Searching for the best fillet knives is no easy task. With a long list of available options, it can be overwhelming to choose the option that best fits your needs.
Ensuring you have the proper fillet knife that slices and dices your food, fits in your hand securely, cleans easily, and provides a safe way to create fish fillets is a tall order. If you’re planning to cook various meals with fish and need a boning knife, check out our guide on the best boning knives. Not sure the difference between a boning knife vs. fillet knife? Our post will guide you through the process.
We’re starting our guide on the five best fillet knives with the Dalstrong Fillet Knife – 6″ – Shogun Series. Sharp, affordable, and durable, keep this Dalstrong knife at the top of our list.
However, as you continue through the list, it’s imperative to note the option that works best for you. While all choices are highly reviewed, a certain style may work better for you than other home chefs or professional chefs. Below, you’ll find the five best fillet knives and the characteristics of each to make choosing the ideal knife easier.
If you’re not sure what to look for in a fillet knife, check out our Fillet Knives Buying Guide for a detailed overview.
Top 5 Fillet Knives
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1. Dalstrong Fillet Knife – 6″ – Shogun Series – Editor’s Choice
The Dalstrong knife is a top-quality fillet knife because of its many positive reviews, affordable pricing, and high rank among fillet knives.
Dalstrong 6″ Fillet Knife – Shogun Series Specifications
About the Knife
This knife arrives quite sharp, with an HRC of 62+. It’s ready to use right out of the package and won’t require sharpening for about three months, depending on usage.
With a price of just under $100, this fishing fillet knife is a steal. It’s perfectly balanced with an incredibly sharp blade that sits at an 8-12° angle. Dalstrong is a well-known knife brand that offers high-quality knives for chefs of all skill levels.
This knife is made from sturdy Japanese AUS-10 super steel. This material is well-known for its durability and is easy to sharpen. With an ergonomic handle that fits into your hand just right, it’s a great addition to anyone looking to slice through fish or do precision cutting smoothly.
Maintenance
The material of this Dalstrong knife is rust-resistant and stays cleaner for longer. However, that does not mean maintenance and cleaning should be neglected. Dalstrong recommends using a whetstone to sharpen this fillet knife when it no longer passes the paper test.
How to Clean?
It’s best to handwash these fish fillet knives with warm water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly after washing and avoid air drying.
Is it Dishwasher Safe?
No, the Dalstrong fillet knife is not dishwasher safe. It can potentially damage the interior of a dishwasher and can be damaged in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Great for precision cutting
- Full tang (well-balanced knife)
- Stain-resistant blade
Cons:
- Not as flexible blade
- Higher pricing
2. Rapala Fish ‘N Fillet Knife with Sheat – Best Fillet Knife Under $50
The Rapala Fish ‘N Fillet Knife is a no-nonsense option at an unbeatable price.
Rapala Fish ‘N Fillet Knife with Sheat Specifications
About the Knife
This knife comes under $50, making it an affordable choice for home chefs or anyone that enjoys catching and filleting fish. It is full tang, so it has an excellent balance during use.
It arrives with a sheath that allows users to transport the knife easily, making it an excellent accessory for boat dwellers, campers, or those fishing from the land. The wooden handle provides a comfortable grip and lighter weight, so anyone can easily use this fillet knife.
Rapala knives are known for being long-lasting – with some noting using their knife for 10+ years.
Maintenance
The Rapala Fish N’ Fillet knife comes with a sharpener, making it easy to fix a dull knife. Keep your knife sharpened, so it’s ready for use at any time.
Read next >> How to sharpen a knife with a sharpener?
How to Clean?
Wash immediately after filleting is done, making sure to dry the stainless steel blade with a soft towel. Store in a knife block or similar storing method to avoid excess moisture.
Is it Dishwasher Safe?
No, this knife is not dishwasher safe. The detergent used in dishwashers can cause Rapala knives to rust.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Includes sheath and sharpener
- Comfortable handle
- High durability
Cons:
- Smaller than other fillet knives
- One year warranty
3. Mercer Culinary Millennia, 8.5″ Fillet Knife
Good fillet knife for those with a tight budget.
Mercer Culinary Millennia, 8.5″ Fillet Knife Specifications
About the Knife
You can’t go wrong with a fillet knife under $15. It’s incredibly budget-friendly and arrives quite sharp. With an HRC of 53-54, this knife will offer reasonably good cuts when slicing through fish.
The grip has ridges for finger placement, making it easy to grip the knife even with wet hands. Since this fillet knife is longer, it is suitable for larger fish.
Be prepared to resharpen this knife more often than the other choices provided.
Maintenance
It’s best to avoid soaking these knives and contact with chemicals like bleach. Both these instances will potentially harm the knife.
How to Clean?
Use warm, soapy water to wash the Mercer Culinary Millennia Fillet Knife. Mild to medium soap works best. Dry with a soft cloth after and avoid air drying.
Is it Dishwasher Safe?
No, this fillet knife is not dishwasher safe. The high temperatures and detergent can damage the handle of the knife.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Good quality for the price
- Excellent grip on the handle
Cons:
- No sheath provided
- Requires frequent sharpening
4. Victorinox Cutlery 8″ Fillet Knife
A well-made, affordable stamped knife that exceeds expectations.
Victorinox Cutlery 8″ Fillet Knife Specifications
About the Knife
This Victorinox Cutlery Fillet Knife is used by everyone from home chefs to butchers and even fishing tour guides. It’s made from stamped metal instead of forged metal which aids in keeping it below $50.
It has a more flexible stainless-steel material, allowing the knife to flex when needed during the filleting process.
The ergonomic handle uses a slip-resistant fibrox material to increase safety in the kitchen, especially with damp hands. While this knife is fairly durable, using it frequently will result in needing to replace it every few years or so.
Maintenance
Fruit and salty foods have an adverse reaction with this fillet knife. Make sure to wash immediately after using the knife for the best results.
How to Clean?
Hand wash your Victorinox Cutlery and dry immediately when finished.
Is it Dishwasher Safe?
Technically, this knife is dishwasher safe. However, you will want to avoid cleaning it in the dishwasher as it can damage the knife.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Arrives sharp for easy cutting
- Well-made
Cons:
- Replace every few years
- More flexible, but not for everyone
5. WÜSTHOF Classic 7″ Fillet Knife
A top-quality precision cutting knife from WÜSTHOF that’s perfect for home kitchens and restaurants.
WÜSTHOF Classic 7″ Fillet Knife Specifications
About the Knife
The pricing for this WÜSTHOF Classic Fillet Knife is on the higher end landing at about $135. However, it is a high-quality forged knife built to last a long time.
This is another full tang knife, so it’s well-balanced and easy to use. WÜSTHOF is a well-known German brand that makes well-crafted, durable knives.
This fillet knife can create paper-thin fish fillets and even pork fillets. It’s an excellent knife for precision cutting everything from vegetables to various cuts of protein.
Maintenance
Honing should be done each time you use your WÜSTHOF knife. As they stay sharp for a long time, you’ll only need to sharpen them about once a year.
How to Clean?
Use warm water and dishwashing soap to clean the WÜSTHOF fillet knife after use. Dry immediately and store in a knife block, magnetic holder, or a knife-carrying case.
Is it Dishwasher Safe?
No, the WÜSTHOF fillet knife is not dishwasher safe. During a wash cycle, debris from other dishes and other knives can damage the WÜSTHOF knife.
Pros:
- Slightly flexible tip
- Long-lasting knife
- Stays sharper longer
Cons:
- Higher pricing
- No sheath included
Conclusion
Any of the above best fillet knives will work well for those looking to prepare fish fillets. Most offer the ability to slice additional protein, vegetables, and precision slicing. Whether you have a smaller budget available for fillet knives or can allocate more toward a fillet knife, there are plenty of options available.
We still recommend the Dalstrong Fillet Knife – 6″ – Shogun Series as the overall best fillet knife. However, different knife styles work well for different people. Choose based on your preferences and needs, and you’ll end up with a fillet knife that fits in with your kitchen tools effortlessly.
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