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Name me old skool, however after I go fishing, my essential aim is to carry dwelling dinner. In case you have the identical aim, you’ll want a fillet knife to take fish from the water to the desk. You should purchase easy fillet knives with wooden or plastic handles, to trendy, electrical fillet knives that make fast work of a restrict. Within the overwhelming sea of excellent fillet knives, it may be onerous to drag out the keepers from the culls. I made that activity somewhat simpler by testing the most effective fillet knives on recent and saltwater fish to see which finest suit your fish cleansing wants.
How We Selected The Greatest Fillet Knives
For this take a look at, I turned each saltwater and freshwater fish piles into ready-for-the-table fillets. I examined blade flexibility, how every deal with felt throughout lengthy cleansing periods, and the gripping means of every knife after they had been coated in fish slime. I even enlisted the assistance of some skilled fish cleansing buddies—together with a pair who do it for a residing—to get a number of opinions on the most effective fillet knives and their general efficiency.
Greatest Fillet Knives: Critiques & Suggestions
Essentially the most highly effective knife on this checklist with a quick blade and glorious flexibility.
Professionals
- Quick blade velocity
- Highly effective, probably the most torque of all knives examined
- Spare battery
- Wonderful blade form and suppleness
Key Options
- Blade Size: 6 and seven ½ inch
- Rechargeable batteries
- Inner LED gentle
Rapala’s R12 HD is the most recent and strongest within the Rapala line of cordless knives, and the moment response on the set off makes for fast work on crappie. A small LED gentle routinely comes on when the set off is pressed and makes it simple to scrub in low gentle circumstances. And a backup set of blades means you’ll all the time have a pointy set readily available.
For this take a look at, I enlisted the assistance of Justin Creech, a Crappie USA Event Path competitor and frequent event champ. Creech spends a ton of time on the water and recurrently brings dwelling a haul of crappie for the freezer. After attempting a number of knives, Creech went with the Rapala R12HD as his alternative. “I used to be impressed,” he mentioned. “Extra torque, quicker blade velocity, prompt response time on the set off. It is a nice knife. I’ve used an older mannequin from Rapala up to now, and that is head and shoulders above that one.”
Learn our Rapala R12 vs Bubba Lithium Fillet Knife evaluate to see how the 2 prime electrical fillet knives faired head-to-head.
Comes with 4 blade choices and two rechargeable lithium ion batteries.
Professionals
- Excessive torque motor
- 4 blade types to deal with any measurement fish
- Spare battery
- Fast battery charging
Key Options
- Highly effective, brushless motor
- 4 blade choices
- Two rechargeable batteries and station
If you end up cleansing a variety of fish, this knife is a good choice for you. With 4 blade selections from skinny and versatile to broad and stiff, this knife will deal with all the things from panfish to the biggest saltwater quarry. Twin batteries and quick charging instances imply you all the time have loads of energy readily available. The Bubba Professional is available in a tough carry and storage case that safely shops the knife and retains all batteries, chargers, and blades in a single place.
A robust motor, lengthy wire, and cozy grip.
Professionals
- 8-foot wire
- Comfy grip
- Responsive set off
Cons
- Restricted to cleansing areas with energy retailers
Key Options
- Textured consolation grip
- Lengthy wire
- 8-inch stainless blade
- Lifetime guarantee
Should you usually pores and skin your fish the place energy is offered, the Previous Timer 110V Electrical Fillet Knife is a wonderful alternative. It encompasses a properly curved, versatile 8-inch blade that matches most fish cleansing wants and comes with an 8-foot wire for additional attain on the cleansing station. The knife has a patented lockable set off and comes with a self-draining carrying case to maintain the knife dry between fishing journeys.
Sturdy sufficient for big saltwater fish, but versatile sufficient to scrub smaller fish.
Professionals
- Blade can deal with small or massive fish
- Excellent grip form and texture
- In-built sharpener on sheath
- Versatile blade
Cons
- Grip form is an acquired style
Key Options
- 8-inch non-corrosive blade
- HydroTread Grip
- In-built sharpener on sheath
For this take a look at, I enlisted the assistance of Captain Doug Chason, a information primarily based out of Apalachicola, Florida, and Wade Patterson, an expert fish cleaner at Lynn’s High quality Oyster seafood retailer in Apalachicola. Each had been instantly impressed with the Controller 8’s grip form and texture. “It took a minute to get used to the finger groove within the grip, however as soon as I did, it felt actually good,” Patterson mentioned. Captain Chason was additionally a fan of the straightforward to carry grip and mentioned that the blade left a smoother minimize of meat on some huge snapper he cleaned than different rivals. The ergonomic deal with on the Controller means that you can hold a agency grip regardless of how a lot fish slime and water construct up on the knife. Gerber claims the HydroTread texture on the grip really sheds water and retains the deal with dry through the cleansing session.
Versatile sufficient for finesse filleting, however has a stiffer base for harder cleansing duties.
Professionals
- Stainless, versatile blade
- Simply to sharpen
- Wonderful grip
Cons
- A bit an excessive amount of flex for actually massive fish
Key Options
- Stainless 7.5-inch blade
- Versatile however sturdy blade
- Overmolded Ok-Texture rubberized grip
This Kershaw 7.5-inch Slender Fillet knife is my alternative for a dwell properly filled with crappie or a stringer filled with trout. The stainless-steel blade is difficult sufficient to carry an edge however resharpens simply, and it’s versatile sufficient to each take away meat from the bone, then slide simply between the fillet and pores and skin. Top-of-the-line options on this knife is the over molded Ok-Texture rubberized grip. Whereas it’s agency sufficient to hold onto, the comfortable grip makes it simple to grip the knife in even through the messiest fish cleansing circumstances. The knife additionally comes with a slide on blade protector to maintain the sting sharp and stop undesirable cuts.
A slim design that’s simple to scrub.
Professionals
- Folding model takes up little area
- Straightforward to scrub
- Slim design
Cons
- Deal with can get full of scales and fish slime throughout a cleansing session
Key Options
- 6-inch folding blade
- HydroTread Grip
- Slim design for simple packability
When area is at a premium, an excellent folding fillet knife is the best way to go. The Gerber Controller 6-inch folder takes up lower than 7 inches of area when folded into the deal with. Fold it out and lock the 6-inch stainless blade into place, and you’ve got a full measurement knife able to most fish cleansing wants. With the identical HydroTread grip materials as Gerber’s different fillet knives, this one is straightforward to carry throughout cleansing, and the mirror polished blade options Gerber’s SaltRx expertise to maintain it wanting nice in both salt or freshwater circumstances.
Learn Subsequent: The way to Fillet a Trout
Encompasses a non-slip, rubberized deal with that homes any of the 4 blades.
Professionals
- A number of blade types
- Excellent non-slip grip
- Useful, puncture resistant carrying case
Cons
- Blade locks aren’t simple to make use of with slick arms
Key Options
- Non-slip grip
- 4 blade types and shapes
- Useful carrying case with detachable lining for simple cleansing
Should you recurrently end up fishing for panfish one week and the biggest saltwater fish the subsequent, the Bubba Multi Flex equipment is a good choice for you. It presents blade choices that vary from slender and versatile to heavy responsibility. There’s even a 9 inch serrated blade for heavy responsibility slicing chores. Merely squeeze the straightforward blade launch tabs on both facet of the deal with to take away and change the blades. Whereas the straightforward blade launch tabs are handy, they’re tougher to make use of when your arms are coated in slime or water. This equipment additionally features a useful carrying case that encompasses a detachable tray for simple cleansing and magnetic inserts to carry the blades in place.
Packs simply and has a razor-sharp edge.
Professionals
- Light-weight, full measurement knife
- Manufacturing unit sharp
- Stunning craftsmanship
Cons
- Locking ring could be powerful to twist after cleansing fish
Key Options
- Weighs simply 2.5 ounces
- 6-inch stainless blade
- Rock-solid locking ring
The light-weight Opinel No. 15 folder encompasses a six-inch, pretty stiff stainless-steel blade and a light-weight wood grip. The folding knife locks open or closed with the twist of the built-in locking ring.
At simply 2.5 ounces, this Opinel #15 folder is ideal for journeys the place you want a light-weight fillet knife. The knife encompasses a slim deal with and a six-inch, stainless-steel razor sharp blade that locks within the open place with a easy twist of the locking ring on the prime of the grip. Moreover the sunshine weight and out-of-the-box sharpness, this knife is aesthetically pleasing to take a look at and has a pleasant curve within the wood deal with.
Three knives that may deal with something.
Professionals
- Three knife sizes for varied fish cleansing wants
- Laborious carrying case
- Non-slip, snug grips
- Out of doors Edge Lifetime Assure
Cons
- Laborious to get knives out and in of the case at instances
Key Options
- Double-tempered blades for superior flex
- Rubberized TPR handles
- Consists of 2-stage carbide/ceramic sharpener
The Out of doors Edge Reelflex Pack is one other equipment that’s excellent for many who fish for a number of species frequently. All three knives have rubberized TPR handles that guarantee a strong grip in any circumstances, and the equipment is available in a folding onerous case that comprises a 2-stage carbide/ceramic sharpener that makes protecting a eager edge a breeze. The case additionally options stamped-in rulers in each commonplace and metric items to verify your catch is authorized. Moreover cleansing fish, these knives are alos nice for common recreation cleansing. We took the set on a current hog hunt and used them nearly solely to scrub and break down a number of pigs.
A confirmed knife that received’t break the financial institution.
Professionals
- Finances pleasant
- Wax completed birch grip fills the hand properly
Cons
- Picket deal with can get somewhat slick when coated in fish slime
Key Options
- Low price
- Premium Scandinavian stainless-steel
- Blade size: 6 inches
- Wax-finished birch deal with
- Real leather-based sheath and bonus SH1 sharpener
I’d be keen to guess the coordinates to my favourite fishing gap that the Rapala Fish ‘n Fillet has cleaned extra fish up to now 50 years than simply about each different model of fillet knife mixed. It’s cheap and obtainable nearly in all places on the planet that fishing gear is offered. Most significantly, the Finlander is a good knife. The wax-finished birch deal with is straightforward to grip, and the hand-sharpened 6-inch stainless blade has loads of flex for any fish cleansing activity. The knife comes with a leather-based stealth and a SH1 pull by means of sharpener to maintain your knife protected and sharp always.
All You Actually Want: Dexter Russel 7-inch Fillet Knife
Picture by Scott Einsmann
Professionals
- Comes sharp and simple to resharpen
- Simply the correct quantity of flex
- Nice worth
Key Options
- Blade Size: 7-inches
- Made in USA
- Worth: $13
- Plastic grip
My dad was a sushi chef and I’ve filleted hundreds of fish hauled from recent and saltwater. These experiences has taught me that I don’t like a fillet knife that’s too versatile and I want one which’s simple to sharpen over edge retention. I’ve owned costly fillet knives and loads of crappy ones. The Dexter Russel is truthfully simply nearly as good as any costly knife and leagues higher than different low cost choices. It’s all you want in a fillet knife and nothing extra.
The blade flexes, however isn’t so versatile that you just free management. It’s sturdy sufficient that you may push by means of bones and skinny sufficient to simply take away pores and skin. It comes very sharp out of the field and the metal’s high-carbon content material makes it simple to resharpen. For $13 you get a USA-made knife that’s virtually excellent. To me, it’s a no brainer. — Scott Einsmann, gear editor
Learn Subsequent: Greatest Knife Sharpeners
Issues to Take into account When Shopping for a Fillet Knife
Electrical or Conventional?
The principle profit of electrical knives is that they clear fish shortly and don’t require resharpening as usually as conventional fillet knives do. Should you’re cleansing a big haul of fish—particularly panfish like bluegill, perch, or crappie—an electrical knife will prevent time and power. Nonetheless, a variety of fishermen and ladies follow conventional fillet knives as a result of they are typically lighter, take up minimal area, and are simple to resharpen.
Should you’re solely cleansing just a few fish at a time a low price mounted blade could be the selection for you. Conventional blades must be touched up on a sharpening rod each few fish, however they provide skilled fish cleaners extra really feel and finesse. That really feel is particularly helpful for fileting fish with delicate flesh. They’re additionally cheaper and weigh lower than electrical fashions.
Single Blade or Equipment?
Should you sometimes clear one kind of fish frequently, a single bladed knife generally is a sensible choice. However, when you swap forwards and backwards from panfish to massive catfish, you may like the choice of various blade sizes and stiffness ranges. Positive, you should buy a number of knives in numerous types, however an excellent equipment with interchangeable blades makes switching forwards and backwards simple. And also you don’t must get used to a number of grip types and surfaces once you change blades.
Grip Types
The most effective blade on the planet received’t do you any good if the grip doesn’t suit your hand properly. Should you can, see how a knife feels in your hand earlier than shopping for it. Grip measurement and form makes a distinction throughout lengthy cleansing periods when your hand begins to tire. Search for one which feels good in your hand and has a form or texture that may hold it firmly in your grip when issues get coated in fish slime.
FAQs
Positive, you should utilize any knife to scrub a fish. I’ve cleaned fish with all the things from a small pen knife to a heavy butcher knife, however like every job, it’s far more environment friendly when you use the suitable instruments. In contrast to pocket or kitchen knives, an excellent fillet knife has a versatile blade that means that you can observe intently alongside the spine to take away as a lot of the fillet as potential with little or no waste.
Sharpening a knife is a two-stage course of. All the knives I examined had been razor sharp out of the field, and to maintain this edge, you may run a honing rod over the blade earlier than or after every use. A go or two over a honing metal or ceramic rod retains the sting sharp. Like several blade, a uninteresting fillet knife is worse than ineffective, it’s harmful. As soon as the sting lastly does put on down, you may restore it with an excellent sharpener. Whether or not you employ a stone, diamond, or a belt system, crucial factor to recollect when sharpening a knife is to take care of a constant angle on either side of the blade. Transfer from a rough abrasive floor to progressively finer grits till you get your required edge
The price of fillet knives that I examined ranged from $16 to greater than $200. Parts like blade measurement, metal composition, and deal with materials issue into worth. After all, cordless electrical fashions price greater than mounted blades because of battery price and electrical elements. Consider an excellent fillet knife as an funding. With correct care, an excellent fillet knife will final for years and spending a bit extra up entrance for a top quality blade will repay over time.
Learn Subsequent: The way to Sharpen a Knife
Remaining Ideas on the Greatest Fillet Knives
The most effective fillet knives have come a good distance up to now few years. With higher expertise and supplies in each electrical and conventional fillet knives, any of the blades on this checklist would make an important choice relying in your wants. Should you can, get your arms on just a few of those choices before you purchase one, and see which one feels finest to you.
