Table of contents
- Latest Fillet Knife Recall Updates
- January 19, 2021: CPSC Announces the Recall
- Which Rapala Fillet Knife Are Affected?
- Why Was the Rapala Fillet Knife Recalled?
- Reported Incidents, Injuries, or Illnesses
- What Should Consumers Do?
- Legal Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is There a Recall on Rapala Knives?
- Who Distributed the Recalled Rapala Fillet Knife?
- How Can I Contact Rapala Customer Service?
- Where Was the Recalled Rapala Fillet Knife Made?
Rapala USA recalled about 128,000 Rapala Rechargeable Fillet Knives (RRFN) because the battery can overheat and catch fire when a non-Rapala charger is used. Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s and Fleet Farm sold the knives from March 2011 through December 2018.
The CPSC announced this fast track recall on January 19, 2021, and the recall remains ongoing. Only knives with a battery lacking a white ETL label are covered.
No lawsuit, MDL or class action names this knife. If you own one, stop using it, take out the battery and check for the label. Rapala USA replaces the battery free, and you can reach it at 800-874-4451.
Latest Fillet Knife Recall Updates
January 19, 2021: CPSC Announces the Recall
The CPSC announced the recall of the RRFN rechargeable fillet knife with Rapala. The remedy is a free replacement battery [1]. Roughly 128,000 units are covered, all in the United States.
Which Rapala Fillet Knife Are Affected?
The recall covers one product, the Rapala Rechargeable Fillet Knife. These details identify it:
- Item number RRFN
- Black and gray handles
- Rapala logo printed in red, with the word ION in white
- A battery with no white ETL label
Why Was the Rapala Fillet Knife Recalled?
The knife was recalled because its battery can overheat and catch fire if non-Rapala chargers are used. Rapala’s recall page says it is replacing batteries “to prevent overheating in the event the wrong charging device is used” [2].
That is the company’s statement. It is not a finding that the knife is defective. Owners can avoid the hazard by using only the charger supplied with the knife. The old battery goes back to Rapala for proper disposal.
Reported Incidents, Injuries, or Illnesses
The CPSC notice describes 12 battery fires reported to Rapala USA. No injuries have been reported. The notice names only the United States. GearJunkie reported the same figures on January 20, 2021 [3].
Reports are not proof of how each fire started. The notice ties the hazard to non-Rapala chargers, and some fires damaged surrounding areas.
What Should Consumers Do?
The CPSC and Rapala USA give these steps to owners of the recalled knife:
- Stop using the recalled rechargeable fillet knife immediately.
- Remove the battery and look for a white ETL label. If it has none, contact Rapala USA for a free replacement battery.
- Return the old battery to Rapala USA with the pre-paid return, so it is disposed of properly.
- Always use the charger supplied with the knife.
- Reach Rapala USA at 800-874-4451, at custserv@rapalausa.com, or through the recall button at rapala.com. Report problems with the remedy to the CPSC at 800-638-2772 or through its recall complaint form.
Legal Options
A recall does not automatically establish liability. Whether you have a claim depends on your own facts, so talk to a lawyer before you return the battery.
If a battery caught fire or caused a loss, photograph the damage and keep the receipt, charger and messages with Rapala USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Recall on Rapala Knives?
A recall on Rapala knives does exist for the Rapala Rechargeable Fillet Knife, item RRFN. CPSC recall 21-070 is a fast track recall, and Rapala USA offers a free replacement battery for the affected knives.
Who Distributed the Recalled Rapala Fillet Knife?
Rapala USA of Minnetonka, Minn., distributed the recalled Rapala fillet knife in the United States. That same company runs the replacement program, so battery replacement requests go to Rapala USA.
How Can I Contact Rapala Customer Service?
Rapala customer service for the recalled knife can be reached by phone, by email or through the recall button on rapala.com. Those contact details appear in both the CPSC notice and Rapala’s recall page.
Where Was the Recalled Rapala Fillet Knife Made?
The recalled Rapala fillet knife was manufactured in China, according to the CPSC notice. The country of manufacture appears in that notice beside the item number RRFN and the distributor’s name.