On a camping or fishing trip, a high-quality fillet knife can make quick work of the day’s catch or any other dinner ingredients. Without one, it’s easy to mangle dinner or create food waste by leaving meat on the bones. (And when you’re away from home, you don’t have the luxury of a full set of kitchen knives to help you out.)
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR TOP PICKS…
Table could not be displayed.If fishing is part of your typical outdoor weekend—or you do a lot of campsite cooking—it’s a good idea to add on of our picks for best fillet knife to your cooking gear. But a quick internet search will reveal that—no surprise—there are a lot of options. Here at Camperville, we’ve done the legwork for you and rounded up the best fillet knives we could find.
But first, here are some things to consider when choosing a fillet knife.
Purpose
How will the knife be used? Will it be used primarily for fish or game? Or will it be multipurpose? The knife’s main job plays into which model is the best choice for you.
Material
Most fillet knives are made from stainless steel, carbon steel, or titanium. In most cases, a high-carbon steel blade will do the job.
Size
Fillet knives are usually available in blades ranging from 6 to 9 inches. The size you choose depends on how you plan to use it. A 6-inch blade is fine for most freshwater panfish but larger fish may require a larger (9 inches or more) blade.
Grip
No-slip handles are pretty much standard these days, but it’s still worth thinking about the type of grip you’re looking for.
Keeping all this in mind, here are our top picks:
This stainless steel blade comes with a no-slip handle and a sheath with a built-in sharpener. Reviewers recommend giving it a fresh edge before use.
This knife not only has an extra-thin blade, it has a nonstick coating to guarantee smooth cuts. The wooden handle and leather tooled sheath also give it the appearance of a family heirloom, making it arguably the best fillet knife with that classic look.
A carbon steel blade and ergonomic handle make this knife a popular choice on Amazon (2,826 reviews and counting). It also has a middle-of-road price point.
This is a knife with some history. Sweden-based Morakniv has been producing knives since 1891. This model comes with a high-friction handle for reliable grip and a plastic sheath that’s easy to clean and won’t absorb odors.
Buck Knives Silver Creek Folding Fillet Knife
Next on the list is another longtime knife manufacturer. Idaho-based Buck Knives was founded in San Diego in 1902. The Silver Creek model is a 6.5-inch fillet knife that folds up to half its size for safety and convenience.
This new model from Bubba Blade is one of the more expensive options on our list. The blade is carbon stainless steel and the rugged handle enables a sturdy grip.
A flexible 11-inch blade makes this an ideal knife for both fish and game. It also folds up for safekeeping (fitting nicely into a tackle box) and comes with a nylon sheath.
Part pocketknife, part fillet knife, this option can handle panfish and waterfowl. Its bright orange no-slip handle makes it easy to spot no matter where you leave it.
The last knife on our list is by no means the least. KastKing fillet knives are available in six, seven, or nine-inch sizes. All models come with a grippy polymer handle and a sheath that prevents moisture from building up on the blade.
Having trouble catching enough fish to truly put your new fillet knife to the test? Check out our guides to the best baitcasting rods, and the best baitcasting reels to learn how to get the most bites for your buck when leveling up your fishing gear.
