15 Best Fish Fillet Knife 2023 – Only Top Models

After toiling and moiling the whole day on the waters, you finally manage to come back home with a decent catch. But in order to enjoy every bit of your walleye, bluegill or catfish catch, you need to understand how to fillet it.

The first major investment that you can make in this case involves investing in the best fish fillet knife. As it turns out, not just any other knife is enough to get the job done. You need to make sure that you work with nothing but the best blade available.

So, what sets the best blade ahead of the rest? And what factors do you need to keep in mind when making a purchase decision?

  • The length of the knife matters
  • The quality of the blade and handle also matter
  • The type of fish you’re planning to work on can also influence your knife choice

Well, now that you’re aware just how high the stakes are, it’s time that we walk you through some awesome potential knife choices. Remember, the decision on which one of them is best for the money is subjective – meaning it’s heavily tied on individual preferences.

Best Fish Fillet Knife

The Best Fillet Knives for Fishing in 2023 – Comparison List

Filleting can be a great pass time or even full-time occupation. However, whether you enjoy doing it or not largely depends on the kind of tools you use. In the following list, we round-up 10 of the finest knives for filleting that money can buy.

Picture
Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife with Sandvik...
Editor's Choice
Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife Grey/Black, 7...
Dalstrong Fillet Knife - 6 inch - Shogun Series ELITE -...
Buck Knives 220 Silver Creek Folding Fishing Fillet...
American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife, Stainless...
Mercer Culinary M23860 Millennia Black Handle, 8.5-Inch...
Product Name
Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife with Sandvik...
Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife Grey/Black, 7...
Dalstrong Fillet Knife - 6 inch - Shogun Series ELITE -...
Buck Knives 220 Silver Creek Folding Fishing Fillet...
American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife, Stainless...
Mercer Culinary M23860 Millennia Black Handle, 8.5-Inch...
Lenght
6.1-inch
7 1/2 inch
6 inch
7 5/8" inch
8 Inch
8-Inch
Weight
6.4 ounces
1.76 ounces
6.4 ounces
3.2 ounces
41.6 ounces
12.8 ounces
Prime Status
-
Picture
Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife with Sandvik...
Product Name
Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife with Sandvik...
Lenght
6.1-inch
Weight
6.4 ounces
Prime Status
Check Latest Price
Editor's Choice
Picture
Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife Grey/Black, 7...
Product Name
Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife Grey/Black, 7...
Lenght
7 1/2 inch
Weight
1.76 ounces
Prime Status
Check Latest Price
Picture
Dalstrong Fillet Knife - 6 inch - Shogun Series ELITE -...
Product Name
Dalstrong Fillet Knife - 6 inch - Shogun Series ELITE -...
Lenght
6 inch
Weight
6.4 ounces
Prime Status
Check Latest Price
Picture
Buck Knives 220 Silver Creek Folding Fishing Fillet...
Product Name
Buck Knives 220 Silver Creek Folding Fishing Fillet...
Lenght
7 5/8" inch
Weight
3.2 ounces
Prime Status
Check Latest Price
Picture
American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife, Stainless...
Product Name
American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife, Stainless...
Lenght
8 Inch
Weight
41.6 ounces
Prime Status
-
Check Latest Price
Picture
Mercer Culinary M23860 Millennia Black Handle, 8.5-Inch...
Product Name
Mercer Culinary M23860 Millennia Black Handle, 8.5-Inch...
Lenght
8-Inch
Weight
12.8 ounces
Prime Status
Check Latest Price

1. Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife

If you are a fisherman and you are wondering which fillet knife is best to withstand the challenging fishing conditions, the Morakniv fishing Comfort fillet knife is the solution to your problems. The blade is exceptionally sharp for a superb performance while the rubber handle offers a firm grip even with wet hands.

Product description

The Morakniv fishing comfort fillet knife is long and has its blade crafted from Swedish Stainless Steel which is cold rolled. The handle is made of rubber for a firm grip, and this combination with the Swedish steel makes this knife ideal for wet surroundings. It is versatile, and you will comfortably cut open fish of different sizes.

Other features and benefits

The fillet knife comes with a plastic sheath for safe storage. Further, this sheath is very easy to clean. There is also the belt clips for attaching the blade to your waist as you move around.

The blade is crafted from Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel is Swedish material that will give the knife exceptional sharpness, sturdiness, and corrosion resistance. This means that the knife will deliver satisfactory performance for a long time to come.

It is versatile and has a high-friction rubber handle for an impressive and comfortable grip.

Pros

  • Extremely sharp
  • Comes with a knife sheath for safe storage
  • Comfortable handle

Cons

  • Poor edge-retention

2. Rapala Heavy-Duty Electric Fillet Knife

As a fisherman, you must have been in situations whereby you need to fish-fillet very quickly. Then you must have realized that using the ordinary fillet knives would not be that time-conscious. In this case, the Rapala Heavy-duty electric knife would be of great use.

Product description

The knife is fitted with 7.5-Inch reciprocating blades and comes with an 8-Inch power cord. It is equipped with a modern heavy-duty motor which operates rather quietly. The handle has a good grip for a comfortable filleting process.

Other features and benefits

The reciprocating blades are very dishwasher safe, and the knife operates twice as fast and offers thrice as much power as an ordinary electric knife.

It is quite versatile as the size of the blade is suitable for almost all sizes of fish. It is flexible enough to enable you to peel the fish to the core as well as cut through the bones.

The 8-Inch cord will provide you the reach you need to maneuver around the operation table.

You will be pleased as to how cool the motor operates. It will never get hot in your hands no matter how long you use it. This is made possible by Rapalla’s airflow design.

Lastly, it has a comfortable non-slip grip which will enable you to finish your work efficiently.

Pros

  • Very flexible
  • Dishwasher-safe blades
  • Silent and cool motor

Cons

  • Continuous pressing of the power button is tiresome

3. Dalstrong Fillet Knife

If you are looking for a reliably hard and sharp Filleting knife, the Dalstrong fillet knife of the Shogun series is just what you need. Its hardness measurers 62 units on the Rockwell scale and has a handle that offers a thick and comfortable grip.

Product description

The 6” Dalstrong is a highly versatile knife which was crafted to perform many tasks which include filleting, trimming, de-boning, skinning, butterflying and de-scaling fish and poultry. The blade is curved towards the tip and is 2mm thick at the spine for strength and flexibility.

The Dalstrong fillet knife is constructed from top-notch materials to make it a beast in terms of both performance and aesthetic value.

Other features and benefits

This fillet knife is razor-sharp and has an incredible 8-12-degree angle on each side. It also has a fantastic edge-retention, and it will be a long time before it becomes dull or needs sharpening.

The blade is rust and corrosion-resistant, and this adds to its durability and beauty as well, as it becomes easier to clean.

The bolster is tapered for finger-protection as well as creating a comfortable grip.

Pros

  • Arrives sharp and ready to use
  • Rust and corrosion-resistant
  • Fantastic edge-retention

Cons

  • Tends to come with a poorly fitting sheath

Also read: 10 Best Chef Knife – Review and Buying Guide

4. Buck Knives 220 Fillet Fishing Knife

It is always essential to own a new fillet knife which matches with your modern kitchen. The Buck Knives 220 Fillet fishing knife is what we recommend if you face such a situation, and apart from your private kitchen, you can also use them in commercial fish shops and restaurants.

Product description

The Buck Knives company is based in the US and is famous for producing some of the highest-quality knives in the world. Their construction combines top-notch materials with state of the art technology to produces knives for unrivaled performance. The Buck Knives 220 fillet knife is no exception.

Other features and benefits

The knife features a high-quality blade of just the right size, sharpness, and slimness to cut through bones without wasting meat. It is also durable to serve you for a long time to come.

Its convenient size and foldability mean that you can easily store it in your pocket after use without much difficulty.

Then, it has a sturdy TPE rubberized handle which offers a firm grip even in wet conditions.

Lastly, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • The handle has a firm grip
  • Durable and sturdy blade
  • Very versatile

Cons

  • Too expensive

5. American Angler Pro Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife Standard Kit

Electric fillet knives are your ultimate solution for filleting meat as they make your food preparation process up to ten times faster. They are also quite versatile to fillet various types of meat. One of the outstanding electric fillet knives we would like to recommend is the American Angler Pro Professional Grade Electric Fillet Knife.

Product description

This is one of the best electric fillet knives to have been in the market. It has outstanding features which are sure to deliver you a grand performance. It features special motor fillets for a faster filleting process, as well as a special component superior drive train for durability.

It also features an advanced airflow design and an easily replaceable 8-Inch curved blade.

Other features and benefits

With this fillet knife, you will find the filleting process to be much easier as the special motor fillets are so efficient and fast that they are not hindered by the big bones as is familiar with other fillet knives.

It is also a comfortable tool due to the advanced airflow design which keeps it cool even if you use it continuously for hours.

The 8-Inch blade is easily replaceable, so you will have the comfort of choosing the blade of your desire.

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Remains cool during use
  • Flexible

Cons

  • Not suitable for small-handed people

6. Mercer Culinary Millenia 8” Narrow Fillet Knife

If you are a regular fisherman, you must know the frustrations that come with filleting a large fish after a stressful day fishing. To avoid such situations, you need a reliable knife which is not only effective in filleting the larger fish species but one that will also make the process easier and faster. This is where the Mercer Culinary Millenia 8” fillet knife comes in.

Product description

The blade of this knife is crafted from Japanese steel to enhance its sharpness and flexibility. You will need only a few strokes to fillet a medium to large sized salmon expertly, and this process will appear to be very simple.

The blade is thin, narrow and pointed, a necessary feature for a fillet knife and it has an ergonomic handle for comfort and safety.

Other features and benefits

The Japanese-crafted blade has exceptional sharpness. Further, it is straightforward to maintain and sharpen whenever it becomes dull.

The sturdy construction from top-notch materials makes it very durable and will serve you for many years to come.

The handle features Santoprene and Polypropylene for comfort and durability purposes. Further, the knife includes textured finger-points and a protective finger-guard for extra grip and comfort.

Pros

  • Hard and durable
  • Very flexible
  • Comfortable, non-slip handle

Cons

  • Arrives dull

7. Rapala 7 ½’’ Fish N Fillet Knife

Are you a newbie or an old individual who needs a filet knife that is simple yet is reliable? The Rapala 7 ½ Inch Fish N Fillet knife will fill this gap. It comes with a leather sheath and a single-stage sharpener to minimize interruptions as you fillet.

Product description

The knife is crafted from Swedish Stainless Steel to make it durable and razor sharp. It arrives ready for use out of the box. The kit includes a leather sheath and a one-stage sharpener to make it the ultimate package.

The knife has a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Other features and benefits

This knife has a high-quality construction from high-quality materials to assure you of reliable service and durability.

The vanished handle which is constructed from birch is non-slip and will give you full control over the knife as you proceed with your filleting operation.

The blade has a non-stick coating to ensure no pieces of meat get stuck to the sides. The stainless steel further provides that the knife slices smoothly through the fish without getting stuck.

It comes with a leather sheath for safe storage. Finally, it is a joy to look at.

Pros

  • Sturdy non-slip handle
  • Comes with a sheath and sharpener
  • Non-stick coating on the blade

Cons

  • The handle has a brass ferule where pieces of meat get stuck

8. Shun Classic 6” Classic Gokujo Boning and Fillet Knife

If you intend to invest in a boning knife that will not only save you money but one that does not lead to wastage due to huge chunks remaining on the bone, the Shun Classic Gokujo might do the trick.

Product description

The Classic Gokujo Boning and Fillet knife has a 6-Inch blade, and it measures roughly 11 by 1.75 by 1-Inches. It is crafted from VG-10 Stainless steel, and each side features 16 layers SUS410 high-carbon stainless steel.

It has a D-shaped Pakkawood handle with a steel end cap and is dishwasher-safe.

The knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Other features and benefits

The combination of the arch shape and a sharp edge makes it suited for an effective boning operation. It can also slice through the larger-sized fish species as a result of its narrow profile.

The Vg-10 steel has a sharpness which reads 61 HRC on the Rockwell scale which is extremely high and also gives it a fantastic edge-retention.

The blade is corrosion-resistant and has cladding to give it non-stick properties against food particles.

The D-shaped handle has a firm and secure grip and is also comfortable for both right and left-handed individuals.

Pros

  • The blade has non-stick cladding
  • The handle has a firm and secure grip
  • Very sharp

Cons

  • Too Stiff

9. Rapala Soft Grip Fillet Knife

The Rapala brand of fillet knives is known all over the world for its high-quality construction and top-notch performance. It is available in five versions, and if you desire a modern filet knife that offers you more control as you filet, the Soft Grip filet knife is what you need.

Product description

The knife is crafted from Swedish Stainless Steel for razor-sharpness and corrosion resistance. It has a soft grip, non-slip handle and the kit includes a sheath and a sharpener. It comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Other features and benefits

The main distinguishing feature in the Soft grip filet knife is the soft composite handle which is textured and molded to give you a firm and comfortable grip. You will always be in control even when you encounter wet conditions.

The blade is extremely sharp and is non-stick for you to slice through the fish quickly. Further, it has sufficient flexibility to allow you fillet as per your desire and skill.

It has a finger guard for safety purposes as it will stop your finger from sliding over the blade.

The sharpener will come in handy if the fillet knife becomes dull on the boat while the sheath is useful for safe storage.

Pros

  • Has a soft grip handle for comfort and control
  • Razor sharp
  • Comes with handy accessories- sheath and sharpener

Cons

  • The handle is too short

10. Rapala Fish N Fillet Superflex Knife

If you are looking for a Rapala filleting knife which is flexible and still of high-quality, the Rapala Fish N Fillet Superflex knife is the answer to your problems. It is flexible and is available in 4-Inch, 6-Inch, and 7-1/2-Inch versions, and you will have the best control as you fillet.

Product description

This knife features a Swedish stainless steel construction which is razor sharp and durable. It arrives sharp, and it features the old birch handle for a comfortable grip. It comes with a leather-sheath and sharpener and has a 1-Year manufacturer warranty.

Other features and benefits

The blade is extremely sharp as a result of the Swedish stainless steel construction. Further, the non-stick coating ensures that cuts through fish smoothly without getting stuck along the way.

Its flexibility will give you the desired shape for cutting through the fish effortlessly.

The handle is birch-reinforced and this together with the textured finished provides a non-slip grip for comfort and safety.

Lastly, it comes with a genuine leather sheath for safe storage.

Pros

  • Comfortable, non-slip handle
  • The blade has a non-stick coating
  • Flexible

Cons

  • Very expensive

11. Gerber Gator 7.5” Fillet Knife

If you are looking for a durable, affordable and easy to use a fish fillet knife, the Gerber Gator fillet knife is one option you should consider. This knife is one that will never disappoint as you shall see in our review.

Product description

This knife is designed to be highly versatile, and apart from fishing, you can use it for hunting, military, and industrial activities as well. It features a full tang stainless steel blade, and the patented Gator Grip handle for comfort during filleting. The kit includes a sheath and a ceramic sharpener for a complete package.

Other features and benefits

The stainless steel construction will ensure that the blade is durable and sturdy for enhanced reliability and effectiveness.

It comes with a hard-molded sheath which will allow for safe storage once you are done using your knife.

The patented Gator Grip Handle has an outstanding grip and is textured to maintain the grip even when wet conditions beckon.

Lastly, the kit comes with two extra blades to act as a reliable backup plan if the situation ever calls.

Pros

  • Great edge-retention
  • Amazing grip
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Only suitable for experienced individuals

12. Dexter-Russell 1-Pack Boning Knife

If you are looking for a boning knife whose manufacturers factored in hygiene in its construction, the Dexter-Russell Sani-Safe boning knife should be on your list. It features the Grip-Tex handle which is designed to seal out bacteria.

Product description

This is one of the most popular Boning knives in America. It has a long pointed blade which curves upwards, a shape which makes it suitable for slicing fish, meat or poultry with minimal resistance. The configuration allows it to effectively separate the flesh from the bones as well as work around tendons and joints. It also has a sharp tip which is handy for piercing purposes.

Other features and benefits

The blade is crafted from Dexsteel, a high-carbon and high-alloy stainless steel which will enhance its corrosion-resistance, sharpness, edge-retention and easy-sharpening features.

It is also hand-sharpened and honed for a 54HRC hardness on the Rockwell scale to make it long-lasting and sturdy.

The Grip-Tex handle is textured and will withstand extreme temperature variations. It also has a barrier with the blade to seal out food particles from penetrating the knife altogether. The handle is non-slip and comfortable and includes a finger-guard for stability and safety purpose.

It comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee.

Pros

  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Lightweight and comfortable handle
  • Durable blade with awesome edge-retention

Cons

  • Rusts easily

13. Rada Cutlery Fillet Knife

Are you looking for an extremely sharp fish fillet knife that is flexible enough to cut through the bigger fish species with minimum effort? If you are in such a situation, we recommend the Rada Cutlery knife to calm your nerves.

Product description

The Rada Cutlery brand has a reputation for producing top-notch products, and this fillet knife is no exception. It measures roughly 12.25-Inches, and it is constructed to the standards of a surgical blade for razor sharpness and flexibility.

It has a rubberized handle for comfort as you proceed with the filleting operation.

Other features and benefits

The high-carbon stainless steel is hand-sharpened and when you combine it with the surgical grade blade will give you an extremely sharp knife which is flexible enough to separate meat from the bones.

The non-slip handle will fit securely in your hands even when you encounter wet conditions.

Pros

  • Flexible
  • Comfortable, non-slip handle
  • Sturdy construction

Cons

  • Dulls rather fast

14. Dexter 8” Wide Fillet Knife

Some fillet knives are explicitly designed to make your filleting experience to be much more comfortable, and the Dexter 8-Inch wide fillet knife is one of those. It has a range of impressive features which will serve to make your experience memorable.

Product description

This Fillet knife is manufactured in the USA by Sani and is constructed by the DEXSTEEL high-carbon and high-alloy steel for strength and durability. It features the Sani-safe handle and is NSF certified to emphasize on its credibility.

Other features and benefits

The DEXSTEEL construction will contribute to the sturdiness and durability of this knife. It also gives it the extreme sharpness and edge-retention qualities it is famous for.

The Sani-Safe handle has a soft grip and is non-slip to give you excellent control as you operate. It is also fully-sealed at its joint with the blade to prevent food particles and dirt from accumulating, to enhance the hygienic property of the knife.

Pros

  • High-quality construction
  • Non-slip handle
  • Hygiene-oriented

Cons

  • Rusts easily

15. Kershaw Clearwater 7” Fillet Knife

Have you ever wondered if there exists a fillet knife that contains all the desirable features of a fillet knife? Well, they certainly do, and the Kershaw Clearwater 7″ Fillet knife fits the bill. It contains various features which will surely impress you.

Product description

The knife features a razor-sharp blade which is crafted from a rust and corrosion resistant high carbon stainless steel. The blade is quite large to make it suited for large sized fish. The handle is made of copolymer rubber, and the kit comes with a sheath for storage.

Other features and benefits

This knife has the perfect size to comfortably and smoothly slice through the larger fish species. It is razor-sharp, and it comes with a protective sheath for safe storage while it is not in use.

The polymer rubber handle will offer you a soft grip and maximum comfort to prevent you from experiencing fatigue even after use for long durations.

Lastly, for a knife of its quality, it is very affordable.

Pros

  • Easy to sharpen
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • The handle is comfortable with a good grip

Cons

  • Dulls easily

The Buying Guide – Factors To Consider When Shopping for Best Fillet Knife

On the surface, a filleting knife may seem like a simple tool until you look even closer. It’s at that point in time that you’re bound to discover quite a few distinctive features that set the best from the rest.

For instance, the length of the knife can matter a lot especially depending on the species of fish that you catch. For instance, a bluegill catch requires a small knife for enhanced maneuverability. On the contrary, redfish requires something longer.

But while the length of the blade matters, the quality of it matters even more. You don’t want to end up with a blade that easily gets corroded. That’s especially a vital factor to take into account if you’re going to come into contact with salt water.

All in all, in our view, the following factors matter a lot when picking your next knife.

Bending to the Bone

The flexibility of the blade matters a lot. Indeed, you only want to be on a blade that can easily flex. This way, you can work along the backbone and ribs without accidentally cutting either.

And because most of the filleting work is normally done with the wider half of the blade, your best bet is to find a knife that can flex with 15 to 20 percent proximity to the handle. On top of that, the tip should be in a position to flex as well and that’s because you need it for skinning.

Ergonomics & Safety

These two factors can easily be underestimated but the truth of the matter is that they matter quite a lot. At this point, we need to think about the quality of the handle.

Typically, a rubberized handle can come in handle when you need a firm and sure grip. This can translate into more comfort and even more safety.

What matters, even more, is the shape of the handle. You basically want the blade to have a notch or guard at the base. This can effectively prevent your index finger from accidentally slipping and hitting the base of the blade.

All these features ultimately influence the quality of work you get from a knife. So, don’t underestimate them.

The Amount of Fish to Fillet

Are you planning to fillet just a few fish or maybe you are scheduled to handle a lot of fish? Well, if you are working on quite a lot of fish on a daily basis, your best bet would be to settle for an electric knife.

This can save you the hassle of having to repeat the manual processes which can also be quite tiring. At the same time, it’s worth noting that electric knives can be pretty limited especially when one is operating in a place far away from electricity supply.

The Strength of the Blade

Interestingly, while it’s important for a fillet knife to be flexible, it also should be exceptionally strong. You don’t want to end up that ends up shaky after just a few rounds of use.

Ideally, the blade should be made a high-quality, high carbon stainless steel. The steel should be laser cut so it’s light and flexible at the same time.

That way you can easily maneuver through the fish and deliver some professional cuts without risking having the knife broken in the process.

Which One Is The Best?

In our view, the Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife is a cut above the rest. It comes with a high-friction handle which makes it easy for you to maintain your grip all along. Most importantly, the handle is made in such a manner that it doesn’t absorb odors.

The 6.1-inch blade is versatile enough for most types of fish. And the best part, at its price, this unit comes with a plastic sheath for safe-keeping. So, in general, we’re of the view that this knife offers quite a competitive value propositions.

Looking for the best electric fillet knife? We’d recommend going for the Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife. We like it because it comes with a heavy-duty motor. On top of that, its 7 1/2-inch reciprocating blade line-up is also dishwasher safe.

Final Thoughts

Fish filleting is not supposed to be a frustrating ordeal. And, therefore, your best bet is to find a knife that works best for you. It should be flexible yet durable and corrosion-resistant.

You can also determine your needs depending on the amount of fish you wish to fillet. And while at it, don’t forget that quality always precedes quantity when it comes to choosing an affordable fish fillet knife.

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