KastKing Cutthroat Pliers Review

Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe

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Fishing pliers need to do more than pull a hook. You may also need to cut braid cleanly, crimp a sleeve, tighten a knot, and keep the tool secure while your hands are wet. The KastKing Cutthroat 7-inch Fishing Pliers combine a 420 stainless steel body, tungsten carbide cutters, serrated jaws, and a spring-loaded rubber grip in one compact tool. They are a strong choice for everyday freshwater and saltwater use, but the 7-inch reach and steel construction will not suit every angler.

What Are the KastKing Cutthroat Pliers?

The KastKing Cutthroat is a 7-inch fishing tool designed to handle several jobs that normally require separate pliers and cutters. Its narrow stainless steel jaws can grip hooks, hold small tackle, crimp split shot, and tighten knots through the holes built into the jaws. The side-mounted cutters are positioned so you can trim a tag end close to a knot without the plier body blocking your view.

KastKing sells the Cutthroat in straight-nose and split-ring-nose configurations. The straight nose is the more general-purpose choice for gripping and hook removal. The split-ring version adds a pointed tip for opening split rings when changing treble hooks or lure hardware.

Who Should Buy It?

Material and Durability

The Cutthroat uses 420 stainless steel rather than an aluminum frame. KastKing states that its stainless steel is 46% harder than aluminum pliers and has nearly three times the bending strength. That construction gives the jaws a solid feel when you twist out a hook, crimp a sleeve, or pinch split shot.

A protective coating adds another barrier against saltwater and routine tackle-box wear. This does not make the pliers maintenance-free. Salt, moisture, and fish residue can still collect around the pivot, cutters, and jaw grooves, so rinsing and drying remain important.

Tungsten Carbide Cutting Performance

The side-mounted tungsten carbide cutters are designed for monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided fishing line. Their anvil-style layout gives you a clear approach to the tag end, which is helpful when you want a close trim beside a knot.

A raised surface behind the cutting blade helps keep the line from slipping below the cutting zone. That small design detail matters most with thin braid, which can be frustrating to position in cutters that have a large gap or recessed blades.

These are fishing-line cutters, not a promise of heavy-wire performance. Use a dedicated wire cutter for thick leader wire, large hooks, or other hard metal that could chip or dull a carbide edge.

Multi-Function Jaws

The jaws use fine serrations near the tip and coarser gripping surfaces farther back. This lets you hold small hook shanks near the nose while using the stronger rear area for larger tackle. Grooved crimping slots near the back can secure split shot or crimp sleeves when building leaders.

Holes in the jaws give you a place to hold a hook while cinching a knot. This can keep your fingertips farther from the hook point, although you should still control the hook carefully and pull in a direction that keeps the point away from your hand and face.

The split-ring model adds a pointed nose for separating ring coils. It is useful for replacing treble hooks, swivels, and lure hardware, while the straight-nose version offers a more conventional gripping surface.

Comfort and One-Handed Control

A thin, textured rubber handle gives the Cutthroat a secure grip without making the tool bulky. The spring-loaded jaws open automatically after each squeeze, so you can work one-handed while your other hand controls the fish, line, or lure.

The narrow handle profile is easy to fit in a tackle pocket or molded sheath. Anglers with very large hands may prefer a wider handle, while anglers who value compact storage may find this design easier to carry than larger 7.5-inch or 8.5-inch models.

Portability and Protection

The included molded sheath clips to a belt or waistband and keeps the pliers in a consistent location. That matters when a hooked fish is moving and you do not have time to search through a tackle bag.

The coiled lanyard helps prevent a drop from becoming a lost tool, especially in a kayak, on a dock, or beside a boat rail. Attach the tether to a secure point and make sure it does not cross your casting area or snag loose tackle.

How It Performs in Real Use

For Hook Removal

The tapered serrated jaws provide a focused grip on a hook shank without requiring an oversized tool. The 7-inch length works well for common bass, panfish, trout, and inshore tasks, but it does not offer the reach of dedicated long-nose hook-removal pliers.

For Kayak and Bank Fishing

The sheath and coiled tether are especially useful when storage space is limited or when a dropped tool would be difficult to recover. Clipping the sheath to a PFD attachment point, belt, or secure pack strap keeps the pliers within reach without leaving them loose on the deck or ground.

For Lure and Leader Setup

The carbide cutters, crimping grooves, and knot-cinching holes cover many routine setup jobs. Choose the split-ring nose if you regularly replace treble hooks. Choose the straight nose if you mainly remove hooks, pinch weights, and work with leaders.

For Saltwater Trips

The stainless body and corrosion-resistant finish are suitable for harsh environments, but saltwater care still determines long-term performance. Rinse the tool promptly, open and close the jaws during rinsing, and dry the pivot before returning the pliers to the sheath.

How to Use It Correctly

• Match the nose to your tackle: Pick the split-ring version for frequent lure hardware changes and the straight nose for broad general use.
• Place line fully in the cutter: Use the raised guide area so thin braid stays in the cutting zone before you squeeze.
• Grip the hook shank: Avoid squeezing the hook point or barb, which can make removal less controlled.
• Use the rear crimping slots: The rear jaw area gives you better leverage for sleeves and split shot than the narrow tip.
• Store the tool dry: Do not seal wet pliers in the sheath or a closed tackle box after saltwater use.

Safety and Saltwater Care

The Cutthroat contains sharp cutters and is commonly used around exposed hooks. Keep your fingers outside the jaw path, control the hook before applying pressure, and keep the point directed away from your body. Store the pliers in the sheath when they are not in use, especially around children or inside a crowded tackle bag.

Corrosion resistance reduces maintenance, but it does not eliminate it. Freshwater rinsing, complete drying, and occasional pivot lubrication help protect the coating and moving joint. Inspect the cutters for chips and the jaws for damage before applying force.

Pros and Cons

Is It Worth the Price?

The Cutthroat is worth considering when you want one value-focused tool for line cutting, hook removal, crimping, knot work, and basic lure maintenance. The included sheath and lanyard also reduce the need to buy a separate holder or tether.

You get the most value if you will use several of its functions and prefer steel strength over minimum weight. It is not the best fit if you need long-reach hook removal, replaceable cutters, or a lightweight aluminum frame above all else.

How It Compares to Alternatives

The KastKing AlumaStream 7.5-inch pliers use an aluminum frame with stainless steel jaws, making them worth comparing if lower carry weight is your priority. The KastKing Speed Demon Pro uses coated 420 stainless steel and a larger SuperPolymer grip, which may suit anglers who prefer a fuller handle.

Piscifun also sells aluminum multifunction fishing pliers with carbide cutters. Those models may feel lighter, while the Cutthroat makes more sense if you prefer a narrow 420 stainless steel body and the choice of straight or split-ring noses.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

The KastKing Cutthroat 7-inch Fishing Pliers are a strong fit for anglers who want durable steel construction, carbide line cutters, and several tackle functions in one compact tool. Skip them if you need extended reach, minimum aluminum weight, or confirmed replaceable blades, but for general freshwater and inshore work they earn a recommended-with-caveats verdict.