Best Fillet Knife Length?

[darita]

I'm looking at a fillet knife on Amazon that comes in 7" and 9". Never having owned one, which one would be best? I'd be using it for boning, trimming, etc. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VMPQ7OU/ref=crt_ewc_title_huc_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A5DG4T0XV2EI

 

[Whumpa]

Go with the 9 inch knife. If for any reason, just that bit more flex in the blade.

 

[cdhbrad]

If you aren't going to be using it to mainly filet Fish.....a 6" stiff Boning Knife from Dexter or Victorinox will probably work out a lot better for you.

 

[thirdeye]

A fillet knife is a working knife. Advantages are shape and grip for a good hand feel, length based on how big of a fish (or wide of a brisket) you are working on, and flexibility. Because a fillet knife can double as a boning knife or for trimming up silver skin, I don't think one size fits all.

This is the shape I prefer, both of these are are breakdown models.

A small one like this is essential for stream fish, and for things like lollipop drumsticks. Rapala makes a wooden handle version of this same knife that I prefer.

The one of the top can handle a good sized fish, I have it's little brother also.

All that said a semi-flexible boning knife the one on the bottom can be a multi task knife.

 

[darita]

I guess I'm looking for a "one size fits all" knife. I'm looking in that $60 price range and Amazon makes it easier. Is a more curved edge better?

 

[Curt.P]

I guess I'm looking for a "one size fits all" knife. I'm looking in that $60 price range and Amazon makes it easier. Is a more curved edge better?

Is this going in the wood block on the counter? If not, I'd also suggest Dexter and $60 would allow you to buy a few. I keep a separate block in the pantry just for my Dexters. If nothing else, a couple inexpensive knives will give you an opportunity to see what type of blade and blade length you prefer.

For me, there is no "one size fits all". I try to use the right knife for the job.

 

[thirdeye]

Is this going in the wood block on the counter? If not, I'd also suggest Dexter and $60 would allow you to buy a few. I keep a separate block in the pantry just for my Dexters. If nothing else, a couple inexpensive knives will give you an opportunity to see what type of blade and blade length you prefer.

For me, there is no "one size fits all". I try to use the right knife for the job.

A few years ago I installed one of those magnetic knife strips up high and out of the way in my hall closet, wish I'd done it sooner.

 

[darita]

It's going sheathed, in a drawer. Is more curved better?

 

[thirdeye]

Here is a perfect example of how versatile a fillet knife is for trimming and slicing meat. This is a whole beef tenderloin (the fillet mignon), so a combination of fat, silver skin, two distinct muscles..... and the final product. All done with one knife.

 

[Whumpa]

It's going sheathed, in a drawer. Is more curved better?

I really can’t tell you if a curved is better or not. For myself I prefer my fillet knives without a lot of curve to the blade. I find it to be easier to control the cuts I want to make.

 

[darita]

thirdeye, exactly which knife is that? Where can I find it? What length?

 

[thirdeye]

It's a Kershaw brand, I think is around 10" but I'll confirm later.

 

[darita]

thirdeye, found them on Amazon. Thanks. Good price means maybe I'll get a couple of sizes. Thanks again, as usual.

 

[mike243]

I prefer the shorter knife for trimming ,I have a large thin bladed Victorinox Fibrox that has a 10" curved blade that slices large items great, I don't own a quality filet knife at this time, I will correct that before deer season with a trip to Sevierville tn

 

[darita]

Thanks all, for the help. I ended getting a couple of Kershaw fillet knives, a 7" and a 9". At $15 and $16, I couldn't resist getting both. Hopefully I'll be able to keep them sharp with my Wicked Edge. Thanks again!