Kershaw 1259X Fillet Knife Review
Our verdict
The Kershaw 1259X Fillet Knife costs $20.51 and carries a 4.6 star rating across 1,500 reviews, the largest review base of any fillet knife compared here, plus 50+ bought last month. That combination of high review volume, strong rating and active recent demand makes it the most proven option among the four fillet knives in this lineup.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anglers who want the most heavily reviewed fillet knife in this comparison, with 1,500 reviews backing its 4.6 star rating, plus a 9 inch blade suited to larger fish like salmon or bigger saltwater species.
Skip if
Skip it if you want the cheapest option, since the Rapala 126SP costs almost half as much at $10.49, or if you prefer a shorter blade, since the 1259X's 9 inch length is longer than the 126SP's 6 inches.
- Material Co-polymer
- Weight 3.5 Ounces
- Length 9 Inches
- Size 9"
- Color Black
- Pieces 1.0 Count
- Priced 36% below the category median ($32.23 across 74 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 1,500 owner ratings
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Popularity4.3/5
1,500 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other fishing gear and tackle we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
A 9 inch blade and 3.5 ounce co-polymer handle put the Kershaw 1259X in a different category from the shorter, lighter fillet knives in this lineup. That extra length matters when you're breaking down larger fish, like bigger walleye, salmon, or saltwater species, where a longer blade helps you glide through the fillet in fewer strokes.
At $20.51, the 1259X costs more than the Rapala 126SP ($10.49) and the Rapala BP136SH ($17.50), but less than the Dexter-Russell S137PCP ($31.46). Its 4.6 star rating across 1,500 reviews ties the Dexter-Russell's 4.6 stars, though the Dexter-Russell has only 141 reviews behind it, and the 1259X's review count is more than three times the 423 reviews behind the 126SP. The 1259X also shows 50+ bought last month, ahead of the BP136SH and the Dexter-Russell, which both show 0, though behind the 126SP's 100+.
For anglers who value a large blade and a deep pool of reviews behind their purchase, the Kershaw 1259X is the strongest all-around pick in this set, backed by both rating and review volume. Budget-focused buyers or those filleting smaller panfish may still prefer the shorter, cheaper 126SP.
Pros
- 4.6 star rating across 1,500 reviews, the largest review base among the fillet knives compared here
- 9 inch blade length, longer than the 6 inch Rapala 126SP and BP136SH for bigger fish
- 50+ bought last month shows active recent demand
- 3.5 ounce weight keeps it light despite the longer blade
- Co-polymer handle material, distinct from the wood and stainless handles on other options
- Currently in stock at $20.51
Cons
- Costs $10.02 more than the Rapala 126SP
- Bought last month of 50+ trails the Rapala 126SP's 100+
- At 9 inches, the blade may be longer than needed for smaller panfish
- Priced above the Rapala BP136SH ($17.50) despite a similar overall fillet knife role
Specifications
| Material | Co-polymer |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.5 Ounces |
| Length | 9 Inches |
| Size | 9" |
| Color | Black |
| Pieces | 1.0 Count |
| Feature | high |
Performance notes
A 9 inch blade is on the longer end for a fillet knife, built more for breaking down larger fish like salmon, big walleye, or saltwater species where a shorter blade would mean more strokes to get through the fillet. At 3.5 ounces, the 1259X stays light enough to control for repeated cuts, and the co-polymer handle is a different construction than the stainless steel body of the Rapala 126SP. Compared to the 6 inch blades on the Rapala 126SP and the 4 inch blade on the Dexter-Russell S137PCP, the extra length gives more reach on bigger fish but less precision on small panfish or oyster work. At $20.51, the price sits in the middle of this comparison, above the two budget Rapala models and below the Dexter-Russell. The size and material combination points to a knife built for anglers who regularly deal with larger catches rather than occasional small fish cleanup.
What buyers say
With 1,500 reviews behind a 4.6 star average, the 1259X has by far the deepest review history of any fillet knife in this comparison, more than three times the 423 reviews behind the 126SP and over ten times the 141 behind the Dexter-Russell. The 50+ bought last month figure shows that demand is still active, even if it trails the 126SP's 100+. Combined, the high review volume and consistent 4.6 star rating suggest a well-established product with a long track record, rather than a newer listing still building its reputation. That kind of pattern typically gives buyers more confidence than a high rating built on a small sample.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the blade on the Kershaw 1259X?
The listing specifies a 9 inch blade length, which is longer than the 6 inch blades on the Rapala 126SP and BP136SH in this comparison. That extra length suits larger fish like salmon or bigger saltwater species better than smaller panfish.
Is the Kershaw 1259X worth the extra cost over the Rapala 126SP?
At $20.51 versus $10.49 for the 126SP, the 1259X costs about double, but it also carries a slightly higher 4.6 star rating and a much longer 9 inch blade. Whether it's worth it depends on whether you need the extra reach for larger fish.
How many people have bought the Kershaw 1259X recently?
Amazon's listing shows 50+ bought in the last month, which is active but trails the Rapala 126SP's 100+ over the same period. Combined with 1,500 total reviews at a 4.6 star average, it still shows a strong, well-established sales history.