How I Got Injured Using a Cheap Fillet Knife

How I Got Injured Using a Cheap Fillet Knife

One fisherman’s bargain fillet knife turned into a trip to the ER. The plastic handle snapped mid-cut, leaving him stitched up and frustrated. Here’s his story—and why investing in a durable fillet knife set like Blade & Salt makes all the difference.

How To Fillet A Fish In 6 Steps - Short And Easy Guide Reading How I Got Injured Using a Cheap Fillet Knife 3 minutes


A Customer’s Cautionary Tale: Handle with Respect (And Quality)

 

"I thought I scored a good deal." That’s how our friend turned fisherman starts his story. Picture this: a 7-inch fillet knife, purchased off Amazon, plastic handle, “good reviews,” and affordable. It seemed like a steal for the casual angler, until it wasn’t.

The Catch of the Day … and the Handle That Failed

On the morning of his epic tuna catch, he loaded his gear, fillet knife in hand, eager to clean the prize. The plan was simple: use the cheap blade for a quick prep, grill the fish, enjoy the feast. He’d even reassured himself: “It looked sturdy enough for a couple of fillets.”

But fate had other plans.

Just on the second use—right when he was slicing through firm tuna—it happened. The plastic handle came apart mid-cut, the blade launched backward, and sliced into the back of his hand. He ended up in the ER with stitches—harrowing, painful, and avoidable.

Why Poor Fillet Knife Design Can Turn Dangerous

What went wrong wasn’t just the handle. It was the design. The buyer later confessed to us:

“I realized I don’t like fillet knives that are too flexible… I prefer stronger at the base, thinner at the tip—flex only where it counts.”

That lack of structural integrity in the cheap knife wasn’t just inconvenient—it was dangerous.

After recovering, he went hunting for a reliable fillet knife set. That’s when Blade & Salt entered the picture. Our premium fillet knife set, with its reinforced handle, balanced blade taper, and durable craftsmanship, changed everything.

“Since I started using Blade & Salt’s set, the difference is night and day- long lasting, super sharp, and definitely not going to break or crack in my hand.”

He’s back to filleting—this time with confidence, precision, and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: A Lesson for Every Fisherman

  • Never skimp on quality, especially with tools that bite back.

  • Always test the strength and feel of a fillet knife - especially at the handle blade junction.

  • Look for blades that are sturdy at the base, with flexibility only at the tip - that’s where you need it.

  • A quality fillet knife set isn’t just convenient, it’s a game-changer for safety and performance.

 

  • Final Word of Advice

    When you choose your next knife, don’t let the price tag be the main driver. What matters are the features that keep you safe and make the job easier:

    • Strength – a blade that won’t bend or break under pressure.

    • Material – high-quality steel that stays razor sharp.

    • Full Tang – one solid piece of steel running through the handle (non-negotiable).

    • Handle Design – skip the cheap plastic; go for durable, non-slip materials built to last.

    • Flexibility – too much flex is risky. The sweet spot is a strong base with a tip that has just enough give. That’s the winner.

If you want to check out Blade & Salt's fillet knife or A-Z fillet set?

go to www.blade-salt.com