What Is the Best Filleting Knife for Fish? 10 Must-Have Picks

What is the best filleting knife for fish? It's the one that gives chefs clean, precise cuts with minimal effort and zero meat wastage. In Australia's seafood-focused kitchens, a sharp, flexible blade isn't just convenient — it's essential for working quickly, maintaining consistency on every plate, and keeping prep safe.

Selecting the right knife makes all the difference. Factors like blade length, flexibility, edge retention, and handle grip determine how smoothly you can glide along bones and skin.

In this guide, we break down the top 10 picks for every skill level — from simple, beginner-friendly knives to professional-grade tools built for commercial kitchens.

For chefs who demand reliability and precision, explore the full Victorinox filleting knife range and upgrade your prep game today.

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TL;DR – Select Your Best Filleting Knife.

Selecting the appropriate filleting knife is based on skill, purpose and the budget that you have. We have prepared a list of the best filleting knives to help you find the perfect one. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Best overall picks for performance & value: These knives balance sharpness, control, and value, making them must-haves in most hospitality kitchens. If this is for you, choose from this selection: Victorinox 18 cm Flexible Blade, Victorinox 16 cm Flexible Blade, and Victorinox 20 cm Flexible Wide Blade (Classic). 

• Best for precision, tradition & budget: The following knives are perfect for chefs who prioritise detailed cuts, prefer a traditional wooden design, or need safe compliance on a budget. Choose from these top products: Victorinox 18 cm Narrow Extra Flex (Wood), Victorinox 18 cm Flexible Blade (Wood), and Hygiplas C853. 

• Best for specialised needs & premium kitchens: These knives are designed for premium kitchens, large fish prep, or venues needing compliance without overspending, such as Victorinox 5.3813.18 18 cm Extra Flex, Victorinox 6.8713.16B, Victorinox 7.7210.20G Grand Maître Wood 20 cm, and KH Kharve 20 cm (Multiple Colours). 

Overview of the Top Picks from Industry Kitchens

• Best Overall: Victorinox 18 cm Flexible Blade (Fibrox)

• Best Entry-Level: Victorinox 16 cm Flexible Blade (Fibrox)

• Best Value for Money: Victorinox 20 cm Flexible Wide Blade (Classic)

• Best for Precision Cuts: Victorinox 18 cm Narrow Extra Flex (Wood)

• Best Budget Fillet Knife: Hygiplas C853 Fillet Knife 160 mm (Blue)

• Best for traditional design: Victorinox 5.3700.18 – Filleting Knife, 18cm Flexible Blade (Wood)

• Best for ultra-delicate fish filleting: Victorinox 5.3813.18 – Filleting Knife, 18cm Extra Flex Blade (Fibrox)

• Best for larger fish fillets and gift-ready presentation: Victorinox 6.8713.20G – Filleting Knife, 20cm Flexible Wide Blade

• Best for premium kitchens: Victorinox 7.7210.20G – Grand Maitre Wood Filleting Knife, 20cm

• Best for cost-effective compliance: KH Kharve 48272–48278 – Filleting Knife Flexible 20cm (Multiple Colours)

1. Victorinox 18 cm Flexible Blade (Fibrox): Best Overall

Built for reliability and precision, the Victorinox 18 cm Flexible Blade (Fibrox) is a go-to in most Aussie kitchens. It is famous for its Swiss-made sharpness and solid, non-slip grip, allowing chefs a clean grip even in the busiest seafood preparations. It is flexible enough to enable you to produce smooth and uniform fillets with minimal effort.

Specifications

• 18 cm stainless steel blade
• Fibrox non-slip handle for wet conditions
• Straight-edge design for accuracy
• Lightweight and balanced

Pros ✅

• It has outstanding edge retention, suitable for everyday filleting.
• This knife remains corrosion-resistant even during frequent washing.
• Its balanced weight decreases fatigue at extended shifts.
• This knife is easy to maintain and fast to sharpen.

Cons ❌

• Not suited for tougher fish or cutting through bones.
• It may feel light to those who like heavier knives.

Rating ⭐

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Ease of use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Value of Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

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2. Victorinox 16 cm Flexible Blade (Fibrox): Best Entry-Level

Compact and reliable, the Victorinox 16 cm Flexible Blade (Fibrox) is a perfect fit for a chef who likes a smaller, controllable knife. It provides the precision of Swiss-made but has a shorter blade that can easily work on delicate fish and narrow preparation spaces. Ideal with individuals who are just learning to fillet fish or those who require a more lightweight everyday tool.

Specifications

• 16 cm stainless steel flexible blade
• Non-slip Fibrox handle
• Straight-edge design
• Dishwasher safe
• Lightweight and compact

Pros ✅

• It has good control for delicate or small fish.
• It is easy to hold and does not drop even in wet hands.
• It has a sharp blade that gives clean and consistent fillets.

Cons ❌

• It may not be convenient when dealing with large fish because of its short blade.
• It does not last as long as the professional knives.
• It is light, and it might not be appropriate for persons who are accustomed to firmer blades.

Rating ⭐

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

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3. Victorinox 20 cm Flexible Wide Blade: Best Value for Money

The Victorinox 6.8713.20G is popular when you need to work with a huge fish fillet. This knife is a combination of power, length and flexibility to cut a fillet.

Specifications

• 20 cm stainless steel, wide, flexible blade
• Dishwasher-safe
• Straight-edge blade
• Classic filleting knife

Pros ✅

• Large fish are easily cut with its wide blade.
• It has a strong flexibility that ensures clean fillets.
• It has a comfortable, non-slip handle for extended use.
• This knife offers excellent balance for consistent performance.

Cons ❌

• This may feel too wide for smaller or delicate fish
• Heavier than other Victorinox models.
• This knife may need more storage space due to its blade width.

Rating ⭐

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.7/5)
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
• Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.7/5)
• Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)

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4. Victorinox 18 cm Narrow Extra Flexible (Wood): Best for Precision Cuts

The Victorinox 18 cm Narrow Extra Flex (Wood) is a tool that a chef requires to have control and finesse in their culinary work. It has an extra-flexible blade that gives perfect fillets on delicate fish, and the narrow profile allows it to trim very cleanly.

Specifications

• 18 cm stainless steel blade
• Traditional wooden handle
• Straight-edge design
• Hand wash recommended

Pros ✅

• It has exceptional precision for delicate filleting.
• Its extra-flex blade maximises yield with minimal waste.
• It has a comfortable, natural grip for long prep sessions.
• Ideal for chefs who prefer classic tools.
• The classic wooden handle gives it a traditional look and balanced feel.

Cons ❌

• This knife requires hand washing to maintain handle quality.
• It is less durable under heavy use.
• Not dishwasher safe.

Rating ⭐

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Value of Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

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5. Hygiplas C853 Fillet Knife 160 mm (Blue): Best Budget Fillet Knife

The Hygiplas C853 is an inexpensive fillet knife that balances affordability, safety, and compliance to light-duty kitchens. It has a colour-coded handle to meet the HACCP requirements and is a smart purchase in places that require many knives without paying too much.

Specifications

• 160 mm stainless steel blade
• Blue, colour-coded plastic handle
• Moderate flexibility
• Standard steel material
• HACCP compliant

Pros ✅

• It is cheap and yet reliable.
• It is also lightweight and not hard to clean.
• It is flexible enough to be used with fish, meat, and poultry.

Cons ❌

• It is not as sharp or long-lasting as premium knives.
• Less flexibility with big fish.
• Its blade is less durable and flexible than higher-end knives like the KH Kharve.

Rating ⭐

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

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6. Victorinox 5.3700.18 – Filleting Knife, 18cm Flexible Blade (Wood): Best For Traditional Design

For chefs who prefer a classic wood handle, the Victorinox 5.3700.18 delivers old-school comfort with modern precision. The flexible blade slides easily around bones and skin, giving smooth cuts without harming the fragile flesh.

Specifications

• 18 cm flexible stainless steel blade
• Wooden handle for a traditional grip
• Lightweight and well-balanced
• Straight-edge design
• Hand wash recommended

Pros ✅

• The wood handle is made of natural wood, which makes it comfortable and vintage.
• It is very lightweight, which minimises hand fatigue.

Cons ❌

• Requires extra care to maintain handle quality.
• Not dishwasher safe.
• Less grip security than synthetic handles.

Rating ⭐

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.7/5)
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
• Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
• Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.7/5)

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7. Victorinox 5.3813.18 – Filleting Knife, 18cm Extra Flex Blade (Fibrox): Best for Ultra-delicate Fish Filleting

The Victorinox 5.3813.18 is designed to be precise and controllable with a natural, extra-flexible blade that can naturally bend around the shape of fish. It goes best with tender or fragile fish such as trout or salmon, and minimises wastage and preserves the ideal fillet texture.

Specifications

• 18 cm extra-flexible stainless steel blade
• Fibrox handle for non-slip grip
• Straight-edge profile
• Dishwasher safe
• Lightweight

Pros ✅

• It securely holds even with wet hands.
• It is easy to move on to fish parts.
• Low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe build

Cons ❌

• It is too tender for tougher fish such as tuna.
• It's unsuitable for heavy parts of the bone.
• Lacks the aesthetic appeal of wood handles.

Rating ⭐

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.8/5)
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.7/5)
• Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
• Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

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8. Victorinox 6.8713.16B – Filleting Knife, 16cm, Nylon Black Blister: Best for Everyday Fish Filleting

The Victorinox 6.8713.16B is compact yet capable. Its slim 16 cm blade slides effortlessly around bones, while the lightweight build makes it easy to manoeuvre across different fish species.

Specifications

• 16 cm stainless steel flexible blade
• Nylon handle (black)
• Swiss Classic collection
• Dishwasher safe
• Slim, pointed tip

Pros ✅

• It has great control for small and medium fish.
• It is dishwasher-safe and low-maintenance.
• It is lightweight but has a strong build.

Cons ❌

• It falls too short for large fish.
• The nylon handle is not as high-quality as Fibrox.
• Flexibility requires steady handling.

Rating ⭐

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.7/5)
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.7/5)
• Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.8/5)
• Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

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9. Victorinox 7.7210.20G – Grand Maitre Wood Filleting Knife, 20 cm: Best For Premium Kitchens.

The Victorinox 7.7210.20G Grand Maître Wood Filleting Knife is a luxurious design that has professional performance. It is best suited to high-end kitchens or as a present.

Specifications

• 20 cm stainless steel blade
• Maple wood handle
• Long, thin, flexible profile
• Hand wash recommended
• Premium Swiss material

Pros ✅

• It is ergonomically designed with a beautiful handle.
• It has a long blade, which is appropriate for big fish fillets.
• It is durable and has a wear-resistant knife edge.
• It can also be used as a professional-grade display knife.

Cons ❌

• It requires hand washing and maintenance.
• The wood handle is less resistant to moisture.
• Higher price due to premium materials.

Rating ⭐

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.8/5)
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.7/5)
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
• Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
• Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5)

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10. KH Kharve 48272–48278 – Filleting Knife Flexible 20cm (Multiple Colours): Best For Cost-effective Compliance.

The KH Kharve® Filleting Knife 20cm is built for heavy commercial use while staying compliant with HACCP standards. Its German stainless steel blade lasts longer, handles larger fish, and comes in multiple colour codes for full kitchen hygiene.

Specifications

• 20 cm German stainless steel flexible blade
• Colour-coded polypropylene handle
• Straight-edge design
• Ergonomic build for comfort
• Rust- and stain-resistant finish

Pros ✅

• It is an efficient, versatile knife to use for fish and meat.
• The coloured handle is HACCP compliant.
• High resistance to corrosion in heavy usage.
• It offers a comfortable grip even during long shifts.

Cons ❌

• Its handle is made of plastic and does not feel like a high-quality knife.
• The knife's edge should be maintained through hand washing.
• Flexibility may take practice for precise work.

Rating ⭐

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.7/5)
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.7/5)
• Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾ (4.8/5)
• Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

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Where to Buy Filleting Knives in Australia

If you're a hospitality professional or a fisherman, you need trusted suppliers for a reliable filleting knife. The best fish fillet knives are available through:

• Local hospitality suppliers are helpful if you want to feel the grip and blade length in person before buying, and may also stock specialised fishing knives for various fish processing tasks.

• Retailers of online kitchen equipment have a great variety of choices, including low-end and multi-tools, electric and folding fillet knives.

• Industry Kitchens—a trusted filleting knife supplier in Australia that has a large selection of filleting knives, such as low-end fillet knives, the most popular folding fillet knives, and high-quality chef-level fillet knives.

Selecting the proper supplier means you will have a nice knife with the sharp cut, good grip and edge retention required in a hospitality kitchen or on a fishing line.

Find Your Perfect Fillet Every Time

What is the best filleting knife?

The right fillet knife makes all the difference — smooth cuts, minimal waste, and a perfect fillet every time. Whether you're handling delicate trout, large snapper, or anything in between, the right knife feels balanced in your hand and gives consistent results.

From beginner-friendly budget knives to professional-grade Swiss classics, we've highlighted the best options so you can pick the one that fits your kitchen or fishing needs.

For chefs, fishermen, and home cooks alike, a high-quality fillet knife saves time, reduces waste, and makes cleaning fish effortless. In Australia, Industry Kitchens is your trusted source — stocked with the best filleting knives to suit every kitchen, tackle box, or fish cleaning station.

Ready to upgrade your filleting game? Check out Industry Kitchens for your next knife today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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• What Is a Filleting Knife Used For? Essential Tips and Techniques

• What Is a Meat Slicer? Exploring Its Uses & Benefits

• Easy Guide: How to Sharpen Meat Slicer Blade in Steps

• Revamp Your Kitchen: Kitchen Tools Essentials for Every Chef

The best filleting knife for fish is the one that feels right in your hand, glides cleanly along bones, and helps you get the perfect fillet every time — and in Australia, Industry Kitchens has the full range to make that happen.

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