Even if you can use different types of knives to cut meat, a butcher knife will give you better performance than any other knife.
These knives have long and sharp blades, which enables them to cut even the largest pieces of meat easily.
They are also thick and heavy meaning that they do not bend easily when handling heavy-duty cutting tasks.
Due to their quality, they are very common in restaurants, butcher shops, or any other place that deals with meats.
Below you will see different types of butcher knives that you can use for cutting small to large meat.
After a lot of hours of research, I found these models that would meet every user’s budget and choice. So let’s get started!
01. Dalstrong 10-inch Cimitar Knife
The DALSTRONG 10-inch butcher Cimitar knife comes with many excellent features that make it suitable even for professional chefs.
In terms of construction, this knife is made of high-carbon German steel and it is hand polished at 16-18 degrees on both sides.
The blade is stain resistant and it is precisely tempered to provide a great performance when cutting. In order to enhance safety, it comes with a PerfectFit BPA sheath, which protects the blade when it is not in use.
Due to the outstanding craftsmanship, it is able to masterfully slice through different types of meat such as poultry, beef, pork, fish, chicken, and other types of meats.
It has a Rockwell hardness of 56± and it is carefully tapered to improve flexibility, and hardness and to minimize dragging.
Besides that, it comes with a luxurious military-grade G-10 Garolite handle which is triple-riveted to give you an excellent grip.
This Pakkawood handle is imported from Spain and it features stainless end caps plus a finger protection bolster.
The blade is 10 inches long and it is NSF certified for safety. Again, it has a full-tang design to give you excellent balance and control.
02. Global GF-27 7-inch Japanese Butcher Knife
If you are searching for a heavy-duty model, the Global GF-27 7-inch is the top-quality butcher knife for the money.
Unlike other butcher knives, this one has a thicker blade, which enables it to slice even the toughest meats without bending.
This blade is 7-inches long and is designed to provide equal slices of meat. Just like other Global knives, this one too is a forged blade using high-performance CROMOVA 18 stainless steel.
This construction features a combination of vanadium, which gives the blade excellent edge retention, and molybdenum for stain resistance.
It also features a hollow handle that is filled with sand to provide the correct balance. This handle contains darkened dimples, which makes it non-slip and comfortable to use.
The blade is extremely sharp, meaning that you do not need to apply a lot of pressure when cutting meat.
If you really want to invest in a top-quality butcher-breaking knife irrespective of price, this knife will give you unmatched value for your money.
03. Wusthof Pro 10-inch Cimeter Knife
The Wusthof Pro Cimeter Knife comes with a 10-inch blade that is expertly curved to provide effortless cutting power.
It is made of rust and corrosion-resistant steel, which means that it is built to last.
Whether you are searching for the best-rated knife for cutting large or small pieces of meat, this knife will give you a great performance. The blade is very sharp and has excellent edge retention.
In terms of price, you will be pleased to note that it is not very expensive even for those who are on a budget.
It comes with a black ergonomic handle, which gives you excellent balance and grip when cutting.
This handle is very comfortable since it has been designed to fit perfectly in your hands. Another great thing about the knife is that it is NSF certified, which means that it is highly reliable.
04. UltraSource 449413 10-inch Butcher Knife
The UltraSource 449413 10-inch knife has an outstanding quality that makes it a great choice for butcher shops, industrial processors, and meat markets.
It is made of a superior quality Molybdenum steel which is resistant to rust and corrosion.
It has a 10-inch blade that is suitable for breaking down large pieces of roasts into smaller pieces.
This blade is very sharp and it can handle more than 70 pounds of pork or more than 25 pounds of chicken even without sharpening.
Despite its ability to handle even heavy-duty tasks, this knife is among the top-grade butcher knives for the budget due to its cheap price.
The handle has a bright orange color that gives the knife a stylish look and it is well-textured to enhance grip when cutting.
This antibacterial textured handle plus the blade features different safety bolsters, which minimize hand fatigue.
These bolsters also protect your fingers from accidental cuts when cutting. The knife is also NSF-certified, which means that it is very safe to use.
05. Dexter-Russell 10-inch Knife for Butchering
The Dexter- Russell knife has a 10-inch long blade and it is perfect for heavy-duty cutting jobs.
The blade also has a straight edge, which enables it to cut even large pieces of meat without tearing or shredding.
This long blade has a pointed tip for cutting large pieces of roasts into thin pieces.
In terms of construction, this blade is made of high-carbon steel and it is designed using a unique micro-pore technology.
As a result, it is highly durable and extremely sharp. It is very easy to clean and it has excellent edge retention.
This knife is very versatile, which means you can use it at home, in your restaurant, or during outdoor parties.
It is also suitable for making BBQs or for preparing other grill-related types of food.
Another unique thing you will find in this knife is the Grip-Tex handle, which gives the knife an amazing look.
It is very comfortable and non-slip to give you excellent balance when cutting.
06. Ontario Old Hickory 10-inch Breaking Knife
In terms of performance, the Ontario Old Hickory knife is among the most reliable butcher knives on the market. However, it has a 10-inch blade, which is made of 1095 high-carbon steel.
It is also heat-treated and tempered for sharpness as well as edge retention. It weighs around 8 ounces meaning that it is not too heavy.
You can use it for chopping, skinning, and for some simple machete work. It is also perfect for slicing meat, fruits, fish, etc.
If you love outdoor parties or camping tours, this knife is one of the best for such activities. Even if you are on a tight budget, you can still afford it since it is very cheap.
However, the handle is made of a real Hickory Wood and it is frame burnt to give it an amazing look.
Overall, this knife is a top-quality model that is highly favored by expert chefs and butchers.
07. Victorinox Swiss Army 12-inch Knife for Butchers
If you are searching for an excellent butcher knife that can handle even the toughest butchering tasks with ease, this model will be a good choice.
As compared to other butcher knives on the market, this one comes with a longer 12-inch blade, which is made of high-carbon stainless steel. This means it is highly resistant to stains, rusting, and corrosion.
The laser-tested blade is ice-tempered and conical ground to provide a long-lasting sharpness.
It also features a hollow ground and straight edge, which is able to cut large pieces of meat easily.
Again, it comes with an inbuilt finger guard that protects your fingers from accidental cuts.
Apart from that, it is equipped with an ergonomic Fibrox Pro handle, which provides a non-slip grip even when wet.
You will also be pleased to note that it meets the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) strict standards.
Another thing you need to know about this knife is that it is expertly crafted in Switzerland, and it comes with a lifetime warranty that covers material defects plus workmanship. Again, it is weighed and balanced for easier use.
08. Update International 11-inch Knife for Cutting Meat
The Update International KGW-11-inch knife is made of high-carbon stainless steel with vanadium and molybdenum.
This combination gives the knife an exceptional quality meaning that it is very sharp and it is able to remain sharp for a long time.
It is also resistant to rust, corrosion, and stains. The handle is made of a non-slip and long-lasting POM material to enhance your comfort.
Again, it is designed to fit perfectly on your hands to give you excellent balance and control. The blade is 11-inches long, which makes it perfect for both small and heavy-duty meat-cutting tasks.
Due to its amazing quality, this knife is highly preferred by professional butchers and those in the meat industry.
With this knife, you can easily break down small to large pieces of bones or larger vegetables such as squash since the blade is very strong.
Butcher Knife vs. Cleaver: What’s the Difference?
It is very easy to confuse a butcher knife and a cleaver knife since both are used for almost the same purpose. However, they differ as follows.
What Are Butcher Knives Used For?
A butcher knife is designed for trimming fat or breaking down large pieces of meat. It can also be used for dressing or butchering animal carcasses.
In terms of design, butcher knives come with a heavier blade than cleaver knives and for this reason, you can still use them as utility knives.
These knives are very common in butcher shops, restaurants, and home kitchens since they are able to handle heavy-duty meat-cutting tasks.
Most of them have a slight curve that enables them to cut through the meat without tearing or shredding. They are also characterized by a long blade that makes them perfect for cutting different sizes of meat.
What Are Cleaver Knives Used For?
Meat cleavers have a wider blade than butcher knives. However, they are lighter and thinner than the butcher knives.
In terms of design, they look like a rectangular bladed hatchet but most of them have a round hole on top of the blade for hanging on the wall. You can read this brief guide, where I explained why is there a hole in a meat cleaver.
However, you can use a cleaver knife for splitting meat as well as vegetables, cucumber, carrot, etc. Due to the wide blade, you can also use them to smash garlic when preparing food.
Besides that, they have a tough edge that makes them suitable for removing meat from bones, cartilage, or cutting thick meat.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Butcher Knife
Whether you are searching for the best professional butcher knife for your restaurant, outdoor use, or just for using at home, you should check these features before buying.
Blade Materials
The type of materials used in the construction of the knife determines the overall performance. Stainless steel and high-carbon steel are the most commonly used materials in production of knives.
Even if the two are very reliable, high-carbon knives have better edge retention and they are also more resistant to corrosion as well as rust.
Handle
When slicing meat, you will need a comfortable handle with an excellent grip. Knife handles are made of different materials such as rubber, metal, wood, and plastic. Wooden handles are more stylish, but they are not dishwasher-safe.
On the other hand, plastic and rubber handles are comfortable but some can slip easily from your hands. Therefore, you need to ensure that the handle is non-slip and comfortable irrespective of the material.
Size
Most butcher knives are 10 to 14 inches long, which makes them suitable for cutting all types of meats. If you are a beginner, you should look for a knife with a smaller blade.
Because it will be easier to handle than one with a long blade. For those who have used slicing knives before, the size may depend on personal preferences.
Durability
The durability of the knife is determined by the materials used in the construction. This means that you need to check the handle to ensure that it is durable and sturdy even for heavy-duty tasks.
You also need to check the thickness to ensure that it won’t bend easily even when handling tough cutting jobs.
Safety
Since butcher knives have a long and very sharp blade, you are likely to cut yourself accidentally. To be on the safe side, you need to check the safety features that come with the knife to ensure that it is not very risky.
The best butcher knives are those that come with bolsters or a protective finger guard. You also need to ensure that the handle is well-textured and non-slip.
Weight
As compared to other types of knives, butcher knives are a bit heavier and thick. This design enables them to handle heavy-duty tasks.
The good thing about heavy knives is that they are able to break large bones easily. You should only consider a lightweight knife if you will be using it for cutting steak or roasted meats.
Balance
When searching for the best butcher knife, you need to ensure that the one you have chosen fits perfectly in your hands.
This will help you to balance it easily when cutting. You should also invest in one with a full-tang design because they are more balanced than those with a half-tang blade design.
Comfort
There are several things that determine the comfort of the knife such as the handle and weight. You need to ensure that the handle has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold. In terms of weight, it should be balanced, meaning that it should not be too heavy.
Sharpness
The sharpness of butcher knives varies according to the quality of the blade and the materials. Therefore, you should look for a knife with a Rockwell hardness of more than 55.
Knives that are sharpened on both sides at an angle are also very sharp and are able to maintain their edge for a long time.
Cutting Performance
Before you buy any knife, you need to compare the features of each model to ensure that the one you have picked can cut all types of meat with ease. Some are able to handle large amounts of meat while others cannot.
Since it is not easy to know the cutting performance of the knife by just checking the features, you should make an effort of reading customer reviews online to see what people are commenting about it.
Maintenance
Maintenance is very important for all types of knives. This means that you need to know how to take care of the knife. For example, you need to check the best way of cleaning it and the type of detergents you should use.
Cleaning Effort
Some knives can be very difficult to clean especially if they get stains. To be on the safe side, you need to check whether the knife you have picked is resistant to stains.
Avoid cleaning knives in a dishwasher if you want them to last. You can also oil it after use to prevent rusting.
Price
Butcher knives are available at different prices. Some are affordable while others are expensive. The expensive models tend to provide a better performance since they are equipped with excellent features.
Irrespective of the price, you need to ensure that the knife will be suitable for the intended purpose. It should also be strong and durable.
Conclusion
Whether you are a professional chef or just a home chef, a butcher knife is one of the key knives you must have for cutting larger pieces of meat.
These knives have a long and thick blade that makes them suitable for tough cutting tasks. They are also sharp, durable, and comfortable to use.
If you have been searching for the best reliable butcher knife on the market, you can never go wrong with any of those I have reviewed above. I only considered those with the best features and those that are affordable.
However, the Global GF-27-7-inch Heavyweight Butcher’s Knife will give you the best value for your money, because it has more exceptional features than other models on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which knife is used the most by a butcher?
Primarily, a butcher relies heavily on two particular knives: a boning knife and a chef’s knife. The boning knife- thin and pointed, is expertly designed to perform smaller tasks, precisely separating meat from bone. The chef’s knife, on the other hand, boasts a wide, triangular blade that easily handles larger cuts of meat, slicing and dicing through with precision. As a teenager, I had taken a part-time job at a local butcher’s shop and I vividly remember my first encounter with these knives. The efficiency with which they performed tasks was nothing short of mesmerizing.
What types of knives are preferred by professional butchers?
When it comes to professional butchers, they unfailingly arm themselves with an array of knives meant for specific tasks. Traditional butcher knives, cleavers, carving knives, and breaking knives often form the backbone of their toolkit. You would also find them using boning knives, paring knives, fillet knives, bread knives, utility knives, steak knives, and chief knives. These knives act like a butcher’s best allies, aiding them in cutting, chopping, deboning, and performing an array of other tasks involved in meat preparation.
What is the ideal material for a butcher knife?
In general, butchers regard high-carbon steel as an excellent material choice for their knives. High-carbon steel is not only highly durable, but it’s also adept at retaining a sharp edge for longer periods and resists corrosion. Alternately, stainless steel blades are also considered suitable for butcher knives. For an average customer, understanding the blade material isn’t always easy. That’s why I’d suggest focusing on the product description where you can usually find details about the blade materials.
How should one go about selecting a butcher knife?
A good butcher knife is a combination of several elements – it should be sharp, long-lasting, and versatile enough to handle various tasks. Pay particular attention to the blade. Opt for knives that have a curved, stainless steel blade. Why? Because this will help achieve smooth and even cuts which are critical when dealing with tough meats. When I bought my first butcher knife, I neglected to consider its shape and material. It was a decision I regretted for a long time. So, make sure you take the time to choose the right butcher knife, so you don’t make the same mistake I did.
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