Formulated by: Antonio Xanez

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6 Best Knife for Filleting Fish

Best Knife for Filleting Fish – Whether you are working as a professional chef or love cooking at home, collecting suitable knives based on their job is essential. It allows you to finish your job excellently with excellent results. If you love cooking fish, you might need a particular knife for filleting it. In contrast, if you prefer to use a regular knife, the process might be complicated and takes a lot of effort.

A knife for filleting fish is what you need to avoid the problem above. It helps to break down and portions the fish quickly. Usually, this type of knife is more lightweight and pliable than any standard kitchen knife. For this reason, we have collected some of the best knives for filleting fish that might inspire you.

Our Lists of The Best Knife for Filleting Fish

  1. Best Overall Knife for Filleting Fish: DALSTRONG Fillet Knife
  2. Best Traditional Knife for Filleting Fish: Rapala NK03039-BRK Fish
  3. Best Flexible Knife for Filleting Fish: Bubba 9 Inch
  4. Best Large-sized Knife for Filleting Fish: KastKing Fillet Knife
  5. Best Safe Grip Knife for Filleting Fish: Victorinox Cutlery 8-Inch
  6. Best Japanese Knife for Filleting Fish: Shun Cutlery Premier

Among many types of knives, the one for filleting fish is often smaller, more lightweight, sharp, and has a non-slip handle. These essential characteristics of fillet knives are different in each product that we can find on the market. Some have additional features, completed with a functional sheath or impressive designs. Therefore, we have some recommendations of the best knife for filleting fish, along with complete descriptions below.

1. Best Overall Knife for Filleting Fish

(DALSTRONG Fillet Knife)

Best Overall Knife for Filleting Fish:
DALSTRONG Fillet Knife

What We Like:

  • Sharp
  • Lightweight
  • Flexible
  • NSF-certified
  • Amazing craftsmanship
  • Premium Materials
  • Cutting-edge technology
  • Stunning design elements
  • Imported high-carbon German steel
  • It uses a hand-polished edge
  • A satin finish
  • Easy to sharpen
  • Rockwell’s score of 55

What We Don’t Like:

  • The sheath doesn’t hold the blade

DALSTRONG Fillet Knife is a beautiful choice if you’re interested in high-quality German steel. This Best Knife for Filleting Fish has a thin and flexible blade of about 1.5mm. Then, the handle is made of wood and plastic materials with a laminated cover, so it is resistant to water and stain. Also, this professional knife is suitable for butchers or fish mongers because it works on small or large demands.

  • Outstanding Design
    Besides being made of premium materials, this knife has a stunning design and an outstanding appearance. Its handle is triple-riveted and completed with a grip so you can use it comfortably. Then, this product is lightweight and engineered at 56+ Rockwell hardness.
  • Quality Thin Cuts
    A 1.5 mm thin blade makes this knife look fantastic for its sharpness. It uses imported high-carbon German steel with a 16-18 degrees hand polished edge. You can separate the meat effortlessly or fillet fish smoothly.

2. Best Traditional Knife for Filleting Fish

(Rapala NK03039-BRK Fish)

Best Traditional Knife for Filleting Fish:
Rapala NK03039-BRK Fish

What We Like:

  • Classic design
  • Low price
  • Swedish stainless steel blade
  • Varnished handle
  • Leather sheath
  • Single-stage sharpener
  • Ultra-sharp edge
  • 7.5-inch blade

What We Don’t Like:

  • Softer steel needs sharpening more often
  • Some reviews said the knife is not flexible

This unique knife from Rapala comes in unique and traditional looks. It has a classic birch wood handle and a Swedish stainless steel blade. Moreover, its 7.5-inch size is ideal for most fish sizes, making it easy for filleting. You won’t need to worry about the price because it is very affordable, has good quality, and has a beautiful design.

  • Unique Traditional Style
    A wooden handle used on this knife brings a nostalgic and classical atmosphere. It is visually attractive and provides a gorgeous collection for your kitchen. Besides that, the blade is relatively small and suitable for most fish sizes.
  • Complete Feature
    You will also get a sheath and a sharpener by purchasing this Best Knife for Filleting Fish product. The sheath is made of leather, and it fits the wooden handle. Also, the single-stage sharpener is easy to use and will keep the blade razor sharp.

3. Best Flexible Knife for Filleting Fish

(Bubba 9 Inch)

Best Flexible Knife for Filleting Fish:
Bubba 9 Inch

What We Like:

  • Non-slip grip handle
  • 15-inch overall length
  • 9-inch blade
  • Includes a trigger grip
  • Flexible
  • Features safety guards
  • Super thin blade
  • Extra sharp tip
  • Titanium Nitride coated
  • Rust resistant blade
  • Rockwell’s score of 56-58

What We Don’t Like:

  • A bit heavy

Bubba Blade Tapered Flex Fillet Knife in this model comes in 9-inch. Its blade is 2mm thick, making it heavier than the smaller products on the list. Additionally, this product has little flexibility to work on bigger fish or carving meat excellently. It also has a perfect design for sushi chef style, so you can use it for thinner cuts. In short, this fantastic knife is suitable for fish or meat and ideal for fishers and hunters.

  • Large Dimension
    With a 15-inch overall length and 9-inch blade, you can experience using a giant knife for filleting fish. It uses a non-slip grip handle to secure and control the grip. However, it might be a bit heavier than other small knives on the list.
  • Convenient Use
    You can easily remove meat from the bones using this knife. It is also perfect as a fishing knife with a super thin blade and features safety guards. Besides, it has Titanium Nitride coated, rust-resistant blade and sharp tip that allows you to feel convenient while using the product.

4. Best Large-sized Knife for Filleting Fish

(KastKing Fillet Knife)

Best Large-sized Knife for Filleting Fish:
KastKing Fillet Knife

What We Like:

  • 9-inch long knife
  • Razor sharp blades
  • German stainless steel
  • Non-slip polymer grip
  • Includes a knife sheath
  • It comes in various sizes
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable handle
  • Flexible blades
  • Thin tip
  • Elegant black finish

What We Don’t Like:

  • Light plastic sheath material

KastKing 9-inch is a solution if you need a long knife with an extra long blade. It has a textured polymer handle to prevent your hand from slipping while holding it. Besides that, with a razor-sharp stainless steel blade, this product is strong enough to cut any fish. In short, it is comfortable to hold, easy to use, and completed with a protective sheath.

  • Protective Knife Sheath
    A knife sheath helps to protect the blade and provide safety for you while doing your job. A durable and lightweight sheath accompanies this product. It has a unique design and will securely lock to the handle, but you can still remove it effortlessly. Another unique function of this sheath is its open slots design, allowing water to drain and keep your knife dry.
  • Various Sizes Available
    Besides a 9-inch blade, you can find other sizes from 5-inch to 12-inch. Each size comes at different prices, meaning the longer the length, the higher it costs. However, the qualities are all excellent and can function admirably.

5. Best Safe Grip Knife for Filleting Fish

(Victorinox Cutlery 8-Inch)

Best Safe Grip Knife for Filleting Fish:
Victorinox Cutlery 8-Inch

What We Like:

  • Non-slip fibrox handle
  • Straight edge
  • 8-inch blade
  • High-carbon stainless steel
  • Easy to sharpen
  • Flexible
  • Made in Switzerland
  • Affordable
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Black handle

What We Don’t Like:

  • The product does not come with a sheath

Durable materials, an ergonomic handle, and high-quality performance are the things that you will get once you own this fish filleting knife. Its 8-inches blade has a straight edge allowing you to use it easily without sharpening it too often. Moreover, the handle is non-slip, and the blade uses high-carbon stainless steel, providing a comfortable cutting. This product is perfect for everyone, whether you are a home cook or a professional chef.

  • Iconic Brand
    Victorinox is a popular brand from Switzerland. It is famous for its iconic pocket knives. Nevertheless, this fillet knife also comes in high-end quality like other products. You only have to spend about $30 for this type of knife and will also get a lifetime warranty.
  • Incredible Safe Grip
    A comfortable and non-slip handle provides safety and an extraordinary experience when you hold this knife. You can work safely and prepare or fillet the meats and fish effortlessly. Besides, you don’t need to sharpen the knife too often because it already has a straight edge.

6. Best Japanese Knife for Filleting Fish

(Shun Cutlery Premier)

Best Japanese Knife for Filleting Fish:
Shun Cutlery Premier

What We Like:

  • 6-inch blade
  • Handcrafted Japanese style
  • Boning and fillet knife
  • Hammered tsuchime finish
  • Constructed with Shun’s VG-MAX cutting core
  • 68 layers of Damascus cladding
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Wear resistant
  • Razor sharp
  • Walnut-finished, contoured Pakkawood handle
  • Lightweight

What We Don’t Like:

  • The knife does not have a bolster
  • A bit expensive
  • It does not include a sheath

Shun cutlery releases this knife with an outstanding Japanese style. It comes with a 6-inch blade, and a Pakkawood handle. This knife is lightweight, thin, and sharp, making it easy to fillet fish. Its short length allows you to control it easily and has a narrow tip for maneuvering small bones. Nevertheless, the price is a bit higher but worth the quality and design.

  • Impressive Japanese Design
    Japan’s traditions inspire this handcrafted Shun knife. Its blade is 6-inch that is narrow, curved, and sharp so that you can easily fillet the fish. Also, its handle looks astonishing with Pakkawood material and walnut finishing.
  • High-Quality Construction
    Besides beauty, this knife is also known for its quality. It has a high-quality construction with 68 layers of Damascus cladding. This combination of fillet and boning knife is also razor sharp, corrosion and wear resistant.

Best Knife for Filleting Fish Buying Guides

Fish is often slippery, so you need a special knife for filleting it. A fillet knife should provide a high-quality blade that is thin and flexible. Meanwhile, when choosing this type of knife, you may need a lot of considerations, including paying attention to the size, sharpness, durability, and many others. Thus, here are several essential things you need to consider before purchasing a knife for filleting fish.

  • Sizes
    Choosing the size of fillet knives depends on the fish species. If you have small fish like trout or mackerel, you might only need a smaller knife about 4-inch to 6-inch. For medium-sized like salmon, it is best to use a knife with 7-inch to 8-inch blade. Meanwhile, enormous-sized fish like tuna or codfish needs an enormous tool longer than 8-inch.
  • Construction
    A quality fillet knife must be thin, sharp, and flexible. Its blade is often made of high-quality stainless steel material to ensure sharpness, for example, those made in Japan or Germany. Also, the handle’s construction is essential to consider. You can choose the non-slippery, lightweight, durable, and sturdy one.
  • Sharpness
    Sharp and thin are two main characteristics of a fillet knife. On the contrary, a knife that is dull easily will be a burden and slow your filleting process. To make it more flexible, you must ensure that the blade is thin enough, about 2.5 and 3.5 mm thick.
  • Handle Material
    Besides focusing on the blade, the handle material is something we should never leave behind. It should be safe, non-slippery, sturdy, and easy to clean. Stainless steel, plastic, wood, and rubber are common materials that the knife uses for its handle. One of the best materials we recommend is a soft rubber that provides a non-slip grip and is ergonomic. Nevertheless, wood is also acceptable, but it slips easily and often smells after you use it for filleting fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fillet knife for filleting fish?

Yes, you do. A fillet knife is an ideal tool for filleting or cutting fish. Unlike any regular kitchen knife, this one is thinner, more flexible, and comes in various sizes. You can choose which size is the best and suits the kind of fish that you have.

What are the ideal sizes of fish fillet knives?

There are several sizes of the fish fillet knife, starting from 6-inch to a 9-inch blade. However, choosing the ideal length depends on the kind of fish that you plan to fillet with it. If the fish is a smaller species like perch, you may only need a 6-inch blade. Then, if it is for trout or bass, a 7-inch blade is ideal. Meanwhile, for bigger fish like salmon or pike, a 9-inch blade is perfect to use.

What makes the fillet knife different than standard kitchen knives?

A fillet knife is not like any standard kitchen knife. Its blade is sharper, thinner, and more flexible, allowing you to easily maneuver it around the fish’s tiny bones. It is available in different sizes so that you can choose based on the size of the fish species. Besides that, the handle also has a non-slip feature because filleting fish will make your knife wet and slippery.

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