A good quality fillet knife can give you effortless filleting even if you fillet a large-size salmon. But of course, you have to use the right one for your salmon.
Today, I will give you a complete guide with 7 different fillet knives to choose the best one. I hope your next salmon filleting will be easier and more enjoyable.
01. Dalstrong 6-inch Salmon Filleting Knife
You would fall in love with the Dalstrong GS-7-inch salmon cutting knife at first sight. The piece is eye-turning in every way. Aesthetically, it would win a beauty pageant.
The unbelievable sharpness of the blade, coupled with its unmatched flexibility, assures you that cutting salmon will be like a hot knife through butter.
Moreover, it has high-carbon steel construction, which provides unbelievable sharpness and durability. The edge sharpness remains the same even after several uses.
Besides, its premium black G10 handle (an impervious fiberglass resin) connects unfailingly with the tang with the aid of three rivets.
The lamination on the handle ensures that it cleans easily. You would also appreciate the fact that it retains no odor after washing. Another catch is its NSF certification, which tells you that it is safe for use on food.
What more? The Dalstrong knife comes with a premium leather sheath to house it after use. It also makes taking it around to be safe. The packaging is fantastic, making it a perfect gift item for your salmon-loving friend or partner.
02. Victorinox 8-inch Straight Fishing Knife
The Victorinox 47613 8-inch straight fish-cutting knife ticks the boxes on what’s most important for fillet knives. The unique NSF-approved Fibrox handle has a rough feel making it slip-resistant. Apart from this, the shape allows for a comfortable grip and offers unmatched balance.
When it comes to the blade, you have nothing to fear. The construction is from high-carbon stainless steel. As a result, it offers resistance against abrasion and retains its cutting edge for a long while.
You won’t need to sharpen it often, even after multiple uses. Besides, when the blade becomes dull, getting it back to its razor-sharp state won’t take a minute. The reinforced edge helps to make whetting a quick work.
Furthermore, it has an optimum size of eight inches. You can use the Victorinox 47613 8-inch straight fillet knife for salmon of any size. Most importantly, your pockets don’t need to run deep to buy one of these knives.
03. Rapala4 Soft Grip Fillet Knife for Salmon
Few knives can come close in comparison to the Rapala4 Soft Grip Fillet Knife. The grip is so comfortable that you won’t mind the number of salmon you have to fillet. You have the molded handle with a soft grip and non-slip texture to thank for this pleasure.
Watch your hands because the cutting edge is astute and always ready to do the job. Thankfully, it has a finger guard for your protection.
Its flexibility affords the knife the unmatched ability to maneuver curves and bones when filleting your fish. Should the blade become dull, a sharpener accompanies the set. With a few movements of the blades over it, you have it all set again.
Moreover, the Rapala4 Soft Grip Salmon cleaning knife has a leather sheath, which receives your knife after a day’s work.
So that you never have to forget to take it with you, the holder has a strap to anchor your belt. What more can one wish for? Now you have the perfect blade for small-sized catches.
04. Mercer Culinary 8.5-inch Narrow Fillet Knife
The Mercer Culinary M23860 filleting knife is budget cutlery and a must-have for salmon lovers. The 8.5 inches long blade is just perfect to attend to the filleting of salmons of all sizes.
Moreover, the cutter is extremely sharp and would make light work of separating flesh from bone. For this reason, it comes with a finger guard for your protection.
Made from Japanese high-carbon steel, the knife maintains sharpness even after several tasks. Besides, whetting it is only a matter of seconds, and it is back to duty. Its flexibility makes it follow the natural curve of the fish when filleting.
This model is one that you can grip, slime, and all, thanks to the anti-slip material used for the handle. It doesn’t matter how many salmon you want to fillet, its ergonomic design would make the duration strain-free.
Meanwhile, the high-quality material for its construction gives you a knife that would last for ages. You’ll also find it very easy to clean.
05. Kershaw Clearwater 9-inch Salmon Cleaning Knife
The Kershaw Clearwater (1259X) fishing knife is pure joy to use on salmon. The razor-sharp blade is 9-inches long, perfect for dealing with both large and medium-sized catches.
With its curve and flexibility, the blade cut through its task, leaving a clear path. Those who love to fish would be glad to add this to their collection.
Besides, the stainless steel construction of the blade zeroes the chances of it rusting. It won’t matter what you’ll be cutting; the knife wouldn’t stain or change color with time.
You would love to hold this knife as its handle has a comfortable grip. The ABS handle has neon green spots and linkage to allow you to sight the cutlery easily in a marine environment.
Also, it has a sheath of ABS construction to let you safely store it. There can’t be an incident of the knife tearing out of the holder. Attached to it is a belt holster so that you don’t lose it when you take it out with you.
Read More: What’s the difference between a boning knife vs fillet knife?
06. Rada Cutlery 12-1/4-inch Salmon Cutting Knife
The Rada R200 fishing fillet knife literarily sticks to you everywhere you go. The provision of a sheath, which you can hang on your belt like a scabbard ensures you never have to leave it behind.
Besides, it has a surgical quality T420 high carbon stainless steel blade which is ultra-durable. The blade is also flexible and perfect for separating fish from the bone. The edge retention of its blade is epic, and you can use it for many operations without needing to sharpen.
Thanks to its rubber construction, the handle is non-slip and suitable for use under any condition. The shape also conforms to your fingers, making it comfortable to use and maneuver. Washing after use won’t leave you thinking. It is safe for the dishwasher.
Also, the fact that it is American-made should count for something. It guarantees you that this carver is of top quality.
As a further testament, the Rada R200 salmon filleting knife comes with a lifetime guarantee. If anything goes wrong upon delivery, you only need to call their customer service for a replacement.
Read More: Find out the most sold fillet knife for saltwater fish
07. KastKing Salmon Fillet Knife with Non-Slip Handle
The KastKing G4116 Stainless-Steel salmon cleaning knife is unarguably a strong candidate on my fillet knife list.
The German stainless steel-forged blade is unforgiving and would do a ghost walk through any part of the fish. The blade is also curved and flexible to allow for a sublime filleting operation.
Furthermore, the blade’s material is resistant to rust and would not experience color change over time. Not harboring stains, cleaning is always a leisurely task.
Also, the grip of the blade affords you the privilege of using it under any condition. It has a polymer construction, making it non-slip. The shape follows a gentle hand curve so, it fits well into your hand for a comfortable grip.
Moreover, you store the knife safely after use in its high-quality sheath. Its unique design locks the knife in and prevents it from sliding out.
Apart from this 9-inch size, you can also choose other sizes depending on your choice. Last but not least, the knife is a perfect gift item. The packaging is pristine and presentable. You can buy any of its sizes for your loved ones.
Buyer’s Guide – Key Features to Consider
There is a wide range of fillet knives on the market. Brand names aside, certain features are pertinent to selecting a cutter for your fish. They are as follows:
Blade Size
In choosing the blade size, you should consider the size of the salmon you would buy. Of course, you may not know the magnitude of what you’ll be buying. It is crucial to purchase one which has a collection of varying blade lengths.
Blade Material
You know the cutter is the most crucial part of a knife, so you must be concerned about it. The material of construction of the blade has a lot to do with its durability. The material is usually of two types, namely: stainless steel and high-carbon steel.
Each material has its pros and cons. For example, stainless steel is more attractive, durable, rust-resistant, and needs less maintenance.
On the other hand, the latter has to its advantage better edge retention, is cheaper, has a sharper edge, and offers more flexibility.
Handle Design
The handle is unarguably the next most important part of the knife. Go for a knife that has a comfortable grip.
What affects the grip is the material used and the shape of the handle. When looking for a blade, choose one whose handle is easy to clean and prevents retention of fish odor.
Remember that you’ll always work in wet conditions. A firm grip is non-negotiable. Also, the aesthetic appeal of the handle is a potent catch point.
Common materials that are used for handles include wood, synthetic polymer rubber, and plastic. They all have their peculiarity.
Flexibility
Blade flexibility has a direct effect on how well the knife will work. The more flexible the blade is, the easier it is to cut around the bone and remove the skin.
The Knife Sheath
Where the knife goes to rest is pertinent. It should be able to drain and aerate the knife. The sheath plays a vital role in protecting the knife and storing away the blade.
Some manufacturers also design to have a sharpener for your blade. In essence, each time you put in your knife.
Materials suitable for handles include plastics, nylon, rubber, and iron. Again, the sheath should have a belt strap. This allows you to take it with you wherever you’ll need it.
Safety Feature
You don’t want anyone getting hurt accidentally from the fillet knife. Some safety features include a sheath with a lock.
Those without a holder should have a base, which can stay on the kitchen hangar to store away from sight. Besides, a finger guard is essential for a fillet knife as it is built to be super sharp.
Conclusion
The perfect fillet knife for salmon would meet your needs. You shouldn’t be in haste to pick just anyone without checking if it ticks on your need list. Your kitchen exploits depend so much on it. Good luck while stocking for yours!
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