Hey there anglers and welcome to my post where we will check my three best fishing knife sharpeners to ensure smooth filleting this year. The effectiveness of our fishing tools depends on how they perform to do the job expected from them including our fishing knives which should be sharp enough to do the cutting works we require from them.
And as with anything to do with fishing there are a good number of options out there so to assist those of you looking for a good sharpener for your fishing knife, I have had a good look around and come up with 3 good options below.
Let’s check them out…
My three recommended fishing knife sharpeners
I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are fishing knife sharpeners?
A fishing knife sharpener is a tool that you use to clean the knife or hone its edges so that it is capable of clean and efficient cutting. Over the years, knife sharpeners have evolved with the advanced ones even available as electrically powered.
Regardless of the type however, knife sharpeners generally consist of a hard surface – such as stone – that is used to run the blade along to remove nicks or ‘chunks’ and to make the edge smoother leading to increased sharpness.
What should you be looking for?
The following outlines some factors to consider as you look for a good sharpener for your fishing knife.
- Type
- Ease of use
- Sharpening material
- Grit number
- Safety feature
- Additions
Type
Here are the different types of knife sharpeners that you can choose from:
- Sharpening stone: This is one of the oldest means of knife sharpening where the blade is run across a stone block. This knife sharpening method requires more time and effort than running your knives through an electric sharpener, but the tool gives you a good result.
- Sharpening steel: This has many names such as honing steel, butcher’s steel, chef’s steel. It could be ceramic or diamond-coated steel that helps restore the knife’s sharpness.
- Handheld sharpener: This type is typically small in size, lightweight, and easy to operate. Traveling fishers prefer such sharpeners since they can be easily tucked into their fishing backpacks.
- Electric sharpener: Electric sharpeners are ideal for people who prefer the least amount of effort approach in knife sharpening. There is no need to do anything manually; these sharpeners work automatically and can provide excellent results for restoring the sharpness of your blades.
The trade-off for the convenience of electric sharpeners would be their bulky construction and price tag.
Ease of use
Electric sharpeners have built-in motors that sharpen the knives quickly and efficiently. Manual products, on the other hand, come with an easy-to-read manual giving you the best practices on how to optimize their use. Other sharpeners are foldable that they can be placed inside the pockets of your fishing jacket.
The materials used as abrasives by a sharpener can really separate the best knife sharpeners from the rest. Diamond is the hardest and most durable of all whilst polished ceramic, tungsten carbide and sapphire are less durable but less expensive.
Grit number
In sharpening stones, grit refers to the coarseness of the material which determines the type of result you want and the knife’s condition. To sharpen a knife with chipped edges, use a sharpener with less than 1000 grit. For a dull knife, the grit range would be from 1000 to 3000 will work best whereas 4000 to 8000 grit is good for the finishing process to refine the edge of a knife.
Safety feature
This is achieved by ensuring that the knife sharpener remains in place when you are using it to avoid accidental cuts. The standard safety feature here is placing non-slip pads beneath the product. Handheld products have ergonomic handles which give the user a firm grip on the sharpener.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Slot system: Many knife sharpeners consist of slots that are used to achieve a thorough sharpening result.
- Safety glove: Certain manufacturers include a safety glove when purchasing their products. This is helpful because the item is cut-resistant, protecting your holding hand as you sharpen the fishing knife.
FAQ
Why do you need a sharp knife for filleting fish?
A sharp knife makes the process of filleting fish more efficient and precise. A dull knife requires more force to cut through the fish, which can be time-consuming and tiring – not to mention tends to leave half the flesh on the bone. A sharp knife, on the other hand, allows you to slice through the fish with ease and speed.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Smith’s CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener
My first recommended knife sharpener may be small in size but is capable of delivering big results. It is simple to use, portable and works as a two-step knife sharpener that does the work with just a few strokes. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Smith’s
- Type: Handheld sharpening knife
- Sharpening material: Carbide and ceramic
- Grit: #1500 (Ceramic)
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 0.88 x 2.71 x 2.33 inches
Other inclusions:
- Non-slip rubber feet
- 2-type sharpening material
- Preset sharpening angles
Why have I chosen it?
This simple to use pull-through knife sharpener is lightweight, compact and portable with non-slip rubber feet for added safety. Its sharpening angles guarantee sharpened blades on every stroke with two types of material, both helpful in resetting and sharpening your knife’s edge. This is a great option for those looking for something small and simple to use on the go.
2. DMD Diamond Sharpening Stone
This second sharpening tool is not just portable but durable as well thanks to its diamond stone build. The design of the product contributes to its straightforward use with two grit settings for a number of use needs. See its specifications below:
- Brand: DMD
- Type: Handheld sharpening knife
- Sharpening material: Diamond sharpening stone
- Grit: #400 and #600
- Weight: 2.89 ounces
- Dimensions: 8.8 x 1.18 x 0.59 inches
Other inclusions:
- Double-sided sharpening tool
- Foldable construction
- 3-month warranty
Why have I chosen it?
This diamond sharpening stone is made of titanium-plated diamond stone, making it more durable than other products available today. This product is a two-sided knife sharpener; one side is ideal for maintaining the sharpness of the blades while the other keeps their cutting precision. It is easily folded, so you will not have a hard time storing it. This is another great portable option for fishing of all types.
3. Kitchellence 4-in-1 3-Stage Knife Sharpener
My last fishing knife sharpener offers multiple sharpening stages and is equipped with an ergonomic handle ensuring safety and ease of use. It is great for fishing knives of all types, regardless of their condition with a non-slip base for extra stability as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Kitchellence
- Type: Handheld sharpening knife
- Sharpening material: Tungsten, ceramic
- Grit: Diamond rod = #350; Tungsten steel: not indicated; Ceramic rod: #800.
- Weight: 6.3 ounces
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 2.2 x 3.4 inches
Other inclusions:
- Safety gloves
- 3-slot sharpening system
- Money-back guarantee
Why have I chosen it?
The three-slot-sharpening system guarantees that your knife will look brand new after a few strokes into the product as follows:
- Slot 1: Repairs and strengthens damaged blades
- Slot 2: Sharpens and restores the knife’s cutting shape
- Slot 3: Fine-tunes for a clean polish
It comes with cut-resistant gloves to protect your hands from any unwanted cuts and is super easy-to-use whether you are left or right-handed. If you are fisher who is hard on knives then this is the perfect option for you.
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$6.80
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$9.99
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Conclusion
And there they are, my three best fishing knife sharpeners. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
