The Best Saltwater Knives For 2024

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Best Saltwater Knives
Best Saltwater Knives

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: KastKing Bait Knives and Fillet Knives

The KastKing 5” Bait Knife has a serrated top edge that makes cutting frozen bait quick and easy. The razor sharp bottom edge allows the fisherman to prepare both chunk and cut plug style baits easier than ever before. These knives are made of high-grade carbon steel, that is corrosion resistant, wear-resistant and will not rust. They are also durable enough to stand up to the rigors of everyday fishing. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Rapala Fillet Knives Single Stage Sharpener Sheath

The Rapala Fish 'n Fillet offers a classic birch handle, a full tang blade and the balanced design needed for filleting. The blade is stainless steel with the classic Rapala reinforced birch varnished handle. This single stage sharpener offers comfort and convenience to anyone who needs their fillets quickly. Read Review

3. Best Comfortable: Calamus Bait Knives German G4116 Stainless-Steel Blades

Made with a German Stainless-Steel blade, these Calamus Bait Knives are razor sharp and incredibly durable. They are corrosion resistant with a beautiful blue corrosion resistant finish. Each fillet knife includes a lightweight and durable nylon sheath that protects the blade and keeps you safe between jobs. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Hold: KastKing Spartacus Fillet Knives Boning and Food Prep Knives

The Kraton G Polymer handles are constructed from a high performance material that delivers superior grip and durability. The handles provide good performance in all environments and at all temperatures. Read Review

A good knife is an essential for any cook. Whether you’re flipping through the latest chef’s cookbook or simply cutting up veggies for a meal at home, a good knife can make all the difference. But, which type of knife is best for cooks? Well, that depends on what kind of work you do.

There are a lot of different knives that fall under this broad category but they all have one thing in common: they are designed to cut up food. So, while there are many different types of knives you can choose from to suit your particular culinary needs, there are a couple of them that stand out as the best saltwater knives.

After doing extensive study and analysis over a 18 hours, We think the best saltwater knives is KastKing Bait Knives and Fillet Knives. You can consider Rapala Fillet Knives Single Stage Sharpener Sheath as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are definitely worth considering, and we've put up a useful shopping guide to help you decide!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 KastKing Bait Knives and Fillet Knives
Our Score:
9.7
KastKing

Non-Slip grips – We use the most comfortable and slip-resistant, golf style rubber grip for your safety and comfort. This handle feel great in your hand and will ensure that you’ll always have a solid grip on your bait knife.

G4116 German Stainless Blades – The razor sharp G4116 German Stainless-Steel blade has a beautiful black finish and will maintain its edge longer to make the job of cutting bait easier.

Perfect for Fresh or Saltwater – German Stainless-steel blades stay sharper longer and are perfect for both fresh and saltwater applications.

Serrated Top Edge – The KastKing 5” Bait Knife has a serrated top edge that makes cutting frozen bait quick and easy. The razor sharp bottom edge allows the fisherman to prepare both chunk and cut plug style baits easier than ever before.

Includes Protective Knife Sheath – Each 5” Bait Knife includes a light-weight and durable sheath that protects the blade and keeps you safe in between jobs.

TOP Choice #2 Rapala Fillet Knives Single Stage Sharpener Sheath
Our Score:
9.5
Rapala

Classic birch handle

Making it the "go-to" fillet knife in the fishing world

Progressively tapered, full-tang blade

Safety notch secures tang to brass ferule

The genuine leather sheath and single-stage sharpener seal the deal

Each Fish 'n Fillet features a full-tang Swedish stainless steel blade with the classic rapala reinforced birch varnished handle

TOP Choice #3 Calamus Bait Knives German G4116 Stainless-Steel Blades
Our Score:
9.4
Calamus

Available in Four Different Lengths and Shapes – Calamus filleting knives and bait knives are available in five lengths and shapes, so you’ll always have the perfect fixed knife for the job. Available in a stiff 5” bait knife, a 7” & 9” traditional/flexible fillet knife, and a tough 9” steaking/boning knife.

Protective Nylon Sheath – Each fillet knife includes a lightweight and durable nylon sheath that protects the blade and keeps you safe between jobs. The sheath is vented to allow for air circulation while allowing water to drain away which also improves corrosion resistance.

G4116 German Stainless Blades – The razor sharp G4116 German Stainless-Steel fish fillet knife and bait knife blades have a beautiful blue corrosion resistant finish that is fresh and clean looking. It is also more corrosion resistant and will maintain its edge longer to make the job of filleting and steaking fish quicker and more efficient than ever before.

Perfect for Fresh or Saltwater – German G4116 Stainless-steel blades stay sharper longer and are perfect for both fresh and saltwater fishing applications. Also great as a hunting knife, kitchen knife or chef knife.

Non-Slip Golf Style Handles – Each fishing knife has a comfortable and slip-resistant, golf style rubber handle for your safety and all-day comfort. These fillet knife and bait knife handles feel great in your hand and provide a solid grip on the knife in both wet and dry conditions. These handles are also up to 40% lighter than some comparative handles making the job much easier.

8Cr14 Stainless-Steel Blades – Each of the new KastKing Spartacus knives feature the ultra-sharp, 8Cr14 Stainless-Steel blades for the ultimate in performance and durability. These blades have a high carbon content to retain their edge sharpness longer and a higher Chromium content than competitive 8Cr13 knives to increase corrosion resistance. Even with these higher quality blades, KastKing Spartacus knives are priced lower to deliver exceptional value.

Kraton G Polymer Handle – The highly UV resistant handles provide the ultimate in performance and durability. Kraton G Polymer performs at all temperatures and provides a comfortable and slip-resistant grip during cleaning and processing.

Cerakote Ceramic Finish – To deliver the very best corrosion resistance of any knife on the market today, Spartacus fishing knives are coated with Cerakote, ceramic finish. This high-temperature ceramic coating will withstand temperatures to 2000 degrees and provides the best corrosion resistance possible. Cerakote is used on high-end firearms and in the automotive industry to ensure a long-lasting finish.

Perfect for Fresh or Saltwater – KastKing Spartacus fillet, processing and food prep knives are perfect for all fresh and saltwater applications or for use in the kitchen. These professional level fillet knives will provide years of service and will quickly become your favorite tool for filleting fish, boning meat and processing any food

Protective Molded Knife Sheath – Each fillet knife includes a light-weight and durable sheath to protect your blade and provide a safe storage option for your knife. Unlike fabric cases that retain water and cause corrosion, our molded case allows water to drain from the case and air flow to circulate which keeps blades in top notch condition between uses.

🗡️【LIGHTWEIGHT & VENT PROTECTIVE SHEATH】Each knife includes a light-weight and durable sheath to protect your blade and provide a safe storage option for your knife. The unique design of the sheath will lock the handle in for safety but removes easily when needed. The open slots in the sheath are design to allow water to drain easily so that your knives stay dry and sharp. Can be carried outdoors, on cars and ships

🗡️【PORTABLE KNIFE SHARPENER】Easy to carry easy to use made with tungsten steel and ceramic plates to keep your knife sharp at any time. Stainless steel blades are corrosion resistant, but they tend to lose their edge.For the best filleting experience, keep the blade as sharp as you want it with the included double-sided sharpener for long-term use.

🗡️【GREAT GIFT FOR ANYONE】Gifts for husband or wife, proving hugely popular as dad gifts, gifts for friends. And a perfect gift for a passionate fisherman or chef.It’s an essential starter kit for new fishing enthusiasts, which can fit easily in your travel gear, backpacks, fishing kit, boating accessories and camping gear.

🗡️【COMFORTABLE NON-SLIP GRIP】The textured-rubber handle features an ergonomic comfort design and made of slip-resistant, super polymer material, safety and comfort and comfortable to grip, which relieves wrist fatigue and prevents slipping, ensuring optimal maneuverability . Providing a outstanding grip on the knife in both wet and dry conditions . These handles also clean up easily and stay looking good longer.

🗡️【5”MULTI-FUNCTIONAL FISH FILLET KNIFE】The 5” Bait Knife is stiff and strong , it has a serrated top edge that makes cutting frozen bait quick and easy. High-quality Stainless-Steel blades have a high carbon content to retain their edge sharpness longer and a higher Chromium content to increase corrosion resistance. The non-stick coating helps the meat slide off easily. The fillet knife can be used for filleting freshwater and saltwater fish.

Key Features – Fishing tools - Corrosion resistant 420 Stainless Steel fishing pliers and fillet knife – Durable corrosion resistant coating – Tungsten carbide line cutters slice through mono, fluorocarbon, and braided fishing line with ease – Open split rings to change hooks – Tune baits - Crimp split shot or build leaders

Tungsten Carbide Cutters – Super hard tungsten carbide cutters slice though mono, fluorocarbon, or braided fishing line with ease. Side mounted anvil cutters for easy access, cutters on the KastKing Intimidator Fishing Pliers allow you to cut your tag end as close to the knot as you desire without any obstructions.

Multi-Function Jaws – Grab and remove any fishhook with the serrated jaws or take advantage of the crimping slots to secure a split shot weight or build a steel leader. Slots machined into the edge of the jaws allow for tuning baits for the perfect action. Available in both a straight nose and a Split ring nose design.

7” Fillet Knife – Our Fillet knife offers a comfortable, non-slip rubber handle for a sure grip while filleting your catch. The 7” 420 stainless steel blade is coated with a durable coating to prevent corrosion. We include a lightweight molded sheath to both protect the blade from damage and prevent injuries. The skeletal sheath design allows for the blade to dry quickly.

Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel – The 6-inch fishing pliers are made from corrosion resistant 420 stainless steel and coated with a tough exterior coating for added protection. Designed for long term performance, these fishing pliers are ideal for both freshwater and harsh saltwater environments.

【Corrosion Resistance & Durability】The Razor X blade uses a high quality coating, which provides 30% higher corrosion resistance than a normal fillet knife, which has perfect performance in both freshwater and saltwater. Filleting fish of all sizes, steaking large game fish and trim or remove meat and fish from the bone easier than ever before.

【Non-Slip & Comfortable Rubber Handle 】The Razor X fillet knife has a comfortable slip-resistant rubber handle for your safety and all day comfort, you can get an extremely firm grip. Meanwhile, the handle is easy to clean and not easily deformed.

【Versatile Knife Sheath】The Razor X fillet knife sheath has a pop-up sharpening bar, a embedded V-type grindstone and a belt loop. These features make for easy sharpening and carrying.

【Meet Your Various Needs】Available in Five Different Lengths and Shapes , so you’ll always have the perfect fixed knife for the job. Available in a stiff 5” bait knife, a 6'', 7'' & 9'' traditional/flexible fillet knife, and a tough 9” steaking/boning knife.

【G4116 German Stainless Blades】The fillet knife blade is made of German G4116 stainless, sharp and durable. Not only sharp, but also perfectly flexible, so the size profile naturally forms the perfect fillet.

8 KastKing Intimidator Bait Knives
Our Score:
8.5
KastKing

Includes Bonus Sharpener – All KastKing Intimidator bait knife and fillet knives come with a professional honing rod so you can maintain a precise razor-sharp edge on your knives. The super hard HRB 62 rod allows you to hone the edge of your knife quickly and easily, and the ergonomic non-slip handle will help keep you safe.

Sharp Stainless Blades – All KastKing Intimidator bait knife and fillet knife are manufactured with G4116 German Stainless-Steel and ground to a precise ultra-sharp edge. These knives function well in both freshwater and saltwater and will maintain their precision cutting edge longer than most. The KastKing Intimidator fishing knives are idea for cutting bait, fileting any size fish, or removing meat from the bone.

Slip-Resistant Handle – The thermoplastic elastomer grip provides a comfortable non-slip grip for the ultimate in safety. The ergonomic Intimidator handle is designed to fit comfortably in your hand and the index finger trigger grip helps to ensure you always have complete control, as you cut bait or filet your catch.

Protective Sheath – Each fishing knife comes with a light-weight durable sheath to protect the blade edge during storage and to keep you safe. The open design allows water to drain and promotes air flow so that your fishing knives stay sharp and dry.

Choose the Best Knife – Our 5” Intimidator bait knife has a stiff blade, with a serrated top edge for cutting frozen bait fish. The extremely sharp cutting edge makes it easy to cut both chunk bait and plug style bait with ease. The 6”, 7”, and 9” filet knives are thinner and more flexible making them ideal for precisely carving fish filets or cutting meat off the bone of any beef, pork or poultry.

【Good Companion of the Explorer】Suitable for fishing, camping, hunting and other outdoor sports, please bring it, be your most useful partner. It is also great to be a gift for your friend, husband and father!

【Non-slip Rubber Handle】Our fish knife handle is made of non-slip PP and TPR materials, which is more ergonomic and also provides comfort during use. These handles feel great in your hand and ensure that you will always have a solid grip on your knife in both wet and dry conditions.

【Protective Knife Sheath】Lightweight ventilated knife sheath with open slots which not only allows water to drain easily so that your knives stay dry and sharp, but also provides a safe storage option. The unique design of the sheath will lock the handle in for safety but removes easily when needed.

【Knife Sharpener for Gift】Each knife comes with a knife sharpener which is a small gift from our company. It features 2 sides: crossed carbide blades for quickly rejuvenating the edge and crossed ceramic rods for fine sharpening, retaining the knife’s sharpness for long-term use.

【Flexible Curved Blade】Each of CRAZY SHARK knives is featured the ultra-sharp, high-quality stainless-steel blade, which coated with black coating, making it more durable and corrosion-resistant. The sharp blade can easily cut baits, fillet fish of all sizes, steak large game fish and trim or remove meat and fish from the bone easier than ever before.

Mister Twister Electric Piranha Fillet Knife Saltwater Heavy Duty Corded MT-1208

How to choose a good model of best saltwater knives

Choosing the best saltwater knives to buy might be difficult, but it is critical to locate a reputable brand that provides high-quality goods. This article will assist you in determining which is the greatest brand to purchase for high-quality items.

Before purchasing the best saltwater knives for your needs, there are several aspects to consider. The intended usage of the product is the most significant aspect. To avoid harming customers, the finest goods must be ensured on production materials. Here are some suggestions for purchasing the best saltwater knives.

Attachment Features

You will have to attach the dive knife to your body in some manner. You can attach the knife to your body with straps, a belt, a lanyard or pocket clip.
Straps are the best way to attach your dive knife. The sheath will have two straps, one at the handle and the one on the blade. For quick access, this will ensure that the sheath is securely attached to your leg.
You can attach the knife to your body via a lanyard, tether or rope. The lanyard can be held by string or rope to ensure it does not sink to the bottom.
A locking mechanism is another feature that may be found on knives. This will ensure the knife stays in its sheath. It is essential as this will protect the knife against accidental fall out of its sheath when diving.

Blade Material

The knife blade will rust easily from saltwater and sand. The knife blade must be capable of withstanding saltwater submersion without becoming rusty. Titanium and stainless steel are the best materials to resist corrosion and rust.
Titanium is more resistant to corrosion and rust than stainless steel. You will need to clean stainless steel after every dive, as saltwater and sand could quickly corrode the blade and make it dull.
Titanium has a higher resistance to corrosion and rust than other metals. Although titanium may be more expensive upfront, the rewards will outweigh it.

Blade Size

Your dive knife will most likely be used underwater so it needs to be easy to open and use. It will be much easier to use a small knife underwater than a larger one.
A dive knife's blade should measure between 3 and 5 inches. A blade that is more than five inches in length can make it difficult or dangerous to use underwater. Blades of 3 to 5 inches are not likely to work underwater.
To be effective and most easy to use, a diving knife blade should not exceed 3 inches in length but must not exceed 5 inches.

Visibility

Diver knives can often come in brightly-colored designs. The knife was not designed to be worn with your swimming trunks, contrary to popular belief. Bright colors can be easily seen if your knife is dropped while you dive. The same rules apply if you are in need of a knife during an emergency.

Foldable Or Fixed

You have two options for the dive knife: foldable and fixed. There are many benefits.
The use of fixed knives is very simple and quick. You can simply remove the fixed diving knife from its sheath and you are ready to go. This is a quick and easy process.
While folding knives can be difficult to open, it is possible to store them more conveniently. Because they are much less likely to be damaged or lost, folding knives can also make diving knives safer.
Both fixed and foldable dive knives can be used effectively and are both sufficient. However, each has its own benefits.

Blade Edge & Tip

Diver knives can be purchased with either straight or serrated cutting edges. For cutting through dense materials and sawing, serrated knives work well. Straight edges can be used for more precise cutting.
You can find dive knives with both blunt and sharp tips. The blunt tips of dive knives are very useful for prying or digging. Because you don't want to accidentally poke anything, blunt tips can be useful when working in tight spaces. The cutting edge of sharp tips curves towards the end and has a very long length. They are useful in any circumstance where the horizontal cutting edge is not possible. Tanto blades are also worth mentioning.

FAQs

Are Knife Straps That Go Around Your Leg Safe To Use?

The knife should be low-profile and flush with the leg. Most experienced divers prefer to place their knife inside the leg, particularly those diving in wrecks and other areas susceptible to entanglement. This will keep the knife in between your legs and prevent it from becoming entangled. You can attach smaller diving knives to your BCD/inflator hose, so you are able to reach them more quickly if they get caught up. Divers often carry more than one knife or cut tool, with one attached to the BCD and one for the inner leg.

Can I Use Dive Knives Against Sharks?

It is crucial that you don't provoke underwater predators like sharks or barracudas when you dive. They won't attack you unless you feel threatened. If they do, they will most likely snap at your face and flee. The water pressure in depth can make your movements slow and clumsy, making it very unlikely that you could use your knife to defend yourself against the lightning-fast attacks of underwater predators. Even if you were able to fight back, it would make matters worse since more predators would be looking for blood. You need to be able to safely dive with sharks. If the situation becomes dangerous, it's time to get out of the water.

Should I Choose A Black Blade For My Dive Knife?

Divers can also be attracted to or scared off by shiny knives. This will usually not cause any problems as your knife will stay in its sheath. If you plan on using your knife frequently, you may want to opt for a dark blade. This will prevent you from being bitten by any underwater predators. A black knife is more difficult to find than shiny metal ones in case a diver drops it.

How Many Knives Should I Carry?

Two knives are a must for experienced divers. In case one or both of them get lost, it is a good idea to have a second knife. One knife should be within reach of you right hand, such as your inflatorhose. The other one should be within reach of your left (such like your BCD waistband or weight belt). You will be able reach the knife you need even if your arm gets caught up. Do not carry too many knives. This can make you feel awkward and could lead to weight gain.

How Do You Care For Dive Knives?

They are strong and will last for many years if they are well maintained. Soak the sheath, strap and knife in cool water after every dive. It will remove any grit, salt or chemicals that could cause damage to the material. Before you store it, dry everything completely. Use a bit of silicone oil to coat the knife. If you've been using the knife a lot, it may be necessary to sharpen it before storage. Sharpening knives is an excellent idea after each dive to ensure they remain sharp for your next diving trip. Keep knives out of reach of children.

What Type Of Dive Knife Should I Use?

Divers can choose from a variety of knives, each with a different purpose. A combination of a regular and serrated knife is best for cutting tough ropes like those used in fishing nets. This knife can also be used to cut thin fishing lines with its line-cutting notch. Consider what type of diving you do before you purchase a second blade. A stiletto knife is useful for spear fishers as it will quickly kill the catch and keep them from being spooked by predators. You can purchase more durable blades that can be used for different tasks, such as sawing and prying.

Conclusion

We hope that our helpful advice has assisted you in locating the best saltwater knives for your requirements. If you still can't locate one, contact the danco Pro Series 9" Fillet Knives Full Tang German G4116 Stainless-Steel Blades. If you encounter an issue, please contact us as soon as possible; we would be pleased to assist you with any questions or concerns. Now is an excellent moment to purchase!


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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

Read Hailey's full bio