We can all relate to the level of trouble one has to face while filleting large pieces of salmon after a long day of fishing. We all love the fish but without the best salmon fillet knife, the process of preparing the delicious fish becomes a nightmare.
A good knife will ease up the filleting process and make it faster too. In the end, you will get precise and clean, high-quality fish fillet pieces without any kind of tear on the delicate flesh.
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Here Are The 9 Best Fillet Knife For Salmon In 2020
There are some things you must know, such as the shape and size of a proper tool, before you go and buy a salmon fillet knife. In continuance, you can find all the essential information you need to make the right choice, along with the best fillet knives for 2020.
Kershaw Clearwater 7″ Fillet Knife
Looking for a fillet knife appropriate for all kinds of big fish? The Kershaw 7 inch fillet knife is the ideal choice for you. Not only does it have a razor-sharp blade but it also includes extra features, for better protection and quality.
Overview
The Kershaw Clearwater 7 inch fillet knife is made of the best available high carbon stainless steel that will never rust neither corrode. The handle is made from soft rubber of copolymer which enhances the comfort level while you grip the knife and work for hours. It even has a non-slip technology to avoid any unwanted accidents.
The design also includes neon-orange accents for easy detection and an ABS sheath with a belt holster, a feature improving the blade protection and storage. In turn, you can keep the 7-inch knife in your backpack, on the boat, or in the kitchen.
The steel in this knife is made softer in order to bend easily while filleting the fish without breaking apart and hence it has just the right amount of flexibility that an idyllic fillet knife should have.
It is appropriate for tilapia, eel, catfish, salmon, snapper, tuna, cod, and all other large or sea-water fish.
Features
- Made of black stainless steel
- Bold neon-orange highlights
- Corrosion- and stain-resistant
- ABS sheath with a belt holster
- Limited lifetime guarantee
- Excellent for larger fish, such as salmon, snapper, tuna, cod
- Provides for comfortable in-hand feel
- Ideal for the kitchen or on water
- Prevents hand fatigue and slippage
- Easy to store and transport
- Appropriate for all kinds of fish
- The belt loop is pretty flimsy
- The sheath has no openings for a belt attachment
Rada Cutlery Fillet Knife
It is essential to find a flexible filleting knife if you wish to use it on a big fish. Luckily, Rada Cutlery came up with this lightweight 12-1/4 Inch knife to assist you in your greatest fishing adventures.
Overview
The Rada Cutlery fillet knife has a general length of about 12 ¼ inches with a 7 1/8 inches blade attached safely to the handle.
This knife has been made with a surgical-grade blade so that it is brutally sharp and flexible at the same point. In other words, it will slide through the fish along the spine effortlessly.
The handles are made out of a soft material of rubber so that you don’t get exhausted while filleting several numbers of fish at once. It also features a non-slip addition for you to avoid accidents.
Features
- Made of stainless steel
- The grip is made of black rubber
- 12-1/4 inches; 7-1/8 inch blade
- It is non-slip
- Includes a black leather scabbard
- Lightweight and flexible
- You can use it safely
- The handle is dishwasher safe
- Easy to store and carry on a belt
- The steel is quite thin
DALSTRONG Filet Knife – 7″
The Dalstrong gladiator series has crafted one of the finest fillet knives which you can use to fillet any large fish like salmon, tuna, cod, and whichever your heart desires. This knife is a dream tool for anyone who loves catching and cooking fish.
Overview
The 7″ DALSTRONG has got the ideal thickness and strength that should be present in a fillet knife. It is long and narrow in shape and is extremely sharp which is what makes it the perfect tool for filleting.
This one is an award-winning design by Dalstrong and you will be surely amazed by the performance of the blade. In terms of flexibility and durability, no one else can beat it.
Although this knife is priced a bit high we can guarantee you that you will not regret the decision to get this one for a second.
Features
- Made of high-carbon German steel
- Flexible blade technology
- Comes with two covers
- Well-designed ergonomic handle
- Stain-resistant and durable
- Hand polished bolster
- Award winning design
- BPA free
- Appropriate for de-boning, de-scaling, filleting, skinning, trimming, and butterflying
- Provides for an ultra-sharp edge
- Offers finger protection
- Ultra-thin slicing with minimal effort
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Ultimate comfort and maneuverability
- A bit pricy
Mercer Culinary Millennia
Mercer Culinary has introduced this amazing fillet knife to enable you to fillet a moderate to large sized salmon with only a few strokes. Filleting a fish can be a tricky task but this knife will surely make it a little simple for you.
Overview
The Mercer Culinary Millennia has a perfectly thin blade and is very narrow and pointed. This is the essence that must be present in a good fillet knife.
Japanese steel has been used to create the blade of this knife which makes the knife extremely sharp and flexible. The handle has been made ergonomically which helps in grip, comfort, and safety.
As the knife has been made with a single piece of high carbon steel it is extremely strong and won’t easily break while you fillet large fish.
Features
- Made of black high carbon steel
- An ergonomic santoprene and polypropylene handle
- Razor-sharp edge
- Textured finger points
- Rust, corrosion, and discoloration resistant
- NSF certified
- Comfortable and safe grip
- Durable and easy to maintain
- Provides precision and quality
- Not dishwasher safe
- Very thin blade
Kershaw 12-in
Usually, fillet knives come in many different sizes ranging from 7 inches to 12-inches. For any large fish, you need to use a knife with a larger blade, so basically, the motto here is that, the larger the fish, the bigger the blade you should use to fillet it with.
Overview
This Kershaw slicer is the best salmon fillet knife that you can find in the market due to its size, shape, and quality. It is a 12-inch curved blade knife that has great durability and strength. Hence, it is perfect to slice larger fish effortlessly.
The flexibility and sharpness of the knife will amaze you and you will definitely notice a difference while you work with it. The cuts in the fish will be more clean and precise. What’s more, you can fillet the entire fish much faster than before.
The handle is made from double glass nylon that will help you with a more secure grip and better safety while working.
If you are someone who has to deal with larger fish like salmon on a regular basis and cannot find a price-friendly and high-quality knife then this one is the closest match for you.
Features
- Made of stainless steel with a satin finish
- Durable and corrosion-resistant
- Glass-filled nylon handle
- Hand protectors and a center contour
- Sheath for secure storage
- Appropriate for all large fresh and salt-water fish
- Provides for great strength and flexibility
- Allows for a secure grip in all environments
- You can safely store it in a backpack, boat, storage box, etc.
- Great blade length for a clean cut
- The metal doesn’t hold a great edge
- You need to use a cutting boards
Kershaw 9.5-Inch
If you are looking for a more affordable knife for filleting larger fish but yet with a good quality blade then you can give this one consideration. Not only is this Kershaw knife price friendly but also has great sharpness, strength, and durability.
Overview
Kershaw 9.5-Inch knife is crafted with a narrow and thin blade. It provides for superior strength due to the material it has been made from.
The product also includes a glass-filled nylon handle with rubber over-mold and K-texture grip, along with a blade protector. So, you can forget about buying any additions, as the Kershaw 9.5-Inch fillet knife comes with all necessary extras.
It is an excellent tool for filleting large salmons and you will have to put the most minimum effort while doing so. The flexibility in the blade will help you carve the fish ideally without breaking the blade itself.
Features
- Made of black stainless steel with a satin finish
- A glass-filled nylon handle
- Includes a plastic blade protector
- Highly stain and wear-resistant
- You can bend the knife without breaking
- Flexible and easy to use
- Provides for an excellent, safe grip
- Very durable, even in wet environments
- Excellent ability to withstand heat
- Dishwasher safe
- It becomes dull quickly
Kershaw 9”
While filleting a moderate to large salmon you will need a knife that has strong and flexible blades so that the weight of the fish and the motion doesn’t break the knife while you are filleting it.
Overview
Kershaw has crafted a 9 inches knife with a curved blade that is tough, flexible sharp, and resistant to any rust or corrosion. Hence, it will not bend or break easily.
The curved blade enables you to slice it freely along the spine of the fish to create a clean cut of the fillet. The cuts in the blade also provide a better amount of flex and create cleaner and precise cuts. It makes the entire filleting process faster and easier.
The product also includes a non-slip glass-filled nylon handle and a plastic blade protector. Hence, it provides for safe and comfortable use.
Features
- Made of stainless steel with a satin finish
- Curved 9″ blade’s length
- Resistant to corrosion and stains
- A handle with textured over-mold and K-Texture grip
- Includes a plastic blade protector
- Appropriate for medium to large fresh and salt-water fish
- Durable and flexible to use
- Provides a clean-cut and fast filleting
- Allows a strong and safe hold
- Great for storage in a boat, box, or the kitchen
- Doesn’t include belt attachable sheaths
Rockland Guard
Rockland Guard has brought to you the most perfect fillet knife appropriate for both the kitchen and any fishing trip outside.
Overview
The Rockland Guard knife has a blade of 8 inches and comes along a protective sheath which makes it easier and safer to carry during fishing trips with family and friends.
The fillet knife has durable blades made out of high-quality stainless steel which makes the knife super sharp and long-lasting plus makes it ideal to slice any large fish efficiently.
The handle has been made with ergonomic features which prevent it from slipping and provides a more secure grip while you are working with it. Hence, there is less chance of any accidents in the kitchen.
Features
- Made of durable stainless steel
- 8″ blade with a 6″ handle
- A razor-sharp blade
- An ergonomic, textured handle
- Safety guards and a synthetic sheath cover
- 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee
- Appropriate for both fresh water and salt water
- Provides for superior control and precise cuts
- Great grip for increased safety
- Easy to use on large fish
- Excellent protection
- Not always as sharp as advertised
DALSTRONG AUS-10V
This Dalstrong Shogun Series 6″ fillet knife will be the perfect solution to all of your filleting, skinning, de-boning, de-scaling, trimming, and butterflying needs.
Overview
The blades’ spine is a mear 2mm thick, giving you the precision to glide effortlessly around the bones, joints and in between the skin of your favorite type of meat or fish.
It has ingeniously been made out of Japanese super steel and has been cooled with liquid nitrogen, making it all the more flexible and corrosion-resistant. This knife has a razor-sharp blade, that you will love and want to keep in the best condition possible.
That is why this Dalstrong Shogun knife comes with a handy PerfectFit Dalstrong sheath with the traditional pin and string locking mechanism for you to keep in, which will not only help you to keep the blade razor sharp for longer, but will also help keep you and your family safe from accidents.
Features
- Made of black high carbon stainless steel
- Cutting-edge breakthrough technology
- Durable and resistant to corrosion
- Ruthlessly sharp scalpel (8-12°degree angle per side)
- Hand polished ergonomic handle
- Lifetime guarantee against defect
- Great quality for an affordable price
- Reduces drag and minimizes stuck-on food
- Extraordinary performance and edge retention
- Especially easy to use and maneuver
- Life-long durability
- Not dishwasher safe
Why a Special Knife for Salmon?
All those who love cooking know the significance of having a fillet knife in the kitchen counter. Your knife set isn’t complete without one.
Having a salmon filleting knife is especially important if you are a fish lover. Some fish require a fillet knife to have some specific qualities without which you won’t be able to slice the fillets up appropriately.
For example, when you want to fillet a large fish like salmon, you must make sure that the knife is made of the most premium material possible, has the right length, sharpness, flexibility, good handles to grip and resistance.
You will need a longer blade filleting knife for a large sized fish like salmon in order to slice the fillets with precision and clean cut edge. Fillet knives usually range from 7 to 12 inches in length and for a large fish like salmon it is ideal to choose a blade of 10-12 inches in length.
In order to choose the best fillet knife for salmon, you will have to know about the features that need to be present in the knife and we have gathered all the information you need right over here.
Styles of Fillet Knives
When it comes to choosing a fillet knife you must be able to identify the different types. There are several different knives available in the market for filleting fish, but which one should you choose when you are going to fillet a large salmon?
An ideal knife will reduce any tear on the meat and produce stunning pieces of sliced salmon with only a few strokes, while a wrong knife can create all the chaos and destroy the entire portion of the fish.
There are basically two types of fillet knives, one is the German style and the other one is Japanese style.
A good German or Scandinavian style fillet knife will have double bevel edges on the blade which you will be able to sharpen on both sides. The blade will be much heavier and even thicker at the end with a much larger slanted angle on the edge and will be made of softer steel.
A Japanese style fillet knife, on the other hand, is very different than a German one. This one will have only on beveled edge on the blade and will be much lighter in weight with a thin blade. The angle will be less slanted which will help you to produce more precise cuts and the blade is made of much harder and stronger steel for extra sharpness.
How to Clean Salmon Fillet
There are some specific steps that you need to follow if you want to fillet your salmon like a professional and the best salmon fillet knives can help you achieve that perfect slice of fish fillet.
Step 1: Remove the Fins in the rear end
The fins near the rear end of the fish are known as anal fins. In order to remove these fins without damaging the fish, you must place the blade of the knife behind the fins and make a tiny cut below and then drag the blade in the lateral direction of the fins.
Once the fins are out of the way you can easily scale the entire fish with the fillet knife. If possible do this with a dull knife otherwise you can just use the sharp fillet knife too.
Step 2: Remove the salmon roe by cutting the center of the belly.
Place the fish down on its back and by placing the fillet knife in the rear hole drag it all the way to the mouth of the fish and open it up so that you can see the salmon roe clearly.
Pull the milt or roe out carefully and place it aside. Once you have removed the roe you can safely remove the gut of the fish.
Step 3: Slice the fillet
Now comes the most important part where you actually slice a fillet out of the fish. To do that, place the sharp fillet knife right in front of the fin at the front and start slicing the fish till you reach the spine.
After the knife has reached the spine, place the knife in a horizontal position and drag it along the spine till you reach the tail. Repeat it on the other side and you will be left with two beautiful and clean fish fillets.
Step 4: Take the ribs out
Place the fillet knife near the ribs of the fish and run the knife along the edge of the fish fillet. You need to be very careful while doing this and make sure to use a sharp knife so that the fish is not torn or destroyed.
FAQ
A salmon knife is used to fillet a whole salmon into manageable pieces that can be cooked. The blade is narrow and flexible which allows it to run the entire length of the fish.
Our #1 choice is the Kershaw 12-in Curved Fillet Knife, which is made of high-quality stainless steel.
Salmon tend to be larger fish so you want to go with a longer blade. Most are 7-9 inches but the longer blades will be easier to work with.
Conclusion
if you don’t have a proper knife for filleting large fish like salmon, then you are really missing out on the premium quality of fillet that can be attained with an appropriate knife.
The above list will certainly help you to pick the right fillet knife that will match your preference and help you to learn all that you need to about a good quality and best filleting knives in the market.
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