No matter what kind of fishing or task you are working on, you need the best materials and tools to get the job done correctly and when you are fishing, whether it is professionally or as a hobby in your spare time, you will eventually (with any luck!) catch fish and you need to fillet and clean. For this you need a tool that is versatile, robust, and something that you can have with you wherever you go.
The tool I am referring to is of course a knife, more specific a fish filleting knife. We know that a good fish filleting blade that will work under the hardest conditions with ease and will never let you down and it needs to be one of the best tools in your arsenal.
There are many blade companies out there that will tell you that their product is absolutely the best and gets the job done but many are not able to hold their word and might leave you in disappointment. So we have worked hard to find seven high quality knives that will be able to give you what you really need to have.
When you have been out fishing and come home with the catch of the day you would want to clean your fish and filet them immediately. It requires a good knife, one you can rely on, one you can use on many different kinds of fish, one that stays sharp and ultimately one that you have confidence with to get the job done quick and easy.
To some people a standard, flexible fish filleting knife is enough, but other more discerning gents and ladies want to get theirs hands on the best high quality blade when slaying their catch of the day, these blades are geared for you, my friend.
The Rapala Fish’n Fillet Knife
First up is the Rapala Fish’n Fillet Knife. This is one of those knives that has been around for decades. It is a knife that for many fishermen is the ultimate tool for filleting a fish.
The Rapala Fish’n Fillet Knife is and always will be a knife that leans towards tradition. It is simple in its design and the only one with a wooden handle which makes it friendly in our hands during the working time.
Even though this knife has been around for more than fifty years it is still going strong. It is easy to keep sharp, easy to bring with you, and it will not let you down no matter how much you use it. Just remember that it will take as good care of you as you take care of it.so it is advisable to keep a watch at its maintenance.
The Rapala Fish’n Fillet Knife comes in four different lengths depending on the species of fish you are working with.
Blade
The blade is a full-tang blade of European stainless steel and it holds a sharp edge securely anchored in a birch handle. It is a blade that is progressively tapered and flexible.
The flexible blade will make it easier for you to fillet many different species of fish.
Handle
The handle is made from birch wood giving it a look that fit many an outdoors man.
Specifications
Overall Length: 8“, 10”, 12”, and 13”
Blade Length: 4″, 6”, 7”, and 9”
Blade Thickness: 0,625”
Blade Material: Carbon, Molybdenum, and chromium
Blade Style: Not serrated
Blade Grind: Progressively tapered
Finish: Gray
Edge Type: Plain
Handle Length: 4.5″
Closed Length: 4,5″
Handle Thickness: N/A
Handle Material: Birch
Frame/Liner: Stainless steel
Weight: From 2.1 oz.
Lock Type: N/A
Country of Origin: USA
Hisea Stainless Steel 2 Blades Deluxe 12-Volt Electric Fillet Knife Kit
The Hisea Stainless Steel 2 Blades (9-4/5 inches, 11-2/5 inches) Deluxe 12-Volt Electric Fillet Knife Kit is an electric fillet knife that comes in two lengths, 9-4/5 inches and 11-2/5 inches depending on your need. Both blades are included at purchase.
It has a long lasting performance motor and it comes with plug-ins for both 12 volts and for 210- and 240-volt standard plug-ins. Because the fish filleting knife comes with a 12-volt plug-in you are able to bring it to the woods, hook it up to your car, and it is not necessary to go home to fillet your fish. You just plug it in and start working immediately at your own pleasure.
Even in a tool as simple as a filleting knife motor power has snug up on us. Many would think it is going to extremes to have a knife that comes with a motor. But for many it would be a lot easier to handle a larger amount of fish without rest. This knife is a 12-volt electric filleting knife which come in handy if you are filleting a lot of fish at the same time.
Blade
The blade is stainless steel made to work for hours without stop.
Handle
The handle is made of plastic where the two blades are interchangeable and versatile.
Specifications
Blade Length: 9-4/5” and 11-2/5”
Blade Material: Stainless steel
Blade Style: Serrated
Blade Grind: Progressively tapered
Finish: Dark gray
Edge Type: Partially serrated
Handle Material: Plastic
Frame/Liner: Stainless steel
Lock Type: AXIS
Country of Origin: Republic of China
Rapala Lithium Ion Cordless Fillet Knife
The Rapala Lithium Ion Cordless Fillet Knife is a new cordless filet knife from Rapala with a rechargeable lithium battery with 80 minutes running time and an advanced airflow design. The lithium batteries provide consistent speed even if you have a lot of fish to filet.
Despite the fact that this knife is rechargeable and does not need to be plugged in to work it does not slow down until the battery is almost drained.
To many electric power makes it impossible to fillet a fish without ruining the fish. But we assure you that it is only a question of you getting familiar with this knife and you will be able to use it just as easily as you would a non-motorized fish filleting knife.
Blade
The blade is made of stainless steel but because of the electric element the blade is not flexible and will not work 100 % on all species of fish.
Handle
The knife comes with a handle made of plastic mainly because it has to be waterproof.
Specifications
Blade Length: 7”
Blade Material: Stainless steel
Blade Style: Serrated
Blade Grind: Progressively tapered
Finish: Gray
Edge Type: Serrated
Handle Material: Plastic
Frame/Liner: Stainless steel
Lock Type: AXIS
Country of Origin: USA
Wusthof Silverpoint ll 7-Inch Fish Fillet Knife with Leather Sheath
The Wusthof precision forged knife is made from the highest quality. It is a knife where there have been paid attention to detail, where the blade is cut with the latest state of the art laser technology.
And on top of this the Wusthof Silverpoint ll 7-Inch Fish Fillet Knife with Leather Sheath will be delivered in a leather sheath.
Like with anything made in Germany this knife is made with engineer’s precision. It is made to be both flexible, durable, and able to be used for hours without ever letting you down. It is a knife that for many depicts the way Germans think with its perfect combination of clean lines and workability.
Wusthof comes with a series of fish filleting knifes and they all have the same quality, finesse, and versatility.
Blade
The blade is made of stainless steel cut from one single piece with the latest laser technology to reassure you get a blade of the best quality.
Handle
The knife’s handle is synthetic.
Specifications
Overall Length: 12”
Blade Length: 7”
Blade Material: Stainless steel
Blade Style: Non serrated
Blade Grind: Progressively tapered
Finish: Gray
Edge Type: Non serrated
Handle Length: 5”
Closed Length: 5”
Handle Material: Synthetic
Frame/Liner: Stainless steel
Country of Origin: Germany
Buck Knives 0225BLS Silver Creek Large Fishing Fillet Knife with Sheath
If you want a knife that is reliable and durable, then I would pick a Buck Knives 0225BLS Silver Creek Large Fishing Fillet Knife with Sheath. It is a knife you can use for hours without fearing it will go dull and if it finally goes dull after hours of work then it is easily sharpened.
To many a filleting knife should be able to do more than just fillet a fish. It should be a tool you can use when you are in the woods, outdoors, or on a boat. This Buck Knives 0225BLS Silver Creek Large Fishing Fillet Knife with Sheath delivers all that.
The knife comes with a molded nylon injection sheath made to protect the knife and keep you save when you are in nature. It is essential that you always clean the knife before inserting it in the sheath. It is a lot easier to clean your knife than it is to clean the bottom of your sheath.
Blade
The blade is made of stainless steel with a titanium coating.
Handle
The knife has a rubberized anti-slip handle to ensure that you when using it will not accidentally lose your grip and hurt yourself by mistake.
Specifications
Overall Length: 14,375”
Blade Length: 9,625”
Blade Thickness N/A
Blade Material: Stainless steel with a titanium coating
Blade Style: Non serrated
Blade Grind: Progressively tapered
Finish: Dark gray
Edge Type: Non serrated
Handle Length: 4,7”
Closed Length: 4,7”
Handle Thickness: N/A
Handle Material: rubberized anti-slip handle
Frame/Liner: Titanium coating
Weight: 5,3 oz.
Lock Type: N/A
Country of Origin: Republic of China
Wusthof Gourmet 7-Inch Fish Fillet Knife with Leather Sheath
Wusthof manufactures all precision knifes cut from a single piece of steel with state of the art laser technology made to be fun to work with and not failing you if you have an abundance of fish to fillet.
This is a knife made to be durable and to last a lifetime. It is made not to look beautiful but to be functional. It is a knife that is designed and crafted to give you many hours of fun when you are working with it without ever getting tired of its design and the way you hold it.
And the knife is delivered in a leather sheath made to protect both you and your fish filleting knife.
Blade
The blade’s steel is made of chrome, molybdenum and vanadium and it is extremely flexible blade.
Handle
The handles for Wusthof knifes are a full-tang for all blades over 4 inches and it is synthetic.
The synthetic handle makes it easy to clean and keep clean, something you would really appreciate when you are out in nature.
Specifications
Overall Length: 12”
Blade Length: 7”
Blade Material: Stainless steel with chrome, molybdenum and vanadium
Blade Style: Non serrated
Blade Grind: Progressively tapered
Finish: Gray
Edge Type: Non serrated
Handle Length: 5”
Closed Length: 5”
Handle Material: synthetic
Frame/Liner: Stainless steel with chrome, molybdenum and vanadium
Lock Type: Full-tang
Country of Origin: Germany
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools BLT32K-CP BladeLight Fillet LED Fixed Knife
The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools BLT32K-CP BladeLight Fillet LED Fixed Knife with Straight Edge 7.5-Inch Steel Blade is a one of a kind knife that comes with its own light source. A knife that will make it easier for you to work with accurate precision even if you are working in a place with no real light source.
The SOG Specialty Knives & Tools BLT32K-CP BladeLight Fillet LED Fixed Knife with Straight Edge 7.5-Inch Steel Blade is known for being a knife that is almost as versatile as the one John Rambo used in his movies. It is a knife that will cut through almost anything and rarely goes dull.
This knife is more than just a knife; it is an essential tool for the person or family that loves the outdoors. Not only does the knife the job done as a knife it also is an essential tool because of its build-in LED light. Something everyone knows if you ever camped out in nature and had to find your way during night time.
Blade
The blade is made from stainless steel but it is forged in such a way that it is extremely durable and can be used for many other things than just filleting fish.
Handle
The handle is made from glass-reinforced nylon because of the LED lights. But it also make sure that you have a secure grip when you are working with slippery fish, water, and other items you might come across in nature.
Specifications
Overall Length: 12”
Blade Length: 7”
Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV Stainless steel
Blade Style: Non serrated
Blade Grind: Progressively tapered
Finish: Gray
Edge Type: Non serrated
Handle Length: 5”
Closed Length: 5”
Handle Material: glass-reinforced nylon
Frame/Liner: 8Cr13MoV Stainless steel
Lock Type: AXIS
Country of Origin: USA
Conclusion
If you are looking at the amount of filleting knifes that is on the market today, you will find that they are as different as night and day. Some are electrical, some come with their own light source, others again are sticking with a design that worked more than fifty years ago.
But when all this is said it is all up to you what knife you want. Every knife comes with both pros and cons and we are not to say which knife is better. One thing they all have in common is that they are able to get the job done even if you are working for hours on end.
Whether or not you believe you need an electrical filet knife or you believe you can get the job done with a good old fashioned manual knife you will find that they all come well prepared for the job. Almost all of the manufactures agree that stainless steel is the best way to go, a material that is easy to maintain, easy to clean, and easy to sharpen.
The importance of a good filleting knife is how sharp it is and how well it functions after hours of work and all of the knifes mentioned above is up for the task of filleting a ton of fish.
To many filleting fish is the most hated part of fishing. We cannot promise you that these knifes will make the job of filleting fish more enjoyable but we can promise you that it will be quicker and easier when you have the right tools and these knifes all deliver.
We hope we have been able to enlighten you on the world of filleting knifes but always remember that there are many more out there and even if we say that we found the best there is on the market it is of course no certain guarantee that we have been able to find all the best filleting knifes and the best knife for you.
Remember that when you want to buy a filleting knife that some countries have age restrictions for buying knifes in general. So make sure you are over age for the country you are living in.
Some of the knifes come with their own sheath helping to protect the blade and adding security when you are out in nature.
It does not matter where you are; whether you are at home or you are in nature these knives are all so sharp that they should be kept away from anyone, especially kids, who are not equipped to handle a knife this sharp.
It is essential that you are able to keep your knife clean in order not to contaminate your food and have no fear; all of these knifes can be cleaned even the ones with plastic handles. It does not matter what material they are made of they can all be cleaned with water and soap.
When you have a knife that is an extension of you it is important that you know how to keep the knife sharp and all knifes except the electric ones you can sharpen by hand using the same tools you would use when you are sharpening your kitchen knives.
When you are looking for good filleting knife it is important that you find one that fits your hand. That you find one that is the right match for you and one that you can work with for hours without getting tired or feeling you have to take multiple breaks.
It is important when you are choosing a knife that you do not just look online. Go to a store near you and pick it up, see how it feels before you buy it. It is also a good idea to talk to other people, listen to experienced fishermen, and do online research. Remember this is an investment in a tool that will hopefully service you in many years to come.
