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
Spyderco Stretch 2 XL Lightweight Salt
The Stretch 2 XL Lightweight represents more than 3 decades of evolution that began with Spyderco’s classic folding hunting knives. Through years of relentless refinement, they have arrived at a full-sized, full-service cutting tool that is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry. So what could possibly make it better? How about crafting it with a corrosion-resistant blade steel and making it a member of their elite Salt Series. Tipping the scales at a mere 3.0 ounces, the Stretch 2 XL Lightweight Salt is the largest folding knife in their Salt lineup. Its 3.95-inch blade is hollow-ground from ultra-corrosion-resistant H-2 steel and available in a choice of PlainEdge or fully serrated SpyderEdge formats.
The blade is supported by a sturdy back-lock mechanism housed in a lightweight fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) handle. Injection molded in a bright-yellow color for high visibility, the handle features a nonslip Bi-Directional Texture pattern for optimal grip security and a fully configurable 4-position pocket clip that supports all possible carry options. We love how light, sharp, and corrosion-resistant this blade is. It was a go-to carry for much of the back half of the season.
White River Knife and Tool Pro Fillet Knives
If you love a fisherman, including yourself, you should spring for one of these fillet knives. A fine tool makes the job so much easier and that is sure to ring true with you once you’ve tried these fillet knives. Our tester tried all 3 sizes of the White River Pro Fillet Knives with the black G10 handle. They’re the kind of fillet knife you would keep in your kitchen but never forget it when you’re heading out to harvest fish. The 10-inch Pro Fillet is great for larger fish like kings and halibut while the 8-inch is just right for most everything else. The 6-inch fillet is good for lake anglers who take home their catch or for the folks who don’t normally wrangle Alaska-sized fish. The 6-inch is also a rockstar in the kitchen for skinning, fine trimming and fillet slicing for items like sushi and sashimi. These are worth every penny.
Benchmade Adira Depth Blue Grivory Drop-point
Described as a waterman’s EDC, this big folder features the AXIS lock mechanism, a 3.6” MagnaCut drop-point blade, and is designed for tip-up carry. We found the stout blade up to the task of cutting up big fish carcasses and partially frozen American shad for crab bait. Opened, this knife is 9” long. Closed, it’s 5.12” long. It is surprisingly light considering its size, and weighs just 4.2 ounces. The handle material is Grivory, in the same Depth Blue color as all the knives in Benchmade’s Water line. Our tester commented that it would be easy to dress a deer with this knife, even though it’s designed for use around water.
True SYK 7” Fillet Knife
True uses the word “bold” to describe this knife, and we have to agree, but don’t let the color distract you from the functionality. This knife is made of premium and eco-friendly materials, and is designed for hard use in harsh environments. We were impressed with how well it cut fillets, and that it stayed sharp. At this price point, it’s an especially robust value.
White River Knife and Tool Liong Mah 2 Knife Chef Set
This 2-knife set made by White River Knife and Tool includes the Liong Mah Utility Knife and the Liong Mah Chef Knife. It is a phenomenal set of knives for the avid cook in your house. Publisher Melissa Norris is over the moon for these knives. “Holy smokes, they’re sharp.” That was her comment after using them for a couple of months. Now months later they’ve been sharpened just a couple times since they hold an edge, even under heavy use. They are a favorite daily-use kitchen tool for Melissa, an avid cook and foodie. They have an unbelievable feel and offer exceptional knife control. You can truly let the knife do the work.
Benchmade Intersect Depth Blue Santoprene Drop-point
Benchmade describes this fixed-blade knife as an EDC for the adventurist. The Intersect dons a 2.75” drop-point blade forged of CPM-MagnaCut steel, ideally compact for the finer tasks, complete with handle and spine jimping for secure grip and pinch cuts when wet. It comes with a quick-mount sheath that attaches to pockets, belts, backpacks, waders, and more. It is 6.55 inches long, with a Depth Blue Santoprene handle. For those who prefer a fixed-blade EDC for use around water, whether salt or fresh, this is a good choice
Benchmade Fishcrafter Depth Blue Santoprene 9” Trailing-point
This knife has a blade that is a compromise between a standard fillet knife, and those with thicker, wider, stiffer blades. Editor George Krumm filleted a few dozen salmon with this knife, and say’s it’s his new favorite. Despite filleting all those fish, including cutting off the pelvic and pectoral fins of most of them, George hasn’t had to sharpen the knife yet. So, the MagnaCut blade is sharp, and it stays sharp for quite a while. What’s more, Benchmade’s LifeSharp service guarantees that Benchmade will re-sharpen your knife to a factory edge for free, for the life of the knife. Their LifeSharp services includes cleaning, oiling, adjustments, and re-sharpening.
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.
Line Cutterz Dual Hybrid Micro Scissors
Editor George Krumm picked up one of these at ICAST and thought it would be a handy device, sort of like the Boomerang tool but smaller and lighter. It has serrated stainless-steel scissors that retract and lock for safety. It also has a loop that can be used to attach it to a retractor, and that loop can be used as a hook holder to tighten knots. Finally, it has two ceramic blades in protected slots for cutting line. This cutter works well for braid, mono, and fluorocarbon.