Best Overall
Mercer Culinary Filet Knife
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Looking to elevate your seafood dishes? Try going boneless and investing in a filet knife that'll make the best fish cuts for you. With a good filet knife, you can be more delicate and precise when handling fish. You certainly won’t get the same results with a typical knife. To help you better navigate all the knives available market, we tested and compared the best filet knives of the year to create this curated list. We can safely say that the Mercer Culinary Filet Knife checked off all the boxes and is the best knife on the list, but for more options, we've included several alternatives for you below.
Buying Guide: Filet Knives
The fastest-ever record to filet a fish is just a minute. Gordon Ramsay even attempted to filet a fish in record time and succeeded. Although it is nearly impossible to beat these grandmasters of seafood preparations, you can improve your fileting game by investing in a quality filet knife. Choosing the right filet knife can be difficult. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know what is most suitable for your needs. To help aid the buying process, here is our guide to buying high-quality filet knives.
Types of Filet Knives
Filet knives come in wood and synthetic handle types. These differ in their feel and durability, but both can be a solid option for your fileting needs. The choice mostly comes down to personal preference. Knowing the difference between the two can help you better determine which type is right for you.
Synthetic filet knives
Synthetic filet knives provide an excellent grip even if your hands are wet. They are also much softer and very comfortable to hold. The only downside is that they can wear out much more quickly compared to wood filet knives.
Wood filet knives
Wood-handle filet knives can be difficult to get used to, but their sturdy build is comfortable. They are also more durable as long as they are properly maintained and used with caution. Wood filet knives are more susceptible to water damage.
Things To Look for When Buying Filet Knives
Blade material
The blade material influences how durable and sharp the blade of your filet knife will be. You should opt for stainless steel or a high-carbon filet knife blade, as they are very sturdy and flexible. Other materials, such as ceramic or titanium, might be a good option, although they are more expensive than steel blades.
Blade length
Blade length is another crucial factor. Longer blades are better suited for larger pieces of fish and shorter blades for small pieces. Pick the blade size that suits your fileting needs.
Tips for Buying a Filet Knife
Lightweight
The overall weight of your filet knife matters a lot, especially if you plan on using it regularly. Knives are catered to meat, so where steak knives are heavy in order to cut through thick meat, filet knives must be lightweight for maximum precision. If you require a lot of precision with your cuts, opt for a lighter knife rather than a heavier one, as this will make it easier to maneuver when making finer cuts. A lighter-built filet knife is also much less tiring to use.
Edge retention
Edge retention is an important part of a filet knife since it will determine how often you need to sharpen the blade. The edge retention will also determine how long the knife will last. You can check the product reviews of a filet knife to see if it retains its edge well and how often you might need a knife sharpener.
Handle ergonomics
We only chose filet knives that offered good ergonomics. Ergonomics also helps reduce the risk of your hand slipping off the handle, which could result in injury. It helps keep your hand from tiring when fileting.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Mercer Culinary Filet Knife
- Comfortable Grip: Kershaw Filet Knife
- Package Deal: Rhinoreto Filet Knife
- Top Value: Danco Filet Knife
- Highly Durable: Imarku Filet Knife
Reviews
Comfortable Grip
Kershaw Filet Knife
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Package Deal
Rhinoreto Filet Knife
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Top Value
Danco Filet Knife
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Highly Durable
Imarku Filet Knife
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FAQs
How much do filet knives cost?
The price of a filet knife is determined by its material quality, blade length, and grip type. You can get a quality filet knife for around $20 to $25. A high-end option with a premium grip can cost as high as $35 or more.
You can also get a budget option for a much lower price. A budget filet knife can cost as low as $15.
How do I sharpen my filet knife?
Filet knives should be sharpened regularly to maintain optimum performance and cutting ability. To sharpen a filet knife, use a honing steel or sharpening stone to restore the blade's edge. You can use a sharpening stone or metal file to further sharpen the blade.
Are there special care instructions for a filet knife?
It is critical to properly care for your filet knife to extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance and safety. Always rinse your filet knife after each use and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth before storing it in its sheath. If you don’t have a sheath, you can wrap it in newspaper or wax paper instead. Always store your filet knives securely and separately from other kitchen knives to avoid dulling their blades.
Should I go for a soft or a stiff blade?
There are different types of blades available for filet knives depending on the type of fish you plan on cutting. Stiffer blades work better on saltwater fish. Softer options are better suited for freshwater species. These smaller knives are more flexible and provide greater control when working with smaller cuts of fish.
What is the difference between a regular kitchen knife and a filet knife?
A regular kitchen knife is typically larger than a filet knife and has a thicker blade, which makes it less optimal for precision cuts like those involved in fish preparation tasks. Filet knives have thinner blades that allow them to make delicate cuts in fish flesh. They also have curved blades with rounded tips that help provide better control when dealing with smaller fish.
How often should I replace my filet knife?
It depends on how frequently you use your filet knife. If you use it multiple times per week, then it’s recommended to replace it every few months to ensure optimal performance and safety while using it. If you only use your filet knife occasionally, then it can last for a few years or more before replacement.
What safety precautions should I keep in mind when using a filet knife?
When using a filet knife, make sure that it is well-sharpened. A dull blade can be more dangerous to work with as it requires more effort to cut. When fileting or deboning, wipe down the handle every few minutes to wipe away any slippery material.