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Top 10 Fishing Knives Reviewed & Rated
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Model
It’s important to choose the right size of the knife to sit the majority of work it’ll be used for, blade length was an important consideration. Several of the models included in the list are available in various blade lengths which makes it easier to pick a knife you like then choose the length. Others are similar knives with different models of different lengths.
The inclusion of a sheath says nothing about the quality of the knife and it’s unfortunate that the best knives don’t come with a sheath included. The few fishing knives that did contain quality steel and that included a sheath were obvious candidates for inclusion on this list. The Rapala Superflex ticks a lot of boxes here as it’s affordable, attractive, made from relatively good steel and comes with a snug-fitting leather sheath. This makes it one of the best options for the fisherman after a one-stop-and-go option.
Features
Continued exposure to water, salt, sun, and blood wreak havoc on handle materials. Wooden knife handles fare the worst in these conditions, and for simple reliability and longevity, plastic handles are to be favored in most cases for fishing knives.
A couple of wooden-handled knives were included in this list because – let’s face it – wooden-handled knives look good! They also fit well in the hand and are comfortable to use. With a little extra attention, a wooden handle can last for a long time, even in the testing conditions of a fisherman’s pack.
Value
The good thing about fishing knives is that you can get the best quality available for an affordable price. Butchers’ and chefs’ knives as tools are made to be economical and this is a great bonus to the recreational angler. None of the knives on this list is going to hurt the hip pocket.
The Rapala knives on this list are fantastic value considering how fit for purpose they are. If you’re in the market for an inexpensive knife these are the way to go.
Durability
While most fishing knives are durable, many factors are involved when it comes to determining how durable one it. The greatest of these factors is the user, themselves. A knife not properly cared for will dull, rust, break and more; therefore, ensuring the blade is cleaned and dried after each use will significantly increase the life of your knife.
Another major factor is the steel. Softer steel does not always maintain the edge necessary despite proper care. On the other hand, harder steel may not flex the way one should because it is too brittle.
10 Best Fishing Knives
1. Rapala Fish-n-Fillet Superflex
Rapala is well-regarded by anglers, not only for the top quality lures but fishing accessories as well. The Superflex best fish knife by Rapala is a great low-cost, attractive knife that comes with a sheath. With three sizes to choose from, it’s likely that there’s one to suit your needs.
Superflex, PFTE coated blade
The blade of this Rapala is extremely flexible allowing the user to hug the frame of fish no matter how fiddly. This, of course, has limitations when it comes to cutting through the heavy bone (as are found in the bass if eating them is your thing) but again, this blade is designed to slip over them for a boneless fillet. The PFTE coating ensures that minimal effort is required to slip the blade through fish flesh which can be sticky resulting in clean, well-shaped fillets for the pan.
Sizes
This is not always a one size fits all venture. Which is why Rapala offers this model with three different blade lengths. Making it a perfect gift for those who are just starting out.
Cost and Value
The Rapala Superflex is great value for money, and Rapala knives are well-regarded by many fishermen. For an attractive, useful and in the opinion of many the best fishing knife and sheath this is a bargain.
2. Victorinox Fibrox Flexible Blade – 6”
Victorinox makes some of the best knives available – full stop. They don’t come with any gimmicks, just top quality steel that’ll most likely last as long as you’re capable of catching a fish.
Simple 6”
The 6” Fibrox version is a handy size for small and medium-sized fish and is well suited for fresh or saltwater use.
Handle
The design of the handle is one that prevents slippage while attempting to clean those intricate fish. It as addition grip added for those times when the slime seems to take over.
Cost and Value
This knife is very affordable and for the price, you receive a top-quality knife from Victorinox – a leading knife manufacturer.
3. Zwilling J.A. Henckels
This elegant little sticker will do all the hard work for you. It’s got special no-stain steel construction because fish and saltwater are notoriously hard on knives. We also love that this Sigmaforge knife is forged from a single piece of steel and that makes it tough and resilient like the best ninja blades. Plus the laser forged edges to ensure it’ll keep its edge for some time.
Sigmaforge steel
What this basically means for you is that this blade is forged from one single piece of steel and that means a lot of things but mainly it’ll keep its edge for a lot longer and it’ll stand up to a beating and still do its job like a champ. The laser forged edges help a lot as well.
Ice Hardened Blade
Ice hardening is exactly what it says a steel blade is tempered in sub-zero temperatures to bring out the hardness of the steel. Again with the Amazing Zwilling craftsmanship but ice-hardening the blade simply means that it will stay sharper and hold an edge longer than a lot of other blades of its type.
Cost and Value
Zwilling simple does knives better than most companies in the world so you pay a bit more for their name than you would with other similar blades, but the combination of sigma forges steel and ice-hardened blades, and last cutting just put these knives a step above others of the same type. So in our book paying a bit more is worth every penny.
4. Victorinox Fibrox Flexible Blade
The 8” knife from Victorinox is for heavy-duty work and larger fish. It’s a great choice for salmon and large saltwater species.
Increasing Size and Strength
The 8” flexible blade ensures that this knife will work great on fish with more depth of the blade to exert extra power when cutting through bones and a longer blade for wider filleting jobs.
Comfort
Designed to feel like the "Cadillac" of fishing knives, the handle design will reduce the fatigue while filleting fish. Being that the blade retains its edge, this also adds to the comfort as cutting with a sharp knife is much easier than a dull one.
Cost and Value
The Fibrox 8” fillet knife is another great value product from Victorinox. For larger fish, this knife is a great value for money.
5. Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet
Another elegant little knife that is going to get the job done on any fish land quickly and easily with little or no muss or fuss. This 6-inch long knife is big enough to handle all kinds of fish no matter the size and its high friction blade will keep it safe in your hands. The blade is also stainless steel, which ensures that it’ll take a beating.
Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel
This stainless steel blade is world-renowned for its ability to keep its blade and to keep its sharpness over a long period of time and maintain it’s edge without sharpening for much longer than other knives of it’s kind. Despite its thin size, this is one tough blade.
High Friction Handle
No matter how the slimy mess you’re dealing with this blade will stay firmly in your hand. That’s because it’s made of a high friction patterned handle that’s really made to stick in your hand. It’s one of the small things that make this such a great knife.
Cost and Value
This is a really well-priced knife. Of course, you’re going to pay a bit more than you’re used to in order to get a knife that’s going to perform in the way you need, but when all is said and done it’s a great value.
6. F Dick Ergogrip 8”
F Dick is the other big name in butchers’ knives, and the 8” fillet knife is a good choice for large fish.
Plenty of Cutting Surface
The 8” F Dick is a long knife to start with and by incorporating a curved blade design, the extra cutting surface is provided. The broad point at the tip of the knife gives a more forgiving stroke than s similarly curved, sharply pointed one making this knife easy to use.
Sizes
This is available in several different size selections. Some will tell you that a shorter blade works better for some cuts of meat or for panfish which are typically smaller in size. Longer blades work well for larger species of fish or perhaps for processing the meat from your last hunt.
Cost and Value
F Dick knives are of similar cost as other brands like Victorinox and offer the same level of quality manufacture. They are well worth the price.
7. American Angler Pro
We love this knife not only because it stands on its own, but because the electric element allows you to fillet and scale and gut with ease you didn’t think you could ever get with a filet knife. Don’t get it wet, but if you take care of this knife it’ll be a great help for you as you prep your fish for the dinner table.
Plenty of Power
The great thing about this knife is that while it’s well made enough to delicately filet your fish it’s also strong enough to cut through bone so no need to worry about not having enough power to get your fish ready.
Works for Hours
Another great thing about this knife is that you can use it for hours and it’ll never get too hot and even better it won’t run out of batteries when you need it most.
Cost and Value
You’re paying for the electric element of this knife, but if you’re looking for a way to make your filleting really, really easy then this is the knife for you.
8. Wusthof Pro 9”
Wusthof knives are another quality product from a German manufacturer. They are known for the quality of their knives.
Big Knife for Big Fish
With a 9” blade, the Wusthof is designed for large fish. It’ll cut great fillets off salmon, but don’t try to work on a panfish unless you like to struggle.
Features and Specifications
Stainless steel keeps your blade in top working order while also allowing it to look like new. As this blade is also resistant to staining, never be embarrassed over a dingy looking blade again. A handle designed to be ergonomic, your hand will thank you later.
Cost and Value
The Wusthof is on par with other quality knives on this list and makes another affordable option.
9. Kershaw Fillet
The 7 and 9” options available in the Kershaw fillet knife give the choice of a blade more suited to small/medium fish or medium/large fish. This knife is a good, inexpensive option that comes with a sheath.
Comes with Sheath
Having a sheath to protect the knife and people around it when it’s not in use is a good idea – and the Kershaw is one of few knives on this list that comes with one. The sheath is snug fitting and the knife positively ‘clicks’ into place – ensuring it doesn’t accidentally fall out.
Blade Length
Here is an option that has been made available in two different blade lengths. Making it the perfect selection for all your cutting needs. Use the longer blade for larger fish and the shorter one for those times when only the smaller fish seem to be biting.
Cost and Value
It's an inexpensive knife and good value as it comes with a sheath.
10. Swibo Fillet
Swibo by Wenger is another well-regarded butchering knife produced in Switzerland. The blade is almost 8” in length and it in the class of mid to large-sized.
Hard Steel
Swibo knives hold their edge well due to the hardness of the steel used in their manufacture. The steel is also highly resistant to corrosion – which is another good thing for saltwater use. Being so hard, however, means that it’ll take a bit more work to put an edge on these knives.
Brand
For some this brand may seem unfamiliar. But rest assured they know what they are doing. Swibo has been creating knives for the kitchen for well over 100 years. I would say that qualifies this brand as experienced in the knife making field.
Cost and Value
Swibo is one of the more expensive knives on this list. It’s a good quality knife.
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