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A banana knife is not used to peel bananas. After all, you don’t need a knife for a banana anyway, as they are soft and easy to peel with bare hands. On the other hand, such knives are most commonly used when harvesting bananas and other similar fruits.
Choosing the best banana knife could be a bit tricky. There are many options out there. Almost any knife can be used to harvest bananas, but this one is specifically made for this purpose. All in all, here are the top-rated options in commerce based on people’s reviews and recommendations.
About banana knives
A banana knife comes with a solid handle, as well as a curved blade. The blade is supposed to go behind the bananas and cut a bunch of them without damaging the fruit. Again, you could use any type of knife for this operation, but the curved blade and compact design make these units stand out in the crowd.
Banana knives are strong, but also flexible. They provide excellent control and they feel like an extension of your hand. The more control you have, the easier it is to cut bunches of bananas without damaging the fruit. Such knives are productive and can get the job done in no time.
Given the flexibility of these knives, you can use them for other fruits too. As long as you need to harvest the fruit of a tree or vine, you will most likely be able to do it with a banana knife. Sure, you will not need a knife for cherries or apricots, but other fruits growing in bunches can be harvested with a banana knife.
The shape of this knife and its ability to reach hardly accessible areas with its curved blade makes it suitable for pruning too. You can prune small trees, bushes, and shrubs without too much hassle. It is just a matter of practice.
Other than that, do not be surprised to find banana knives on boats too. They are great on camping trips and outdoor adventures. Of course, they are not as versatile as classic utility knives, but they can easily get the job done.
Last, but not least, some people invest in banana knives if they collect knives. It is not the average knife you can find in every store, but it looks good and can certainly draw some attention. If you are a collector, a banana knife will add value to your collection.
Now that you understand how banana knives work, choosing the best banana knife should be a matter of time only.
2024’s 5 Best Banana Knives
GrowTech KNK-HTS1200
Great size – Made in Japan and advertised to be a grass sickle, GrowTech’s best banana knife comes in the perfect size for a series of applications. It weighs just under four ounces, so it is quite light on your hand. Other than that, it measures 13 inches in length altogether, so it is suitable for bananas, shrubs, grass, trees, or various fruits that can cause challenges when harvested.
Superior blade – The blade is slightly curved. It is one of the main characteristics associated with banana knives. It is around six inches in length. It has one edge on the inside. It is fully serrated to ensure easy cutting of branches and grass. Serrations are small and the knife can be used out of the box. It is made of stainless steel, so it can resist rust and corrosion with no issues at all.
Ergonomic handle – The handle is about seven inches in length. It has a few Japanese markings on it. Other than that, it has a simple wood design. It is ergonomic and easy to hold, whether you have small or large hands. Since wood is quite grainy, you would have a good nonslip grip – even if your hands get sweaty or wet.
Care and maintenance – The super lightweight banana knife made in Japan does not require too much care. The stainless steel is rust and corrosion-resistant. It is still recommended to clean it after a day of work. The unit is razor-sharp and does not require sharpening out of the box. Other than that, avoid cleaning the knife in the dishwasher or you could dull the blade.
Pros
- Serrations for an easy cutting operation
- Durable, rust and corrosion-resistant stainless steel blade
- Easy to use and ergonomic
- Nonslip grip
- Lightweight profile
Cons
- A bit difficult to sharpen with those serrations
Nisaku NJP150
Versatile quality – Nisaku’s best banana knife brings in high-quality standards established decades ago. Most of the tools from this brand are based on authentic Japanese Tomita steel and this one makes no exception. It is a quality banana knife that can be used for other applications too, including grass, weeds, trees, bushes, and other fruits.
Impressive blade – The blade has the classic shape. It is slightly curved and will allow reaching hardly accessible places – such as the back of a bunch of bananas. Furthermore, it measures six inches – more than enough for plenty of applications. Made of stainless steel, it is rust and corrosion-resistant. It has good edge retention and has serrations throughout the edge for easier operations.
Solid handle – The handle feels good and solid. It is easy to hold and measures 8.5 inches. It is made of hardwood, so it looks good, but it is also polished. The polish will not affect its efficiency. Practically, even if your hands tend to get a bit sweaty while working, the knife is less likely to slip. It has a light color and cannot be purchased in other designs or styles.
Extras and maintenance – The knife is fairly simple and there are no extras, but the Tomita steel is attractive enough for those who know more about it. It is extremely durable and will surprise you with its quality. In terms of maintenance, you should never clean the knife in the dishwasher, as it may affect the edge. Sharpening should be done by a professional – unless you know how to sharpen serrations.
Pros
- High-quality Tomita stainless steel blade
- Great sizing standards for a good balance
- Lightweight profile and easy to use
- No maintenance required
- Good value for money
Cons
- Should never be cleaned in a dishwasher
Zenport K208P
Great value for money – Zenport might have designed the best banana knife if you are after good value for money. This knife does not come with any bells or whistles. Instead, it is made of the quality and durable materials that will last for ages and it will help you get the job done while harvesting bananas and other fruits, pruning bushes, trees, and shrubs.
Helpful design – The blade is classic, meaning it is slightly curved. The handle ensures a good grip, but more importantly, the unit features a bright orange knife. You will no longer have to waste time looking for your knife in the field. Instead, you will spot it easily in the grass. Other than that, it has a straight handle and a great balance due to its weight – just under four ounces.
Durable blade – The blade follows a Japanese style for such operations. It measures 6.5 inches and it is curved. It has deep serrations throughout the whole edge. It is sharp out of the box, so you can use it straight away. Moreover, it is based on stainless steel, which means you will never have to worry about corrosion or rust. It will simply last for ages.
Ergonomic handle – The handle will not disappoint you either. Apart from the bright orange color, it is made of solid plastic. There are no worries in terms of durability. Moreover, plastic meets the standard requirements for food processing. The knife is slightly textured, so it ensures a good grip. There is nothing to be concerned about even if your hands get sweaty.
Pros
- Bright orange handle to find the knife easily in the field
- Durable stainless steel blade
- Good balance and stability
- Textured to prevent slipping
- Great value for money
Cons
- The plastic handle feels a bit cheap
ARS KNK-MT211
Versatile operations – Advertised to be a weeding sickle, this could be the best banana knife if you want lots of versatility. You can use this knife to harvest bananas, berries, and other fruits that tend to grow in bunches. Other than that, you can tackle weeding raised beds, bushes, and trees when they require pruning. It is simply a classic all in one flexible tool.
Efficient blade – The blade is longer than normal and part of it is associated with the handle. The knife looks like a miniature scythe. The blade has one edge only, but it is razor-sharp. You can use the unit out of the box. It does not have any serrations, so it is fairly simple to sharpen. It is based on high carbon steel. Its sharpness will pleasantly surprise you, as well as the edge retention. The blade measures four inches in length.
Nonslip handle – The wooden handle is small and most of the balance is transferred towards the blade, which is a good thing for most applications involving this knife. It has an ergonomic shape and ensures a comfortable grip. The wood is less likely to slip out of your hands, even if they are a bit sweaty. It is around four inches in length.
Care and maintenance – The blade is made of high carbon steel. It is superior to most other types of steel in terms of edge retention and sharpness, but it is not stainless. In other words, it can rust or corrode. Make sure you oil the metallic part when not in use for long periods. Also, avoid cleaning this knife in the dishwasher, as it could dull the edge.
Pros
- Razor-sharp blade gets most of the job done without too much work from you
- Twisted shank for extra durability
- Nonslip comfortable grip
- Great edge retention
- Versatile operations
Cons
- High carbon steel blade requires a bit of maintenance
CRL Banana Knife
Classic Design – CRL’s best banana knife has a classic old school design. It has a good handle and a slightly curved edge – especially towards the tip. It is built to last, and it helps to reach hardly accessible areas. It is quite versatile and can be used for other operations too. It makes a good option if you need a tool to prune trees and bushes as well, not to mention grabbing berries.
Durable steel – The blade is based on steel. It is likely to resist rust and corrosion, so it can be stored safely without having to oil it. The blade is around five inches in length, so it is suitable for more applications. It does not have any serrations, meaning you can easily sharpen it with a classic sharpener or a sharpening stone.
Hardwood handle – The hardwood handle will successfully face the test of time. It has an ergonomic shape that follows the natural shape of the hand. Made of wood, it will not slip out of your hand, even if it is wet. It is worth noting that it is secured to the blade with a high-quality rivet, as well as a closed-end ferrule. The handle is slightly shorter than the blade.
Care and maintenance – There is not too much maintenance required for this knife. The blade will not rust or corrode anyway. You should still clean it after each use. Make sure you do it manually. Do not throw it in the dishwasher or you risk dulling the blade. As for sharpening it, any tool will get the job done. It has good edge retention as well.
Pros
- Excellent for a series of different applications
- Super sharp out of the box
- Easy to sharpen
- Not too much maintenance required
- Ergonomic nonslip handle
Cons
- The handle might feel a bit small for those with large hands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a banana knife?
When it comes to the blade, steel dominates the market, but there are more types of it. At this point, it is a matter of personal preference. Stainless steel will not corrode or rust. Plus, it does not require any maintenance, just regular sharpening.
On the other hand, high carbon steel is not rust and corrosion-resistant. While it is less likely to face acids and harsh substances, it should be oiled when not in use for long periods. Moreover, it requires less sharpening and can retain its sharpness better than stainless steel.
It is up to you to identify your priorities before deciding on the material.
What else can I use a banana knife for?
Designed like a miniature scythe, the banana knife is quite versatile and can be used for various applications. Its shape and design allow reaching hardly accessible areas, which is a plus.
Bananas grow in bunches, so you need the long and curved blade to go behind a bunch and cut it. From this point of view, banana knives are just as efficient for other fruits that grow in bunches, such as berries.
On the same note, you can use a banana knife to trim trees, bushes, and shrubs, yet it depends on how thick they are. Generally speaking, you should be able to do it without too much hassle.
Should I get a blade with or without serrations?
Most banana knives in commerce come with serrated blades. Chances are you cannot chop bunches just like that – a few cutting movements will be required. Serrations will make the operation way easier.
However, you will also find high-quality banana knives with no serrations whatsoever. They might be a bit more difficult to use, but the final result will be the same. Plus, sharpening knives without serrations is relatively simple. You will have to choose between the ease of use and convenience.
Conclusion
Choosing the best banana knife is not as difficult as it might seem. A bit of education on these knives and their uses will help you understand the main features to look for. As for the actual products, any of the above-mentioned knives can get the job done in no time.
There are a few good options out there and they come with lots of reviews and recommendations. When a knife works for hundreds or even thousands of people, chances are it will do a good job for you as well.
Hi, I am Jay. I am the creator of Knife Guides, your one-stop site for everything related to knives. I am a computer engineer by profession, knife aficionado by passion. Here I work with a group of people who’ve always had a passion for knives and blades. Over the years we’ve kind of become experts and decided to share our knowledge and ideas. I am also an avid hiker and enjoy offshore gamefishing.
