TOP 10 Best Fillet Knife For Saltwater Fish [2023 Reviewed]

Are You Looking For The Best Fillet Knife For Saltwater Fish?

• Best overall: Mercer Culinary Millennia Narrow Fillet Knife
• Best budget-friendly: Rapala 9″ Fish N Fillet Knife
• Best value: Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife
• Most durable: Gerber Controller

If you want to catch fish quickly, a good knife is essential. Conversely, a poor knife can pose a dangerous hazard to your safety.

This post will list the top 10 saltwater fish fillet knives. Hopefully, you will be able to choose the right knife for your next saltwater fishing trip and your kitchen.

TOP 10 Best Fillet Knife For Saltwater Fish [2023 Reviewed]:

Mercer Culinary Millennia Narrow Fillet Knife

The Mercer Culinary M23860 is a great value option with an excellent high-carbon stainless steel 8-inch blade.

It’s an excellent value for money and has a very sharp edge. This knife will withstand most conditions.

It’s thin and flexible. Although it has a curving point, this is not the best trailing tip for fillet knives.

For filleting, I find it easier to use a trailing tip blade. However, many people prefer straight blades, so it comes down to personal preference.

Overall, the Mercer Culinary M23860 knife is excellent. You might even want to buy more!

Rapala 9″ Fish N Fillet Knife

We reviewed the 6-inch younger brother of the Rapala 9 Inch Fish N Fillet knife and left a good impression. Rapala knives are excellent, and the 9-inch version is just as good.

Rapala knives have great flex, and the blade is made of stainless steel. As a result, The knife should keep its blade sharp for a long time. Full tang means that the knife’s edge extends from the tip to the handle. This one has the strongest construction.

The handle is made of varnished birch. It’s an excellent grip for most users. However, I prefer a different grip material with a larger finger guard. It attaches to the handle using a brass ferrule.

The blade of the Rapala is my favorite trailing tip design. This knife makes it a lot easier to cut your first fillet.

The Rapala also comes with a sheath as well as a sharpener. The knife’s sheath is well-designed and protects it from damage when traveling. A handy accessory can be used to sharpen the blade when it becomes dull is the sharpener.

Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife

Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife is a stunning stainless steel blade available in 3.5 inches and 6.1 inches. The blade is made from 12C27 stainless steel, and it’s razor-sharp, keeps its edge, and resists saltwater corrosion.

The TPE rubber soft grip is a favorite feature. It keeps the knife in your hands and prevents you from slipping. If you are cutting multiple fish at once, the knife can be sharpened. The type of fish that you are cutting will determine the need for quick maintenance.

This knife is a contender for the best filleting knives. Although there are some improvements made by other manufacturers that put them above Morakniv, this knife is a great choice if you want a high-quality mid-range fish fillet knife.

Gerber Controller

The Gerber Controller knife is newer on the market, and the designers have done extensive research about the design. They sought out input from anglers worldwide to determine what they would like in a filet knife and sheath and then implemented their recommendations.

They first chose steel that is corrosion-resistant and yet strong enough to withstand saltwater. Next, a 9Cr stainless steel was chosen because it allows flexibility to remove every bit of fish meat while remaining sharp.

They designed a grip that allows you to cut fish easily and doesn’t slip. First, they molded a grip around all the tang of their knife and then added various pieces of rubber and cutaways for maximum grip.

This is a winning combination with a tough yet simple to clean fishing knife sheath.

KastKing Fillet Knife

Because it is solid and affordable, the KasKing fillet knives are a favorite choice among the community.

The bright orange makes it stand out from other fillet knives. KastKing selected a G4116 German Stainless-Steel knife for the project. However, we have heard that this metal is quite soft and will need to be sharpened frequently.

It is made of a slip-resistant, brightly-lit polymer, so it is easy to lose. It’s affordable, so you can keep a few on hand.

Rapala Saltwater Fillet Knife

Rapala has a variety of high-quality fish filleting knives. However, not all are saltwater-rated. In addition, you can forget to clean your knife after a long day on the boat. This will cause corrosion.

If you have a limited budget, this fillet knife will work well. These knives are basic and do not offer any special grip or blade materials. However, sometimes this is what you need.

A budget filleting knife’s beauty is that you can break it, lose or loan it to anyone. And your friend won’t take it back. It won’t harm your wallet.

Rapala Lithium Ion Cordless Fillet knife and Combo (best electric fillet knife for saltwater fish)

An electric knife is an excellent option if you need to fillet fish quickly. Rapala offers a high-quality cordless fillet knife that can withstand saltwater as well as freshwater fish.

This knife’s only problem is the need to change out the blade. If you are not familiar with the knife, it isn’t the easiest task.

However, do not forget to read the instructions before you use them. If you plan to cut large fish, you will need a larger knife or a thicker blade fillet.

It is essential to maintain any saltwater knife with moving parts. To reduce corrosion, make sure the blade is sharp and lubricate it regularly.

Dexter P94812 Fillet Knife

Dexter has been making a stainless steel fish filleting knife for anglers and chefs for many years. Anthony Bourdain was the first to tell us about Dexter. He said that he used them to fillet fish in his kitchen before cooking for his guests.

This knife has been great for cutting fish, and we haven’t had to sharpen it much. It is nice to have a knife that holds its edge well for long periods. It comes with a barebones-textured handle and a sheath, but not like some more expensive fillet knives.

It is durable. This knife can be put in the dishwasher without worrying about it getting damaged by your spouse. It won’t end up in the ocean, causing damage to your wallet. It’s a quality fish knife that can handle any food.

Bubba Tapered Flex Fillet Fishing Knife

Bubba Knife has been producing high-end fillet knives since the beginning. It is well-known for its distinctive red handle and black titanium-nitride-coated blade. This knife is a must-have for anyone who has some money and wants a strong fishing filleting knife.

You can attach a lanyard to the soft grip, so you don’t lose it. The trigger grip is a great feature that makes it easy for you to move the blade wherever you need it. In addition, it’s durable thanks to its complete tang design and high carbon stainless steel blade.

Bubba 9 Inch Flex Fillet Knife

People love using these Bubba knives, and the Bubba 9-Inch Flex Fillet Knife is an excellent example. The overall length of the Bubba is fifteen inches, with a bright red grip. The bright color makes it easy to see even in poor lighting conditions.

Bubba’s grips are tremendous, and the 9-inch fillet knife is proof of that. The handle is non-slip, and there are substantial finger guards to protect your thumb and index fingers. This is the perfect tool to keep you safe when you are fishing and filleting fish.

The Bubba comes with a decent 8Cr13MoV blade made from stainless steel. Although this isn’t the best grade, it should withstand rust and corrosion in saltwater fishing. This tip, which is a trailing type of point, is my favorite. It makes it easy to make your first cut (you prefer to take the plunge cut first).

Bubba is again armed with a fantastic knife, the 9-inch Flex Fillet Knife. It is worth considering. This was my favorite knife from the saltwater fillet knives roundup. It would make a great pick.

Things To Consider Before You Buy Best Fillet Knife Sets For Saltwater Fish

It doesn’t take much to pick a fillet knife. We recommend that you start fishing with a basic fillet knife, such as the Rapala or Dexter. If you need a more sophisticated tool, we can help you.

Let’s take a closer inspection of the elements of fillet knives to help you understand their different features and distinguish them from one another.

Blade

A fillet knife should be curved at the handle. This allows the operator the ability to make precise and detailed cuts.

We are concerned about saltwater fish cleaning, so the best stainless steel fillet blades are made. Chromium will also be added to this steel to improve corrosion resistance.

Sharpness

Most fillet knives fall within the Rockwell hardness range of 50 to 50. The metal is slightly softer at this level, which allows the blade to maintain its edge. Fillet knives can be used to remove the skin from the meat. Most blades are thinner so that they can flex.

These blades have an angle of approximately 12-17 degrees. This allows for sharpness but also reduces their durability.

Saltwater Fillet Knife

The boning knife family includes a fillet knife. It is used to quickly remove the flesh from a fish’s skeleton and skin from the meat. [1]

Handle

These knives are designed to prevent you from getting hurt or slipping. The handle must work well in wet environments. Not only the ocean water, but the fish themselves will be slippery.

The trigger handle shape is trendy because it allows your index finger to rest. This reduces the risk of you slipping on the blade.

While many older fillet knives had wooden handles, it is not unusual to see different rubber and plastics used for grip.

Cost

When choosing the best fillet knife for saltwater fish, the cost is an important consideration. Remember that saltwater fish require a lot of care and that the best fillet knives are expensive. Therefore, you will need to take care of your expensive knife if you want it to last.

Power Source

There are two options: cordless and plugged-in power. Either option is acceptable if you plan to do your cutting at home. However, we recommend getting a cordless version if you intend to use this blade on a boat.

Electric vs. manual

You might consider electric fillet knives if you plan to process a lot of catch. These knives are very similar to reciprocating saws in woodworking. They can quickly handle any animal that is in front of them. It should be strong and not get wet.

Maintenance: How to Keep Your Fillet Knife Clean?

Metal is at the mercy of moisture. Therefore, it is best to wash the salt water off with water and dry it thoroughly before storing it. Don’t soak your knife.

Make sure your knife is dishwasher-safe if you own a premium knife. Some grips are not designed to withstand dishwasher abuse.

Avoid using harsh detergents on your knife. Instead, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Use a block or quality sharpener to sharpen your knife frequently. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one.

Keep your cutting surface soft. For example, don’t cut on marble countertops or other items that may dull or chip the edge of your blade.

How To Sharpen Your Fillet Knife?

Take the Guard Clip Out First

A guard clip can become an obstruction when you’re sharpening small knives. This can prevent the blade from effectively contacting the sharpening stones.

Adjust the Sharpening angle so that it ranges from 18-21 degrees

It becomes difficult to place the blade on a flat surface like a table. This can also lead to a dull edge. Sharpening it at a specific angle is the best way to ensure accuracy. This will give you a razor-sharp cut edge.

Sharpen the blade on a table

Sharpening your blades should be done with a sharpening tool. The stone should be placed on top of your blade table. This allows you to achieve the right angle. In addition, this prevents the blade from bending during the honing process.

Slow down

To finish the job quickly, don’t rush. For steady holding onto the table, use a slow pace when sharpening the fillet knives. A slow pace will allow the sharpening stones to work more efficiently and stay clean.

Polish the Edge

You should ensure that your product has a smooth edge. A polished edge will give you a better cutting experience. Sharp knives ensure that the fillets are cut perfectly.

Fish Fillet Knife FAQs:

Q: How Big is The Right Size Knife To Use for Saltwater?

A: A 9-inch knife works well for saltwater fillets. This powerful knife cuts through bones and doesn’t waste any meat.

Q: Are Bubba Knives Worth The Hype?

A: This is an excellent value for money, especially if you are using it for fish processing. Bubba brand is razor-sharp and can slice through bones easily.

Q: How Can I Check The Sharpness of a Knife?

A: The fingernail trick can be used. If the product bites your fingernail, it is fairly sharp.

Q: Which Electric Fish Fillet Knife Is Best?

A: The Rapala Electric Fillet Knife is excellent for saltwater conditions.

Q: Which Knife Would You Use To Cut Fish?

A: We recommend a durable fillet knife with a high-quality blade.

Q: How Do I Fillet A Saltwater Fish In A Sandbox?

A: The blade should be placed behind the pectoral fin. We prefer to cut through. Place the edge on the tail and then cut the spine down to the bottom.

Slowly remove the meat from the bones and the rib cage until the fill is completely removed from the carcass. Then, the skin can be removed, and you can move on to the next fillet.

Q: Sharpening a Fillet Knife Can Cause It To Become Brittle

A: Knives are made from metal, so it is impossible to damage them. It is possible to make it brittle by occasionally sharpening it. However, the blade can be sharpened to make it more usable.

Q: How Long Can My Fillet Knife Stay Sharp?

A: Your work intensity is key. An average home chef can work for eight weeks. The concept is always to have a sharp knife.

Q: Which Is The Best Fish Fillet Knife For You?

A: The best saltwater fish fillet knife is one that can withstand the ocean’s abuse and still hold its edge. The Dexter Fillet Knife is a good choice if you have a tight budget. The Gerber Controller is a good choice if you have more to spend.

Insider Advice

Be realistic about your budget. It doesn’t make financial sense to spend a lot on a blade if you don’t plan to fish often or bring home many catches. Please keep it simple.

Once you have caught enough fish, upgrade. Your budget option can be used on the boat as an alternative or backup if your main one is lost.

It is a good idea to have at least one spare. You never know when you will need it for cutting lines or vegetables.

See Also:

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• How To Use A Food Processor? What Size Food Processor Do I Need?
• Food Processor Substitute: 9 Effective Alternatives To Food Processor