Ever come from an exhausting fishing expedition, and you are left wondering how you are going to clean the pile of fish staring at you? An electric fillet knife will solve your problems, and in this case, we recommend the Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife.
The knife comes with an 8-Inch cord as it needs to be plugged in to operate.
It has a 7.5-Inch blade meaning that you will comfortably use it for cutting through small to medium sized fish. You will also have the option of purchasing different lengths as per your preference.
The knife has a comfortable grip which fits well in your hands. Further, a modern motor is fitted in for silent and cool operation, and your hands will never heat up in the process.
It is more powerful and faster than ordinary electric knives and is razor sharp for a flawless performance.
Pros
- 8-Inch cord gives you the distance to maneuver
- Comfortable grip
- Operates silently and remains cool
Cons
- Not flexible
3. Zwilling J.A. Henckels 7-Inch Fillet Knife
If you are looking for a reliable fillet knife which you can use at home or a restaurant, the Zwilling J.A. Henckels 7-Inch fillet knife will fit the bill. It is constructed from high-carbon stainless steel (blade) for durability.
It undergoes the FRIODUR ice-hardening process to ensure that the blade maintains its sharpness while it has laser-controlled and precision-honed edges to create a perfect cutting angle for a superb performance.
The knife has an ergonomic polypropylene handle which has a comfortable grip and offers an excellent balance to give you full control of the knife and prevent fatigue and wrist sprains.
It has a fantastic edge-retention with a 57-hardness on the Rockwell scale.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle with good grip
- Amazing edge-retention
- Sturdy high-carbon stainless steel construction
Cons
- Expensive
Also read: Best chef knife under 300
4. American Angler PRO Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife
If you are looking to finish your filleting work faster and more efficiently, an electric fillet knife is your best bet. In this case, we recommend the American Angler PRO Electric fillet knife.
This knife is highly rated not only because of its performance but also because it comes with useful accessories in the form of a filleting glove and five different blades.
It features flexible, hollow-ground blades which will offer you incredible flexibility and precision. You will also have five other blades to choose from as per your desire.
The knife is equipped with a powerful gear and motor system which is powerful and fast, and it requires 110V to power it. So the 8-Inch cord will be handy in this situation.
Then, there is a venting system to protect your hands from heating.
Pros
- It comes with extra accessories
- Fast, powerful and flexible
- Venting system keeps your hands cool
Cons
- Dulls quickly
5. Rapala Fish N Fillet Knife
Are you looking for a fillet knife whose manufacturer factored in beauty in its construction? Well, the Rapala Fish N Fillet knife is what you are looking for.
It has a 7-Inch blade crafted from full-tang Swedish Stainless Steel, and it is very flexible, and it will give you the right precision that you desire.
The knife features the legendary Rapala reinforced birch vanished handle, which reels of Scandinavian history, and contributes to its stunning beauty.
The blade is highly durable and has fantastic edge retention, maintaining its razor-sharpness for hours. It is also highly corrosion and rust-resistant.
It comes with a genuine leather Laplander sheath for safe storage.
Pros
- Stunning appearance
- Very flexible and durable blade
- Comes with a sheath for storage when not in use
Cons
- Slippery handle in wet conditions
6. Buck Knives 220 Silver Creek Folding Fillet Fishing Knife
The Buck Knives is an American company that has a reputation of manufacturing top-notch knives, with the Silver Creek Folding Fillet knife being no exception.
The blade measures roughly 6.5-Inches long and is razor-sharp and slim to separate meat from bones without wasting too much meat effectively. It is also highly durable and will serve you for many years to come.
The knife has a unique, foldable design, and when you combine this with its compactness, you end up with a very portable knife. It will easily fit in your pocket as you go fishing.
The rubberized handle will offer you a very firm grip and comfort as you go about your business.
Do not fret if it is your first time with such a knife as it comes with a manual to give you an easy time as you take your first steps.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Has a secure locking mechanism
- Comfortable handle with a firm grip
Cons
- Prone to rusting
7. Kershaw Clearwater 7-Inch Fillet Knife
Kershaw knives are known to set standards in the market when it comes to quality and performance, and the Kershaw Clearwater 7-Inch fillet knife does not break from the tradition.
It is constructed from Japanese 420J2 steel which is soft and provides the right amount of flexibility to fillet the larger fish species effortlessly.
The blade is easy to sharpen and maintains its edge quite impressively. It is also rust resistant, an essential feature if you spend most of your time in the waters.
It has a rubberized, textured handle which is soft and non-slip, to give you maximum comfort and stability as you go about filleting. It also features neon-orange accents to make detection easy.
Pros
- Superior construction
- Comfortable handle
- The blade is easy to sharpen
Cons
- The blade is too long
The Buying Guide for Best Anti-Corrosive Filleting Knife
What are some of the key factors to consider when shopping for the perfect knife? Well, don’t select just any other knife because you might just end up with something that leaves you frustrated. Here are the essentials to consider.
Material
Your best bet is to bank on an anti-corrosive blade metal and a moisture resistant handle. As for the metal, look for the highest quality steel blade available. The blade can be made of high polycarbonate plastic or rubber.
Blade Size
The question of the best blade size to choose is directly connected to the type of fish you’re working on. If you’re targeting big fish species, a big blade would be your best bet. Likewise, small fish species are best handled using smaller blades.
Quality of the Handle
The handle should be looked at in two dimensions. First off, it should be comfortable enough to be held and operated for long hours. Besides that, it should have a good grip and safety features to prevent potential accidents.
Which One Is The Best?
The Zwilling J.A. Henckels 7-Inch Fillet Knife never ceases to amaze with its high carbon steel and a well-thought-out handle. It has a blade-size of 7-inch meaning it can conveniently be used to fillet both large and small fish species
The Zwilling J.A. Henckels is, however, a manual knife. And, therefore, if you’re looking for an electric filleting knife, we’d suggest checking out the Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife or the American Angler PRO Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife.
Final Thoughts
If you value your catch you have to invest in a fillet knife. It can make the entire process much smoother and efficient. So, it’s our hope that the guidelines provided above will go a long way in helping you nail your preferences going forward.
