Best Fillet Knives: 6 Manual and Electric Picks
Safety note: Fillet knives are thin and very sharp, and fish are slippery. Wear a cut-resistant glove on your holding...
By James
Updated November 10, 2026
Safety note: Fillet knives are thin and very sharp, and fish are slippery. Wear a cut-resistant glove on your holding hand (gloves are rated under the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard), cut away from your body, work on a stable board, and keep blades sheathed and away from children. Unplug or remove the battery from electric knives before changing blades.
A good fillet knife flexes along the backbone and rib cage so you get more meat and fewer bones. Blade length should match your fish: about 6 inches for panfish and trout, 7 to 8 inches for walleye and bass, and 9 inches or more for salmon, catfish, and saltwater fish. If you clean a lot of fish at once, an electric knife saves time.
This guide compares four manual and two electric fillet knives from Rapala, Morakniv, Dexter-Russell, and Bubba. We compared each maker’s published blade length, steel, handle, sheath, and warranty. For more tools, see our fishing tools section.
Our Top Picks
| Best for | Product | FH Score About FH ScoreThe FH Score is our editorial rating from 0 to 10, based on published specs, materials, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings and is never influenced by commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall |
Rapala Fish'n Fillet Knife (7 in)
|
7.9/10 | Check Price |
| Best for panfish and trout |
Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet (6.1 in)
|
7.9/10 | Check Price |
| Best value |
Dexter-Russell P94813 Narrow Fillet (8 in)
|
7.7/10 | Check Price |
| Best for big fish |
Bubba 9 in Stiff Fillet Knife
|
7.4/10 | Check Price |
| Best electric |
Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife
|
7.9/10 | Check Price |
| Best electric value |
Rapala R12 Lithium Electric Fillet Knife
|
7.5/10 | Check Price |
The Picks in Detail
Rapala Fish'n Fillet Knife (7 in)
Why it made the list: The Fish’n Fillet is a classic for good reason. The 7-inch full-tang stainless blade is a versatile length for walleye, bass, and crappie, and it comes with a sheath and a single-stage sharpener so you can touch up the edge at the cleaning table. The reinforced birch handle is traditional and comfortable.
Key specs: 7 in full-tang stainless steel blade; reinforced birch handle; sheath; single-stage sharpener included.
Skip it if: you clean salmon or big catfish. The Bubba 9 inch is longer and stiffer.
Pros
- Versatile 7 in length
- Sharpener and sheath included
- Low cost
Cons
- Wood handle needs drying after use
- Too short for large saltwater fish
Morakniv Fishing Comfort Fillet (6.1 in)
Why it made the list: A shorter blade is easier to control on small fish. The Morakniv’s 6.1-inch blade is Sandvik 12C27 stainless, known for holding a sharp edge and resisting corrosion. The polymer handle has a soft friction grip and finger guard, does not absorb odors, and the sheath has a belt clip.
Key specs: 6.1 in (155 mm) Sandvik 12C27 stainless blade; 1.9 mm thick; 10.6 in overall; 3.5 oz with sheath; polymer friction grip with finger guard; plastic sheath with belt clip.
Skip it if: you clean mostly fish over 3 lb. A 7 to 9 inch blade works better.
Pros
- Quality Swedish steel
- Grippy, odor-resistant handle
- Light and easy to carry
Cons
- Short for walleye and larger fish
- No sharpener included
Dexter-Russell P94813 Narrow Fillet (8 in)
Why it made the list: Dexter-Russell makes knives for professional kitchens, and this 8-inch narrow fillet knife is made in the USA. The high-carbon, stain-free steel blade is hollow ground for easy sharpening, and the polypropylene handle is slip resistant and easy to sanitize.
Key specs: 8 in narrow blade; 400 series stain-free high-carbon steel; hollow ground; slip-resistant polypropylene handle; made in USA.
Skip it if: you carry your knife in a tackle bag. Choose one with a sheath.
Pros
- Professional-style knife at a low price
- Easy to sharpen
- Made in USA
Cons
- No sheath included
- White handle stains over time
Bubba 9 in Stiff Fillet Knife
Why it made the list: Large fish need a longer, stiffer blade to cut through thick skin and bone. Bubba’s 9-inch stiff knife has a thin 8Cr13MoV blade, a non-slip trigger grip, and safety guards that protect your hand from the blade and fish spines. A sheath and lanyard hole are included, and Bubba offers a one-year limited warranty.
Key specs: 9 in blade; 15 in overall; 8Cr13MoV stainless steel; stiff; non-slip trigger grip; safety guards; synthetic sheath; lanyard hole; 1-year limited warranty.
Skip it if: you clean mostly panfish. The Morakniv is easier to control.
Pros
- Long blade for salmon and saltwater fish
- Secure grip with guards
- Sheath included
Cons
- Stiff blade is less suited to small fish
- Costs more than the Rapala and Dexter
Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife
Why it made the list: If you clean limits of crappie, perch, or walleye, an electric knife saves a lot of time. Bubba’s cordless knife includes four TiN-coated reciprocating blades for different fish sizes, an LED battery indicator, and a zippered case. The blades remove for cleaning.
Key specs: cordless lithium-ion; 8.5 in handle; 1.11 lb; four TiN-coated stainless reciprocating blades; removable blades; LED battery indicator; trigger guard; storage case; 1-year limited warranty.
Skip it if: you keep only a few fish at a time. A manual knife is simpler.
Pros
- Fast for large batches
- Four blade sizes
- Cordless
Cons
- Heavier than a manual knife
- Battery must be charged before trips
Rapala R12 Lithium Electric Fillet Knife
Why it made the list: The R12 is a cordless electric fillet knife with a lithium-ion battery rated for 80 minutes of run time, per Rapala. It includes 6-inch and 7.5-inch blades and an EVA hard case.
Key specs: cordless lithium-ion; 80 min run time; 6 in and 7.5 in blades; ergonomic grip; EVA hard case.
Skip it if: you clean big saltwater fish. Longer blades work better.
Pros
- Long stated run time
- Two blade lengths
- Hard case
Cons
- Fewer blades than the Bubba
- Warranty not stated on the listing
Fillet Knives Compared
| Knife | Type | Blade | Steel | Sheath or case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapala Fish’n Fillet | Manual | 7 in | Stainless, full tang | Sheath and sharpener |
| Morakniv Fishing Comfort | Manual | 6.1 in | Sandvik 12C27 | Plastic sheath |
| Dexter-Russell P94813 | Manual | 8 in | High-carbon stain-free | None |
| Bubba 9 in Stiff | Manual | 9 in | 8Cr13MoV | Sheath |
| Bubba Li-Ion | Electric | Four blades | TiN-coated stainless | Case |
| Rapala R12 | Electric | 6 and 7.5 in | Not stated | EVA hard case |
How We Picked
We did not use these knives for this guide. We researched each one and compared the specifications published by the makers. Our criteria:
- Blade length and flex for different fish sizes.
- Steel and corrosion resistance.
- Grip and safety: non-slip handles and guards.
- Sheath, sharpener, or case.
- Value and published warranty.
The FH Score in each product box is our editorial rating, built from five weighted criteria: performance for the job, build quality, versatility, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings. See how it works on our How We Review page.
How to Choose a Fillet Knife
Blade length
About 6 inches for panfish and small trout, 7 to 8 inches for walleye, bass, and crappie, and 9 inches or more for salmon, catfish, and saltwater species.
Flex
Flexible blades follow the backbone and ribs of small and medium fish. Stiff blades cut through the thick skin and bone of large fish.
Steel
Stainless steel resists rust, which matters around salt and fish slime. High-carbon stainless holds an edge longer but still needs drying.
Handle
A non-slip handle and a finger guard matter more than looks when your hands are wet.
Manual or electric
Electric knives are faster for large batches of fish. Manual knives are lighter, quieter, need no charging, and give more control on small fish.
Related Guides
See more in our Fillet Knives section.
FAQ
What size fillet knife is best?
A 7-inch flexible blade covers most freshwater fish.
Are electric fillet knives better?
For cleaning many fish, yes. For a few fish or delicate fillets, many anglers prefer a manual knife.
How often should I sharpen a fillet knife?
Touch up the edge before each cleaning session. A sharp knife is safer because it needs less force.
Final Thoughts
The Rapala Fish’n Fillet is our top pick for its versatile 7-inch blade, sheath, and included sharpener. Choose the Morakniv for panfish and trout, the Dexter-Russell for a made-in-USA value knife, the Bubba 9 inch for big fish, the Bubba Li-Ion for fast electric filleting, and the Rapala R12 for an electric knife with two blades.
About the author
James writes reviews and buying guides for Fishing Hacking, covering rods, reels, line, lures, and the gear anglers rely on. His work focuses on clear criteria, balanced pros and cons, and practical advice to help readers choose equipment that fits how and where they fish.