If you love meat, you need to invest in the best knife for cutting meat instead of using just any knife.
The good thing about buying specific knives for cutting raw or cooked meat is that they are specially designed for such purposes meaning that they have very unique features and designs.
For example, they have a long blades mostly from 10-14 inches that enable them to cut larger pieces of meat more easily.
Their edges are also extremely sharp for cutting raw meats such as beef, pork, fish, poultry, steak, etc.
However, choosing the best meat-cutting knife can be confusing especially if you don’t know the most important features you should check.
In this article, I will reveal the best knives that you can use for cutting and slicing meat. I have listed the best ones in terms of design, features, and customer reviews to ensure that any of them will give you incredible value for your money.
01. Dalstrong 8-inch Slicing Carving Knife
In terms of performance, the DALSTRONG Slicing Carving Knife is the best knife for slicing meat.
It boasts outstanding craftsmanship and it also features stunning design elements which you can never find in other similar models.
It is made of high-carbon German steel and it is hand polished at 16-18 degrees on each side. This means that it is extremely sharp and it is able to maintain its sharp edge for a long time.
Apart from that, it uses an advanced blade technology which makes it ideal for filleting, boning, trimming, butterflying, and skinning all types of meat.
It is very comfortable since it comes with a military-grade G-10 handle that is resistant to cold, moisture, and heat.
The hand-polished handle has an ergonomic shape to give you comfort, agility, and maximum control when cutting.
Besides that, the blade has a Rockwell hardness of 56± and it is hand polished to a satin-finished blade.
This blade is also tapered to improve flexibility, hardness and to prevent resistance when slicing.
It is 8 inches long meaning that it is excellent for carving hams, and roasts and also prepping large fruits or vegetables.
02. Zelite Infinity 12-inch Slicing Carving Knife
In terms of quality and reliability, the Zelite Infinity Slicing Carving Knife will give you excellent value for your money.
It is 12-inches long which means that you can also use it for different purposes in your kitchen.
You can use it to make thin slices of meat, salmon, brisket, turkey, fish, poultry, hams, roasts, and other BBQ or large-cooked meats. Besides that, this knife has a Rockwell hardness of 56 which means that it is extremely sharp.
The blade is hand-finished using the famous traditional 3-step Honbazuke method meaning that it is sharpened at 15-18 degrees on both sides. As a result, it is very sharp and has incredible edge retention.
It is made of a very unique ThyssenKrupp high-carbon stainless steel material, which is resistant to rust, corrosion, and stains. This material is also non-stick for easier cleaning.
It has a full-tang design to give you excellent balance when cutting. In order to enhance comfort, it comes with an ergonomic forged round black handle and a tapered bolster to enhance safety.
03. Sunnecko 8-inch Carving Knife for Meat
This knife has been jointly designed by German and Japanese artisans which means that it has an exceptional quality. It is made from authentic Japanese 73-layer Damascus steel.
The knife’s construction also features a VG10 super steel cutting core which provides flexibility as well as excellent edge retention.
The good thing about this material is that it is highly durable and makes the edge wicked sharp.
In addition, it features 73 layers of Damascus high-carbon stainless steel cladding to enhance its appearance. These layers also protect the knife from rust and corrosion.
Each side is sharpened at 12-15 degrees angle to enhance sharpness. As a result, you can use the knife for slicing, mincing, and chopping meat or vegetables.
Another unique thing about the knife is that it is equipped with a military-grade ergonomic G10 handle which is highly resistant to heat, moisture, and cold.
The knife also boasts a full-tang construction which ensures that the weight is distributed evenly in all parts of the knife. It also features mosaic rivets which enhance the overall appearance of the knife.
04. Mercer Culinary 14-inch Slicer Knife
One of the most outstanding things about this knife is that it is made using the highest quality Japanese steel. This means that the blade is super sharp and easy to maintain.
It also maintains its sharp edge for a long time meaning that you don’t need to re-sharpen it from time to time.
Besides that, the one-piece high-carbon Japanese steel is highly resistant to corrosion, stain, and rust.
The knife also features textured fingertips which give you an excellent grip when cutting. A finger guard is also included to protect you from accidental cuts.
However, the handle is made from a combination of Santoprene which provides comfort, and Polypropylene which enhances durability. Again, it is 14-inches long which makes it suitable for home and professional chefs.
You also need to be very careful when using it since it comes with an extremely sharp blade.
If you want to extend its durability, you should avoid cleaning it in a dishwasher because intense heat can degrade its quality. (However, I recommend this article for you if you want a dishwasher-safe kitchen knife.)
05. Victorinox Swiss Army 12-inch Meat Slicing Knife
If you are searching for a versatile knife for carving or slicing meat, the Victorinox Swiss Army 47645 Knife will be a great choice.
It has a rounded tip plus a Granton Edge blade meaning that it creates air pockets that minimize friction when cutting.
As a result, it allows you to separate meat easily. The knife also features a long and narrow blade with a razor-sharp blade. As a result, it is able to cut through meat in single and smooth movements.
The blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel and it is designed to make uniform thin slices of meat easily.
Additionally, this blade is 12-inches long and it meets the strict National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) requirements for public health protection.
The blade also contains a 5.4-inch handle meaning that the knife is 17.4 inches long.
In order to enhance comfort, it is equipped with an ergonomic Fibrox Pro handle which is non-slip even when wet. The knife is weighted and balanced for easy handling.
06. TUO 12-inch Knife for Slicing Meat
TUO Slicing knife is among the longest knives you will ever find on the market. It is 12 inches long and has a narrow blade that prevents dragging when cutting.
This blade is able to cut through the meat easily allowing it to make cleaner and equal slices. Apart from using it to cut meat, it is also suitable for cutting larger fruits, cakes, and vegetables.
In terms of construction, it is made from high-carbon stainless steel from Germany. The good thing about this material is that it doesn’t rust or corrode easily.
This type of steel is precisely processed using high-tech vacuum heat treatment to provide unmatched performance and strength.
Additionally, it is equipped with an ergonomic Pakkawood handle for comfort. As compared to the wooden handle, this patent-pending high-density handle is more stable and easier to clean.
Again, it has a full-tang design to enhance balance and control. The other thing you will love about this knife is that it comes with a lifetime guarantee meaning that it is risk-free.
07. Mairico Ultra-Sharp 11-inch Carving Knife
For those who are on a budget, this knife will be the most suitable option because it’s cheaper than other models on this list. Despite its cheap price, it comes with amazing features which means it is still reliable.
To start with, it has a long and ultra-sharp blade which enables it to provide precise cuts even without applying too much pressure.
The blade is made of premium stainless steel and it is suitable for cutting all types of meat including the bigger roasts.
In addition, it has a perfect weight distribution between the blade and the handle to enhance comfort. The handle is designed to fit perfectly on your palm and it is also non-slip.
Finally, it is 11-inches long, which means that it is long enough to cut pork loins, brisket, ham, turkey, smoked salmon, and roasts.
You can also use it to slice fruits and vegetables which is really a great opportunity for you and save you money from purchasing different knives.
Difference Between Meat Slicing and Carving Knives
Both slicing and carving knives can be used interchangeably although their blades and edges are not the same. They function as follows;
Meat-slicing knife – A meat-slicing knife has a very long and narrow blade. The blade is usually straight and has a length of 12-14 inches. Most slicing knives feature a Granton Edge which enables them to provide ultra-thin slices.
You can use them for meat, beef, pork, fish, poultry, and other types of meat. They are also suitable for slicing vegetables and fruits.
Carving knife – These knives have narrow and razor-sharp blades with a round tip. They are best for roasted meat, BBQ, lamb, brisket, harm, or steak.
If you need super thin meat for sandwiches or other foods, a carving knife will be the best to use because they provide the best performance when you want to make very thin slices.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Before you spend your money on any knife, you need to compare the features of each model to know which one suits you most.
Since there are many slicing and meat-carving knives on the market, choosing the best meat-cutting knife may not be an easy task. Therefore, you should check these features to ensure that you will get the best value for your money.
Blade Material
The best meat-slicing knives are made of top-quality materials such as high-carbon stainless steel or stainless steel. The two materials are very strong and durable which makes these knives suitable even for professional use.
In terms of reliability, high-carbon stainless steel blades are highly durable and the edge goes really well than other materials.
Blade Design
These knives have different blade designs. They are;
Plain edge blades- Kitchen knives with a plain edge blade are very common but they are only suitable for cutting soft foods.
Serrated edge blade – These types of blades are designed for cutting hard and thick foods. This means that they provide better performance than those with a plain edge blade.
Hollow edge blade– Hollow edge blades have special identifications above the blade which creates small air bubbles. Due to this design, they cut and slice easily. This design also ensures that the food doesn’t stick on the surface.
Granton blades– These ones look almost the same as hollow edge blades because they create small air pockets that prevent foods from sticking. A Santoku knife is a good example of such knives.
The Handle
The handle of most meat-slicing knives is made of wood, rubber, plastic, or stainless steel. These materials are very durable and very comfortable. Wooden handles are more stylish but they are easily affected by warm water or intense heat.
On the other hand, rubber and plastic handles provide the best grip. They are also lightweight and durable which means that their quality is not affected by water. Make sure that the knife you have picked has a comfortable handle that fits perfectly in your hands.
Safety Features
Whether you are a beginner or a professional chef, you need a knife with a finger guard or a bolster. These features are meant to protect you from accidental cuts or injuries. You also need to check if the handle is non-slip.
Size
In terms of size, meat-cutting knives are longer than ordinary ones since they are normally 12-14 inches long. You need to select a suitable length that matches the type of meat you will be cutting.
A smaller knife will be easier to balance than a longer one but if you are used to different kitchen knives, you can choose any size you prefer.
Weight
We all know that lightweight knives are easier to handle than the heavier blades. The weight of the knife mainly depends on the materials used to make the blade and the handle.
If you are searching for a lightweight knife, you should consider stamped blades instead of forged knives. The good thing about lightweight knives is that you can use them for many hours without any problems.
Balance
A balanced knife has a good weight distribution between the blade and the handle. In this regard, full-tang knives provide the best balance as compared to the half-tang blades. Full tang means that the blade runs from the blade tip to the end of the handle.
Ease of Cleaning
Generally, knives are very easy to clean. However, you should look for a model that is resistant to stains or one that you can put in a dishwasher.
Cleaning knives in a dishwasher is not a good idea meaning that you need to check what the manufacturer recommends. It is also important to read customer reviews to see what users are saying about cleaning the knife in a dishwasher.
Warranty
If you want to get value for your money when buying the best knife for cutting meat, you need to ensure that the one you have picked has a warranty. If possible, look for a model with a lifetime warranty.
Price
Just like other products, knives for cutting meat come at different prices. Before you spend your money on any model, make sure that you have gone through its features to determine if it is worth it or not. You should consider a model with the best features irrespective of price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Knife Is the Best for Cutting Meat?
The choice of which knife you should use for cutting meat will depend on your personal preferences. If you want to cut smoked or cooked meats, a carving knife will be the best to use.
Most carving knives also come with a special fork that you can use when serving. On the other hand, a boning knife or a butcher knife will be suitable for cutting large meat.
Do You Cut Meat With a Serrated Knife?
A serrated knife can damage the quality of the meat since it has small teeth on the edge. Therefore, you should consider a knife with a straight blade when cutting raw meat.
Can You Cut Meat With a Bread Knife?
Bread knives are normally designed for cutting soft foods like bread. This means that they won’t give you great performance when cutting meat.
Which Knife Is Able to Cut Through Bones?
When cutting through bones, you will need to look for a boning knife. This knife has a thin and very sharp blade tip that enables it to remove meat easily from bones. It is also narrow, meaning that it is able to penetrate even in the unreachable parts of the bone.
Conclusion
Whether you are searching for a quality knife you can use for cutting raw or cooked meats, you need to invest in the best knife for cutting meat.
These knives are longer than others and they also come with amazing features which are rare to find in the ordinary models. However, you can easily get confused when buying especially if you don’t have a specific model in mind.
The good thing is that I have provided a list of the best meat-slicing knives to save you time when buying.
As compared to other knives for cutting meat on the market, the DALSTRONG slicing and carving knife is equipped with better features. This means that it will give you the best value for your money as compared to cheaper models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What style knife is best for cutting meat?
When it comes to cutting meat, a Steak Knife, particularly a **straight-edged or non-serrated knife**, is an excellent choice. Its design allows it to slice through meat with ease and without fraying or tearing the fibers. This feature remains true, of course, provided the knife is sufficiently sharp. A little tip is to make sure to always keep it nice and honed to avoid any damage to the meat you’re preparing, which can significantly impact the overall eating experience.
What is the best chef’s knife for most cooks in 2023 for home or restaurant?
In settling on the ideal chef’s knife for your kitchen, whether home or restaurant, the **Misen Chef’s Knife** comes highly recommended. It stands out as a well-rounded and dependable choice that offers great value for money. What makes this knife particularly great is how it fits comfortably into anybody’s skill level. Especially if you’re still learning the ropes and mastering your knife skills, its 8-inch body is not only lightweight but also very manageable. Indeed, as someone who’s done a fair bit of chopping and dicing in my time, there’s nothing quite like a reliable, well-balanced knife to make the food preparation experience that much smoother.
What size knife is best for cutting meat?
The size of the knife used for cutting meat can shift considerably depending on your specific needs. As a general rule, you could use a conventional meat-cutting knife, such as a chef’s knife, which will usually measure somewhere between **9-12 inches**. However, if you’re preparing something more specific, like fillet for example, you might opt for a filet knife that might only be 6-10 inches. In my experience, having a range of knives in your arsenal will always serve you well, ensuring you’re ready for whatever the recipe calls for.
What is the best knife for cutting raw meat and bone?
When it comes to cutting through both raw meat and bone, you’re going to need a knife designed specifically for that purpose. You’ll need a **cleaver or a butcher’s knife**, both of which have the necessary heft and blade design capable of handling such heavy-duty tasks. Its thick blade and heavy weight allow you to easily chop through bones without damaging the knife itself. As a professional chef, I can attest to the necessity of having a powerhouse like this in your culinary toolbox. It’s a great choice for tasks such as breaking down a whole chicken or chopping up spare ribs.
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