Best filet Knife for Saltwater Fish [Review] – TOP 7

A saltwater angler knows that delicious filets are the ultimate reward provided by the species, including tuna, redfish, mackerel, etc. Fileting is a delicate process requiring separating those slabs from the ribs and bones of a fish. The best filet knife for saltwater fish is the tool that allows you to do it precisely.

Filet knives are flexible, curved, well-sharpened, and offer a sticky grip. Also, they resist corrosion from salt and blood. The flex blades and comfortable grip keep your fingers safe. These knives are specifically designed to give you a quicker and safer fileting experience.

We covered your back if you are in the market to get a good filet knife for saltwater fish. This comprehensive guide will give you a list of some of the premium options at a reasonable price.

What Size Saltwater Fish Filet Knife Should You Buy?

Filet knives come in different sizes. Thus, beginner anglers may need help choosing the size for their fishing sessions.

For beginners, choosing an all-around filet knife of 6 – 11 inches would be best. This size will let you filet small to large fish quite satisfactorily. Also, you won’t have to struggle a lot to filet saltwater fish with six to eleven inches of knives.

If you are catching bigger fish like cobia or groupers, ensure that your knife has enough stiffness and edge-holding quality and size.

Moreover, remember that a more petite, thin, and flexible blade is always handy.

07 Best filet Knife for Saltwater Fish Review 2023

Did you rust a lot of knives already fileting saltwater fish?

Every filet knife we reviewed in this section is resistant to rust and corrosion. They hold an edge well too. We tested several knives thoroughly and interviewed pro anglers to finalize this list.

1# Best Overall: Gerber Gear Controller

The Gerber Gear Controller is a great filet knife with a solid handle for saltwater fish. The length of the blade is excellent, 8” for medium-sized saltwater fish. We used it for cutting trout up to 20 inches and fish as small as bluegill.

Are these the only features that set it apart from the competitors? 

Let’s figure it out.

Technical Specifications

• Blade Material: Alloy Steel
• Blade Length: 8”
• Special Feature: Pocket Clip, Lanyard hole
• Handle Material: Glass-reinforced Polypropylene
• Weight: 6.2 oz.

Blade’s flexibility is the first feature that sets it apart from the pack. Flexibility allows you to get the most out of a cut of a fish. Since it flexes well, don’t assume that it is less durable. This is built with alloy steel, making it much more durable to last for several years.

The handle is feature-packed. Primarily, it has a non-slip finish. So, the knife doesn’t slip when working with slippery hands. At the same time, you can work for extended periods without discomfort. Such a design makes it suitable for big games.  

The thumb guide is an additional feature of the handle. You can comfortably place your thumb to test in this groove. Moreover, the guide permits you to control the knife and make easy cuts of the saltwater fish.

What about its toughness?

You will be surprised for sure. It is a full-tang 8” steel blade ensuring toughness. Moreover, the blade resists corrosion efficiently and delivers excellent performance every time.

Any additional features?

Yes, a sheath and a built-in sharpener are included with the knife. The sheath is solid, keeping the knife in a safe position. Also, the blade sharpener allows instant touch-ups wherever you are.

If you often eat saltwater fish or are looking for an easy-to-clean knife, try this Gerber saltwater filet fish without thinking twice.

Pros

• Nice feel in the hand
• Noticeably sharper for convenient cutting
• It comes with a built-in knife sharpener and sheath
• Comfortable to hold and easy to control

Cons

• The blade fits imperfectly in the included sheath

2# Best Budget-friendly: Kastking Filet Knife

Looking for a quality saltwater filet knife at a reasonable price? Grab the Kastking filet Knife and enjoy cutting saltwater fish with its 9” G4116 stainless steel blade. Incredibly, it also offers great performance with freshwater fish. This knife lets you slice, filet, and steak large game fish without hassle. In fact, it is an ideal choice for larger saltwater fishes.

How?

Here are the answers.

Technical Specifications

• Blade Material: G4116 Stainless Steel
• Handle Material: Stainless Steel
• Blade Edge: Plain
• Blade Length: 9”
• Included Components: Sheath

The 9” stainless steel curved blade is designed with precise flexibility. As a result, it will follow natural contours, providing perfect filets. Moreover, the blade is much stiffer and thicker, making it the best option for fish like tuna, salmon, and other tougher meats.

Furthermore, it is engineered for ultimate cutting performance. So, the knife suits for slicing everything from sandwiches to cakes or boning meats, or processing foods. Besides, it maintains the edge for longer to let you work with it for many days.

Is the handle comfortable to handle?

Yes. The handle uses super polymer, offering superior comfort during prolonged working. Also, the slip-resistant feature confirms safety. You will always have a solid grip, regardless of the situation. Also, cleaning the handle is a breeze with soapy-warm water.

The overall balance of the knife will surely impress you. It is lightweight for convenient handling, has a solid build for long-term performance, and has razor-sharp blades to simplify the fileting tasks. The knife is easy to hold, and the perfect length gives you the right amount of flex.

A protective knife sheath makes the storing of this knife damn safe. The sheath keeps the knife sharp and ready for use. Moreover, the bright color of the sheath allows you to spot it quickly in a tackle box or the boat.

This is a budget-friendly premium-quality knife that makes it hard to beat. Its characteristics and construction help to hold the edge for several days. Also, re-sharpening can easily be done with a few glides due to the straight edge.

Pros

• Non-slip super polymer handle
• An ideal choice for saltwater and freshwater fish
• Cleaning and re-sharpening is a breeze
• The handle fits nicely in hand for convenient fileting

Cons

• The blade needs to be sharpened on arrival

3# Best Lightweight: TRUSCEND Saltwater Fishing Filet Knife Set

The TRANSCEND Saltwater Fishing filet Knife Set is lightweight, featuring a 6” fairly stiff high carbon stainless steel blade. This outdoor knife is a handy kit that can tackle anything you catch. The rust-resistant and slip-proof handle makes fileting tasks easier.  

However, some users questioned its performance. So, we decided to go fishing with it.

Wanna know what we find?

Let’s read.

Technical Specifications

• Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
• Blade Length: 6”
• Weight: 5.37 oz.
• Handle Material: Rubber, Steel, Metal
• Special Feature: Lanyard Hole, Trigger Grip, Safety Guards
• Included Components: Portable 2-step Knife Sharpener, Hand Gloves

We used it for several fishing sessions. The blade remains rust-resistant for many days for stainless steel construction. It gives flexible performance for a long time, and we sharpened it superbly easily. The good news is that the knife has held its edge for a long time.

The non-stick coating on the blade pleases us the most. Such coatings help us filet and slice saltwater fish with ease. At the same time, we cut fish more quickly than before. It can be used outdoors, on the dock, in the bush, etc., making it a great option.

Is the handle comfortable to hold?

Obviously, unique anti-rust, anti-corrosion, and non-slip KRATOM materials are used in the handle. The handle is ergonomically constructed with extreme chemical structural stability. Whether the condition is bloody or wet, the handle always remains sticky.

Is there any safety feature in the handle to prevent injury?

The handle is innovatively designed to prevent finger injuries. A trigger grip facilitates control when fileting and slicing. Simultaneously, it ensures security in the larger games. Also, a robust safeguard protects your finger from the fish’s spine and razor-sharp blades.

Are any additional items included?

Impressively, the knife includes cut-resistant hand gloves made of rubber, metal, and polyester. This glove is perfect for any fileting and slicing tasks while providing the necessary protection to your hands.

A handy 2-step sharpener is also included, made of ceramic and alloy. You can use it for polishing the knife, coursing damaged and dull knives, and quick touch-ups.

Pros

• Razor-sharp and easy-to-clean blade
• Superchemical structure stability control
• Includes high-security cut-proof glove
• Flexible, durable, and corrosion-resistant blade

Cons

• The handle has rough edges

4# Best Cordless: R12 HD Lithium filet Knife Combo

The R12 HD Lithium filet Knife Combo is a cordless option featuring the necessary characteristics that an angler can expect. Consistent power, intuitive functions, and outstanding runtime apart from other cordless filet knives. It allows you to pull fish skin and cut rib bones effortlessly.

Want to know more about how this single knife can be a life changer in your fishing experience?

Find below.

Technical Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.5”
• Blade Material: Stainless-steel
• Power Source: 2 rechargeable Lithium-ion Batteries
• Running Time: 80 minutes
• Special Feature: Blade release mechanism

This is a one-of-a-kind all-around saltwater filet knife for anglers. The flexible stainless-steel blade can reach under the fish skin and glide rib bones without getting stuck. It is also ideal for handling freshwater fishes such as yellow perch, crappie, sunfish, etc. The blade can also be used for larger tuna or salmon.

More importantly, the cuts are cleaner and minimize the wastage of fish meat.

One of the strong points of the knife is the motorized handle. The handle is lengthy but lightweight. Also, it feels non-slip and comfortable; you will not feel strain in your hands when working with it for several minutes.

What about safety features?

We liked the handle design the most. It features a lock mechanism or blade release for your safety. You will find only one release button, permitting you to change the blade faster and more efficiently. Moreover, the power button at the top of the handle is a BIG PLUS!

Can I work with it for an extended period?

2 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries power the knife. After installing the batteries in the handle, they don’t add much weight to the blade as each knife weighs only 0.40 lbs. The batteries offer 80 minutes of running time between charges. So, you can filet 20 medium-sized saltwater fish until it requires charging.

Wondering to know its charging time?

Only 60 minutes for a full charge. It has a built-in battery life indicator, notifying you when the knife is out of charge.

Pros

• Easy-to-access functionality in the motorized handle
• The lightweight handle lets you clean fish without the hassle
• Single button blade release mechanism minimizes downtime
• The razor-sharp blade produces delicate cuts every time

Cons

• It heats up when you use it continuously

5# Best Versatile: Morakniv Fishing Comfort Filet Knife

The prime purpose of the Morakniv Fishing Comfort Knife is to filet saltwater fish. This knife is efficient enough to do so. Its handle and blade work combined to let you handle different sizes of fish quite easily. This can be used to filet King Mackerel, Roosterfish, and even smooth-skinned catfish. Other uses of the knife are slicing bread or carving turkey, etc.

Technical Specifications

• Blade Material: Sandvik 12C27 Stainless Steel
• Handle Material: Plastic
• Blade Length: 6.1” 
• Blade Thickness: 0.07”
• Weight: 3.5 oz.
• Total Knife Length: 10.6”

You will be pleased with the construction and size of the blade for sure. Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel constructed knife has a 6.1” blade and high-friction handle so you can filet saltwater fish of any size.

Whether you want to filet or bone small to bigger saltwater fish, the 6.1” blade delivers the same result. The edge lets you handle larger gamefish without a problem. The long yet flexible blade allows anglers to be in 100% control when fileting their catch.

Did you notice a steep drop in the tip?

This is for added strength when piercing so you don’t break the tip. The knife gets the job done with ease and at great value.

Furthermore, edge retention remains excellent for many days, permitting you to get all the meat out of the bone whenever you want. High-friction and patterned grip keep you stable when cleaning slimy fish.

Above all, 2 interchangeable clips add security, letting you loop or clip it through your belt safely, which means it comes with different options for hooking to a belt.

Wondering to learn about its cleaning process?

Unlike other filet knives for saltwater fish, this can easily be cleaned in a dishwasher.

Overall, the knife is popular among anglers for its unique toughness, high hardness, and razor sharpness.

Pros

• Versatile for different-sized saltwater fish
• Razor-sharp blade straight out of the box
• Corrosion proof blade
• Odor-resistant and high-friction handle

Cons

• The learning curve for the textured handle

6# Best for Professional Chefs: Dexter P94812 Filet Knife

Are you a professional chef looking for an affordable filet knife for saltwater fish?

Get your hands on the Dexter P94812 filet Knife. It makes fileting a fish effortlessly. The handle is easy to grab and gits all hand sizes perfectly. Its blade length is 7”, which is good for making clean cuts of bigger saltwater fish.

The blade is razor-sharp out of the box, cutting through fish easily. Besides, anglers have been using this knife for a long time.

Technical Specifications

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Handle Material: Polypropylene, High-carbon, Steel
• Blade Length: 7”
• Design: Narrow
• Weight: 3.68 oz. 

A 400 series high carbon-steel blade requires less sharpening between cuts. We used it to cut a bunch of fish and re-sharpened it quite often. Moreover, such construction makes it much more durable, corrosion-resistant and ensures good ductility. Even you will never experience staining on the blade.

You must be wondering why this knife blade is so narrow.

This design is done purposefully, indeed! Narrow blades allow quick cutting for their fewer resistant characteristics to flesh when fileting fish. As a result, this knife is an ideal choice for delicate cuts. Moreover, the blade is efficient enough to cut smaller angles than broad blades.

Furthermore, such a structure makes the knife lightweight and undesirably flexible. A narrow blade enabled you to carve uniform slices of saltwater fish.

Now, let’s see what its handle offers.

The handle is made of polypropylene, making it slip-resistant and durable. Polypropylene increases its durability without affecting its performance. The knife doesn’t slip from your hands, regardless of the conditions.

Another unique benefit is the hollow ground on the blade. Hollow ground blades offer significant cutting properties and are more damn flexible than other grind types. This is one of the reasons most professional chefs prefer this knife over others.

Pros

• Free of stain and high carbon steel blade
• Premium-quality, affordable filet knife
• Hand wash for maximum longevity
• Easy edge-retention and quick re-sharpening

Cons

• Uneven sharpening from the factory

7# Best for Flexibility: Bubba 7” Tapered Flex filet Fishing Knife

Bubba has been a renowned manufacturer making high-grade knives for several years. This 7” Tapered Flex filet Fishing knife is an excellent addition to its product line. Exceptional red handle and titanium-nitride-coated-black blade allow easy maneuverability when fileting fish.

This knife is designed to be tough enough to withstand the grueling conditions of saltwater. Non-slip grip and razor-sharp blades keep it at the frontline of filet knives.

Technical Specifications

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Handle Material: Stainless Steel
• Blade Thickness: 2mm
• Blade Length: 7”
• Overall Length: 13”
• Included Components: filet Knife with Sheath

This knife stands out among its competitors.

How?

It is a stiff-style filet knife that comes with excellent flex. As a result, you can make it controllable and great for handling large games efficiently. The wide blade is suitable for precise cutting through heavier meats, including wahoo or tuna.

Grip security is guaranteed. The grip is firm while giving you better control. It means you will experience increased cutting accuracy and speed. At the same time, the grip prevents unwanted slippage and minimizes the chance of accidents.

Another significant benefit of trigger grip is that the position of the thumb allows a natural and distinctive guide for the blade.  

Did you notice that it has an extra sharp tip?

The extra sharp tip makes the knife well-suited for tasks that require precision. Even when dealing with small producers, the extra sharp tip is handy.

Besides, the included sheath is sturdy and holds the knife tight. The sheath is designed to carry on the belt, confirming secured carrying. All in all, you can clean lots of fish, and the blade holds up very well to use.

Pros

• Extremely sharp out of the box
• Iconic non-slip grip
• Titanium-nitride blade coating
• 2mm wide blade suitable for precision cutting

Cons

• Poor quality sheath

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best filet Knife for Saltwater Fish

One question might have popped up in your mind – can I buy any filet knives? The answer is a BIG NO. 

It would help if you chose a corrosion-resistant knife, letting the blade stand in saltwater. Also, you should consider other factors when choosing the best filet knives for marine fish. Consider the below factors carefully.

Blade Material

No matter how sharp your filet knife is, your money will be well-spent if the blade material is good. So, make sure to choose a knife that features a durable and long-lasting blade.

Wondering what material is best for knife blades?

High-carbon steel and stainless steel are the most common materials to be used to manufacture filet knife blades. Both types have their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Stainless steel blades are rust-resistant. If you often go for saltwater fishing, these blades will be your best choice. But sharpening them is challenging, and they are less strong.

On the other hand, high-carbon steel filet knives are easy to sharpen. Sadly, they are susceptible to rust. However, manufacturers are using innovative technology to keep them rust-free. Moreover, you should oil and clean them thoroughly to prevent rust after each use.

Blade Length & Thickness

This is another crucial factor to consider that you must pay attention to.

Remember, you will get more leverage with a longer blade. On the contrary, shorter knives are easy to control and maneuver. If you need more experience in fileting, go with shorter filet knives.

Consider looking at the blade thickness as well. Thinner blades have high flexibility, and maneuvering around the bones becomes easier. Whereas thicker blades are less prone to break, and durability is increased.

Grip

Evaluating the handle of a filet knife is a must before buying. Although the blade is the working end, if you fail to control it with the help of the handle, then using a knife will go in vain.

The surface of the handle should be grippy as much as possible. In most cases, the handle material is crucial in making the grip comfortable and grippy.

Holding the knife strong is mandatory, especially if you are fileting larger saltwater species. Grab your selected knife and check how it feels in your hand. Then, make a buying decision.

Manual vs. Electric Filet Knife

You must have seen that the filet knife market has manual and electric options. So, which one to choose? The answer depends on a few factors.

• Fish quantity to be fileted
• Your preferences
• Your budget

Electric filet knives will let you clean more fish in one go. However, they are expensive and tend to overheat if you use them without a break.

In comparison, manual filet knives are affordable, offer effortless fileting, and control is easy. You will always have the battery in the middle of the process.

How to Maintain a Filet Knife for Saltwater Fish

After buying the best-suited filet knife for saltwater fish, it is vital to ensure proper care for its longevity and efficiency. Read the below points and get long-term service from your filet knife.

• Cleaning is a must after every use. Rinse the knife with fresh water since salt water is superbly corrosive and can damage the blade.
• Prevent rust by applying a light coat of oil after cleaning. This way, the blade will remain in good condition for many days.
• Scrub the knife using a stiff brush if the knife is rusty.
• Before putting your knife into a dishwasher, make sure it is dishwasher-safe.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents to clean your knife; follow the manufacturer’s cleaning procedure.
• Use a quality block, knife sharpener or leather to sharpen your filet knife.
• Don’t filet or cut on a solid cutting surface, as it can dull the edge and tip of the knife. The cutting surface has to be soft.

FAQ

What degree is best for a filet knife?

The best sharpening angle for a filet knife is roughly 18-21 degrees. Make sure to maintain this angle when sharpening a filet knife. If you need clarification on the angle, consider reading the manufacturer’s manual.

What metal is best in filet knives?

High-carbon steel and stainless steel are the most commonly used metals for filet knives. Both are durable and long-lasting materials, maintaining sharpness and longevity for several days.

What are the other uses for a filet knife?

A filler knife is a versatile kitchen tool. You can use it for fileting, de-boning, and gutting fish. Also, these are ideal choices for chopping or slicing pieces of bread and certain fruits.

Why are filet knives curved?

Ever wondered why filet knives are designed with curved blades? The reason is that removing fish from their bones is effortless due to the curved design.

Wrap-Up & Top Pick

The best filet knife for saltwater fish is an excellent investment for an angler. You can easily and precisely filet your catch with the help of these knives. A premium quality filet knife will serve many years when proper care is confirmed. Make your valuable bucks count and choose the right one that suits your needs.

We recommend buying the Kastking filet knife. It has a razor-sharp stainless steel blade with a nice black finish. An extra sharp tip lets you separate the flesh and bones away from the fish. Comfortable and slip-resistant polymer grip guarantees safety when fileting. The protective knife sheath is innovatively designed to drain water easily, keeping the knife dry and sharp.