Top 8 Best Meat Knives 2023 and Chefs’ Recommendations

We have gathered and answered the most frequently asked questions to aid buyers with their decision-making process when buying the best butcher knives for meat. Hopefully, the answers will make it easier for you to choose the most suitable one.  

What to consider when buying a meat knife? 

Tasks

There are five distinct sorts of butcher knives that you ought to be aware of. The first is the boning knife, which is a somewhat common tool among butchers and cooks (5-7 inches). For deboning and trimming the silver skin, fat, and sinew from the flesh, a short, pointed, stiff blade is employed. This knife can dice meat, cut delicate pieces, and slice small steaks. Most chefs concur that if you only buy one butcher's knife, it should be this one. When butchering meat, use a 6-inch flexible boning knife for fish, or a 6-inch semi-stiff boning knife.

The breaker knife (8–12 inches) is a bit bigger than the boning knife. Professionals use this knife to trim sinew, subprimals, extra fat, and bigger cuts. If you frequently trim huge chunks of meat into roasts and steaks, get one of these.

The multi-tool in every kitchen is the chef's knife (8 to 12 inches). The chef's knife, which slices, dices, and parts meat, is all that most butchers need to get by. The tapered triangle blade on a chef's knife handles the larger duties, while the thin, sharp boning knife is appropriate for minor tasks and works firmly against the bone. Get an 8-inch version for chores like breaking down a chicken if you want more control over your larger cuts, or a 10- to 12-inch version for tasks like splitting lobsters.

Similar to the breaker knife, the cimeter (10–12 inches) is used for cutting and portioning larger steaks, as a ribeye or New York strip. This knife's taller blade allows for more precise performance and can even cut through thicker muscles. Add this knife to your list if you consistently piece huge subprimals like strip loins or chuck buns.

The huge, rectangular knife known as a meat cleaver is frequently seen in horror films, photo sessions, and kitchen décor. Instead of a medium-sized hatchet, this knife is utilized for less precise splitting of thick bones. Buy this knife to chop beef bones or split hogs with a mallet.

Price

Butcher knives are sold for various prices. The good news is that a solid, capable solution can be found for far less than $50. Our chefs advise you to consider how frequently and for what purposes you anticipate using the knife (smaller, more straightforward tasks like slicing steak versus deboning and trimming large chunks of meat). Your responses may indicate that you should buy the knife rather than choose the option that is least expensive.

Blade Composition

The best blades for knives are typically made of stainless steel or materials similar to it, including high carbon or German steel.

One of the strongest metals, it is also one of the easiest to maintain and remain sharp. Titanium, ceramics, and cobalt are other materials used in the creation of the best knife.

We advise utilizing a stainless steel blade when looking for a chef's knife because it offers the best quality to price ratio and will last longer than many other materials.

Balance

The balance of the knife is achieved by laying it on the pointer finger of your dominant hand and letting it teeter-totter until it finds a flat spot. This location should be close to the point where the handle and blade base meet. For precise blade control and to prevent wrist soreness, you should base your hold on the knife's balancing point.

The simplicity of making clean, uniform cuts can greatly benefit from a blade that is well-balanced. Also, it relieves the strain on your hands and wrists and can significantly lessen weariness. In other words, you want holding the knife to feel comfortable.

Handle

The right handle is essential for the best knife to chop meat. A knife with a slippery handle will be easier to lose or roll in your hand, turning the blade and possibly cutting you. 

Stainless steel, wood, pakkawood, and bone are some of the best handle materials for meat knives since they must be sturdy, grippy, and ergonomic.

Some people prefer rubber handles because they are more cost-effective and easier to maintain than lighter wooden handles that are contoured to grip the fingertips.

The handle must impart weight to chopping knives in order to aid in cutting through the meat. For knives used for carving and slicing, check sure the handle is secure and comfortable to hold.

Comfortable Grip

One of the most crucial features to look for is an ergonomic grip, especially if you frequently use your knives for cutting meat.

The ideal knife for chopping meat will feature a grip that you can put your hand around securely and that can guard your fingers when using it.

Instead of a plastic finger guard, which is more likely to break, opt for one made of metal. You should consider the material of the handle when shopping for the greatest knife.

Chef's knives made of silicone, wood, and other materials are typically more comfortable to use since they are more forgiving than steel.

What purposes do various butcher knives serve?

There are various uses for knives. A decent butcher knife will work well for slicing into meat, especially steak. However a cleaver is probably the preferable choice if you're trying to cut through bones. Depending on how you intend to use the knife.

If you're unsure of where to begin, our experts advise home chefs to start with an 8-inch chef's knife and a 6-inch boning knife. When utilizing these knives, the smaller size will provide you more control because it will feel like a hand-extension.

How are butcher knives sharpened?

The greatest butcher knife sharpening tool is a whetstone, along with a steel to polish it. If they are used every day, sharpen them once a week at a 15-20 degree angle. Another quick and simple option is an electric sharpener, albeit over time, it could corrode the blade.

Why does the blade of butcher knives frequently have a hole in it?

Larger butcher knives have a hole on the blade that can be used to hang them from a hook on a wall or shelf. The majority of our cooks concur that hanging knives should be avoided because it could result in them falling or spinning uncontrollably. They advise seeking for a decent magnetic knife holder instead, either a countertop or wall-mounted version, to display butcher knives.

>>See more: Top 6 Best Ceramic Knife Sets 2023 for Enjoyable Cooking Time

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#1. Victorinox-Swiss-Army- 47645 Cutlery Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife, Granton Blade: Best Overall

Victorinox-Swiss-Army- 47645 Cutlery Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife, Granton Blade (link)

Important Specifications

• Length: 12 inches

• Blade Material: Stainless steel   

• Handle Material : Thermoplastic Rubber

• Blade Edge : Fluted edge

Product highlights

Behold, our best meat knife in the list, Victorinox-Swiss-Army- 47645 Cutlery Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife, Granton Blade. 

Knife-making by Victorinox has a long, 100-year history. Top chefs throughout the world use the Swiss Army Granton Edge, a reliable reflection of this heritage.

Because of the incredible qualities it provides, we rank this model as one of the best knives for cutting meat. This 12-inch carbon stainless steel knife from NSF is honed for precise slicing and simple carving.

The air pockets lining both sides of the knife are another feature that makes utilizing it simpler.

The pockets lessen friction, allowing the blade to cut through the flesh with less effort. The handle has an ergonomic grip that is functional even in the rain.

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What we like

• Lifelong defect warranty

• 12-inch high-carbon stainless steel

• Air pockets reduce rubbing when slicing meat.

• Slip-resistant ergonomic design

Things to consider

• No knife guard

Bottom line

One customer on Amazon left a remark, ‘This knife is perfect for slicing roasts with. … this knife worked wonderful for slicing either steak thickness or thin slices for sandwiches. It comes extremely sharp (watch your fingers!), and cuts through meat very easily.’ Try Victorinox-Swiss-Army- 47645 Cutlery Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife, Granton Blade, our best meat knife for yourself.

>>See more: Top 6 Best Steak Knife Sets 2023 for Utmost Dining Experience

#2. MAIRICO Ultra Sharp Premium 11-inch Stainless Steel Carving Knife

MAIRICO Ultra Sharp Premium 11-inch Stainless Steel Carving Knife  (link)

Important Specifications

• Blade length: 11 inches

• Material: Stainless Steel

Product highlights

Next contender on our best meat knife list is MAIRICO Ultra Sharp Premium 11-inch Stainless Steel Carving Knife. It is marketed by the maker as the greatest knife for slicing meat, including roasts.

The product's ergonomic non-slip design is balanced to make cutting through various meats in the kitchen easier.

To ensure that the knife is strong even while being used frequently, the blade is continuous with triple-riveted fastenings.

The greatest knife for slicing through thick slabs of meat is one with a blade length of 11 inches.

It contains air pockets for frictionless meat cutting and a straight edge that maintains its sharpness.

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What We Like

• Triple rivet fixing and full tang

• Complete money-back assurance

• Handle with an ergonomic design

• Balanced for fine cutting

Things to Consider

• No blade cover

Bottom line

MAIRICO Ultra Sharp Premium 11-inch Stainless Steel Carving Knife receives 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with more than 9,200 ratings globally. That is enough to prove it is the best rated meat knife out there!

#3. Jerky Professional 12" Meat Cutting Knife

Jerky Professional 12" Meat Cutting Knife (link)

Important Specifications

• Blade length: 12 inches

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel

• Handle Material: Alloy Steel

Product highlights

The Jerky Professional is the best meat-chopping knife you can purchase for a reasonable price. This sturdy, long, razor-sharp steel slicing knife is ideal for slicing through tough meats like brisket, hog, or lamb legs.

The knife measures 12 inches in length and is made of solid metal. You'll find upkeep easier and better with this dishwasher-safe knife than with other of the more pricey knives on this list.

The handle is ergonomically created to offer a secure grip while being used frequently in the kitchen. To cut food without friction, air pockets are included into the knife edges.

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What we like

• Inexpensive compared to certain slicing knives

• Aesthetically pleasing

• For frictionless cutting, hollow ground

• 12 inches of thick stainless steel

Things to consider

• No sheath or cover

Bottom line

Another best rated meat knife with more than 76% of 5 stars on Amazon. Jerky Professional 12" Meat Cutting Knife is indeed the best choice for meat lovers!

>>See more: Top 5 Best Damascus Knife Sets 2023 and Chefs’ Advice
>>See more: Top 5 Best Quality Knife Sets 2023 Every Kitchen Must Have

#4. Zelite Infinity Cleaver Knife

Zelite Infinity Cleaver Knife (link)

Important Specifications

• Blade Length: 7 inches

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel

• Handle Material: Stainless Steel

Product highlights

Make sure a meat cleaver is included in your kitchen tool kit if you frequently carve meat. 

Another excellent knife for slicing through tough food ingredients like bone, cartilage, and tough portions of meat is the Zelite Infinity, which cannot be missed on our list of the best professional meat cleaver and butcher knives.

This razor-sharp knife has a practical 7-inch blade size, a structured handle, and is designed for quickly slicing through raw meat.

Its 14.01 ounce total weight makes it the ideal knife for slicing through tough meats without becoming stuck. For further assurance, it comes with a full guarantee.

 Check Latest Price: View on Amazon

What we like

• Comfortable knife handles 

• Lifetime warranty

• Excellent value for a meat cleaver with a full-tang design 

Things to consider

•   Maybe require further sharpening

Bottom line

Apart from a bit frequent sharpening needed, most chefs agree Zelite Infinity Cleaver Knife is a must-have meat knife in every kitchen, thus, making it on our list of the best meat knives 2023.  

#5. WÜSTHOF Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife

WÜSTHOF Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife (link)

Important Specifications

• Blade Length: 8 inches

• Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel

• Handle Material: Synthetic

Product highlights

To slice meat in the kitchen, a good chef's knife is one of the best tools you may have.

It's the ideal chef's knife for various tasks like slicing, dicing, mincing, and chopping food as well as for cutting steaks and fowl.

The greatest knife for slicing any type of meat is definitely the NSF-certified WUSTHOF Classic chef's knife.

For an 8-inch size slicing multi-purpose knife, the sharp blade is manufactured from a single block of carbon stainless steel and boasts a number of great characteristics, including a robust bolster.

To avoid fading and discoloration, the chef's knife handle is made of synthetic materials.

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What We Like

•  Precision Edge Technology used

•  Chef's knife with a full tang

• Versatile for every day tasks

• Complete metal finger guard

Things to Consider

• The handle could be slick

Bottom line

This can be an “aspiring” knife for you, as some customers on Amazon reviewed. Buy WÜSTHOF Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife, our best meat knife 2023 and experience daily inspiration in your kitchen. 

#6. TUO Cutlery Slicing Carving Knife

TUO Cutlery Slicing Carving Knife (link)

Important Specifications

• Blade Length: 8 inches

• Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel

• Handle Material: Pakkawood

Product highlights

The TUO is another best knives for processing meat, which is an excellent slicing knife for regular use as well as for carving meat. For a variety of jobs, such as dicing and slicing food, this can be used in place of utility knives.

German type steel was used in the creation of the knife, increasing its durability. To reduce friction when slicing through tough foods and other meat-like textures, the knife has hollow regions on both sides of the blade.

The best knife for cutting meat, including poultry, beef, pork, and vegetables, may be this one. The handle is composed of pakkawood, which has a distinctive appearance.

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What We Like

• Ergonomic pakkawood grip 

• Non-stick blade

• Reassurance of satisfaction

• Corrosion and rust resistance

Things to Consider

• Not easily able to cut through bones

Bottom line

This fantastic-looking and German high-quality feeling knife will become your kitchen best friend, as it has with more than 1,000 customers on Amazon. TUO Cutlery Slicing Carving Knife is indeed one of the best meat cutting knives.

>>See more: Top 5 Best High End Knife Sets 2023 to Elevate Your Kitchen

#7. Messermeister Four Seasons Pro Series 6-Inch Heavy Meat Cleaver

 

Messermeister Four Seasons Pro Series 6-Inch Heavy Meat Cleaver (link)

Important Specifications

• Blade Length: 6 inches

• Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel

• Handle Material: Polypropylene

Product highlights

One of the most recommended knives by chefs, Messermeister Four Seasons Pro Series 6-Inch Heavy Meat Cleaver is also included in our list of the best butcher knives for meat.

Pro-Series knives by  Messermeister can handle the demanding food preparation activities seen in a commercial kitchen. They have a bigger, non-slip grip handle and are one-piece stamped, which results in a stronger blade.

Large pieces of meat, poultry, difficult veggies, and even bone can be effortlessly cut with the Messermeister Four Seasons Pro Series 6-Inch Heavy Meat Cutter. Cleavers' balance and weight make them ideal for heavy-duty tasks, while it has a sharp enough edge to mince herbs.

German X50 stainless steel is used for the blades of our knives to make them sharp and rust-resistant. They have a 15-degree blade edge and are simple to maintain and sharpen. Also, the ergonomic, curved handle provides safety and comfort.

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What We Like

• Most effective at cutting through bone 

Things to Consider

• May be hard to store

Bottom line

 “A winner” is what most people say about Messermeister Four Seasons Pro Series 6-Inch Heavy Meat Cleaver, our best professional meat cleaver and butcher knives. 

#8. Victorinox Fibrox Pro 6-inch Curved Boning Knife

Victorinox Fibrox Pro 6-inch Curved Boning Knife (link)

Important Specifications

• Blade Length: 6 inches

• Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel

• Handle Material: Synthetic

Product highlights

Last on our best meat cutting knives for 2023 is Victorinox Fibrox Pro 6-inch Curved Boning Knife, another Swiss-made knife, which is excellent for slicing meat like roasts and hams.

The NSF-certified Victorinox Fibrox Pro is constructed of high carbon materials. It has a number of great knife features.

The blade has undergone ice tempering to guarantee continued sharpness.

Because of this, it can be used regularly for slicing meat when you require a multipurpose utility cooking knife. Because of its simple ergonomic design, handling is more secure and comfortable.

The lack of a sheath is a drawback, however it does carry a lifetime warranty against defects.

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What We Like

• Lifetime warranty  

• High quality carbon metal

• Good for daily use

• Knife handle prevents slipping

Things to Consider

• No knife sheath

Bottom line

For some customers, buying one of this best meat knife is not enough - you should even by 2! That is more than enough to prove how great this knife is, and the price actually makes is possible for you to buy several, even.

>>See more: Best BBQ Knife Sets of 2023: Detailed Reviews on Top 8 Picks for BBQ Lovers

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The review of the best meat knives for home use 2023 above hopefully helps you narrow down potential choices and make a final decision that will satisfy your needs.

Have a look at the most highly recommended products that we have discussed above: 

• Best Granton Blade: Victorinox-Swiss-Army- 47645 Cutlery Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife, Granton Blade

• Best Carving Knife: MAIRICO Ultra Sharp Premium 11-inch Stainless Steel Carving Knife

• Best Rated: WÜSTHOF Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife

• Best for Jerky: Jerky Professional 12" Meat Cutting Knife

• Best Splurge: Messermeister Four Seasons Pro Series 6-Inch Heavy Meat Cleaver

• Best Boning Knife: Victorinox Fibrox Pro 6-inch Curved Boning Knife

• Best Cleaver: Zelite Infinity Cleaver Knife

If you have any other questions on the best meat knives, don't forget to leave a comment in the section below. We will make every effort to answer these questions in a timely and accurate manner.

We hope the article has been useful. Thank you for reading.

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