Best Electric Fillet Knives: Clean Fish With Ease

The Fillet Knife Is A Must-Have Tool For Processing Fish, And Is One Of The Few Food-Centric Knives To Have An Electric Version. These Five Slice Fish Like Butter.

Cutting fish without a fillet knife is an absolutely maddening chore. This long, thin, flexible blade is perfect for sliding between the flesh and skin and freeing the meat from the carcass. Whether it’s a big, hulking tuna or something more delicate like catfish, a fillet knife will be the go-to tool to process the catch.

And what’s even better than a high-quality fillet knife? A high-quality electric fillet knife. 

Why Would I Need An Electric Fillet Knife?

Some turn their noses up at electric knives, fillet or otherwise. For good reason, there have been some real dogs in this class of knives over the years. It still remains a market where buyers need to beware.

Yet, there are two main reasons to use an electric fillet knife. The first is to save your wrists and hands. Those with arthritis or hand injuries might require a helping hand, the electric fillet knife provides this.

The other is you might process a lot of fish or game. We should all be so lucky as outdoorsmen, but there are select few who might find an electric fillet knife a must have tool.


We’ll also throw in that when used properly these devices provide an extremely consistent product. This is because an electric fillet knife cuts with the same pressure every time because of its powered, reciprocating action. You just need to hold the fish in place and the knife will do the work for you.

5 Excellent Electric Fillet Knives

These five knives stand out from the pack. Some need to be plugged in, and some are cordless and portable. Regardless, these knives are excellent at processing your newest catch.

Bubba 110V Electric Corded Fillet Knife

Bubba makes all sorts of knives and gear for fishermen, and their corded knife is a quality knife for the home or professional cook.

The blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel coated in titanium nitride for added toughness. The handle has been designed with ergonomics in mind so it stays secure and doesn’t slip in your hand. 

The knife comes with four blades, two E-Flex and two E-Stiff, so you’ll always have multiple options when processing your catch. The 8-foot cord allows for you to cut from all sides of the fish and not have to worry about slicing at an awkward angle.

MSRP: $144.99

Old Timer Lithium Ion Electric Fillet Knife

The first cordless option on our list comes from Old Timer. At just under 20 ounces, the knife is incredibly light and nimble which is perfect for getting into the small nooks of a fish. It comes with a flexible serrated 8-inch blade that easily detaches. Everything easily stores away in the included carrying case.

The ergonomic grip handle has a built-in 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery and features a ventilation system to maximize power output to the blade as well as keep the handle cool in your hand. 

This is a straightforward knife made from good materials that are easy to use. What more could you ask for?

MSRP: $99.99

American Angler Pro Stainless Steel Electric Fillet Knife With 5 Blades

This comprehensive fillet knife set from American Angler has everything for the serious fisherman. It comes with five different knives for specific types of fish and other goodies too. 

There are two blades, 5.5 inches and 8, inches designed to cut freshwater fish, and there are two more blades (8 and 10 inches) that are meant to cut shark flesh. A 10-inch saltwater blade rounds out the roster of cutters. No stone has been left unturned when it comes to filleting options.

Additionally, there’s a mesh glove meant to protect your non-cutting hand while filleting and a mesh carrying case that keeps everything securely in one place in a corrosion-resistant environment.

If you’re a serious angler, we highly recommend this knife set. If you’re a novice home cook just trying to learn how to fillet a small side of salmon, maybe save some money and get a less intense knife.

MSRP: $189.99

Mister TwisterElectric Fisherman Fillet Knife

The budget option on our list comes from Mister Twister. This small, corded knife is perfect for someone just learning to clean their own fish. It’s a bare-bones knife with just a single included blade and a small, yet flexible, cord that allows you some range of motion when cutting.

The blade itself is quite sharp, and it’s designed to be used out at sea right on the boat. If you are just starting out processing fish, you can’t go wrong with a knife as affordable and utilitarian as this one.

MSRP: $40.97

Rapala R12 Heavy-Duty Lithium Fillet Knife Combo

Rapala, like Bubba, is a dealer of all sorts of products for the fisherman from scalers and knives to lures and gear. 

Their heavy-duty cordless fillet knife is just that: heavy duty. The pair of included lithium-ion batteries can each be used for 80 continuous minutes and only take an hour to charge. Included are two PTFE-coated blades, one 6 inches and the other 7.5 inches, that can slice through pretty much anything you could pull from the sea. 

The included EVA storage case is big and robust so bringing the set with you is a breeze. There’s even an LED light built into the knife to illuminate while cutting in low-light conditions. 

The R12 is an excellent knife from a maker that knows how to keep fishermen happy.

MSRP: $179.49

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