Most people when they go out for fishing have the objective to bring seafood home. If you want to get fish from the water to your dining table, you’ll need a fillet knife. Simple fillet knives with wood or plastic handles are available if you want simple tools or you can also get electric folding fillet knives to get perfectly cut fillets.
It might be challenging to select the best folding fillet knife because of so much competition in the market. In order to determine which fillet knife would best suit your needs, we have tested the top options.
A fillet knife or foldable fillet knife is a very important tool for campers, fishermen, and even home cooks. The main purpose of this type of knife is to clean and cut fish fillets for cooking. If you are looking for the best fillet knife in the market, you have surely landed in the right place. Here in this post, we are going to tell you all about the most popular knives that you can order today from Amazon.
How to Choose the Best Folding Fillet Knives?
Here are some factors that you need to consider when choosing the best folding fillet knives for you or someone else.
• Check the Blade Quality and Retention
Before buying a knife, it is important that you check the blade quality. When it comes to fillet knives, you must never compromise on the quality of the blade. Make sure you buy a knife having stainless steel and a corrosion-resistant blade. You don’t want to spend money on a knife that becomes rusty after some time.
• Go for Comfortable Handle Grip
Knives are sharp tools which is why you need to buy a knife that doesn’t have slippery handles. You must always choose knives with handles that are made up of wood, rubber, or other non-slippery material. Always pick the knives which provide strong and comfortable grips.
• Test the Knife Blade for Strength
There are many factors that make up a good quality knife. The strength of the knife blade is an important thing you need to consider. You have to choose knives that have flexible and thick blades which can cut both large and small filets.
• Check if the Knife Provides Value for Money
The most important thing to consider is the price of the knife. This factor would be subjective to your budget, but still, you have to make sure you choose the folding fillet knife, which comes with the maximum features and lies under your budget. You must always find value for money!
Out of hundreds of folding fillet knives, we have handpicked the most durable one’s for you. We have picked this knife after considering factors like durability, flexibility, length of the tool, and comfort. In our opinion, the below-mentioned ones are the most suitable fillet folding knives in the market.
7 Best Folding Fillet Knife Blades Available on Amazon
Let us dig into the details of the best knives ones, along with their pros and cons:
1. Toadfish Stowaway Foldable Fillet Knife
This folding fishing knife is one of the perfect tools for campers and fishermen. The knife comes with a very sharp Japanese stainless steel blade. The blade is made up of a very strong material which makes this knife a very sturdy option. This fillet folding knife is best for cleaning fish of all sizes, and this is because of its ergonomic, comfortable, and non-slippery handle.
Toadfish Stowaway
Knife Blade Stays Sharp
This knife has a serrated edge which makes it a very good option for butting both fresh and frozen bait with complete ease. The sharp edges and 7-inch blade of the knife allow the user to prepare cut chunks and even small plug-style baits. The folding blade is very easy to open and close. The rubber flex provides a very good feeling when you are cutting fillets.
| Pros | Cons |
| The knife blade stays sharp | The size of the knife is quite large, which makes it less portable |
| Ergonomic comfy handle | The cost of a knife can be very expensive for some. |
| Value for money | This fillet folding knife is available in blue color only |
| Gift item for campers/fishermen | |
| Solid grip and foldable handle | |
| Built-in sheath for protection |
2. DALSTON Fillet Knife Gladiator Series
This is another notable tool in our list that you can buy from Amazon. This German-style knife is not only sharp but is also very durable and flexible. This knife can be used not only for fillets but also for any cutting job. The design of this knife is also very attractive, which makes it a popular choice.
The carbon steel & friction-free blade makes it capable of cutting through not only fish but also the toughest meat. The small pillows along the side edge of the blade would help you cut through even the largest Tuna fish.
Fillet Knife Gladiator Series
Very Durable & Flexible
This fillet knife comes with a Rockwell hardness of 55. This makes the knife strong enough to cut through bones without getting damaged. Another important thing about this knife is that it comes with a full tang structure which means there are no weaknesses when it comes to its design.
The blade length is 6 inches, and the knife weighs around 1.20 pounds. The forged construction and straight-edge blade make it one of the strongest contenders on this list. In addition to this, the knife handle is made up of alloy steel material and has a very comfortable grip.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong construction and design | The blade might feel rigid |
| Razor-sharp and durable blade | It can be difficult to use this knife when fileting small fish |
| High-quality German steel material | The price bracket of this knife is a bit high |
| Protective sheath available | Only available in one color |
| Ideal length and size |
3. Kershaw Folding Fillet K-Texture Knife 420J2
The Kershaw folding knife is also known as the best outdoor knife. This folding fillet knife is quite popular among professional chefs and anglers. You can find the Kershaw 420J in the cutlery box of every chef, and this is because it is a high-performing yet low-maintenance knife.
You would find a folding stainless steel blade on this knife which provides corrosion and rust resistance. This feature of the knife makes it a valuable tool to be used in wet environments. The sharp blades of this knife make it a popular choice for cutting through the body of even small fish without breaking it.
Kershaw Folding Fillet
Lockable Blade
The knife is very much reliable and can be used for multiple purposes like camping, skinning, stabbing, hunting, and even slicing. The foldable blade can be locked when it is out, which keeps it from closing when you are using it. Moreover, the handle of the knife provides a rubber grip which further reduces the chances of slipping. The length of the blade is 6 inches, and the knife weighs almost 3.5 ounces. These features make it one of the handiest options on this list.
| Pros | Cons |
| Soft steel material which saves the knife from breaking | Excessive use of moisture can increase the chances of the knife getting rusty |
| Lockable blade | The folding spring might get lost over time |
| Sharp and tough blade quality | You might have to get this knife for your friends! |
| It can be used for multiple purposes | |
| Value for money |
4. Gerber Controller Folding Fillet Knife
The Gerber controller knife is one of the most versatile tools that can be used for camping, fishing, and other outdoor uses. The knife is very popular, and this is because of its smart size. The compact design of this knife makes it easy to carry. The six-inch blade and ergonomic handle of this knife make it easy to handle. The blade is easy to clean, which also makes it a preferable option.
Gerber Controller Folding Fillet Knife
Slim & Compact Style
The blade is made up of high-quality and corrosion-resistant material. This makes it super reliable and tough for resisting saltwater and freshwater cutting material. The grip of this knife is designed in such a way that it withstands all kinds of wet conditions and prevents slippages. Many people call it one of the best saltwater folding knives on the market.
| Pros | Cons |
| Corrosion resistant blade | The knife exists in only one color |
| Withstands salt water | The folding spring might get lost over time |
| Non-slippery grip & handle | The blade can bend when cutting tough meat or large fish |
| Easy to carry | |
| Slim and compact style | |
| Multiple uses |
Looking for higher-quality folding knives? Let us list out some of the best fillet knife options:
High-Quality Fillet Knife for Professional Chefs | Pick the Best One!
Below we have listed some of the most popular and premium fillet knives:
i. Yoshihiro Shiroko Kasumi Deba Japanese Fillet Knife
One of the most premium and expensive fillet knives is the Yoshihiro Deba Japanese knife. This knife falls under both the fillet and butcher knife categories because of its sharp and hardcore blade. The knife is made up of Shiroko high carbon Japanese Steel 2 with a hardness on the Rockwell scale of 62-63 and is forged with iron to create beautiful mist patterns called Kasumi.
The blade length is 6.5 inches in length and is quite thick. The blade is single-edged which makes it sharper than other options. The knife has a forged construction which makes it an ideal tool for tough cutting, chopping, and fileting jobs.
Kasumi Deba Japanese Fillet Knife
Comfortable Handle
The handle of this knife is made up of round-shaped Shitan which is quite hard material. The color of the handle is rosewood which makes it an attractive slicing tool. The thing that we like about this tool is that it comes with a Saya cover/sheath.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-carbon white steel | Expensive option |
| Single-edged blade | |
| Japanese manufacturing | |
| Comfortable handle | |
| Lightweight |
ii. Cutco Model 1761 White Pearl Boning Knife
This is the second premium knife for cutting accurate filet. The knife is considered to be best for filleting chicken breasts and cutting other food items without any hassle. This straight-blade knife has a solid construction. The blade of this knife is high carbon stainless steel material and the edges are plain so you don’t have to worry about filets sticking to the blade’s body.
Cutco Model 1761 White Pearl Boning Knife
Corrosion Resistant
The knife is manufactured in the United States by local craft workers. The CUTCO knives are considered to be the best because they have been the #1 brand in America for creating high-quality cutlery.
The Highly engineered thermo-resin ergonomic handles of this knife will not crack, chip, fade or absorb any stains which is why it falls in the premium category. Another benefit of getting this knife is that it has a full tang, triple rivet construction.
| Pros | Cons |
| Corrosion resistant | No dishwasher friendly |
| Plain blade edge | |
| CUTCO replacement guarantee | |
| Free sharpening | |
| Full tang triple rivet construction | |
| Ergonomic design |
iii. Shun Cutlery Classic Flexible Fillet Knife
The third and also very efficient fillet knife is the Shun 7-Inch classic flexible fillet knife. If you want to cut the perfect fish filets, you should check out this knife. The flexible blade of this filet knife makes it an ideal choice for not only fileting but also boning and trimming all kinds of meat. This flexible Fillet gets to the ribs of the fish, removing meat from bones efficiently and easily so you get more meat and less waste.
Shun Cutlery Classic Flexible Fillet Knife
High-Quality Construction
The knife has a very high-quality construction as it is made up of AUS8A high-carbon stainless steel. The blade of the knife is quite rough and wear-resistant. The handle of his knife is finished with pakkawood material which is quite durable and comfortable to hold. This knife has been inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, the shun knife is handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce unparalleled quality and beauty.
| Pros | Cons |
| Alloy steel blade material | No protective sheath |
| High quality construction | |
| Comfortable handle | |
| Value for money | |
| Durable |
5. KastKing German Foldable Fillet Knife
One of the top demanded knives is the KastKing folding knife. This knife has been trending in the online market for the last few months, and this is because it is quite efficient in fileting. Other than being used for fillet cutting, you can also use this knife for hunting, camping, and fishing activities.
The 6.5-inch blade of this knife is very versatile and sharp, which makes it a strong contender in this list. The blade is made up of German steel material and has a non-stick finish. In addition to this, the knife blade is also kept corrosion-resistant to avoid all kinds of rust.
KastKing German Folding Fillet Knife
Non-slippery Polymer Handle
The handle of this knife is made up of glass-molded polypropylene material, which gives it a strong and flexible feel. The grip is designed so that it can handle the large size of the blade. Overall the blade and grip of the knife are considered to be a good combination of rigidity and strength. In addition to this, the knife also comes with a protective sheath which makes it a safer tool for carrying.
| Pros | Cons |
| Non-slippery polymer handle | Needs to be sharpened before you use it |
| Protective sheath | The handle design might be awkward for some users |
| Unique design | The Velcro on the sheath might wear off over time |
| Sharp and stainless steel blade | |
| Value to money |
6. Outdoor Edge Razor Lite Folding Blade
Another unconventional option in this list is the outdoor edge razor lite knife. This knife has a high-quality build and can be used for different purposes. The knife is produced by the famous brand Outdoor Edge which makes it a reliable option.
Edge Razor Lite Folding Blade
Lightweight & Slim
The knife comes in two different styles and interchangeable blades. The blades can be changed by anyone without any hassle. If you feel like a blade has gotten dull, you can simply change it with the other one. In other words, you get three knives under the price of one.
The length of this knife is 6.9 inches. In this, the blade is 3 inches, and the handle is around 3.8 inches. On the blade of the knife, you would see steel pockets that help it when cutting through big fish. In addition, the knife comes with polymer handles which gives the user a strong grip.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight and slim | The slender design makes it an awkward tool for some users |
| Non-slippery handle design | The blades get dull over a very short period |
| Perfect for fish fileting | Only available in orange color |
| Cheap in price | |
| Pocket clip and nylon sheath available |
7. Buck Pursuit Pro 661 Folding Knife
If you are looking for a premium fillet folding knife with amazing features, you must try the buck pro 661 folding knife. This knife is quite an update to previous models produced by the same company. This knife is quite sturdy and is known to be best for hunting, fishing, and camping activities.
The drop point blade of this knife is made up of premium S35VN stainless steel material, which makes it strong. The blade length is 3 inches, and its thickness is 012 mm which is quite ideal for cutting filets and other outdoor activities. The overall weight of the knife is 2.5 ounces which is why it is known as the strongest and lightest folding knife among hunters and fishermen.
The design of this knife is kept compact and portable for every type of user,
Buck Pursuit Pro 661 Folding Knife
Sharp & Rust-free Blade
The knife is also easy to carry because it comes with a protective polyester sheath. The sheath is made up of heavy material for the safety of users. Overall this knife is quite strong and more durable than other contenders in this list.
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazingly sturdy | The blade size might be small for cutting large fish |
| Sharp and rust-free blade | The price of this knife might be a bit high for a common buyer |
| Comfortable and secure grip | |
| Protective sheath | |
| Smart design |
Frequently Asked Questions!
Get answers to the most commonly asked questions:
1. What is the Best Folding Fillet Knife used For?
Folding fillet knives are usually meant for fishermen or campers as they can easily cut through flesh and create thin and perfect filets. There are many best fillet knives options such as Kershaw, outdoor edge, Columbia, and others. These knives are known for their durability, quality, and performance.
2. What is the Ideal size of a Japanese Fillet Knife?
If you want to buy the best fillet knife, you must always consider blades that are seven to eight inches in size. This size is ideal to cut the perfect fillets.
3. Can Fillet Knives be Cleaned in a Dishwasher?
The simplest way to clean the fillet knife is with a dry cloth after rinsing them with warm water. Putting the knives in water for a longer time in the dishwasher would decrease their life and affect the sharpness of the blade.
Conclusion
Having a top-notch fillet knife is essential whether you work as a chef full-time or just like fishing on the weekends. If you are using a dull or poor-quality knife and blade, you run the risk of hurting yourself or messing up the filleting process. Choosing the ideal fillet knife for your needs is the greatest method to quickly and safely prepare a fish. In this article, we have mentioned the most popular folding fillet knife which you can easily buy from Amazon. The knives listed in this article are of the best quality and have tons of features that are desired by fishermen, hunters, and other users.
