Japanese blades are known for their quality construction and edge sharpness. That is why many professional chefs prefer a Japanese-made fillet knife when working with seafood. This is the same culture that brought the world sushi-grade fish, requiring precision cuts that make their blades so desirable. You can immediately see the quality of these blades by looking at our top pick for the overall best Japanese fillet knife, the Dalstrong 7” Fillet Knife. Read on to learn more about what makes these blades so popular.
Read now >> Fillet knives buying guide
Top 8 Japanese Fillet Knives
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1. Dalstrong 7” Fillet Knife – Editor’s Choice
Our leading pick for overall quality, balance, sharpness, and anything else you could want in a quality Japanese fillet knife.
Dalstrong 7” Fillet Knife Specifications
About the knife
It might seem odd to select a German sourced blade as our top Japanese fillet knife, but hear us out. This style of fillet blade has become so popular that it is not uncommon to see master sushi chefs in places well outside the country of Japan. That requires custom-made knife solutions like this fantastic blade from Dalstrong. It has all the hardness you could want for durability while still maintaining the flexibility to work around practically any kind of fish or seafood offering. The handle is exceptionally well balanced with enough grip to prevent slippery accidents, all packed into a highly aesthetic traditional form. An eloquent solution to your kitchen needs.
Maintenance and Cleaning
This is not a dishwasher-safe blade because of the metal and handle materials. Hand washing with soap and carefully drying completely is the best method of keeping the quality long-term.
Pros:
- High flexibility for working with seafood
- Traditional design and structure
- Made from highly durable German materials
Cons:
- It May require some touchup sharpening upon opening
- This is highly flexible, something, not every chef appreciates
- Not the best for outdoor fishing
2. Shun DM-0743 Classic 6” Fillet Knife
An incredibly sharp kitchen knife made in the same design vein as samurai swords with a curved blade.
Shun DM-0743 Classic 6” Fillet Knife Specifications
About the knife
The Shun fillet knife is sharp straight out of the box. You need to take extra care because this blade will cut easily with pretty much any ingredient. It has a long curved form factor that works well for sushi-grade fish and extremely high durability due to the Damascus quality construction. This is a more rigid blade than others on our list, but the quality of materials cannot go unnoticed and is probably why this fillet knife is on the higher end of the price scale.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Technically you can place this blade in a dishwasher, but we strongly advise against it as the materials have Damascus cladding that can be harmed during routine high heat exposure. Stick to hand washing and drying for the best results.
Pros:
- Extremely sharp for sushi-grade fish
- High durability
- Lifetime sharpening guarantee by the manufacturer
Cons:
- On the more expensive side
- Not a flexible blade
- A little shorter for professional kitchens
3. KYOKU Samurai Series – 10.5” Yanagiba Knife
An incredibly sharp kitchen knife made in the same design vein as samurai swords with a curved blade.
KYOKU Samurai Series – 10.5” Yanagiba Knife Specifications
About the knife
This might as well be a sushi knife. The long straight blade is perfect for delicious seafood creations and doesn’t require a full tang because of the sharpness level. With a single-bevel blade, you get added protection for each slice, especially when working with sushi or smaller fillets that need careful cutouts. We do wish the balance was a little better, but the partial tang lowers the price enough for a broader audience to enjoy the overall quality.
Maintenance and Cleaning
This is not dishwasher safe. The grade of the steel will be damaged unless carefully hand washed and dried.
Pros:
- Excellent design for sushi-grade fish
- Longer than other options for more significant ingredients
- Single bevel for added protection
Cons:
- It would be better if it had a full tang
- Only partially flexible for those that prefer more dexterity
- Front heavy design because of partial tang
4. F FANTECK 5.5” Damascus Japanese Fillet Knife
A good choice for broader meat ingredients like poultry and lamb that require a more precise cutting profile.
F FANTECK 5.5” Damascus Japanese Fillet Knife Specifications
About the knife
While a little on the shorter side, this well-made Japanese blade has the quality, full tang, and flexibility you would want to handle all kinds of meats. This is an excellent middle-of-the-road blade for working with seafood just as much as with lamb, poultry, and other ingredients. The double-bevel and sharpness factor allows for custom cuts, and you cannot go wrong with Damascus stainless steel at this price level.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Damascus steel should never be put into a dishwasher. Hand wash and then dry with the included cloth for best results.
Pros:
- Highly durable and sharp
- Flexible enough to work with most meats
- Lifetime warranty in case it gets damaged
Cons:
- A little on the shorter side
- Edge retention requires attention
- Handle needs to be dried immediately if wet
5. TUO 6” Dark Knight Series Fillet Knife
Everything about this blade is beautifully designed, from the finger guard to the luxurious gift box.
TUO 6” Dark Knight Series Fillet Knife Specifications
About the knife
This is simply a gorgeous design. If you ever have a home gathering requiring fine slices of meat and fish, this should be your go-to knife. That makes the fact it is not flexible actually a positive because you can have your guests’ slice items of their own without risking accidental cuts due to extra dexterity. This is an ultra-light blade that feels like a feather in your hands, so be sure to use caution as the edge is incredibly sharp, and you may misjudge how much pressure to use on the initial cut.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Please do not place this knife in the dishwasher. This is a gorgeous presentation piece that needs to be hand-treated.
Pros:
- Stunning aesthetic design
- Extra light to relieve pressure on the wrist
- Extremely sharp
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a full tang
- Not great for professional or regular use
- The handle can get loose over time
6. SunDiao 6” Fillet Knife
A great price point and durable choice for those just dipping their toes into the idea of owning a Japanese fillet knife.
SunDiao 6” Fillet Knife Specifications
About the knife
This should be your first purchase if you have ever wanted to try a Japanese fillet knife. You have an excellent introductory price point to the market for a lot of quality that will give you a fair impression of how to use a fillet knife. The only thing you won’t experience is the flexibility, but many Japanese blades are designed to be stiffer because they work with sushi-grade fish. We highly recommend this to anyone new to fillet blades.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Not dishwasher safe due to the handle and blade materials. Stick to hand washing with warm water and a touch of soap beforehand drying with a soft cloth.
Pros:
- The great starting price point
- Plenty of features for beginners
- Comes with a sheath and sharpener
Cons:
- The very stiff blade without any give
- Does require frequent sharpening
- A little on the shorter side for bigger ingredients
7. Master Maison 6” Damascus Steel Fillet Knife
A traditional blade with all the accessories you could want to create the perfect knife-cutting experience.
Master Maison 6” Damascus Steel Fillet Knife Specifications
About the knife
This is our top choice for a Japanese fillet knife you wish to give as a gift. Not really for the professional chefs in the audience, but an excellent addition to home kitchens or anyone trying sushi at home for the first time. The complete package comes with pretty much everything you could want to maintain and use your blade. This is also a handmade product. You can tell the manufacturer spent a lot of time perfecting the handle quality.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Not dishwashing safe because of the Damascus stainless steel and natural wood handle. Needs to be hand treated and dried carefully before storing.
Pros:
- An all-in-one kit for fillet knives
- Excellent gift option for the blade lovers in the family
- Handmade quality
Cons:
- Lightweight construction can lead to accidental dropping or pressure
- The Damascus quality is patterned, not sourced
- Had a bit more of a bend than you would want
8. Shun Classic 7” Fillet Knife
An incredibly sharp kitchen knife made in the same design vein as samurai swords with a curved blade.
Shun Classic 7” Fillet Knife Specifications
About the knife
If you are looking for a great, reliable, and all-in-one solution to your filleting needs, this is it. You get a good balance of all the features a Japanese-styled fillet knife is known for, plus the durability for everyday use. There is nothing bright and flashy about this blade, just well-designed quality that will last. Shun ensured a lot of flexibility on this fillet knife, so maybe not be the best for beginners but more for those with a solid understanding of the cuts they want to make ahead of time.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Not dishwasher safe and is highly sharp, so be careful when hand drying and rinsing off between uses.
Pros:
- Great quality for the price
- Impressive flexibility
- Simple design perfect for a wide array of uses
Cons:
- Straightforward design, not aesthetically pleasing
- Not good if you prefer a ridge fillet knife
- More for home use than on a pier
Conclusion
We hope you have found an excellent new Japanese fillet knife for your kitchen from our list. Our experts provided a range of options from rigid longer blades to flexible shorter blades that you can use on everything from sushi-grade fish to lamb chops. If you are unsure what will work best for you, we suggest our top all-around pick, the Dalstrong 7” Fillet Knife. Thank you again for reading our review!
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