Lela Stratton
Elk Ridge ER-02
Gerber Gator
KastKing
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Are you looking for a fillet knife that won’t disappoint? Then you’re spending your time in the right way by reading this article- we believe that we have a solution for you! Fillet knives are a must-have for your hunting or fishing expeditions. You always just have to carry them around.
They’re usually easy to carry and won’t give you much stress when using. Sharp fillet knives are actually quite ideal because they’ll get the job done quick and the curved ones are more preferred because they give you more room for better and more comfortable cuts.
Do you need one? I believe you do! If you have gone hunting or fishing then at some point, you must have felt the need to use a fillet knife for quick cuts. They’re quite handy and reliable, and you will love the durability of most of them.
Fillet knives are ideal knives, and there’s more to them than meets the eye.
How do you settle on the best fillet knife considering all the available options?
Fillet knives are available in varieties, and you shouldn’t be confused by this while we can help. The many varieties and brands can leave you with too much to decide. We have, however, made this easier for you.
We have reviewed some of the top products in the market to help you with this choice. We have also discussed a few things that we feel may really help you as you make the considerations on which fillet knife to purchase.
Best Fillet Knife List
1
Elk Ridge ER-02
Are you looking for a fillet knife that won't cost you that much yet deliver optimally on quality? Then maybe you should have a look at this pick which is not only affordable but is also of impeccable quality and ideal for hunting.
This Elk Ridge fillet knife sticks out to a length of 12.5 inches. It is quite stiff and stiffer as compared to other fillet knives in our top five but will perform optimally. You should love how its wooden handle looks and its durability is a plus!
This fillet knife has been made out of top-drawer materials and having this knife should give you the satisfaction of having a fine 440-series stainless steel which you should use for quite some time.
You will love this knife's nylon sheath and you will love more the fact that this knife's features are not only what you would want in a fillet knife but are also coming at quite an affordable price! Can you believe that?
Yes, you can actually get your money's value! I wouldn't waste more time if I were you. Get this fillet knife today!
Pros
Cons
2
Gerber Gator
This knife is just unstoppable! You will love its design which was specially made to enhance its durability with a full tang stainless steel blade. Wouldn't you just love to use such an impeccable pick?
Well, you will also love the Gerber Gator's ease to hold and use. This means that you shouldn't have any or major challenges whenever you need to use the knife quickly for something or as a hunting tool.
A lot of time was invested on ensuring that this knife delivers an enhanced experience to the user. You will therefore, upon purchase of this fillet knife, be supplied with supplementary blades, two, sticking out to a length of 6 to 7 inches.
You can keep it secure in its hard-molded sheath and keep yourself safe too as you carry it around! It has a patented Gator Grip handle which comes in a unique yet amazing texture. You will love how this may feel in your hands, wet or dry!
This feature makes your fillet knife rugged yet durable, so you should be able to use it for quite some time. This knife will not strain your budget as it is quite affordable and for its exceptional quality, will give you a great value for each cent that you will spend on it.
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3
KastKing
Sticking out to a length of 5 inches, this fillet knife rises the ranks among the ideal knives to carry around for every fishing trip. Being small, you can easily fit this knife in your fishing kit, and this was the whole point of manufacturing the KastKing.
You will want a knife that lasts, and this stainless-steel fillet knife is quite durable with a unique curved blade that will deliver such convenience to you. You can use the blade for a range of purposes without having to replace it everytime or fall short on the right knife to use at a particular point or time.
What is a knife if it is not sharp enough? You'd want a knife that delivers executive cuts with as few cuts as possible. The KastKing is designed with G44116 German Stainless-Steel blades which are premium razor-sharp blades.
This comes coupled with a black finish for a cool aesthetic. Most knives get blunt with time, but the KastKing should be able to retain its own for quite some time, serving you with excellent cuts for long.
Because of this sharpness, you'd expect this knife to be safe to use, and it actually is. With a non-slip grip, you can use the knife in ultimate comfort and safety. Worried about how much this may cost you?
Well, worry no more! It is a great value for your money because of the excellent features that it has which scale up its efficiency, safety of use and protection.
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4
Rapala Fish N Fillet
You should have a knife that not only looks amazing on your hand but performs at least nearly as well or even better. This fillet knife has a non-stick coaing that will not give you a problem with losing off the fillets- it's quite easy for them to fall off of this knife which also comes with a flexible blade made of stainless steel.
This curved blade will give you maximum control of the knife and the cuts you'll be making. We can have a closer look at this knife. Are you looking for a fillet knife with an impeccable handle? Then you should be giving thought to this pick as it has one of the best handles that you will find out there.
It's quite beefy and durable, you will not need to replace or doubt it for a second! It offers an excellent grip, which means that your operation and use of the knife will be quite enhanced and thus efficient. You will, in simple words, get the best cuts!
This knife's blade sticks out to a length of 7 inches, which will give you enough room for better, freer and thus more comfortable hand movements. For its features and impeccable design, this knife's price may never be an issue- the value for your money is quite high, so you'll be gaining as much or more than you're losing by getting this fillet knife.
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Cons
5
Schrade 167UH
We're not always only interested in performance- some times, a blend of good looks and good performance is just what you need! Well, for a fillet knife, if you can get something attractive and yet performs excellently and lasts long enough, then I would advise you to waste no much time thinking over it!
The Schrade 167UH fillet knife will serve you well with its strength. It is however quite simple and you will thus love how it looks and feels in your hands. Not everyone is really interested with how a knife will look, but this can be an important factor to consider with the Schrade which is your traditional hunting fillet knife.
What makes it stand out is that its handle is made out of Staglon. Its 400-series stainless steel blade sticks out to a length of 7.5 inches and the knife in overall length, is 12 inches. It has a sheath for safety and your protection.
As you can see, this knife's features are quite simple and not as much. What you will love, however, is that with its simplicity, it serves you optimally and yet at the end of the day, will look quite attractive. So, why don't you get this fillet knife? It is averagely priced, so don't expect to strain too much on your budget!
Pros
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Things to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Fillet Knife
The hunt for a hunter’s gear is perhaps the most important one for a hunter. The fillet knife sits squarely in the middle of a hunter’s universe and so searching for the best one is paramount for the hunt to be successful.
However, anyone can walk into a store and get a fillet knife gambling that in the off chance they will come out with the best knife. A little research couldn’t hurt; there are hundreds of fillet knives out there, and even more retailers that swear they sell only the best ones.
Properties of a Good Fillet Knife
What is it then that you should look for in a fillet knife? Here are some of the features to consider before buying that knife.
How Does It Fit in Your Hand?
Handles come in many forms. Some are large, others are small, some are fat and round, and others are fitted with finger pads. Remember, a knife that fits well in your clasp gives you more control. This improves its efficiency and safety by minimizing accidents.
How Long is the Blade?
A short blade gives you more maneuverability while a long edge gives you better efficiency. However, there is a catch. Long blades may prove only useful to experienced users.
If you are only starting out, I would strongly recommend a shorter blade while you work yourself up to the longer ones.
Price.
When it comes to equipment, the more expensive, the more the benefits, in any case, the knives are costly. They have features that are missing in the relatively cheaper ones, or they are just better paired with other elements to increase their efficiency.
An unspoken word of advice is always to select the knife that has everything you need and is well within your budget. An affordable short-bladed knife is of more use to a beginner than an expensive long-bladed knife. Go with the need.
What is the Blade Made of
Stainless steel bladed knives have proven to be the best for hunters. They interact with the wild almost every other day, and so a knife that does not rust easily is beneficial.
Many other blades are coated with a nonstick material, which ensures the fillets do not remain on the knife. As a result, the coating significantly reduces the chances of the blade getting rust and makes its maintenance more manageable.
What Safety Features Are Incorporated Into the Knife
You have probably seen a hunter carry around a small retractable penknife. It is, however, hard to find a retractable fillet knife, so what safety features are incorporated into these knives?
The other factor making up the knife ensures its safety. A handle with a good grip gives the user better control. A sheath covering the blade protects the knife and the user. A brightly colored handle makes it easy to spot, and so on. Knives are dangerous and should be appropriately stored and away from children
Does the Blade Hold Its Edge
Different knives are sold differently. Some are sold already sharpened, others are sold with multiple blades to switch, and others are sold not sharpened. You will need a blade that is sold sharp and stays sharp for long.
Sharp knives make your work easier and as unlikely as it is sounds, safer.
Durability
The ultimate goal at the end of your research is to buy a good knife, but it will not be worth anything if it only stays for a month or two. A knife that lasts is essential because it gives a return on investment each time you use it.
Ten Best Fillet Knives You Can Buy.
Now that you know what to look for let us again, but briefly, look at the various knives available in the market. Note that it is very vital that you look at the product reviews before making purchases. Making sales and profit motivates manufacturers and retailers to give dishonest reviews of the products they sell.
Here are ten knives that have gotten the most positive reviews by customers.
The Elk Ridge ER-02.
It is made with a wooden handle with an excellent grip to give the user better control. Its 12.4-inch stainless steel blade is designed especially for the utmost efficiency and durability.
Its price is quite affordable, retailing at only $10. If you are looking for a fillet knife that incorporates efficiency, affordability, and strength, then the ER-02 is the knife you are looking for that meets all your needs.
Gerber Gator
Gator has its excellent grip, the Gator Grip. It is patented and is the best to use whether your hands are wet or dry. It comes with a full tang blade with two extra stainless-steel blades of six and seven inches.
However, to use the Gator properly, you will need a great deal of experience in filleting. It currently retails at $13.
Rapala Fish N Fillet.
It is a seven-inch filleting knife with a hand ground blade with a nonstick coating. It is also one of the few sold knives with a curved blade. It comes with a plastic handle and a sheath at $20.
Schrade 167UH
This knife stands out as one of the few knives that have a flexible blade. The downside to which if tested too much, it breaks. It is made with a 400 series steel blade. For protection, it comes with a leather sheath to cover it. It retails for $17.
Kershaw
Its most notable features are affordability, maneuverability, and long blade. The blade is resistant to corrosion and very easy to sharpen. Its handle is made from a copolymer. You can buy it for $15 anywhere in the US. However, they cannot be shipped overseas.
Columbia River -3085
It is among the few retractable fillet knives sold. A reinforced nylon sheath also covers it. It is relatively cheaper, and you can buy it for $14.
SOG BLT32K – CP
It is perhaps one of the most expensive fillet knives in the market. It, however, makes up for this steep price in its incredible features. An ergonomically designed handle made from glass reinforced rubber and nylon mold.
The handle also contains a rare feature hardly ever seen in knives. It has six LED lights that shine for a little over an hour and a half. You can purchase at $55.
Bubba Blade CCA
It is a heavy-duty blade with an extreme grip. The handle contains a thumb and finger pads that give it a better grip. It is, however, costly but well makes up for it in durability.
Morakniv
It sells at only $26, which makes it affordable. It comes in two blade sizes 3.5 and 6.1 inches. The handles are made with a friction pattern for better handling.
KastKing
It comes with a nine inchG4116 German blade, a non-slip grip, and a bright-colored plastic handle. It also has a sheath and is available in multiple sizes. This knife is renowned for having the sharpest blades and is sold for $20, making it the perfect and affordable knife for hunting.
It sells at only $26, which makes it affordable. It comes in two blade sizes 3.5 and 6.1 inches. The handles are made with a friction pattern for better handling.
•Never use a knife to point. Even as a joke, using a knife in this way could prove fatal with the slightest movement.
•Keep knives locked up safely. Leaving them lying around could injure you or anyone else who is unaware of its presence.
•Keep knives out of reach of children. They are fascinated with knives. In an attempt to copy what the adults do, they will end up injuring themselves and their playmates.
•Never use a knife while you are in motion. An abrupt stop, start, or a jolt could cause a stabbing accident. Always use a knife when you are in total control of your surroundings and the blade.
•Avoid using rusty blades. If you get injured by a rusty knife, you will most likely end up with tetanus or any other infection.
•Repair any loose handles. Broken knife handles make the knives unsafe to use. The blade is not stable, and therefore it could cause an accident.
•After every use, clean your knife. It protects the blade from getting damages and ensures minimized disease contraction.
•Sharpen your knife. Blunt blades are less efficient, dangerous and take considerably more effort filleting. It opens up the user to the possibility of an accident.
•Ensure your handle has a good grip. Better grip ensures better control over the knife and consequently reduced accidents
The general rule to be observed to be safe when around knives are, use a knife only to cut. During all other times, keep it away from sight and locked away.
Many things make up a proper hunting gear, in this case, a fillet knife. As a hunter, you should choose your blades based on the factors stated above but also incorporate any other need you may have.
Depending on your skill and level of experience, you should be able to identify what you need and what can endure the surroundings in which you hunt. Some hunt for sport while others hunt for food.
The approaches cannot be the same, and nor are the gears. So choose the best fillet knife that completely suits your needs with the criteria shown above. If possible, you should get input from someone with experience.
Conclusion
Are you going to get a fillet knife for yourself or to go with your gear? You should! And if you have already made that wise decision, then you should make a wiser one of choosing well and avoiding any future regrets. Fillet knives will serve you well, but only if you choose the right ones.
Just like any other product, fillet knives may either impress or disappoint, depending on what you’re looking for most. Therefore, your preference here is quite important as it is a guiding light. What are you more interested in? Looks or performance?
We have reviewed some of the to products in the market, and of the five, we believe that the Elk Ridge ER-02 has what it takes!
This Elk Ridge fillet knife sticks out to a length of 12.5 inches. It is quite stiff and stiffer as compared to other fillet knives in our top five but will perform optimally. You should love how its wooden handle looks and its durability is a plus!
It has more amazing features and there is no reason why you shouldn’t have it. Get this fillet knife today!
