Fish Fillet Knife: Top 5 Picks from Expert Chefs
When preparing fish for cooking, anglers know that a fish fillet knife is essential. This specialized knife allows you to easily remove the skin and bones from fish, resulting in beautiful, boneless fillets that are perfect for various recipes.
Choosing the Right Fish Fillet Knife
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a fish fillet knife:
Blade: The blade of a fish fillet knife should be thin and flexible. This allows you to follow the curves of the fish as you fillet it, minimizing waste. Stainless steel is a popular choice for the blade material because it is durable and easy to maintain.
Handle: The handle of the fillet knife should be comfortable to grip, even when wet. Look for a handle made from a non-slip material like rubber or plastic.
Length: Fish fillet knives typically range in length from 6 to 9 inches. A longer blade can be helpful for filleting larger fish.
Our Top 5 Best Fish Fillet Knife Choices
1. WÜSTHOF Classic 7 Inch Fillet Knife
The WÜSTHOF Classic 7 Inch Fillet Knife is a good option for you if you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile fish fillet knife. Here’s why:
- Sharpness and Precision: Made from high-carbon steel with a thin and flexible blade, it allows for effortless maneuvering and precise cuts around bones, minimizing fish waste.
- Durability: The Wüsthof Classic knives are known for their German engineering and high-quality materials, ensuring the knife will last for years to come.
- Comfort: The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, even when wet, important for maintaining control during filleting.
2. Shun Cutlery Classic Flexible Fillet Knife 7"
The Shun Cutlery Classic Flexible Fillet Knife 7″ is a well-regarded option for filleting fish, with users giving it an average rating of 4.92 out of 5 stars. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Flexibility and Precision: This knife boasts a thin, flexible blade crafted from AUS8A high-carbon stainless steel. This allows you to follow the curves of the fish easily, resulting in minimal waste and precise cuts.
- Sharpness: The high-carbon stainless steel offers a good balance between sharpness and durability.
- Durability: Shun knives are known for their quality construction, and this knife is no exception. The AUS8A steel is considered decent in terms of holding an edge and resisting corrosion.
- Comfort: The D-shaped Pakkawood handle is known for being comfortable and offering a good grip, important for maintaining control during filleting especially when hands are wet.
3. Bubba 9 Inch Tapered Flex Fillet Knife with Non-Slip Grip
The Bubba 9 Inch Tapered Flex Fillet Knife with Non-Slip Grip Handle is a budget-friendly option for filleting fish. Here’s a breakdown of its key features to help you decide if it’s right for you:
Affordability: This knife offers a good value for casual fish filleting tasks.
Flexibility: The tapered blade offers some flexibility, allowing you to maneuver around curves while maintaining some stability for thicker cuts compared to a fully flexible knife.
Durability: The high-carbon stainless steel blade is known for being decent at holding an edge and resisting corrosion, though some higher-end steels may perform better.
Grip: The non-slip grip handle provides secure handling, important for maintaining control especially when wet.
Things to Consider:
- Flexibility: If you’re looking for a very precise and flexible knife for delicate fish, a fully flexible blade may be a better option.
- Sharpness: While users rate it favourably at 4.54 out of 5 stars, some users may prefer a higher-end knife for exceptional sharpness.
Overall, the Bubba 9 Inch Tapered Flex Fillet Knife with Non-Slip Grip Handle is a solid option for casual home cooks who want a functional and affordable fish fillet knife. If you’re a professional chef or someone who fillets fish frequently, you might want to consider a higher-end knife with increased flexibility or sharper steel.
Calamus Fishing Fillet Knife - 9 inch
The Calamus Fishing Fillet Knife – 9-inch is a budget-friendly choice for filleting fish, likely under $50. Here’s a breakdown of its features to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your needs:
Affordability: This knife is a good option for casual anglers or home cooks who want a basic yet functional fillet knife without breaking the bank.
Flexibility: Advertised as having a “curved blade with perfect flexibility,” it should allow you to navigate around the curves of fish for filleting. However, since the exact flexibility isn’t specified, it might not be as precise as some higher-end, fully flexible knives.
Durability: The German G4116 stainless steel blade is likely decent at holding an edge and resisting corrosion, but it may not be the top-tier steel on the market.
Grip: The Calamus knife features a non-slip handle, which is important for maintaining control, especially when your hands are wet.
Things to Consider:
- Sharpness: Few user reviews are readily available to gauge how well it holds an edge. You might need to sharpen it more frequently than some high-end knives.
- Flexibility: If you’re looking for a precise and flexible knife for delicate fish, this might not be the ideal choice. Consider a fully flexible blade for those tasks.
- Brand Reputation: Calamus isn’t as widely known as some high-end fillet knife brands.
BUBBA 12 Inch Flex Curved Fillet Knife
Thebba 12-inch Flex Curved Fillet Knife with a Non-Slip Grip Handle is another offering from Bubba Blades known for its affordability and functionality. Here’s a breakdown of its features to see if it’s the right choice for you:
Strengths
- Size and Flexibility: The 12-inch blade, with a curved and somewhat flexible design, is well-suited to filleting larger fish. This extra length allows for longer strokes and control when working with substantial catches. The flexibility helps navigate around curves and bones, minimizing waste.
- Durability: Like other Bubba knives, the high-carbon stainless steel blade balances affordability and maintains a decent edge. It should also be reasonably resistant to corrosion.
- Grip: The non-slip grip handle, a signature feature of Bubba knives, ensures secure handling during filletings, which is especially important when dealing with potentially slippery fish and wet environments.
Considerations
- Flexibility: While it has some flex, it might not be as precise as a fully flexible knife for delicate fish. This 12-inch option might be better suited for larger fish where some stability for thicker cuts is desired.
- Sharpness: User reviews favor the sharpness of the Bubba knives, but some might prefer a higher-end knife for exceptional sharpness that is out of the box.
- Maneuverability: The larger size might make it less ideal for intricate work on smaller fish or for those who prefer a more elegant knife.
Using and Storing Your Fish Fillet Knife
To get the most out of your fish fillet knife and ensure a safe and enjoyable filleting experience, here are some key practices for using and storing it properly:
Sharpening
Develop a routine of honing your fillet knife with a sharpening steel before each use. This realigns the blade’s microscopic edge, maintaining its peak sharpness for clean, effortless cuts.
Properly sharpen your knife with a whetstone periodically, typically every few uses or when the honing feels less effective. This restores the angle and removes any nicks or imperfections in the blade for long-term sharpness.
Technique
Hold the knife handle firmly with a comfortable grip, ensuring your thumb rests securely on the blade’s spine for better control.
Use a sawing motion with the knife, letting the blade do the work. Avoid applying excessive force, which can lead to slips and uneven cuts.
Keep your non-dominant hand behind the blade, guiding the fish with your fingers while maintaining a safe distance from the cutting edge.
Storage
After each use, thoroughly wash the knife by hand with warm water and mild soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid damaging the blade. Dry the knife completely with a clean towel before storing it.
Always store your fillet knife in a protective sheath or blade guard designed specifically for its size and shape. This protects the blade from nicks and dulling while preventing accidental cuts when reaching into drawers or cabinets.
Choose a dry location for storage. Avoid storing the knife in a damp environment, which can contribute to rust formation.
Following these simple tips, you can ensure your fish fillet knife stays sharp, safe, and ready to tackle any filleting task for years.
Make sure to check out our blog on electric fish fillet knives.
Final Thoughts
With a sharp, high-quality fillet knife and a little practice, you can easily fillet fish like a pro. This will allow you to enjoy the delicious flavor and versatility of fish in your cooking.
