Anglers and kitchen connoisseurs should stop using their Rapala Rechargeable Fillet Knives — because they may catch fire.
In one of the more unusual product recalls we’ve seen, Rapala has worked with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to voluntarily recall about 128,000 fillet knives due to a fire hazard.
Specifically, the Finnish manufacturer of high-quality fishing lures and accessories warns that the battery on older models of its rechargeable fillet knife can overheat, potentially posing a fire risk.
“RapalaUSA has received reports of batteries on older Rapala Rechargeable Fillet Knives catching fire when being recharged with charging devices other than those supplied with the knife,” the brand said on its recall page.
According to the CPSC, there have been 12 instances of batteries “overheating and catching fire” but no reports of injuries.
Rapala Rechargeable Fillet Knife Recall
To remedy the issue, Rapala will replace the batteries on the affected models. But the brand notes consumers should always use the manufacturer-supplied charging device with its knives. This will “ensure proper charging and … avoid damage.”
This recall includes only Rapala Rechargeable Fillet Knives without a white ETL label printed on the battery. Consumers can locate the label in question by removing the battery, as pictured below.
The knives retailed for $101 at Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Fleet Farm, other sporting goods stores nationwide, and online at Rapala.com from March 2011 through December 2018. The knife handles are black and gray, with the Rapala logo printed in red, along with the word “ION” in white.
Visit Rapala’s recall page for more info. If you believe you have a knife eligible for a free replacement battery, email custserv@rapalausa.com.
