Whether you are taking a fishing trip with friends or creating the perfect seafood dish for your family meals, you need a blade that combines quality agility with razor-thin sharpness to get rid of all the delicate bones and scales. That is why we have put together a comprehensive list of the best fillet knives on the market for under $50, including our personal recommendation, the Rapala Fish ‘N Fillet knife. So read on to discover a fillet knife perfect for your family.
Top 7 Fillet Knives for Under $50
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1. Rapala Fish ‘N Fillet Knife – Editor’s Choice
Not only is this a high-quality, sharp fillet knife for working with any kind of fish, it also comes in a wonderfully decorative sheath that looks fantastic in your kitchen or galley.
Rapala Fish ‘N Fillet Knife Specifications
About the Knife
This is an excellent blade for removing fish meat without worrying about mistakes or waste due to the size and flexibility. It cuts smoothly through even thick pieces of salmon or tuna-like you are working with a stick of butter instead of fresh seafood. Rapala did their work and made sure to craft a high-quality blade right down to the polymer insert inside the sheath to add extra protection so you do not accidentally cut yourself. This is a Finish company working with top Chinese manufacturers to lower the price tag on production. That means you get a ton of experience in the fishing industry for such an affordable price point.
Maintenance
This is not a dishwasher-safe blade, and you really need to take the time to carefully clean and dry before placing the fillet knife in its sheath. The last thing you want is fish parts to decompose inside such a beautiful sheath.
Pros:
- Highly attractive design
- Incredible sharp edge for any seafood
- Quality flexibility to work around thin bones
Cons:
- The handle can get a little slick
- Does require honing every once and a while
- Not quite big enough for larger catches
2. Rhinoreto Fillet Knife Fishing
The grip on this fillet knife makes it one of the better options for those working on an active boat or who do not like to risk cuts.
Rhinoreto Fillet Knife Fishing Specifications
About the Knife
We would usually want to avoid rubber handles because they can sometimes get porous, but with fillet knives, it actually makes a lot of sense. That is why the Rhinoreto is so high on our list because it adds peace of mind from a textured grip. A lot of fillet knife users work on boats or alongside docks when fishing. That requires having a blade that will not slip out of your hand and has a smaller length if you want to wear it on your hip. The Rhinoreto delivers on all accounts and has a price point that will attract everyone, from beginner fisher enthusiasts to seasoned veterans.
Maintenance
As long as you do not work with thick bones, you won’t need to hone this blade all that often. It also comes with an open-air sheath which makes drying a lot easier. Do not put this in the dishwasher. Stick to hand washing and drying only.
Pros:
- Excellent rubber textured handle grip
- Open-air sheath for drying
- Smaller blade for travel use
Cons:
- Not meant for larger catches
- Can break if forced due to partial tang
- Dangerously sharp out of the box, so be careful
3. Mercer Culinary Millennia, 8.5’’ Fillet Knife
One of the larger blades on our list for working with more robust catches found in deeper lakes or ocean fishing situations.
Mercer Culinary Millennia, 8.5’’ Fillet Knife Specifications
About the Knife
This is a much more indoor use type of fillet knife designed for chefs more than those on the open sea. The length of the blade is not something you would want to have on your hip, but it makes easy work of complete fish meal prep. The longer blade length allows you to get into the detailed cuts of fillets and specialty cuts for stews or soups. This is also a carbon steel material that holds the edging a bit more than our two higher knife options.
Maintenance
Do not put this fillet knife in a dishwasher. Not only is it exceptionally long, but the steel material will also degrade if exposed to continual high heat or extended air drying. You will also need to keep a honing steel handy to maintain the quality edge if working in a professional kitchen.
Pros:
- Incredibly sharp edge with a decent angle
- Great for cutting larger fish
- Produces fillets with little waste
Cons:
- Only meant for a kitchen
- Does not come with a sheath
- It could use a bit more flexibility
4. Victorinox Cutlery 8’’ Fillet Knife
This is an excellent all-in-one kind of fillet knife that does not have any single great distinguishing factor but gets the job done well at a reasonable price point.
Victorinox Cutlery 8’’ Fillet Knife Specifications
About the Knife
This is the Goldilocks fillet knife on our list because it has many features that are perfect for the job, but nothing that highly separates it from the competition. Everything is on par with a high-quality fillet knife for the price, making this an excellent decision for those getting started out in the kitchen working with seafood. You will notice quite a bit of flexibility from the blade, which could be partly due to the partial tang or just the fact that the handle allows for higher agility. Either way, an excellent all-around knife for the price.
Maintenance
Like most blades on our list, you should not place this fillet knife in the dishwasher. Use warm water with a bit of soap to wash carefully and then dry completely before placing back in a block or on a magnet.
Pros:
- High flexibility for the length
- Good average size for most fish
- Excellent grip capability from handle material
Cons:
- Does require a bit of sharpening after use
- Some users report not receiving a sheath
- Not meant for work on the ocean, more for a kitchen
5. Kershaw 7.5 Inch Narrow Fillet Knife
A good fillet knife to take on local fishing trips or use in a home kitchen due to the handle texture and average length.
Kershaw 7.5 Inch Narrow Fillet Knife Specifications
About the Knife
This is probably the most exciting fillet knife on our list due in part to the unique construction and materials being used. This type of stainless steel is meant for frequent water use, which means it holds up well for outdoor fishermen just as much as home kitchens working with freshly caught meals. The sheath does have some open slots to help with drying out the knife, and the flexibility is right at that middle point where you still have enough rigidity to dig out bones that may have broken away from the whole fish structure. This is a well-balanced knife with many good points that consumers will enjoy.
Maintenance
Both the materials used in the design and the fact that this is an exceptionally sharp blade mean you need to avoid dishwashers. Make sure to hand dry completely and hone occasionally before replacing the knife into the sheath and storing safely.
Pros:
- Excellent balanced of flexibility
- Good length for most home meals
- Can be taken on local fishing trips
Cons:
- It will feel a bit odd if you are unused to handling material
- Does require honing between meals
- Will occasionally stick out of sheath slots
6. MEUFTY’S 7 Inch Fillet Knife
This is a traditional fillet knife with a well-pronounced bolster to aid in the agility of kitchen use.
MEUFTY’S 7-Inch Fillet Knife Specifications
About the Knife
This is the first forged blade on our list of the best fillet knives for under $50. That makes it a more refined production piece than the rest, and you can tell when you hold the bolster. You get a lot of agility out of this fillet knife compared to others, but not quite the flexibility or durability you would want in an outdoor situation. This is going to be a better solution for professional or amateur chefs who have a block or wrapping of their favorite knives rather than fishing enthusiasts. You could also use this blade for working with smaller other meats as well as fish. Just be sure to keep your honing steel nearby.
Maintenance
As long as you occasionally hone the blade and hand wash/dry, you should be able to get years out of this fillet knife.
Pros:
- Excellent traditional design
- The material construction allows for broader use
- Heavier handle than others for less stress on your wrist
Cons:
- Not the best option for boat or dock use
- Does not come with a sheath, only a tip guard
- Requires careful storage
7. Danco Tournament Plus 7″ Fillet Knife
Aesthetically pleasing look to a fillet knife that can be used in or out of fishing situations. Great for saltwater seafood.
Danco Tournament Plus 7″ Fillet Knife Specifications
About the Knife
There is a lot to like from the Danco 7” fillet option. Not only is this one of the least expensive blades on our list, but it has a handle that ensures you won’t accidentally drop the blade while working through different bone structures. It is also really fun to look at on your hip while out at sea. The included sheath aids in drying, and the blade is slightly serrated for saltwater seafood beyond a simple salmon fillet. All in all, this is an excellent value for the price and a wonderful beginner’s fillet knife.
Maintenance
Do not put this blade in a dishwasher. The handle and the blade can lose some of its material design in extreme exposure to continual hot water. You will need to hone the edge, but you have to work around the serration a bit. Hand dry completely before replacing it in its sheath.
Pros:
- Attractive blade design
- Excellent price point
- Great handle for added agility
Cons:
- Harder to sharpen with the serrated edge
- Not the best option for larger fish
- A bit lighter than others
Conclusion
Finding that perfect fillet knife for your home depends on your comfort with seafood preparation and the type of activity you are engaging in. People who spend a lot of time on the ocean will have different needs than professional chefs. We hope this list provides you with plenty of high-quality options for your buying decision and strongly encourage you to consider the Rapala Fish ‘N Fillet knife for your next purchase.
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