Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Summer fishing season is in full swing, and some anglers may find themselves wondering which brand of fillet knife is the best match for their needs. Fillet knives come in all shapes and sizes, so picking the right knife can be tricky. These five knives are high quality and can meet every angler’s varying needs and budget.
BRAND: Buck
Buck knives are known for their quality blades, and the Clearwater is no exception. One of the first things you’ll notice is how flexible the full-tang blade is, which is crucial for a good fillet. A 6-inch blade isn’t typically what you’d reach for when filleting saltwater species, but the Clearwater is tough enough to hold its own with all small- to medium-sized species.
PRICE: $55
GRADE: A
BRAND: Wüsthof
The Grand Prix II boasts a narrow blade for precision cutting. It’s perfectly balanced and feels great in your hand. The 7-inch blade is corrosion and stain resistant. The handle is pebbled, providing nice grip when filleting larger fish. The versatile blade ensures it can be used for poultry and other meats.
PRICE: $89
GRADE: A
BRAND: Kershaw
Kershaw made the 1256 for anglers who don’t want to bother with the bulkiness of a fixed-blade knife, and the blade folds compactly into its 7-inch handle for easy transport and storage. The 6-inch blade is 420J2 stainless steel, which is softer than some of the other knives reviewed here. It has nice give to it and adapts well to the job. The finger contours in the handle make for a nice grip.
PRICE: $35
GRADE: A
BRAND: Rapala
Rapala makes excellent lures, but some of its other fishing products fall short in quality. This fillet knife falls somewhere in the middle. At $20, it’s by far the cheapest knife reviewed here, but it also has its limitations. The blade is not particularly pliant, which can make it difficult to make a precise cut. And while the blade’s curvature is preferred by many saltwater anglers, its advantages are somewhat negated on Utah’s generally smaller freshwater species. Still, at only $20, this knife is worth the money.
PRICE: $20
GRADE: B+
BRAND: Kershaw
Kershaw’s 1289 Pro-Grade has a 9-inch blade, the longest on this list. While 9 inches is more than you’ll need if you’re catching pan-sized trout in the Uintas, it really comes in handy when you’re filleting a striped bass from Powell or a pike from Yuba. The blade has substantial flex, making it possible to navigate bones and get a nice fillet. The knife is well balanced, and the comfortable handle feels great in your hand.
PRICE: $29
GRADE: A-Grant Olsen joined the ksl.com team in 2012. He covers travel, outdoor adventures and other interesting things. Contact him at grant@thegatsbys.com.
