Smith's 51233 Fillet Knife Review
Our verdict
The Smith's 51233 fillet knife runs $55.11 and holds a 4.4 star rating across 499 reviews, more reviews than either Rapala model here but fewer than the Kershaw 1259X's 1,500, and bought last month reads 0+. At 1.75 pounds and 18.5 inches, it is far heavier and longer than the 2.4 ounce, 6 inch Rapala 126SP, pointing to a different use case than a compact single blade.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anglers who want a heavier duty fillet knife setup at 1.75 pounds and 18.5 inches, more suited to larger fish or dockside prep than pocket sized blades. Good fit for those prioritizing stainless steel construction and a proven review base of 499 ratings.
Skip if
Skip this if recent buying activity matters, since bought last month sits at 0+ compared to 100+ for the Rapala 126SP and 50+ for the Kershaw 1259X. Also skip it if you want a compact, pocket sized knife rather than an 18.5 inch tool.
- Material Stainless Steel
- Weight 1.75 Pounds
- Length 18.5 Inches
- Size 8"
- Color White
- Pieces 1.0 Count
- Priced 71% above the category median ($32.23 across 74 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 499 owner ratings
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Popularity3.1/5
499 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
Picture a dockside cleaning station or a boat deck where you need enough blade and handle to work through bigger catches without switching tools. The Smith's 51233 fillet knife is built on that scale, priced at $55.11 with an 18.5 inch overall length, a 1.75 pound weight, and a stainless steel build in a white finish with a pocket clip.
That size sets it apart from the rest of this comparison. The Rapala 126SP runs just 6 inches and 2.4 ounces for $10.49, and even the Kershaw 1259X tops out at 9 inches and 3.5 ounces for $20.51. The Smith's model carries a 4.4 star rating across 499 reviews, more reviews than either Rapala knife, though short of the Kershaw's 1,500.
Where the Smith's 51233 falls behind is recent demand. Bought last month reads 0+, while the Rapala 126SP shows 100+ and the Kershaw 1259X shows 50+ in the same window. That gap suggests this is a niche pick for anglers who specifically need its size and stainless build, rather than a high volume seller in this category right now.
Pros
- Stainless steel construction, more durable than nylon or co-polymer handled rivals
- 18.5 inch overall length, longer reach than any other knife in this comparison
- Solid review base of 499 ratings, more than either Rapala model
- 4.4 star average rating
- Includes a pocket clip feature for tackle storage
Cons
- Bought last month is 0+, the weakest recent demand signal in this comparison
- At 1.75 pounds, over seven times heavier than the 2.4 ounce Rapala 126SP
- Priced at $55.11, more than double the Kershaw 1259X's $20.51
- Lower star rating (4.4) than the Kershaw 1259X (4.6) despite fewer reviews
Specifications
| Material | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.75 Pounds |
| Length | 18.5 Inches |
| Size | 8" |
| Color | White |
| Pieces | 1.0 Count |
| Feature | Pocket Clip |
Performance notes
At 1.75 pounds and 18.5 inches overall, the Smith's 51233 sits in a different category than the compact fillet knives most anglers picture. That length and weight point to a knife designed for larger fish or extended dockside sessions rather than quick trimming from a small tackle bag. Stainless steel construction, listed as the material here, tends to hold an edge differently than the co-polymer handle on the Kershaw 1259X, trading flex for a harder, heavier feel in hand. The white color and pocket clip feature suggest this is meant to be visible and easy to retrieve rather than tucked away in a bag. Compared to the 9 inch, 3.5 ounce Kershaw 1259X, the size difference here is substantial, more than double the length, which changes how and where this knife realistically gets used.
What buyers say
A 4.4 star average across 499 reviews puts this model behind the Kershaw 1259X's 4.6 stars over 1,500 reviews, though ahead of the Rapala BP136SH's 264 reviews in sample size. The standout number is bought last month at 0+, which is the weakest recent demand signal among the four knives compared here, well behind the Rapala 126SP's 100+ and the Kershaw 1259X's 50+. That combination, a solid historical rating base but no recorded recent purchases, suggests this knife built its reputation over time rather than being a current high volume seller. Shoppers who value an established track record may still find the rating reassuring, but the lack of recent purchase activity is worth weighing against more actively bought alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Smith's 51233 fillet knife a good buy at $55.11?
It carries a 4.4 star rating across 499 reviews, a solid base of feedback, but bought last month shows 0+ versus 100+ for the cheaper Rapala 126SP. At $55.11 it costs far more than that Rapala model, so the value case rests mainly on its larger 18.5 inch, stainless steel build.
Why is this fillet knife so much bigger than others?
The listed specs put it at 18.5 inches and 1.75 pounds, well beyond the 6 inch, 2.4 ounce Rapala 126SP or the 9 inch Kershaw 1259X. That size points to a knife built for bigger fish or dockside work rather than a compact blade meant for a tackle box pocket.
Does the 0+ bought last month number mean this knife is unpopular?
It means Amazon recorded no meaningful purchase volume in the most recent tracked month, unlike the Rapala 126SP's 100+ or the Kershaw 1259X's 50+. The 499 existing reviews show it has sold before, but current month demand looks weaker than the other knives in this comparison.