Explore the Differences Between Boning Knife and Filleting Knife

Both the boning knife and filleting knife may appear to look similar. But they are ideal for two different tasks. Learn more

A set of different knives is an essential kitchen accessory. Chef knife, bread knife, paring knife, utility knife, boning knife, and fillet knife. So, the variation in terms of different types of knives is overwhelming. And, confusing too to some extent.
In this regard, a question may come to your mind what is the difference between a boning knife and a fillet knife? The answer to the question will also help you to learn how to use them to cut meat or fish in your kitchen.
Knowing their difference also may clear your other confusion like can I use only one particular type of knife that will serve functions of both types of knives?

Boning knife
So, what is a boning knife? The boning knife as you already may figure out that this type of knife is used to separate the bone from different types of meat. Unlike the fillet knife, this knife is inflexible and thicker. The blade of this knife is also direct and straight up to the end of it.
Below are a few common and less common uses of the boning knife

• Dislodge bone from the meat
• Separate meat from the skin
• Cut fruits like mangoes
• Carve cakes
• Core cupcakes.

Many people also use a boning knife for filleting a fish. But, since this type of knife is not so flexible and you are not too accustomed to using this knife so often, cutting a fish will be a challenging task for you. However, as unlike fillet knife, a boning knife is thicker making them ideal for cutting solid meat.

Fillet knife
A fillet knife is used for more delicate tasks like separating the meat from the skin. The knife is also small and flexible. These knives are ideal for elaborate and delicate cuts. However, Exerting excessive force while performing a cutting task using a fillet knife may make the knife susceptible to break. So, use it gently.
The common uses of the fillet knife

• Remove fish scales
• Trimming fat
• Segment​ing fruits like lemon, tangerine, key lime, mandarin orange, and pommel
• Preparing vegetables and fruits.
• Sculpting or carving vegetables and fruits for decoration
• Carving or sculpting vegetables and fruits for decoration
• Now let us discuss more elaborately on each of the characteristics of a boning knife and fillet knife.

Design
A boning knife is ideal for cutting solid meats while a fillet knife is perfect for slicing meats. However, both types of knives have extreme sharpness and perform their respective functions quite well.
The boning knives have straight blades while the fillet knives feature curved blades.

Pressure or resistance
The boning knives are thicker and harder.making them more resistant to pressure. In contrary to boning knives, fillet knives are thinner making them fragile.

Maneuverability
Both knives are maneuverable. Though boning knives are heavier than fillet knives, but still you can perform the filleting fish with these knives. But, after filleting the flesh of fish you will get will not be in good shape. The same thing is applicable for filleting knives. You can use them to separate meat from the bone. But the task will be harder for you since the fillet knives are highly flexile that will make your meat separating task strenuous.

Blade Length
The blade length of fillet knives is 4 to 9 inches. However, most people buy 7.5 inches long fillet knives. It is because people buy medium size fish most. So, a filleting knife with 7.5 inches long is ideal
In contrast, boning knives come with a 5 to 7 inches long blade length. But, there are boning knives that blade’s length could be up to 9 inches.

The Curves
The shape of a fillet knives blade is curved in an upward direction with a tip. The boning knife looks like an ordinary kitchen knife but it does not have much flexibility. Another noticeable feature of boning knives is they are thinner and longer than an ordinary kitchen knife.

Materials
Both boning knives and fillet knives are made from stainless steel or carbon. The blade of those knives that are manufactured from carbon steel is sharper. But, they need regular maintenance to stop rust formation on the blade. Blades manufactured from stainless steel require less maintenance since they are rust-resistant and thus corrosion-free.

Prices
The prices of both types of knives are similar. The price of boning knives is in the range of $20 to $150 while fillet knives are available from $15 to $150.

Conclusion
Your set of knives should include boning and filleting knives if your food preparation task involves filleting and deboning tasks quite often. They have other applications too as you saw from the above discussion.