✔️ Indoor vs outdoor use: Many of the knives on our list are ideal for indoor (i.e. kitchen) use, but if you’re looking to use your fish fillet knife outdoors, consider a more rugged design that has an oversized handle, slip-resistant grip, sturdy blade and protective covering. These features will stand up better in an active environment, while thinner, more delicate blades with polished handles are better for use in the kitchen.
✔️ Electric vs non-electric: Electric knives can help make filleting a fish easier since they’re powerful, which means you don’t need to ensure your blade is as sharp as it can be. They typically have two serrated blades that move back and forth so they cut through food easily. They’re bulky, however, and can require access to an electrical outlet for use or for charging between uses. Non-electric fish fillet knives need to be kept sharp, but they’re easy to store and allow for a more controlled and familiar cutting experience.
✔️ Blade length: Blades for most fillet knives used by home cooks vary from about 5 inches to 9 inches. Smaller blades are better for smaller fish and longer ones are better suited to bigger fish. Also, the shorter the blade, the more control you have over it. Longer blades are better at cutting through fish in one slice or removing the skin from wide fillets. Most of the blades on our list are about 7 inches long, which we found to be useful in the kitchen.
✔️ Material: Most knife blades are made from a type of steel. “Made from alloy steel” is likely a term you’ll see a lot when shopping for fish fillet knives. A knife made with alloy steel usually means the blade is stronger, designed to last longer and less prone to corrosion.
✔️ Flexibility: Fish fillet knives can be flexible or sturdy. Flexible blades allow for delicate cuts and maneuvering, while sturdy blades are good for hacking through skin and bone.
✔️ Blade width and design: You’ll often see that fish fillet knives are thin and curved. The thinness contributes to the flexibility and works well with delicate fish. The curve helps make sweeping strokes so you can fillet more easily.
✔️ Handle: Handles can be made of all different materials, but the most important thing to consider is how it feels in your hand. It should feel comfortable and secure. Polished handles make for easier cleaning, while textured plastic or rubber ones help with security and slippage. Thicker handles will also be easier to hold onto, but thinner ones offer more control for a gentle touch.
