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10 Best Filleting Knives 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Mercer Culinary M23860 Millennia Black Handle, 8.5-Inch Narrow, Fillet Knife

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,167
Blade Material
Blade Length

Most important from
44179 reviews

Blade Material
The quality of the knife is outstanding, with a sharp and durable blade.
Blade Length
Its long and thin design ensures easy control and precision during use.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,167
Blade Material
Blade Length

Most important from
44179 reviews

Blade Material
The quality of the knife is outstanding, with a sharp and durable blade.
Blade Length
Its long and thin design ensures easy control and precision during use.
#2

Mercer Culinary M22807 Millennia Black Handle, 7-Inch Flexible, Fillet Knife

Rating
8.8
Blade Material
Blade Flexibility
Handle Material

Most important from
44179 reviews

Blade Material
The blade is impressively sharp right out of the box and maintains its edge well with proper care.
Blade Flexibility
Its flexibility allows for precise, clean fillets, cutting smoothly along fish backbones without tearing.
Handle Material
The Santoprene handle offers a secure, comfortable grip that feels stable even during extended use or with wet hands.

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.

Rating
8.8
Blade Material
Blade Flexibility
Handle Material

Most important from
44179 reviews

Blade Material
The blade is impressively sharp right out of the box and maintains its edge well with proper care.
Blade Flexibility
Its flexibility allows for precise, clean fillets, cutting smoothly along fish backbones without tearing.
Handle Material
The Santoprene handle offers a secure, comfortable grip that feels stable even during extended use or with wet hands.
#3

Dalstrong 3 Piece Set - Slicing, Fillet Knife & Venator Knife - Valhalla Series - Ravenstone Black Blade Titanium - Carving Set - 9CR18MOV HC Steel - Resin & Wood Handle - Leather Sheath

Rating
8.5
Blade Material
Blade Length
Handle Material

Most important from
11 reviews

Blade Material
The black titanium nitride coating not only enhances edge retention but also provides impressive durability and corrosion resistance.
Blade Length
Each blade excels at its intended task, from the 12-inch slicer effortlessly handling brisket and roasts to the 6-inch fillet knife gliding through fish with surgical precision.
Handle Material
Handles crafted from stabilized wood and resin feel solid, comfortable, and perfectly contoured, offering a secure grip even during extended use.
Handle Design
The Venator knife’s thicker spine and innovative grip-hole design deliver excellent balance and leverage for tougher, more demanding cuts.

The Dalstrong Valhalla Ravenstone 3-piece set is a versatile knife collection ideal for those who need slicing, filleting, and heavy-duty cutting tools in one package. The set includes a long 12-inch slicer, a flexible 6-inch fillet knife, and a sturdy Venator knife that handles tougher tasks. Each blade is made from high-quality 9CR18MOV stainless steel, enhanced with a black titanium coating for better edge retention and resistance to rust. The blades are sharpened very finely, making them precise for delicate cuts like fish filleting or slicing brisket.

The handles combine stabilized wood and resin, offering an attractive, ergonomic grip that’s reinforced for durability and comfort during extended use. The Venator knife’s design adds extra grip features for better control. One notable strength is that each knife comes with a leather sheath, making storage and portability safer. However, the knives are not dishwasher safe, so cleaning by hand is necessary.

Weighing about 4.5 pounds total, the set might feel bulky for some users. For those seeking a stylish, durable, and sharp filleting knife set that covers a wide range of kitchen cutting needs and don’t mind hand washing, this Dalstrong set is a solid choice backed by a 70-day return policy and lifetime warranty.

Rating
8.5
Blade Material
Blade Length
Handle Material

Most important from
11 reviews

Blade Material
The black titanium nitride coating not only enhances edge retention but also provides impressive durability and corrosion resistance.
Blade Length
Each blade excels at its intended task, from the 12-inch slicer effortlessly handling brisket and roasts to the 6-inch fillet knife gliding through fish with surgical precision.
Handle Material
Handles crafted from stabilized wood and resin feel solid, comfortable, and perfectly contoured, offering a secure grip even during extended use.
Handle Design
The Venator knife’s thicker spine and innovative grip-hole design deliver excellent balance and leverage for tougher, more demanding cuts.

Buying Guide for the Best Filleting Knives

Choosing the right filleting knife is essential for anyone who enjoys preparing fish or other delicate meats. A good filleting knife can make the process of removing bones and skin much easier and more efficient. When selecting a filleting knife, there are several key specifications to consider to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a knife that suits your specific requirements.
Blade MaterialThe blade material of a filleting knife is crucial because it affects the knife's sharpness, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is popular for its rust resistance and ease of maintenance, making it a good all-around choice. High-carbon steel blades are known for their sharpness and edge retention but require more care to prevent rust. Ceramic blades are extremely sharp and lightweight but can be more brittle. Choose a blade material based on your preference for maintenance and durability.
Blade FlexibilityBlade flexibility is important for maneuvering around bones and making precise cuts. Filleting knives typically come in flexible, semi-flexible, and stiff options. Flexible blades are ideal for delicate fish and intricate work, allowing for better control and precision. Semi-flexible blades offer a balance between flexibility and rigidity, suitable for a variety of fish types. Stiff blades are better for larger fish and tougher cuts. Consider the type of fish you will be filleting most often to determine the right level of flexibility for your knife.
Blade LengthThe length of the blade affects the knife's versatility and ease of use. Filleting knives usually range from 6 to 12 inches. Shorter blades (6-7 inches) are easier to control and are ideal for smaller fish or detailed work. Medium-length blades (8-9 inches) offer a good balance and can handle a variety of fish sizes. Longer blades (10-12 inches) are better suited for larger fish and provide more reach. Choose a blade length based on the size of the fish you typically work with and your comfort level with handling the knife.
Handle MaterialThe handle material affects the knife's grip, comfort, and durability. Common handle materials include wood, plastic, and rubber. Wood handles offer a traditional look and feel but may require more maintenance to prevent damage from moisture. Plastic handles are durable and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for many users. Rubber handles provide a non-slip grip, which is especially useful when working with wet or slippery fish. Consider your preference for comfort and maintenance when choosing a handle material.
Handle DesignThe design of the handle impacts the knife's ergonomics and ease of use. Look for a handle that fits comfortably in your hand and provides a secure grip. Some handles are designed with finger grooves or textured surfaces to enhance grip and control. An ergonomic handle can reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Test the handle design if possible to ensure it feels comfortable and secure in your hand, especially if you plan to use the knife frequently.
TangThe tang refers to the portion of the blade that extends into the handle. Full tang knives have a blade that runs the entire length of the handle, providing better balance and durability. Partial tang knives have a blade that extends only partway into the handle, which can make them less sturdy. Full tang knives are generally preferred for their strength and stability, especially for heavy-duty use. Consider a full tang knife if you need a robust and reliable tool for frequent filleting tasks.

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