Best fishing knives are essential tools for anglers to efficiently clean and prepare their catch. With durable blades and ergonomic handles, these knives make the task of filleting fish easier and more precise. The team at Fish Alaska magazine tested in the field and these are our picks.
Best Fishing Knives and Cutting Tools
Promar Oyster and Scallop Utility Knife
We harvest a lot of razor clams. Initially, we blanched them to get them out of their shells. Over time we learned that by blanching, we were pre-cooking the clams, which made them tougher when we eventually prepared them. Seeking a better solution, we began using different knives designed for shucking clams, oysters, and scallops. After trying different models from a variety of brands, Publisher Marcus Weiner has settled on this model. It’s the got the right blade length and geometry to separate the edges of the clam body from the shell, and then go in and free the adductor muscles (anterior and posterior) from the shell. The polypropylene handle is comfortable in the hand and provides good purchase, especially as your hands get slick. The stainless-steel blade has an edge but is not sharp; just enough to work perfectly for this job. Promar makes 2 versions: the 2.75-inch blade and 3.75-inch blade. Definitely choose the 3.75-inch-blade model for razor clams.
Benchmade Meatcrafter Maple Valley Richlite
This knife wears several hats. We took it with us into the field for butchering tasks, then brought it back into the kitchen for more refined processing and meat preparation. At first blush, you’ll notice the beautiful handle, which gives it an heirloom feel. Next, you’ll appreciate the razor-sharp, trailing-point, 6-inch blade which is made from CPM-154 stainless steel. Housed in a Benchmade sheath, the knife weighs 5.13 ounces, a comfortable weight providing both feel and heft. Benchmade provides lifetime, free sharpening service and a lifetime warranty on the knife, both impressive additions to an already superior product.
Toadfish Ultimate Shears and Sheath
A good pair of shears is a great tool for anglers and can be used for many tasks. We use them for cleaning crabs, cutting bait, trimming fins off salmon, cutting out salmon collars, and for slicing braid, rope, and wire. These shears are well-built, tough, and constructed from marine-grade materials, making them well-suited to Alaska’s punishing saltwater. They incorporate fish-scaling teeth on the lower blade. We like the ergonomic, spring-loaded grip. The shears come with a sheath that incorporates a belt loop, a removable suction cup, and Velcro strap, giving you all kinds of carrying- and mounting options.
Benchmade Fishcrafter 7” Fillet Knife
This knife is the perfect size for filleting all but the largest salmon. The MagnaCut blade stays sharp through dozens of fish. The blade has good flex and comes with a Kydex sheath. The Santoprene handle provides a secure grip. We gave the 9” version an ECA last year, but for smaller fish (think silvers and smaller), the 7” Fishcrafter might be a better choice. The Fishcrafters are Editor George Krumm’s favorite fillet knives.
Spyderco Native Chief Lightweight Salt CPM MagnaCut
spyderco.com
Publisher Marcus Weiner has long been a fan of Spyderco knives. He had this to say: “I carry a Spyderco folding knife with me everyday, and continue to be impressed with the variety, quality, and consistency in their blades. I have been carrying the Native Chief Lightweight Salt for the last 6+ months. It’s lightweight, which I especially appreciate in an everyday-carry, supremely sharp, and will not rust. I really like the finger choil for control, and the full-flat-ground edge. These are all terrific qualities.” The blade is made from CPM MagnaCut, which is a steel that combines corrosion repulsion with edge retention. It’s available in both PlainEdge and fully serrated SpyderEdge formats; Marcus chose the PlainEdge model. The non-slip handle and pocket clip, which provides 4 carry options, complement this excellent blade.
Toadfish Put ‘Em Back Oyster Knife
Although designed for oysters, it also works good for shucking razor clams. It has a slight bend to the blade which helps to cut adductor muscles close to the shell. It has a grippy rubber grip and the blade is stainless steel. It’s a high-quality tool.
Gerber Assert MagnaCut
Gerber has been making blades since 1939 and their experience shows in this well-built everyday-carry folding knife. The Assert weighs under 2 ounces and has a total length under 7 inches. Our tester appreciated the textured nylon handle—essential when dealing with slimy situations. This knife is made in the USA and backed by the Gerber Guarantee.