Filleting tuna requires a sharp
But not any
You will need the best fillet knives for tuna to do excellent work.
The one you choose should be sharp enough to rip through the bones.
But that’s not the only advantage it has.
It is also compact-sized to fit in your pocket.
That makes it highly portable so that you can always transport it to your kitchen.
While there are plenty of tuna filleting knives on the market, not all of them deliver the result you’re seeking.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most prominent players when it comes to this topic.
Best Fillet Knives For Tuna (Updated List)
Amazon product* A Serious Contender *
Related fillet knife collections:
Buying Guide
The Blade
The blade is one of the most important things to consider, if not the best. You will need to consider its length, size, and material. You will also need to consider the sharpness.
The size of the tuna will determine the appropriate blade length. A 10-inch-long blade might be the one to choose for a larger tuna. But you may need a shorter blade for a small tuna.
High-quality blade material is also essential. High carbon stainless steel is an excellent blade material since it retains sharpness for a long time and doesn’t require frequent honing.
The Handle
Look for a non-slip handle when shopping.
Your hand will probably be wet when working in a kitchen.
A blade slipping in your hands is the last thing you want. So, why not buy a slip-resistant
Also, buy a
Filleting is a task that demands a lot of control from your blade.
Be sure to check whether the handle and the blade are balanced for extra control.
Ease of Cleaning
You can buy a
But your manufacturer may recommend cleaning yours by hand.
Be sure to follow the instructions on yours before using it.
Price and Warranty
You can always get the best product for your budget.
Buy something that is within your budget.
Also, look for a product that protects your investment for an extended period.
Checking the warranty information will come in handy at such times.
We give these knives a quick twirl and review, and then we pass them on to a few lucky home chefs!
Product Reviews
Bubba Cordless (Editor’s Choice)
This one is one of the most convenient. It features removable blades that make it easy for you to clean them.
Moreover, its zippered storage case has a special section where you can store the blades.
The blade is also highly durable. It features a high carbon stainless steel coated with TiN to ensure it is corrosion-resistant.
Another feature is that its handle has a LED battery life indicator. This ensures that yours is always functioning.
It is also easy to use. It features a non-slip grip handle that ensures you have grip security. This feature gives you ultimate control as you use it.
For enhanced security, it features a safety lock and trigger guard.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9.5/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 9/10
Pros:
- Has corrosion-resistant blades
- Cordless
- Great battery life
- Carry case is fashionable and durable
- Includes four blades styles
- Includes two lithium-ion batteries
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Bubba Synthetic Fillet (2nd Runner-up)
If you are looking for a multi-purpose
This filleting
It features a beveled edge that allows you to make thinner and crisper cuts.
It also features a 9-inch blade that is non-stick.
Its handle also offers a non-slip grip that is essential in ensuring grip security.
It is also reliable. It features safety guards that offer you protection from the blade and the fish spines.
The blade is Ti-Nitride coated to ensure it is corrosion-resistant.
Moreover, the tip of this model is extra sharp. This feature ensures that you can start your cutting with ease.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Corrosion-resistant blade
- A very sharp tip
- Features safety guards
- Non-slip grip handle
- Ideal for precision cutting
Cons:
- Quite big
KastKing Fillet Knife (Best for Delicate Cuts)
This model features a curved blade. This feature allows it to follow the natural contours of a fillet.
This feature also makes it ideal for thinner and more delicate cuts.
The blade is stiff and strong and has a serrated top edge and a razor-sharp leading edge.
It will also offer you enhanced safety and comfort. It has a non-slip super polymer grip, which is both comfortable and slip-resistant.
The handle is also easy to clean and will stay looking good for a longer period.
It also comes with a lightweight and durable protective sheath. The sheath protects the blade and ensures you are safe between jobs.
The sheath also has drain holes that allow water to drain easily. This ensures yours remains dry and sharp.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 9/10
- Handling: 9.5/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8/10
Pros:
- Stiff and strong blade
- Non-slip super polymer grip
- Easy to clean handle
- Features a protective sheath
Cons:
- Some customers claim the blade was dull.
Sashimi Sushi (Best Design)
Sashimi Sushi is a
It has a narrow asymmetric blade that makes it possible easily to fillet a whole fish in one stroke.
The blade’s cutting edge is appropriate for cutting any size that you require.
It is durable, with its blade made of hardened steel.
It has a simple but elegant handle made of light brown wood. The handle has a comfortable grip.
The blade is also long, narrow, and relatively thick at the back. You can, therefore, separate cuts without much effort.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 8.5/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8.5/10
Pros:
- An elegant wooden handle
- Highly durable
- Relatively cheap
- Blade is corrosive-resistant
Cons:
- Quite heavy
Calamus Fishing (Best or Versatility)
This one features a blue Teflon finish that gives it a fresh and clean look.
It has comfortable; non-slip golf-style handles that ensure you are safe all day.
The handle offers a solid grip in both wet and dry conditions. The handle is also lightweight, which makes it easy to carry out your tasks.
It comes with a protective nylon sheath that is very lightweight and durable. The sheath protects the blade and ensures you remain safe between jobs.
The sheath is vented. This allows water to drain out and keeps yours dry. Moreover, it ensures that it remains corrosion-resistant.
It is good for use in both freshwater and saltwater conditions.
You can get this one in five different shapes and lengths. It offers you a variety to choose from, depending on your needs.
Our scores:
- Sharpness: 8.5/10
- Handling: 9/10
- Ease of maintenance: 8/10
Pros:
- Blade is razor-sharp
- Non-slip golf-style handle
- Lightweight handle
- Has a protective nylon sheath
- Comes in five different shapes and lengths
Cons:
- Blade sharpness is inconsistent.
How to Fillet a Tuna
For people who haven’t filleted a fish before, this task can be daunting.
Even so, it’s easy to fillet a tuna fish by yourself.
All you have to do is quarter the tuna, remove the quarters then store the fish appropriately. Let’s break down the steps:
- On your workstation, place your cutting board and newspaper.
- Lay the tuna horizontally on the slicing board
- Make a diagonal cut down from the pectoral fin towards the fish’s head.
- Make another cut from the head to the tail by inserting it into the belly.
- Flip the tuna over, then make a horizontal cut along with the top fins
- Cut deeply right in front of the tail on both sides of the tuna.
- Cut across the tuna’s lateral line from head to tail on both sides.
- Cut off the fish’s bottom quarter.
- Cut along its top line to remove the top loin from the fish and repeat this on the other side.
- Discard the carcass, then remove the bloodline and belly fat from the fish
- Skin the fillets and rinse off the quarters in clean cold water
- Wrap up the fish quarters in butcher paper, then keep them in a cold container
Frequently Asked Questions
What blade length is the best?
A 10-inch-long blade might be the best.
The length is ideal for filleting tuna of any size.
How often should I sharpen my knife ?
It depends on usage frequency and the blade’s material.
For Carbon stainless steel, you may need to hone your blade after four uses.
Do I need a specific fillet knife for tuna?
Yes, especially if you’re looking to cut fillets from a tuna fish.
Fillet knives have a design that makes them perform at their best when slicing tuna into fillets.
Can I use a dishwasher here?
You could, but that’s not the best cleaning method.
Be sure to handwash yours to prevent the blade from becoming dull.
How can I hone the blade?
You could use Smith’s CCKS 2-Step
Conclusion
Fresh off the boat tuna is one of the best fish you could ever have.
Great eaten raw, as in sashimi, this is firm yet tender and quite delicate with a hint of saltiness from the sea. This can also be grilled or pan-seared, as in a steak, and drizzled with your favorite dressing.
But to get a nice slab of steak or those thin sashimi slivers, you will need an extremely sharp tool for the prep. And we’ve got a good roster for you:
The G4116 fillet
The 9-inch stiff fillet knife from Bubba works just as well too, especially for this particular fish. It may be a bit thicker and wider than usual filleters but you won’t exert a whole lot of effort with this.
And if you aren’t too confident handling a boning/filleting blade, go for the cordless Bubba slicer. With its Li-ion-powered reciprocating blades, you won’t have to worry about ruining a good piece of fish ever again.
Further reading:
Tuna Fishing: Top Species and Where To Catch Them
10 Best Tuna Fishing Spots, Where to Catch Big Tuna
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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!
