Essential Knives for Seafood Processing: A Buyer’s Guide

For decades, Wolff Industries has been a trusted name in poultry and red meat processing. Through our partnership with IVO knives, we now proudly supply a growing number of seafood processors, fishermen, and restaurants with professional-grade seafood processing knives.

Just as poultry and red meat require specialized tools, seafood knives are designed to handle the unique challenges of fish and shellfish. From delicate filleting to breaking through tough shells, the right knife improves yield, safety, and efficiency.

This buyer’s guide will help you choose the best seafood processing knives for your operation.

Flexible Fillet Knives for Fish

Fish bones are thin and fragile, so flexible blades are essential for clean cuts and smooth fillets. A thinner profile makes fillet knives ideal for detail work, while blade lengths of at least 7” help processors create long, even slices.

Recommended IVO Fillet Knives:

• ErgoDuo 7” Semi-Flex Fillet Knife – Great balance of control and flexibility.

• Butchercut Black Flexible Fillet Knife – Lightweight and versatile for most fish.

• ErgoDuo 7” Flexible Fillet Knife – Fully flexible blade for precision filleting.

Boning Knives for Tougher Cuts

While fillet knives excel at delicate cuts, boning knives are built for removing bones and handling tougher meat, scales, and skin. Stiff or semi-flex boning knives typically range from 3”–6” and are essential for higher-volume seafood processing.

Recommended IVO Boning Knives:

• Pro Grip Standard Boning Knife – Rugged blade for everyday processing.

• ErgoDuo Semi-Flex Curved Boning Knife – Curved design for efficient bone removal.

• Pro Grip Boning Knife – Ergonomic grip for safety and control.

• Professional Blade Boning Knife – Heavy-duty option for aggressive cuts.

Shellfish Knives: Clams & Oysters

Shellfish require durable, purpose-built knives to tackle tough shells while keeping processors safe. Wolff offers a variety of clam and oyster knives designed for both beginners and experienced chefs.

Clam Knife:

• IVO Stainless Steel Clam Knife – Sleek, sturdy blade with a professional finish, ideal for restaurants and seasoned chefs.

Oyster Shuckers:

• Frenchman-Style Oyster Shucker – Designed with a strong hilt for beginners who need extra safety while opening oysters.

• Boston-Style Oyster Shucker – A no-frills, ergonomic design with a thumb divot for professionals handling high volumes of oysters.

Slicing Knives for Large Fish

When processing larger species such as salmon, tuna, or sport fish, long slicing knives provide clean, efficient cuts. Their thinner, flexible blades are also versatile enough for red meat applications, making them a smart investment for restaurants.

Recommended IVO Slicing Knives:

• Butchercut 12” Slicing Knife – Granton edge reduces friction for smoother fillet slicing.

• ProEdge 14” Salmon Slicer – Heavy-duty, flexible option for large fish.

Ergonomic & Rubberized Grips

Seafood processing often takes place in wet environments, which is why many IVO knives feature rubberized grips for safety and comfort.

• DuoPrime Line – Rubber overmold handles for a firmer, rigid grip.

• ErgoDuo Line – Fully rubberized grips with finger indentations for maximum comfort.

Both styles reduce hand fatigue and improve handling in slippery conditions, making them favorites among chefs, processors, and fishermen.

High-Quality Stainless Steel Blades

Like all Wolff-supplied knives, IVO seafood processing knives are made with high-carbon stainless steel. This ensures:

• Long-lasting edges that resist wear.

• Strength and durability for cutting through tough materials.

• Blades that can be easily resharpened for long-term use.

Sharpening & Maintenance Best Practices

A high-quality knife is only as good as its maintenance. Wolff Industries offers trusted sharpeners like the TruHone® Commercial Knife Sharpener and the Friedr Dick® RS-150 DUO to help processors keep blades sharp and safe.

Best Practices for Seafood Knife Care:

• Sharpen consistently, but avoid over-sharpening to extend blade life.

• Clean thoroughly after use, ensuring knives are fully dried.

• Avoid leaving harsh chemicals on blades, as they can corrode stainless steel.

Seafood Knife Comparison Chart

Find the Right Seafood Processing Knife with Wolff

From fillet knives to oyster shuckers, Wolff Industries offers professional seafood processing knives designed for performance, comfort, and durability. Whether you’re running a seafood processing facility, a restaurant, or simply need reliable knives for high-volume work, Wolff has a solution for you.

Not sure which knife is right for your needs? Contact Wolff today — our experts are ready to help you choose the best seafood knives for your operation.

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