10 Best Filleting Knives 2025 in the United States

The Mercer Culinary M23860 Millennia Fillet Knife stands out with its one-piece high-carbon Japanese steel blade, known for retaining sharpness and being easy to maintain. The 8.5-inch blade length makes it suitable for filleting various types of meat, allowing for precise and clean cuts. The blade's narrow design is ideal for removing flesh from bones efficiently.

The handle is made from Santoprene, a material valued for its durability and comfort. Its ergonomic design with textured finger points ensures a non-slip grip, enhancing safety and control during use. The knife features a stamped construction, which can be lighter but may lack the balance and heft that some users prefer.

It is important to note that this knife requires hand washing and cannot be placed in the dishwasher, which might be less convenient for some users. The limited lifetime warranty offers reassurance of quality and durability. This knife would be a strong candidate for those looking for a reliable and well-designed filleting knife, provided they are comfortable with handwashing and do not require a highly flexible blade.

The Mercer Culinary M22807 Millennia fillet knife is a solid choice for anyone needing a dependable tool to fillet meat and fish. Its 7-inch blade, made from high-carbon Japanese steel, is designed to stay sharp longer and is flexible enough to easily separate flesh from bones, which is essential in a fillet knife. The blade's flexibility helps you make delicate cuts without tearing the meat.

The handle is made from Santoprene, a soft, textured material that offers a comfortable, non-slip grip, helping you maintain control even when working with wet hands. The ergonomic design includes finger points for added safety and comfort during extended use. The knife is stamped, meaning the blade is cut from a single sheet of steel, which often makes it lighter and easier to handle but sometimes less robust than forged knives. There is no mention of a full tang, which might affect balance and durability slightly for some users.

It is important to hand wash and dry this knife immediately to keep it in good shape; it is not dishwasher safe and can be damaged if submerged too long. This fillet knife suits both home cooks and professionals who want a sharp, flexible blade with a comfortable handle, though if a heavier, forged knife with a full tang for extra strength is preferred, this model may feel a bit lighter than expected.

The SHAN ZU Fillet Knife is tailored for those who frequently work with fish and meat, thanks to its high-carbon Japanese powder steel blade. This material is known for its exceptional hardness, rated at 63HRC, which ensures durability and long-term sharpness. The 7-inch blade, with a 12° angle, is designed to be ultra-sharp, making it ideal for precise cuts needed in filleting and deboning tasks.

One of the knife’s standout features is its flexibility, allowing for efficient skinning and trimming. However, the blade's thickness of 2mm may affect maneuverability for very fine, delicate tasks, though it is still suitable for most everyday filleting needs. The knife incorporates a slanted bolster between the blade and handle, improving balance and reducing wrist strain during use.

The handle, made from Pakkawood, offers a comfortable, non-slip grip, crucial for maintaining control when working on slippery fish. Its ergonomic design ensures that the knife fits well in hand, reducing fatigue during extended use. The handle’s integration with the blade provides a seamless transition, enhancing stability.

Aesthetic elements, like the laser-engraved pattern, add a touch of elegance to the knife, although they do not affect performance. Users should note that the knife, while dishwasher safe, is best maintained by handwashing to preserve its sharpness and handle quality.

This knife ranks #6 in Boning Knives, indicating popularity and satisfaction among users, backed by a 4.6-star rating from 224 reviews. While it may not feature the traditional Damascus styling, its performance and design make it a strong contender in the filleting category, especially for those who appreciate a balance of function and style.