I don’t know how we survived all these years without a true fillet knife.
My wife and I really like Sockeye salmon, and we have started buying frozen wild Sockeye in between fresh fish seasons, which typically only last a few months in the summer.
Frozen Sockeye has a different texture and consistency than wild Sockeye. It has a sort of compressed flesh taste and feeling. Because of this, we don’t like preparing it in the broiler as we do with fresh salmon.
My wife has started making salmon fish sticks with the frozen Sockeye, and both of us enjoy it in this way. But… this requires removal of the skin prior to cooking, which can be a real chore.
I purchased the Rada Cutlery R200 fillet knife, watched a quick video on how to de-skin fish, and got the hang of it really quick. What used to take a long time with plenty of frustration now only takes a minute or two.
What I like about the Rada R200 is that it has a rubber handle. I previously ordered a Rapala fillet knife, but was really unhappy about its this product contains lead warning. I would rather not handle lead-laden kitchen products when working around food if I can help it.
The knife was sharp right out of the packaging, and although simple in construction it appears nicely made. Its 7-1/8″ blade is made from T420 high carbon surgical-grade stainless steel, and is supposed to be easily resharpened.
I had never heard of Rada before, but they seem to have a decent reputation wish fishermen and cooks.
The Rada E200 comes with a simple leather sheath.
It’s made in the USA and has a lifetime guarantee.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Street Price: $18-20
This is really my first fillet knife, but I cannot imagine really wanting more than the Rada R200 offers. I would definitely buy it again.
Janet says
Have you ever been able to find a fillet knife that does not contain lead? I just purchased one, learned to fillet, but was also quite disappointed in the warning that there is lead in my “stainless steel” fillet knife. I have the same one you purchased.
I am looking for a lead free brand but am not being very successful. Any suggestions?
Stuart says
Not yet. My understanding is that the lead us either in the handle or sheath material and not the blade itself.
Patrick says
Rada makes a really fine vegetable peeler as well.
Jerry says
Rada makes a whole line of decent utensils, most or all in the USA. They seem to be decent quality at moderate prices. One exception would be their ice cream scoop, which works better than any other I ever used on hard ice cream. I would rate that as premium quality, instead of just decent or good.
nateg says
Rada is based and made in my hometown of Waverly, Iowa. From what I understand they first got popular with their pairing knives. You may have seen them. They are the short ones with the metal handles. I own a variety of their knives and am always impressed with their quality and sharpness. They compare favorably against my exotic Japanese knives and cost pennies on the dollar. Some standouts in my opinion are their steak knives, bread/bagel knife, and earlier mentioned pairing knives (new serated version seems outstanding). My only complaint with them would be the handles. They are solid and I’ve yet to experience a failure… but they can look a little rough after a while. All of my handles are aluminum. I haven’t gotten any plastic ones. I don’t have any experience with the r200 this article is reviewing.
nateg says
As mentioned in the comments they also make an exceptional peeler.