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10 Best Fishing Knives 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

KastKing Speed Demon Pro Lithium-ion Electric Fillet Knife - Cordless Rechargeable Fishing Knife with 4 Blades, High Torque Motor with Extended Battery Life, Ergonomic Handle and Custom Carry Case

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,424
Blade Type
Additional Features

Most important from
751 reviews

Blade Type
Blades are sharp and easy to change.
Additional Features
The ergonomic case is super slick and filled with foam shaped to hold the knife body and its blades, battery, and charger.

The KastKing Speed Demon Pro Lithium-ion Electric Fillet Knife is a high-quality fishing knife designed for efficiency and ease of use. It features a powerful high-torque motor that makes filleting quick and smooth, regardless of the fish size or species. The knife includes 420 stainless steel blades with a titanium Vapor Deposition coating for durability and corrosion resistance. The pack comes with four different blades (7" and 9" Finesse blades, 9" Talon blade, and 12" Talon blade), providing versatility for different filleting needs.

The ergonomic Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPR) handle ensures a firm, non-slip grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. One of the standout features is its extended battery life; the 12.6v lithium-ion battery provides up to 1 hour and 40 minutes of continuous runtime, and the pack includes two batteries for uninterrupted use. The custom-molded EVA carry case is a convenient addition, making it easy to store and transport the knife and its accessories.

Users will appreciate the power level display and overcharge protection features that ensure battery safety and longevity. However, the knife's weight (4.07 pounds) might be a bit heavy for some users, and its larger size (16.5 inches in length) may not be ideal for those looking for a more compact option. This knife is best suited for avid anglers who require a reliable, high-performance fillet knife with the convenience of cordless operation.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,424
Blade Type
Additional Features

Most important from
751 reviews

Blade Type
Blades are sharp and easy to change.
Additional Features
The ergonomic case is super slick and filled with foam shaped to hold the knife body and its blades, battery, and charger.
#2

Buck Knives 191 Buck Zipper Guthook Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath

Rating
9.4
Blade Material
Blade Type
Blade Length

Most important from
491 reviews

Blade Material
The knife arrives laser sharp and maintains a razor-sharp edge even after extensive field dressing without needing resharpening.
Blade Type
The gut hook creates a flawless and quick cut, making skinning and field dressing game significantly easier and cleaner.
Blade Length
This fixed blade is perfectly sized for hunting tasks, striking a balance between detailed slicing and tougher cuts.
Handle Material
The handle offers a comfortable, non-slip grip with a sturdy pommel that adds balance and control during use.
Sheath
The sheath includes a protective plastic blade guard that prevents accidental cuts when holstering, enhancing safety.
Additional Features
The knife’s build quality and performance consistently impress, making it a standout tool for hunters who skin and quarter their own game.

The Buck Knives 191 Buck Zipper is a well-crafted hunting knife featuring a 4-1/4 inch drop point blade made from 420HC stainless steel. This blade material is known for good edge retention and resistance to rust, which is important for outdoor use. The integrated gut hook is a standout feature designed to make field dressing game quicker and cleaner, much like a zipper, which can be very handy for hunters and those processing fish. The blade’s shape and length strike a nice balance for detailed slicing and tougher cutting tasks.

The handle is made from DymaLux walnut, offering a comfortable, secure grip with a classic look enhanced by brass accents. This wooden handle feels sturdy and balanced in hand, helping with control during use. Additionally, the knife includes a quality leather sheath with a snap closure and belt loop, making it convenient and safe to carry in the field. Weighing 6.3 ounces, the knife is light enough for everyday carry without being flimsy.

This model has been discontinued, which might affect availability and price. While 420HC stainless steel is good for corrosion resistance, it may require occasional maintenance to keep the edge razor-sharp and free from rust, especially in wet environments. The Buck Zipper’s simple, reliable design and lifetime warranty reflect Buck’s commitment to quality. It is best suited for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who need a practical tool for skinning and field dressing rather than a specialized fishing fillet knife. If you want a sturdy, versatile fixed blade with a gut hook, this model is a solid choice, though checking current availability is recommended.

Rating
9.4
Blade Material
Blade Type
Blade Length

Most important from
491 reviews

Blade Material
The knife arrives laser sharp and maintains a razor-sharp edge even after extensive field dressing without needing resharpening.
Blade Type
The gut hook creates a flawless and quick cut, making skinning and field dressing game significantly easier and cleaner.
Blade Length
This fixed blade is perfectly sized for hunting tasks, striking a balance between detailed slicing and tougher cuts.
Handle Material
The handle offers a comfortable, non-slip grip with a sturdy pommel that adds balance and control during use.
Sheath
The sheath includes a protective plastic blade guard that prevents accidental cuts when holstering, enhancing safety.
Additional Features
The knife’s build quality and performance consistently impress, making it a standout tool for hunters who skin and quarter their own game.
#3

Buck Knives 657 Pursuit Pro Fixed Blade Hunting Knife with Guthook, 4-1/2" S35VN Stainless Steel Blade, Polyester Sheath Included

Rating
9.4
Blade Material
Blade Length
Handle Material

Most important from
175 reviews

Blade Material
Its S35VN steel blade maintains a sharp edge exceptionally well and is easy to hone, outperforming similar knives in its price range.
Blade Length
The 4.5-inch blade excels in cutting tasks, passing the paper test and even shaving hair, demonstrating impressive sharpness.
Handle Material
The bright orange handle enhances visibility in low light, making it easy to locate and handle in challenging conditions.
Additional Features
The knife offers an excellent, slip-resistant grip that feels secure even when wet, ensuring precise control during use.

The Buck Knives 657 Pursuit Pro is a solid choice if you want a durable fixed blade knife for fishing and general outdoor use. Its 4.5-inch blade is made of S35VN stainless steel, which means it stays sharp longer and resists rust—important when you’re around water. The drop point blade with a guthook is especially useful for game processing, which can be handy if you catch fish or hunt. The handle combines nylon with a rubber overmold (Versaflex), giving you a comfortable, non-slip grip even in wet conditions.

Plus, the thumb jimping adds extra control for precise cutting, and the included polyester sheath makes it easy to carry safely. Weighing just 6.4 ounces, it’s light enough to handle without fatigue. On the downside, the handle material might not feel as premium as some other knives with full rubber or textured grips, and the sheath is imported, which could affect durability compared to the knife’s US-made blade.

Designed primarily for hunting, its corrosion resistance and ergonomic grip also make it a good fit for fishing tasks. If you want a reliable, well-made knife that covers various outdoor needs including fishing, this one stands out—especially backed by Buck’s lifetime warranty.

Rating
9.4
Blade Material
Blade Length
Handle Material

Most important from
175 reviews

Blade Material
Its S35VN steel blade maintains a sharp edge exceptionally well and is easy to hone, outperforming similar knives in its price range.
Blade Length
The 4.5-inch blade excels in cutting tasks, passing the paper test and even shaving hair, demonstrating impressive sharpness.
Handle Material
The bright orange handle enhances visibility in low light, making it easy to locate and handle in challenging conditions.
Additional Features
The knife offers an excellent, slip-resistant grip that feels secure even when wet, ensuring precise control during use.

Buying Guide for the Best Fishing Knives

Choosing the right fishing knife is essential for any angler, as it can make tasks like cutting lines, cleaning fish, and preparing bait much easier. When selecting a fishing knife, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get a tool that fits your needs and preferences. Here are the main factors to consider when picking a fishing knife.
Blade MaterialThe blade material of a fishing knife is crucial because it affects the knife's durability, sharpness, and resistance to corrosion. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and titanium. Stainless steel is popular for its rust resistance and ease of maintenance, making it ideal for use in wet environments. High-carbon steel is known for its sharpness and edge retention but requires more care to prevent rust. Titanium is lightweight, strong, and highly resistant to corrosion, but it can be more expensive. Choose a blade material based on your need for durability, maintenance, and budget.
Blade TypeFishing knives come with different blade types, such as straight, serrated, or a combination of both. A straight blade is excellent for making clean cuts and filleting fish, while a serrated blade is useful for cutting through tough materials like rope or fish scales. Combination blades offer versatility by providing both straight and serrated edges. Consider what tasks you'll be performing most often and choose a blade type that suits those needs.
Blade LengthThe length of the blade can impact the knife's functionality and ease of use. Shorter blades (3-5 inches) offer better control and are ideal for precision tasks like filleting smaller fish. Medium blades (5-7 inches) provide a balance between control and versatility, making them suitable for a variety of tasks. Longer blades (7-9 inches) are better for larger fish and heavy-duty cutting tasks. Think about the size of the fish you typically catch and the tasks you'll be performing to determine the best blade length for you.
Handle MaterialThe handle material of a fishing knife affects comfort, grip, and durability. Common handle materials include rubber, plastic, wood, and composite. Rubber and plastic handles are often textured to provide a secure grip, even when wet. Wood handles offer a traditional look and feel but may require more maintenance. Composite handles combine different materials to offer a balance of comfort, grip, and durability. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and provides a secure grip in various conditions.
SheathA sheath is an important accessory for safely storing and carrying your fishing knife. Sheaths can be made from materials like plastic, leather, or nylon. Plastic sheaths are durable and easy to clean, while leather sheaths offer a classic look and feel but may require more maintenance. Nylon sheaths are lightweight and resistant to water. Consider how you'll be carrying your knife and choose a sheath that offers the right balance of protection and convenience.
Additional FeaturesSome fishing knives come with additional features like built-in sharpeners, line cutters, or gut hooks. These features can add convenience and versatility to your knife. Built-in sharpeners allow you to maintain a sharp edge on the go, while line cutters make it easy to quickly cut fishing lines. Gut hooks are useful for field dressing fish. Think about which additional features would be most useful for your fishing activities and choose a knife that includes them.

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