OUTDOOR RFU-50C Fillet Knife Review
Our verdict
The OUTDOOR RFU-50C fillet knife costs $39.99 and holds a 4.8 star average across 288 reviews, the highest rating of any fillet knife in this lineup. At 4.1 ounces with a 10.9 inch fiberglass reinforced nylon handle, it strikes a middle ground between the ultra light Rapala blades and the pricier Kershaw 1259X.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anglers who want a fillet knife with a proven review record, not just a low price. Good fit for weekend freshwater and light saltwater fillet work where a flexible fiberglass reinforced nylon handle helps control the blade.
Skip if
Skip this if budget is the main concern, since the Rapala 126SP covers similar fillet work for $10.49 with more monthly buyers. Also skip it if you want a stainless steel blade, since this handle is fiberglass nylon, not metal.
- Material Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon
- Weight 4.1 Ounces
- Length 10.9 Inches
- Color Multicolor
- Feature Pocket Clip
- Priced 24% above the category median ($32.23 across 74 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.8/5
4.8 average across 288 owner ratings
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Popularity2.5/5
288 owner reviews, fewer 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
Picture cleaning a stringer of panfish or trout at the dock and needing a blade that won't flex in the wrong spot. The OUTDOOR RFU-50C fillet knife is built for that job, priced at $39.99 with a 10.9 inch length and a fiberglass reinforced nylon handle that keeps the whole knife light at 4.1 ounces.
At 4.8 stars across 288 reviews, this model holds the highest average rating in this fillet knife comparison, ahead of the Kershaw 1259X at 4.6 stars over 1,500 reviews and the Rapala 126SP at 4.5 stars over 423 reviews. It sits in the middle of the price range too, well above the $10.49 Rapala 126SP and the $17.5 Rapala BP136SH, but below what a premium fillet setup can run.
Bought last month sits at 50+, the same tier as the Kershaw 1259X and below the Rapala 126SP's 100+, which suggests this is a knife anglers pick when they already know the brand or want a lighter nylon handle rather than co-polymer or stainless steel. For anyone prioritizing rating strength over rock bottom price, the RFU-50C is a reasonable pick within this lineup.
Pros
- Highest rating in this comparison at 4.8 stars across 288 reviews
- Lightweight at 4.1 ounces, easy to handle for extended fillet sessions
- 10.9 inch length gives reach for larger panfish and trout
- Fiberglass reinforced nylon handle resists flex better than plain plastic
- Includes a pocket clip feature for tackle box or belt carry
- Priced at $39.99, below premium stainless fillet knife setups
Cons
- Costs nearly four times more than the $10.49 Rapala 126SP
- Bought last month is only 50+, tied with Kershaw and behind Rapala 126SP's 100+
- Nylon handle material may not appeal to anglers who prefer stainless steel
- Fewer total reviews (288) than the Kershaw 1259X's 1,500
- Spec sheet lists handle material only, no blade steel grade like some rivals note
Specifications
| Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.1 Ounces |
| Length | 10.9 Inches |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Feature | Pocket Clip |
Performance notes
The 4.1 ounce weight is light for a fillet knife, which matters for maneuvering around thin cuts without arm fatigue during longer cleaning sessions. At 10.9 inches overall, the RFU-50C sits well above the compact 6 inch Rapala 126SP and close to the 9 inch Kershaw 1259X, putting it in a mid to long category better suited to medium and larger fish than the smallest panfish. Fiberglass reinforced nylon as a handle material is chosen for its ability to flex slightly without snapping, which matters when a knife gets gripped hard with wet hands and needs traction. The pocket clip feature suggests this knife is designed to travel clipped inside a tackle bag or vest rather than carried in a loose sheath, which fits a price point well above the entry level Rapala knives and above the more heavily reviewed Kershaw 1259X as well.
What buyers say
A 4.8 star average is the highest among the fillet knives in this comparison, though the review count of 288 is much smaller than the Kershaw 1259X's 1,500 or the Rapala 126SP's 423, so the rating is based on a thinner sample. Bought last month sits at 50+, matching the Kershaw 1259X but trailing the Rapala 126SP's 100+, which points to steady but not high volume demand. Taken together, the pattern suggests buyers who choose this knife tend to be satisfied, but it has not built the broad purchase history that the cheaper Rapala model or the more reviewed Kershaw have accumulated over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the OUTDOOR RFU-50C fillet knife worth $39.99?
At $39.99, this knife carries the highest rating in this comparison at 4.8 stars across 288 reviews. It costs more than the $10.49 Rapala 126SP and the $20.51 Kershaw 1259X, so the price only makes sense if the rating strength matters more to you than saving money upfront.
How does the handle material compare to other fillet knives?
The RFU-50C uses a fiberglass reinforced nylon handle, while the Kershaw 1259X uses co-polymer and the Rapala models use stainless steel construction. Nylon and co-polymer both aim for grip and light weight, while stainless steel handles trade some of that flex for a harder feel.
How many people are buying this fillet knife each month?
Amazon lists bought last month at 50+ for the RFU-50C, the same tier as the Kershaw 1259X. That trails the Rapala 126SP's 100+ but shows steady ongoing demand rather than a one time spike, especially paired with its 4.8 star rating across 288 reviews.