Looking to purchase an electric fillet knife as a gift. With zero knowledge of them I would think cordless would be the way to go but they are spendy. What electric fillet knifes does the IDO community recommend?
I have the Rapala Deluxe Electric Knife. It works very well and I have no complaints. I like the whole cordless idea until you forget to charge to battery. The deluxe can be used with alligator clips to your trucks 12v battery or it can be plugged right into your wall. I’ve never had the cords get in the way but you need to remember to wipe the cord down when you’re done, but that’s it.
I am on my second Mister Twister electric knife. I can get about 4-5 years out of one before I replace it. I buy new blades more often. I really like it and when I go on a canoe trip and go back to non-electric I suffer. I have looked into the cordless ones, but since I do 99% of my fish cleaning where I have a plug, I just like the knife I have. I will buy another when this one wears out.
Had the Rapala cordless. That unit did not last long. Internal battery drained too fast. That unit saw the garbage inside the 2 year mark.
Now have the Rapala Deluxe like ME has. Has lasted quite a few years now.
Also have the American Angler show here. Nice unit has lasted 10 plus years now. No complaints.
***Blades can be used between both units.
My only complaint on both of these is the blade ejection button is right where I like to press my thumb when cutting. (or on the grip) This will often cause the blade to eject while in the middle of a cut. Poor design by both companies.
-J.
I also have the Rapala electric plug in model, works great but after about 6-7 years of use it is finally starting to show signs of going out. For the price I’ve had good experiences with the Mr. Twister too.
I have used the following: Mister Twister, Rapala Corded, Rapala Deluxe (own) and Rapala Cordless with lithium batteries (own).
I thought the Rapala Deluxe was going to be the cat’s meow when I bought it. I loved the versatility (in theory) of being able to plug into a 12v adapter, clamp to car battery, etc, but it is so SLOW. The Mister Twister and original rapala corded models were great. Cycled fast and cut very well. I prefer the pointed blades on the Rapala models compared to the Mister Twister however.
My current go-to is the Rapala cordless. I have two batteries and this is the lithium batteries. It cycles fast, charges fast and lasts a long time. I brought two batteries with to Canada when I spent a week with no access to electricity. Cleaned fish every day and the first battery still had juice at the end of the trip!
For me its a no brainer, the rapala cordless with lithium batteries. I haven’t used the American Angler, but from those that I have used, this is the best electric knife.
I have this one:
http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/rapala-lithium-ion-charging-combo/0000000087575
It works well. Fleet Farm sells them cheaper than everyone else. Sometimes they even have them on sale.
This is kit they came out with recently:
i have had a mister twister electric for over 15 years, have replaced a lot of blades but it is working great. used it on the turkey last thursday
I got one of the very first Rapala cordless. Didn’t last. Went with the Rapala 12/110 kit and it just died 6 weeks ago. Bought another Rapala kit. Haven’t tried a lithium model.
i have had a mister twister electric for over 15 years, have replaced a lot of blades but it is working great. used it on the turkey last thursday
+1 same for me.
I’ve had them all but by far they best for me has been the Berkeley cordless.
I bought a 2nd battery as a backup but rarely use it.
The blades have lasted me for 3 years now without needing to sharpen them and the batteries have has more re charges than ever expected.
Its been used alot with no complaints or issues.
Highly recommended
Also does a great job on the annual Turkey and Ham at Thanksgiving time 
I got one of the very first Rapala cordless. Didn’t last. Went with the Rapala 12/110 kit and it just died 6 weeks ago. Bought another Rapala kit. Haven’t tried a lithium model.
I must have also had one of the first versions too. Sounds like the new cordless have improved.
-J.
I’ve had one of the Rapala cordless knives for 4 years now and it’s been excellent. I did buy new blades at the beginning of this year. I’ve cleaned a lot of fish with it and it still runs like new.
I gave up on the electric “filet” knives. For what I was paying and never got the longevity like those listed above. I took out my old Hamilton carving knife from shopko and its still in use after 20 years. I have a serrated edge sharpener from GATCO and have4 touched up the blades a few times. But nothing sold as a “filet” knife has lasted as long as this.
Besides cleaning fish, I carve ham, turkey,…cut frozen deer, elk,..ands so on. Been used hard and it still gives back.
The Rapala lithium is the only way to go! I spent a week on Lake Powell in Utah filleting anywhere from 10-50 fish a day and it never slowed down on one battery.
I’m with Randy Wieland on this one.
Had a Mr Twister that last for some time that work well. Wore out and got a new one, it was just not the same. Looked at them all and for the money I went with Hamilton Beach. Got a new one on e-bay 4 years ago for eleven dollars. Was really surprised how well it works and does a great job. Ended up getting another for a back-up just in case at the same place for Twelve bucks!
So I have a total of less then $25 in two electric knives.
The last Mr. Twister that I returned cost me $30.
I know it’s a gift and money might not be the issue.
But these work really well. Right Randy?
should add I do have a 12-volt American Angler that I have in the boat in case there is no power outlet. Batteries are batteries — at some point they just give out. Period.
I’ve used the Lithium Rapala since they came out with them. They are very nice power wise. I can clean 48-60 average size walleye 15″-20″ on a charge.
My only complaint is the blade release buttons. I’ve had to return my knife three times. They warrantied it every time. The design of the buttons is very poor. I’ve had them a part. The buttons consist of multiple parts glued together. Eventually the glue falls apart. This knife will be perfect once they figure out a new release button.
Even with this issue I’ll stick with the Lithium. Best knife I’ve owned. (It’s twice the knife of the regular battery operated one. Which is not worth the money IMO)
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