Kershaw 7 in Clearwater Fillet (1257)
By Kershaw · Kitchen Knives · Kitchen & Cooking
- 420J2 stainless steel blade, 7 in (17.8 cm), 0.07 in thick
- Co-polymer handle, 5.25 in
- Overall length 12.25 in, weight 3.3 oz (4.7 oz with sheath)
- ABS sheath, limited lifetime warranty
Price not listed
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Summary
The Kershaw 7 in Clearwater Fillet 1257 is a fixed-blade fillet knife with a 7 in trailing-point 420J2 stainless blade, a co-polymer handle and a molded ABS sheath, aimed at filleting medium-to-large fish. Check that you are comfortable touching up a soft stainless edge often, because owners report it loses its edge quickly.
Strengths
- The 420J2 blade bends to follow fish spines, which owners report helps with filleting medium-to-large fish.
- Owners report no rust after repeated saltwater exposure, matching Kershaw’s corrosion-resistant claim.
- The co-polymer handle is contoured with hand protectors and owners report it feels light and comfortable.
- It ships with a molded ABS sheath with a belt loop for boat and backpack carry.
- Kershaw backs it with a limited lifetime warranty and offers free sharpening for knives sent in for service.
Weaknesses
- One KnifeCenter owner reports the knife is unusually hard to sharpen and loses its edge quickly.
- The included sheath is basic molded ABS with limited customization options, which a review notes as a con.
- No sharpener or extra accessories ship with the knife, only the knife and the sheath.
Verified specifications
| Model | 1257, part number 1257X, UPC 087171125701. |
|---|---|
| Type | fixed-blade fillet knife. |
| Blade style | trailing point with plain edge. |
| Blade length | 7 in (17.8 cm). |
| Blade material | 420J2 stainless. |
| Blade finish | satin. |
| Blade thickness | 0.07 in (1.8 mm). |
| Handle length | 5.25 in (13.3 cm). |
| Handle material | co-polymer, black with neon accents. |
| Handle thickness | 0.92 in (23.25 mm). |
| Total length | 12.25 in (31.1 cm). |
| Weight | 3.3 oz (96 g), 4.7 oz (135 g) with sheath. |
| Sheath | molded ABS with belt loop. |
| Handle features | contoured with hand protectors. |
| Origin | USA design and quality control, China manufacture. |
| Warranty | limited lifetime warranty with free sharpening offered. |
| Released |
Full research notes and sources
Sources
- Kershaw — Clearwater Fillet product page
- Kershaw — warranty and service page
- Kershaw — fishing knives page
- Kershaw — fixed blade knives page
- Country Knives — Clearwater Fillet listing
- Knives Plus — Fillet Knife listing
- Kershaw-Knives.net — Fillet Knife listing
- Sportsman’s Warehouse — Clearwater Fillet listing
- Knife Works — kitchen cutlery page
- Fish Field — Clearwater Fillet listing
- BladeOps — fixed blade knives page
- Aussie Outback Supplies — Clearwater Fillet listing
- BladeForums — filleting knives thread
- Reddit r/knifeclub — fillet knife thread
- Reddit r/knifeclub — Clearwater filet thread
- Reddit r/knives — first fillet knife thread
- YouTube — Clearwater fillet knife test
