If you’re looking to hone your fish-cooking skills, it starts with excellently filleting a fish.
Salmon fish is delicious, and you need to cut out as much flesh from the bones as possible.
However, you will need the best fillet knives for salmon to achieve this goal.
Such a
It has an ultra-sharp blade that cuts through the flesh and bones.
With so many fillet knives for salmon on the market, finding the best one might be quite challenging.
This article looks at a few great knives that will help you fillet a fish.
It also looks at what to look for when buying a fillet
Best Fillet Knives For Salmon (Updated List)
* A Serious Contender *
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What to Look For When Buying?
The Blade Material
Always choose a model with a long-lasting blade. Stainless steel is the standard material if you are looking for durability.
Stainless steel blades retain their ultra-sharp performance for an extended period and are very durable. Besides, they are easy to clean and resist rust that might cause corrosion.
The Handle Material
The material of a
Rubber is a material that has built a reputation since it has a non-slip grip. Therefore, it’s a material that the best
Co-polymer is another excellent material since it has a non-slip grip besides being ergonomic. You can also look for a product with textures on the handle if you want a non-slip grip for better control.
The Blade Size
Blade lengths range from 4-12 inches.
Do not settle on any size unless you’ve figured out the size of the salmon fish that you will be filleting. Larger fish will need longer blades while smaller fish will need shorter blades.
A small to medium salmon fish may need 4-6 inches long blades. But a larger salmon fish will need a longer blade that is at least 7 inches long.
As such, know the salmon’s size before settling on a particular size.
Sharpness
The sharpness of it is critical. An ultra-sharp blade is essential for filleting a salmon fish.
Such sharp edge cuts through the flesh and fish’s bones with less effort, making the filleting process easier.
Flexibility
A good
Also, a flexible one follows your arm movements with unmatched smoothness. Therefore, buy a
We give these knives a quick twirl and review, and then we pass them on to a few lucky home chefs!
Reviews of the Best Products
Rada Cutlery (Best Overall)
This
It effortlessly cuts through a salmon fish’s flesh and bones.
The rubber handle is ergonomic and non-slip. You will have control even if you’re working in the wettest of environments.
The 7.13-inch-long blade is flexible for cutting meat away from the salmon fish.
The sing-sided serrated edge stays sharp for a long time since the
The handle is dishwasher-safe, meaning cleaning the edge is a no-brainer. Besides filleting fish, you could also use this product when boning fish. It is a versatile model that handles filleting work of any size.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9.5/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 9/10
Pros.
- T420 high carbon stainless steel.
- Soft rubber handle.
- 13-inch razor-sharp blade.
- Rust-resistant performance.
- Protective leather scabbard.
Cons.
- Doesn’t come with a sharpener.
- The edge dulls after a few uses.
Victorinox (2nd Runner-up)
The high-carbon stainless steel blade has an ultra-sharp edge for filleting salmon fish that is 8 inches long.
As such, the model is ideal for filleting a fish of any size.
Hand washing this product is ideal since a dishwasher might only dull the edge.
It also has a bolstered edge for easier sharpening, and it stays sharp for an extended period, thanks to the ice-tempered edge.
The handle is ergonomic and feels comfortable in hand. It is also non-slip for better control, even if your hand is wet and slimy.
Therefore, this is an excellent product for filleting a salmon fish.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9/10
- Handling: 8.5/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8.5/10
Pros.
- High-carbon stainless steel blade.
- 8-inch-long blade length.
- Ergonomic and non-slip handle.
- Razor-sharp edge is durable.
- Lifetime warranty against defects.
Cons.
- Not dishwasher-safe.
- No sharpener included.
Bubba 12-inch (Best for Smoothness)
The 12-inch-long blade boasts a high-quality 8Cr13MoV stainless steel material.
It has a razor-sharp edge that cuts through the flesh and bones with ease and unmatched smoothness. As such, this is one of the best fillet knives for salmon.
The curved edge has a titanium nitride coating that makes it corrosion-resistant and non-stick for easy cleaning. Handling is also impressive, especially with the
The handle also has a finger guard to keep your finger from the unforgiving ultra-sharp edge.
It also comes with a synthetic sheath that protects you from the edge. Once you’ve filleted a salmon fish, be sure to insert it into its sheath.
With all the impressive performance, it will help you fillet and bone a salmon fish.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 8.5/10
- Handling: 9.5/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8.5/10
Pros.
- High-carbon stainless steel.
- Titanium coating.
- Ultra-sharp performance.
- Finger guard.
- Ergonomic and non-slip handle.
- Protective sheath.
Cons.
- Does not include a sharpener.
- It dulls pretty fast.
Dexter P94813 (Best for Durability)
The
The 8-inch high-carbon stainless steel blade has a razor-sharp edge for filleting salmon fish.
The edge has a hollow ground design that makes it easy to sharpen. The design also ensures it stays razor-sharp, even after several uses.
The polypropylene handle is ergonomic and feels comfortable in hand. You can fillet salmon fish for an extended period without feeling fatigued in your hand.
The non-slip handle also gives you better control of the
Since you’re likely to work in saltwater conditions, the edge has 400 stain-free finish that makes it rust-resistant. Also, this finish makes cleaning easier.
As such, this is one of the versatile fillet knives for salmon.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 8.5/10
- Handling: 8/10
- Ease of maintenance: 9.5/10
Pros.
- 400 stain-free finish.
- High-carbon stainless steel.
- Ergonomic and non-slip polypropylene handle.
- Razor-sharp performance.
- 8-inch-long blade.
- Hollow ground blade design for sharpness durability.
Cons.
- No sharpener for the
knife . - It isn’t very strong.
Sani-Safe S133-9-PCP (Best for Control)
This
Besides, it also boasts a unique handle: the Sani-Safe handle. This handle has earned users’ trust since it gives them excellent control of the ultra-sharp edge.
The handle is ergonomic and feels comfortable in hand. It is also non-slip, and users commend it for its impressive grip even with wet hands.
As such, this product is suitable for filleting salmon fish even in the wettest of environments.
It is resistant to rust, thanks to the stain-free stainless steel alloy material. Cleaning it after filleting a fish is also hassle-free.
The finger guard on the handle keeps your index finger safe from the razor-sharp edge.
If you’re looking to fillet a salmon fish with precision, this model will handle the task.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 8.5/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8/10
Pros.
- NSF-Certified.
- High-carbon stainless steel alloy.
- 9-inch-long blade.
- Sani-Safe handle.
- Rust-free and non-stick blade finish.
- Finger guard for safety.
- It is flexible.
Cons.
- Not dishwasher-safe.
- Doesn’t come with a sharpener.
Kershaw (Best for Heavy-duty Tasks)
If you’re looking to fillet many salmon fish, you will need a
This model can handle heavy-duty filleting tasks. Its blade comprises 420J2 high-performance stainless steel as its material.
The 9-inch blade has an ultra-sharp edge that effortlessly slices through the flesh and bones of salmon fish. With such a length, you can also fillet larger salmon fish.
It is also resistant to rust and is easy to clean since it resists stains.
The co-polymer rubber handle has soft textures that make it non-slip. It is also ergonomic for a comfortable grip.
The ABS sheath has a belt holster so that you can safely keep the product by your side.
You can use this fillet model to fillet tilapia, tuna, and eel. It is a versatile product that any chef deserves to have.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 8.5/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8/10
Pros.
- High-performance stainless steel.
- ABS sheath has a belt holster.
- Razor-sharp performance.
- Ergonomic and non-slip handle.
- 9-inch-long blade.
- Resistant to corrosion and stains.
- Lifetime warranty against defects.
Cons.
- Not dishwasher-safe.
- Does not include a sharpener.
Mercer Culinary (Best for Sharpness)
This
The 8.5 inches long edge is easier to maintain since it stays sharp for an extended period.
You can clean it with soapy clothing then rinsing off the soap with plenty of clean water.
Sharpening the product to restore its razor-sharp performance is easier, and you can do it using a sharpener.
The handle is ergonomic and feels comfortable in hand. It is also non-slip since it has textures for a better grip.
The handle’s design also ensures your finger is safe from the razor-sharp edge for an accident-free filleting performance.
All the materials are high-quality. Consequently, this is one of the best fillet knives for salmon if durability is what you seek.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9.5/10
- Handling: 8.5/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8/10
Pros.
- 5-inches long blade.
- High-carbon Japanese stainless steel.
- Textured handle for a non-slip grip.
- Razor-sharp edge.
- Non-stick coating for easier cleaning.
- Rust-free performance.
- A finger guard keeps you safe.
Cons.
- It doesn’t include a sharpener.
- It is not dishwasher-safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a dishwasher to clean my fillet knife ?
Refrain from using a dishwasher for it may dull the ultra-sharp blade. Instead, wash the
What material should my handle be made of?
The handle should be ergonomic, durable, and non-slip. Rubber and copolymer are great materials.
Why is coating necessary?
The coating makes the
How long will my blade stay sharp?
Its edge will stay sharp until you fillet salmon fish 3-4 times. After this, you may need to hone your blade.
How do I sharpen my knife ?
Use a
What blade size is ideal for filleting salmon fish?
It depends on the size of the fish you’re filleting. A small to medium-sized salmon will need a 5-inch blade. But a larger salmon will need a blade that is at least 7 inches long.
What is the best blade material?
Stainless steel is the standard material for it. It resists rust and retains the ultra-sharp performance for an extended period. Ensure you buy a
What is the best fillet knife for salmon?
It’s impossible to claim that a particular fillet
Can I use a fillet knife to bone a salmon fish?
Yes, fillet knives for salmon are versatile and can also bone a fish.
Do I need a sheath?
You don’t, but a sheath comes in handy to preserve the ultra-sharp performance of it. It also keeps you safe from accidents when not using it or when it is lying around on the workstation.
Conclusion
Salmon is one of the most delicious fish ever – you can bake it whole, pan-fry a fillet with the skin still on, or eat the belly raw a la sashimi.
If you want to try and prep the whole fish at home, good for you! That’s a great way to maximize your catch (whether you got it from the market or caught it on your own).
And if you are serious about this, get a good
Professional fishmongers are now agreeing on the best brands: Bubba, Rada, and the incredibly popular Victorinox.
Bubba’s 12-inch curved fillet knife is ideal for this task because the thin blade (made from 8Cr13MoV) has a slight bend to it which helps with detailed slices close to the bone. It also has numerous safety features which are great for amateurs.
Rada is also known for its sharp, ultra-thin, and flexible blades made from T420 steel. This particular filleter is long and narrow so it can squeeze in the tight spaces of the fish. It’s also unbelievably cheap.
The straight fillet
Further reading:
Health Benefits of Salmon – WebMD
Alaska Salmon Fishing Techniques
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Ryan Leavitt
Hi my name is Ryan Leavitt a Marine Corps Veteran and currently an over the road trucker (Long Haul). I am no expert chef but am enjoying preparing my own meals on the road and testing all the different knives.
We give these knives a quick twirl and review, and then we pass them on to a few lucky home chefs!
