If you’ve been having difficulties boning a deer, chances are that you’ve been using the wrong knife. Using other regular knives for this process gets the job done, but not as easy as it will be when you use the right knife.
While all cooking knives look almost the same, but boning knives have a slightly different structure. They have blades that are long, thin, and sharp enough to cut through deer muscles easily.
To get the most out of deer meat, you’d need to use one of the best knives in the store. Here are the 7 best boning knives you should try out.
01. Wüsthof Classic Curved Boning Knife
Boning deer meat is about to be a whole lot of fun with the Wüsthof CLASSIC Curved Boning Knife. This kitchen utensil features a 6-inch long blade that slices and penetrates through a large chunk of meat easily.
The curved shape of its blade gives it a more precise cut, separating joint bone sockets like never before. The high-carbon steel blades are also one of my favorite features of this knife, which makes the blade resistant to corrosion and stains.
You can wash off blood stains without wearing yourself out after every boning process. It can also be sharpened at a 20-degree angle with sharpening stones to improve its performance.
With large ergonomic handles that give you a tighter and more convenient grip, you never have to treat blisters or experience the knife slipping from your hands.
The triple-riveted handle is also sturdy and can withstand harsh conditions. The downside to using this knife is that its blade isn’t flexible, making it unsuitable for some users.
02. Shun Premier 6-inch Boning & Fillet Knife
Next on my review, I have this amazing versatile knife for boning. The design and structure of this knife are aesthetically pleasing. Its Tsuchime finish is impossible not to notice, as it gives this knife a more unique look that makes you want to show it off.
It features a handle made of Pakkawood that is easy on the hand. With this wooden handle, you also get a more secure grip that makes getting the job done easier and quicker.
Its handle is resistant to both heat and moisture, making it the perfect knife for all temperatures and weather conditions.
Another mind-blowing feature of this knife is its double-bevel flat-ground blade. With this, slicing through deer meat will always be an easy task.
More importantly, this blade is durable and you wouldn’t have to spend money on replacements and repairs now and then. For even added durability, the alloy in the core of each blade is a high-carbon VG-Max stainless steel.
03. Dalstrong 6-inch Deer Boning Knife
The DALSTRONG 6-inch curved boning knife has the boldest and most astonishing design. The craftsmanship is exceptional and gives you a unique style whenever you bring it out to bone deer meat.
The handle and blade are crafted from the same piece of steel. Each blade is manually polished and full-tang, making it one of the most durable knives on this list.
The handles are made out of fiber resin, making them resistant to extreme temperatures. It also fits perfectly in the hands for added comfort and easy use. Compared to the price, this knife provides more value than expected.
The only downside to this knife is that the blade gets dull quickly. You will spend a lot of time filing to make good use of it again.
Generally, the DALSTRONG Curved Knife is just right for boning deer, especially if you only get to do that occasionally. It is also a good knife for newbies and works as the perfect gift for your friends or family who are into culinary art.
04. Global 6.25-inch Japanese Boning Knife
The Global 6.25’’ knife is the best boning knife for deer meat. It possesses unique features that make it stand out from other knives.
The convenience of use is one out of many reasons why I find this knife really amusing. It is lightweight with a flexible knife that springs right back after every slice.
Like other Global knives, this one has all its parts made out of stainless steel. However, the handle is of rough texture. So it doesn’t slip off of your hand while in use.
The edge of this knife is also structured to retain the razor sharpness, so you don’t have to worry about sharpening or filing too frequently.
The Global 6.25’’ knife also has nice aesthetics, as the silver color always matches the interior décor of your kitchen. Beginners may find it difficult to use this knife because it is longer than the standard boning knife.
05. Mercer Culinary 6-inch Knife for Boning Deer
It is no surprise that a Mercer product made it to my list. With over 30 years of manufacturing quality knives, it’d be a shame if I didn’t include it in my top review.
The Mercer Culinary Millennia Knife features a 6-inch curved blade made of high-carbon Japanese steel. The shape and composition of its blade make it a durable knife for boning deer meat easily.
The ergonomic handle is made of polypropylene and Santoprene, which makes it a perfect combination of durability and convenience.
So, expect a tight grip even in moist conditions. This knife is perfect for boning and it is also versatile, so you can reduce the number of knives in your cabinet by purchasing this one.
To keep this knife stain-free and maintain the edges from damages, hand washing is preferable. Using a dishwasher might damage the knife and make boning difficult.
06. Victorinox Fibrox Pro 6-inch Curved Boning Knife
The Victorinox – 47602 is relatively cheap, and probably one of the cheapest knives in the store. If you’re working with a low budget, this is your go-to knife.
Cutting with this knife is going to improve the accuracy, as it has a pointy tip for piercing meat easily, and a curved edge for cutting smoothly.
With Fibrox Pro Handle, you feel good comfort when handling the knife and you get a stronger grip. You won’t feel any wrist pain, all thanks to the structure and material of its handle.
The knife is also lightweight making it easy to cut deer meat as well as fish. For public health protection, this knife meets the National Sanitation Foundation standards, making it safe for use.
The Victorinox – 47602 also features a flexible and durable knife. You can reach tight spots easily and slice through deer meat effectively. It is also safe to clean this knife using a dishwasher.
07. Imarku 6-inch Boning Knife with Gift Box
Last but definitely not least, I have a boning knife from Imarku. It features a sharp narrow blade that pierces through meat easily and gives it a good slice.
Its blade is made out of high-carbon German stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and pretty sharp. The good thing is the blade material is perfect for edge retention and long-lasting sharpness.
The Imarku boning knife is not dishwasher safe, and a lot of users feel this is the only downside to owning this knife. So wash it manually and wipe it dry after every use.
Its Pakkawood handle adds to the appeal of this knife, as it is stylish, easy to clean, and makes the knife pretty comfortable to use.
The knife is basically for professional use and its non-slip handle keeps it safe when moist. You also get a lifetime refund with a full refund.
Also Read: Boning Knife vs Fillet Knife? What’s the Difference?
Things to Consider Before Buying
With so many boning knives in-store, finding the right choice might be difficult. If you’re looking for one that isn’t on the list, here are some factors to consider before paying for that instrument:
Blade Size
Your level of expertise should be the best determinant for choosing a blade size. While the standard size for most blades is 6 inches, experts can use boning knives with relatively longer blades. They penetrate deeper and cut larger sizes of deer meat.
Blade Materials
The blade material determines how sharp and easy maintaining the boning knife would be. Some materials are easy to wash, dishwasher safe, and resistant to corrosion while others are not.
Stainless steel blades are the most economical so far, as they possess features that make maintaining your blade easy.
Handle Materials
Pakkawood and the Fibrox handle are two of the best handles. They make good materials for a strong grip.
These materials are also easy on the hand, whatever material you choose; make sure they are dimpled and anti-slip materials.
Comfort
Boning deer takes a lot of energy, but using the right knife for the job will ease that burden. Ensure that any knife you use has the right weight and size to make handling a large chunk of meat stress-free.
Durability
You don’t want to spend a lot of money purchasing a new knife every time. So, make sure your knife is made out of high-carbon steel and its variants. This way, you get to use your knife for longer periods before replacement.
Flexibility
Reaching right angles is only possible when the blade is flexible. However, you wouldn’t want to get a knife that is too flexible. They tend to spring back quickly and that can cause an accident.
Cleaning Ease
Purchasing knives that are easy to clean will make your job easier. Most of these knives are barely dishwasher-safe.
So if you’re going to be washing a lot of knives, consider getting the ones that are dishwasher safe. It makes it possible to wash several knives at once.
Price Range
You don’t have to break the bank just because you need to bone deer meat. There are so many cheap options that offer better value. If you’re working on a low budget you can try out cheaper options.
Warranty
Just for assurance and validation check, consider boning knives with longer warranty covers. You can easily get a refund in case of any damages.
Conclusion
Purchasing a boning knife with high quality is mandatory whether you’re working at a professional level or not.
The above-reviewed knives are of high quality, durable, comfortable, and everything in between.
How often you debone deer meat will also play a huge role in choosing a knife. But always shoot for the best to avoid the extra cost of replacing your knife too often.
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