Everyone from the finest sushi chefs to seasoned fishermen knows that an old dull blade will ruin a good salmon fillet. Even if you're just trying to slice away the skin without losing any flesh, you'll need one of the best salmon knives to make the best cut. The blades below are flexible and ultra-sharp, perfect for salmon.
MAIRICO 11-inch stainless steel carving knife
Best for big fish
They say the bigger the fish, the bigger the blade you'll need to fillet it. If you're working with large fish or huge salmon fillets, you'll want an extra-long blade.
Pros:
- Extra-long 11-inch blade
- Works with many other meats and roasts
- Ergonomic design
Cons:
- May be unwieldy for small cuts
While this may not be the best choice for tiny sushi cuts, it's an excellent long blade for larger fish and fillets. With a full 11 inches to work with, it's also ideal for other meats and roasts. The ergonomic, well-balanced design feels good in the hand and lends itself to long, precise slicing.
Rhinoreto fillet knife
Best package deal
Suitable for both the avid fisherman and the kitchen chef, the Rhinoreto fillet knife comes with both a vented sheath and a ceramic sharpener.
Pros:
- Versatile for both fishing and kitchen purposes
- Comes with sharpener and sheath
- Smooth nonstick coating
Cons:
- Requires consistent sharpening
To fillet a fish or cleanly slice off salmon skin, you need a really, really sharp knife. That's why the Rhinoreto fillet knife comes with a ceramic sharpener to keep it at its finest edge. The vented sheath allows for sufficient airflow so the blade won't rust or warp over time.
WÜSTHOF classic 7-inch fillet knife
Fine German craftsmanship
For centuries, the Wüsthof family has crafted fine blades, and the classic fillet knife is no exception. It's made from high-carbon stainless steel and full-tang, triple-riveted synthetic polypropylene.
Pros:
- Highest quality materials
- Precision-edge technology yields the sharpest blade
- Comes with a fine leather sheath
Cons:
- It's expensive
With 200 years of quality and experience behind it, the Wüsthof fillet knife is one of the finest blades you can buy for filleting fish. It will easily debone fish and remove the skin with a few slices. It is made to resist dulling and corrosion for many years to come.
Cutco Cutlery classic black-handle salmon knife
Best for sushi
Here is a delicate, flexible blade that is made especially for salmon. It is ideal for removing skin and making precise sushi cuts.
Pros:
- Excellent for sushi and skin removal
- Super sharp and flexible
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
Cons:
- Not ideal for full fish fillet purposes
If you're looking for a knife that's suited especially for slicing salmon in kitchen or restaurant environments, this is your blade. The long, flexible blade is perfectly balanced for precision cuts. This is not the best knife for outdoor fish filleting on the fly, but it's an excellent choice for chefs.
Mercer Culinary Millennia fillet knife
The budget pick
A good fillet knife can be pricey, but this one comes in at a very attractive price point. The Mercer fillet knife is crafted from one piece of high-carbon steel and a durable, comfort-grip handle.
Pros:
- Low price
- Ergonomic handle with finger guard
- Easy, rapid sharpening
Cons:
- Not as flexible
Here's a great choice for budget shoppers. The Mercer Culinary Millennia fillet knife is made from quality Japanese steel, but it's not as expensive as many of the competitors. The slip-resistant handle is also durable and comfortable to hold.
Bubba 9-inch flex fillet knife
Best for fishermen
Here's a rugged knife for rugged fishermen and fisherwomen (fisherpeople?). It's has a 9-inch extra-sharp blade and a textured handle for excellent grip, even in wet or gritty situations.
Pros:
- Super thin blade is easy to maneuver
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
- Non-slip grip for better control
Cons:
- May be unwieldy for kitchen use
For fish filleting in rough, outdoor conditions, the Bubba knife is your new best friend. The long, thin blade is sharp and resistant to the elements. It is also built with a tough, non-slip handle that keeps you in control even in wet, gritty situations. If you're filleting freshly caught salmon on a boat or a dock, this is the knife for you.
Dalstrong Shogun Series fillet knife
Best for sushi and Asian cuisine
Built with Japanese high-carbon steel, this is an incredibly strong blade with just enough give for precise slicing. The Dalstrong fillet knife is perfectly balanced and promises long years of durability.
Pros:
- High-quality Japanese steel
- Well-balanced build
- Strong and durable
Cons:
- Not as flexible
Slice your salmon the Japanese way with Dalstrong. The high-quality knife uses Japanese steel and a hand-polished handle for excellent balance and maneuverability. It's also incredibly durable, which is great for long-term use.
Let's get slicing
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Stop eating mutilated salmon; choose one of these best salmon knives to get the perfect slice. We love the MAIRICO 11-inch stainless steel carving knife for its long length and versatility. This one can be used with many types of meats and roasts as well as salmon.
If you're looking for something more specialized, the Cutco salmon knife is made especially for salmon. This is an excellent choice for making sushi or just to remove salmon skin with precision. No matter which you choose, there's no way you won't find the perfect salmon knife for your purposes on this list.