(This site is reader-supported. When you buy something using retail links on our articles, we may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
A proper fillet knife can make removing skin and bones 200% easier and simpler. It will decrease the time in a kitchen by 50%, and it will make your cooking safer. If you cook fish regularly, you need the best fillet knife. But how to choose one when there are so many different options? Let us help you. We tested over 40 models to find the best knives for filleting salmon and other fish.
Click here to find out our favorite fillet knife on Amazon
What is a fillet knife?
Some of you don’t know that a fillet knife is a type of kitchen knife. It isn’t the same as a boning knife, despite the fact both look the same. Here we can see a significant difference. A boning knife is made for removing bones only from the meat.
A fillet knife is designed for removing bones and skin from the meat. As such, it is usually thinner, more flexible, and easier to use than any other type of kitchen knife. Choosing the best fillet knife is far from an easy task.
A fillet knife is a mandatory addition to any kitchen. It is something that can make a difference between spending hours in a kitchen and ending up with a mediocre meal or completing the task in seconds and get the best meal possible.
Reviews of 2024’s 5 Best Fillet Knives
Here is the list and reviews of our favorite fillet knives on Amazon. We have a section seperately for electric fillet knife.
- KastKing Fillet Knife G4116 – Best value for money fillet knife
- DALSTRONG Fillet Knife – Best quality fish fillet knife for filleting salmon
- Rapala Fish n Fillet Superflex
- Morakniv Fishing Comfort – best fillet knife for saltwater fish
- Mercer Culinary M23860 Millennia – Cheap fillet knife
KastKing Fillet Knife G4116 – Best fish fillet knife
KastKing Fillet Knife G4116 is the best fillet knife you can have now. We were impressed with all it had to offer, and we loved using it. The knife is modern, well-made, and offers all the elements we needed. There are three main features of it, and we liked it especially.
German G4116 steel
German G4116 steel used here offers the best combination of flexibility and strength. The blade is super-strong and can be used for all kinds of operations you can think of. The blade also looks nice and is razor-sharp.
We were able to cut through anything easily and within seconds. The steel is genuinely remarkable, and probably one of the most significant benefits this model has to offer. There is no need to add that the knife is immune to corrosion and stains.
All sizes available
The knife is available in all sizes, you can think of. We tested 5- and 9-inches versions, but you can have the same model in 7 or 8 inches in length. In a nutshell, all of them are made in the same way, and they look identical.
Polymer handle
The handle is special. First and most importantly, the handle is comfortable to hold. It is effortless to clean, and it offers an immense level of grip. All of that we like, and we pay close attention to each factor. However, it is available only in orange color, which may be an issue for some of you.
Pros:
- Handle
- Steel
- Razor sharpness
- Available in different lengths
Cons:
- Orange handle
- Requires frequent sharpening
DALSTRONG Fillet Knife – 7″ Flexible – Gladiator Series – Best fillet knife for salmon
The knife we have here is far from an ordinary fillet knife. Professionals design it for professionals, and it offers some impressive features. We must list all of them so you can get a better idea about this model.
56+ Rockwell hardness
The blade is made from German steel, and it has a hardness of 56+ Rockwell, which is the highest range of the scale. This translates into strength, maintaining sharpness perfectly and decreases the need for sharpening. But when you must sharp it, you will need to spend some time.
Pakkawood handle
The handle isn’t something special, but it is very nice to hold in hand, and it is reasonably comfortable. We were impressed with the overall shape and comfort it provided. Cleaning the handle is easy, and you won’t need more than just a few minutes of your time.
Pros:
- Hardness
- Pakkawood handle
- Modern design
- Great thickness
Cons:
- Expensive
- One length only
Rapala Fish n Fillet Superflex Knife
The tested model is so different and unique that it looks more like a hunting knife than a fillet knife. Don’t the design confuse you, this is an actual fillet knife, and now you will see all the main benefits it has to offer. There are a lot of them.
PTFE coating
The blade is coated by the PTFE compound, which isn’t toxic and has been approved by various organizations. The coating has a vital role in making the blade smooth and slippery, so the fillets will fell off it as you cut.
We noticed that on our tests and we had to say, we are impressed. You can see the difference, and you can use less force to cut and remove skin and bones from the meat. The coating is durable and will stay there if needed.
Leather sheath
One of the reasons why this model looks like a hunting knife is a sheath it comes with. It comes in the package, and it allows you to carry or protect yourself and the blade at any given moment. The sheath itself is strong, durable, and looks beautiful.
Polished brass ferrule
The ferrule is a part of the knife between the blade and a handle. It is an excellent addition to this model, precisely due to the design it offers. It is made from polished brass, and it can make this knife more expensive than it is.
Pros:
- Polished brass ferrule
- 3 different versions
- Leather sheath
- PTFE coating
Cons:
- Finger guard
- Too flexible for some users
Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife – Best filleting knife for saltwater fishes
Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife has been one of the most desirable models and due to a simple reason. It is excellent value for money, yet the knife is well-made, strong, and usable. Those who are looking for precisely these things will be more than just happy with the model in question.
High grip handle
The handle is the first thing you will notice. It is made from rubber, polymers, and plastics. It sounds like a complex part of the knife, and it is. We liked the ability to provide an excellent level of grip even when the handle was completely wet.
Cleaning is simple due to the fact the handle won’t absorb odors and stains remove easily. We can also add that comfort design is one of the main advantages, and it deserves special attention.
Two available sizes
The knife is available in a 6.1-inch length and 3.5 inches. We tested the larger model, and we must reveal that both types are made in the same way and come with the same features. We hope that soon, the manufacturer will release a bit bigger version.
The sharpness is at the highest level possible, and the knife was able to maintain its sharpness for an extended period. We didn’t have any issues with the sharpness or sharpening.
Pros:
- Superb handle
- Well-made
- Value for money
- 2 available sizes
Cons:
- Sheath
- Lack of larger version
Mercer Culinary M23860 Millennia 8-Inch Narrow Fillet Knife
The last model on our list is a bit ordinary. It is an ideal choice for users who need a simple fillet knife, which is affordable, strong, and easy to use. Keep in mind that the same model is available in all different sizes, one of the biggest advantages we were able to find.
All sizes you will ever need
The model in question is available from 6 inches, all up to 12 inches in length. You can choose it for any purpose you have in mind, and the knife will meet the expectations. All variations are made from the same type of steel, flexible yet strong.
When looking at the versions available, keep in mind that not all of them are fillet knives. Some are designed for other purposes, and their features are a bit different.
Finger guard
The finger guard on this model is comfortable; it is durable and offers all the protection you will ever need. It is the same regardless of which version you choose, so we can add that this is another benefit of the tested model.
Pros:
- Affordable
- All sizes available
- Finger guard
- Made from Japanese steel
Cons:
- Ordinary design
- Slippery handle
Why Electric Fillet Knife?
While often rated as one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods, fish can also be a bit of a nightmare. Cleaning and preparing it feels like forever, but thinking about the final result is what motivates you. Luckily, you can forget about the traditional way to do it and join the technological revolution by investing in an electric fillet knife.
A powered knife makes cleaning fish a matter of seconds. Moreover, electric devices are often more accurate than manual work. You can take precision to another level, not to mention the lack of effort – separating the skin from bones will no longer put pressure on your hands.
Now, as it may look like a modern innovation, the truth is that electric knives are not new. Sure, they are more popular than ever now, but the market can be quite overwhelming. Choosing the right unit feels time-consuming, especially as most products seem to do the same thing anyway.
At this point, you may ask yourself – why are some electric knives two times more expensive than others? What makes the difference? How can I choose the best electric fillet knife out there? More importantly, what are the best electric fillet knives on the market, and what makes them so unique?
Reviews of 3 Best Electric Fillet Knives of 2024
Rapala Heavy Duty Electric Fillet Knife
Available in a few different colors, Rapala’s best electric fillet knife is designed to impress. It is a heavy-duty unit, meaning the blade will not need sharpening too often, while the motor will surprise you.
The knife is made with high-quality materials only – durable stainless steel and a relaxed and comfy grip that will not put pressure on your hand. The heavy-duty motor makes this knife up to three times more powerful than other units in this segment – meaning twice as fast.
It measures 7.5 inches in length. The non-slip handle is ergonomic, while the unit can be safely cleaned in a dishwasher. However, handwashing will most likely add to its lifespan. After all, you do not want to risk getting water into its circuits, do you?
Pros
- Powerful
- Sturdy
- Nonslip handle
- Long eight-foot cord
Cons
- No case included in the package
American Angler PRO Electric Fillet Knife
American Angler’s electric fillet knife is rated to be two times more powerful than its competition and four times more durable.
The knife comes with superior drive train parts and can actually take heavy-duty work, hence its popularity in professional kitchens. The top-notch airflow design ensures the handle stays cool for hours and puts no pressure between your fingers.
The blade is slightly curved and measures eight inches. You can buy this item in both stainless steel and titanium – up to you to decide. It is also worth noting that replacing blades is simple – plenty of options from the same manufacturer.
Pros
- Likely to last
- High power
- More options
- Easy to replace blades
Cons
- No spare blades included in the package
Rapala Deluxe Electric Fillet Knife AC/DC
Rapala is one of the top manufacturers out there, so it has released a few different models when in search of an electric fillet knife.
The package comes with multiple options in terms of power – 12V plugs and clips or 110V AC, meaning you can use it pretty much anywhere. The power cord measures 18 feet, so it makes a good option for recreational vehicles or picnics too. There is plenty of room to move around without having to bring the food closer.
Just like other items from Rapala, this one comes with a top-notch airflow design. Its motor will last forever, but more importantly, it is quiet and will not wake your neighbors up when you cook. The blade is made of stainless steel – you actually have two reciprocating blades measuring 6 and 7.5 inches.
Pros
- Comes with a few different adapters
- The quiet operation was given the motor power
- Long power cord
- Relaxed and comfortable grip
Cons
- Some units may need sharpening upfront
How to Choose the Best Fillet Knife
To get a fillet knife that has all you need and can be used for removing skin and bones from all kinds of meat, you need to know what to look for. These knives come in all sizes and shapes, so unless you are a professional chef, you will have a hard time finding one that is great.
We tested thousands of knives over last year, and we know what to look for.
Material
Material isn’t the most crucial part or factor of a fillet knife. It is an essential factor for any knife. Here the situation is a bit different. Your blade must be strong but flexible, as well. The chances are low that you will find a model with a high carbon blade.
The best option is stainless steel. This material is tough, immune to corrosion, and stains. But it is strong as well while providing the right amount of flexibility. We highly recommend you take a closer look at models made from stainless steel only.
Length of the blade
A fillet knife can come in various lengths. Yes, the average knife will be between 6 and 7 inches long. These knives are generally the most usable and the best for all kinds of applications. They are easy to use as well, and they won’t occupy a lot of space in a kitchen.
There are smaller fillet knives also. They are 5 inches. Some are much larger, and they are 9 inches in length. Unless you need an extra-long knife, 7 inches are the best choice you can make.
Manual or electric?
A fillet knife can be electric or manual. If you need to use a fillet knife many hours every single day, go for an electric model. It is a worthy investment. If you use it occasionally, as most of us, you will get all the perks from a manual knife.
The significant difference is in the price. Fillet knives are affordable, but electric fillet knives aren’t. They are expensive, and professional chefs or specialized kitchens use them.
Handle
The material of the handle is the first thing to look for. Wooden handles may look great, but they can’t last long, and they are very slippery when wet. This harms the safety and should be avoided.
Some handles are made from plastics, while others from polymers. The second option is the best one you will ever need. They are strong, yet they offer an immense level of grip, and you can use them if needed.
The second sub-factor here is the grip. A handle must provide an excellent level of grip all the time and especially when wet or oily. Ergonomic models are usually excellent in this field.
Finally, a handle must be comfortable to use. Choose accordingly to your hand size. A bigger hand requires a bigger handle. Once again, we can see that handles made from polymers are the best choice.
Flexibility
A fillet knife must be flexible yet strong. Here you can see a significant difference. Thicker blades are less flexible, and they are used for removing bones from red meat. Thinner blades are more flexible, and they can be used for removing bones from poultry, fish, and red meat.
This factor is determined by the type of meat you prepare in your kitchen. Those who make poultry and fish will need more flexible knives. Those who prepare red meat will need thicker blades.
Finger guard
Most models have a finger guard. After all, your hands will be wet and oily most of the time you use a fillet knife. That’s why a finger guard is a mandatory element to any fillet knife. We highly recommend models with this addition, and we believe it is one of the most important, small advantages a fillet knife can provide.
There are still units on the market that don’t have finger guard. They are less safe to use, and they are mostly the low-end models. We don’t recommend knives of this kind.
Warranty
Some fillet knives are more than just affordable. Others are more than just expensive. Regardless of which unit you want to get, make sure it is paired with an excellent warranty. By doing this, you can be positive that that knife will last for decades.
FAQ
What is the best knife for filleting salmon?
To get the best results, we recommend any fillet knife in our list, which is thin and offers superb flexibility. The brand and the type of fillet knife are not crucial factors. The best knife for filleting salmon will be around 6 inches long, although a longer unit can do the job well also.
What is the difference between a fillet knife and a boning knife?
A boning knife is made for removing bones only. It is usually thicker and less flexible than a fillet knife. A fillet knife is made to be used for removing skin and bones from all kinds of meat. These two knife types may look similar, but they are far from that.
What is the best boning knife?
The best boning knife depends on what meat you want to prepare. Red meat will require a larger knife with a bigger handle. Fish and poultry will need a smaller knife with a more flexible blade. A handle must be ergonomic and comfortable to use to get the best results.
>>Read our guide to find the best boning knife in the market.
Where is Bubba blade made?
These knives are made in China, from high-quality stainless steel. They are very popular now, and they are known for superb quality at an affordable price. Some of the best fillet knives are made precisely by this brand.
Conclusion
For us, KastKing Fillet Knife is the best fillet knife we can recommend. We loved the handle, which is comfortable, easy to use, and immune to stains. We also liked the fact you can have this model in any size you want. The design is modern, and the knife is affordable.
Hi, I am Jay. I am the creator of Knife Guides, your one-stop site for everything related to knives. I am a computer engineer by profession, knife aficionado by passion. Here I work with a group of people who’ve always had a passion for knives and blades. Over the years we’ve kind of become experts and decided to share our knowledge and ideas. I am also an avid hiker and enjoy offshore gamefishing.
