This is a working fish fillet knife built to earn its keep. The 8-inch blade is slim and flexible — exactly what you need to ride the spine and ribs of a fish and lift clean fillets with minimal waste. Forged by hand in our Wyoming shop from layered 1095 and 15N20 Damascus steel, it's paired with a comfortable red honeycomb and camel bone handle that grips well even with wet hands. Good looks, but built for the job first.

Built to Fillet

Flex is what makes a fillet knife work, and this blade has it. The thin, flexible profile follows the contours of the fish so you can separate flesh from bone cleanly, whether you're working panfish, trout, or a bigger catch. At 8 inches, the blade is long enough for larger fish but still controllable for detailed cuts close to the bone. This is a knife made to be used on the dock, at the cleaning station, and in the kitchen.

1095 & 15N20 Damascus Blade

The blade is forge-welded from 1095 and 15N20 high-carbon Damascus steel, folded by hand to bring out the bold, flowing pattern. This high-carbon combination takes a keen, aggressive edge that slices through skin and flesh with ease. Because it's carbon steel, a quick rinse and a light coat of oil after each use keeps it clean and rust-free — our Damascus care guide covers the routine, and our sharpening guide explains how to keep a thin blade like this keen.

A Handle Built for Grip

A fillet knife has to stay secure in wet, slippery conditions, and this handle delivers. The red honeycomb scales give a positive grip, paired with a camel bone bolster and a dark spacer set with a mosaic pin. It's a handle with real character, but it's shaped and contoured first and foremost for control during long filleting sessions. Full-tang construction runs the steel through the handle for strength and balance.

Hand-Forged in Wyoming

This fish fillet knife is forged, ground, and finished by hand by us, Naqash and Younas Minhas, in Casper, Wyoming, with more than 15 years of combined experience at the bench. It ships with a handmade leather sheath to protect the slim blade. Browse the rest of our handcrafted blades in the fillet knives collection, and read more about how we work on our About page.

Specifications

Blade material: 1095 & 15N20 high-carbon Damascus steel
Blade type: flexible fillet blade
Handle material: red honeycomb with camel bone bolster and wood spacer (mosaic pin accent)
Overall length: 13 inches
Blade length: 8 inches
Handle length: 5 inches
Tang: full tang
Included: handmade leather sheath

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fish fillet knife used for?

A fish fillet knife is used to remove skin and bones from fish, lifting clean fillets off the rib cage with minimal waste. Its thin, flexible blade follows the contours of the fish, which is what makes it better at the job than a stiff all-purpose knife.

Is this blade flexible?

Yes. This is a true flexible fillet blade. The slim 8-inch profile bends to follow the spine and ribs of a fish, letting you separate flesh from bone cleanly. Flex is the defining feature of a real fillet knife.

What size is this fillet knife?

It has an 8-inch blade and a 13-inch overall length, with a 5-inch handle. The 8-inch blade handles larger fish while staying controllable for detailed cuts close to the bone.

What steel is this fish fillet knife made from?

It's forged from layered 1095 and 15N20 high-carbon Damascus steel, folded by hand for the bold pattern. This high-carbon blend takes a sharp, aggressive edge that's ideal for filleting fish.

Does the Damascus blade rust around water and fish?

High-carbon Damascus can rust if left wet, so rinse and dry the blade after each use and apply a light coat of food-safe oil before storage. With that simple care, it stays clean and holds its edge and pattern for years.

What is the handle made of?

The handle uses red honeycomb scales with a camel bone bolster and a dark wood spacer accented by a mosaic pin. It's shaped for a secure grip in wet conditions while giving the knife real character.

Is this fish fillet knife full tang?

Yes. The steel runs the full length of the handle for strength and balance, with no weak rat-tail tang. That makes it durable enough for regular use at the cleaning station.

Can I use this knife in the kitchen too?

Yes. The thin flexible blade works well for filleting fish, boning, and other delicate kitchen tasks. Just rinse and dry it after use, since it's a high-carbon Damascus blade.

Does it come with a sheath?

Yes. It includes a handmade leather sheath, hand-stitched to fit and protect the slim blade for safe storage and transport.

Is this a handmade fish fillet knife?

Yes. Every Malika fillet knife is forged, ground, and finished by hand by Naqash and Younas Minhas in Casper, Wyoming. No mass production — each knife is an individual working blade made by the two makers behind the brand.

Damascus Fish Fillet Knife – Red Honeycomb & Camel Bone Handle