What’s the Best Knife for Cutting Meat? Top Picks Reviewed

Knives seem quite straightforward – you cannot go wrong with them and you can use them for a plethora of activities. However, as simple as they seem, they are extremely diversified, whether it comes to their actual purpose or the overall design. You have bread knives, gut hook knives, chef knives, meat knives, and the list can go on forever, especially if you get into specialized knives.

When it comes to finding the best knife for cutting meat, you probably imagine you will be able to do it with any kind of knife. True! You can even do it with a pocket knife if you end up on a camping trip in the middle of nowhere. But when you want a clean-cut for a beautiful dish to impress your guests, you certainly need a specialized knife.

The best meat slicing knife? It is a bit broad because there are more options out there. Then, what should you know before making a purchase?

2024’s 3 Best Knives For Cutting Meat

Sky Light Chef Knife – Best cheap knife for slicing meat

Sky Light’s best meat slicing knife is one of the most versatile chef knives on the market. It is excellent for all kinds of tasks, from chopping and slicing to mincing and dicing. It is very likely to make your job easier and faster.

The unit features a 15 degree double bevel blade (mirror polishing). It is hand sharpened and measures eight inches in length. Apart from meat, you can use a knife for fruits and vegetables too. It is made of German high carbon stainless steel, meaning it will resist corrosion and rust. The material is also easy to clean and sharpen when needed.

There is nothing to worry about in terms of durability either. The full tang handle ensures the blade goes through the entire handle, so the unit is well balanced and stable. You have a triple rivet mounting system, as well as a non-slip surface and a bolster for finger protection.

Pros

• Suitable for more jobs in the kitchen
• Built to last for ages
• Can retain its sharpness for a long time
• Nonslip handle
• Cheap

Cons

• Does not come with a protective sheath

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

UltraSource Breaking Butcher Knife – Cheap butcher knife for cutting meat

UltraSource does not mess around when it comes to specialty knife. Its best meat knife is a mix between breaking, butcher, and boning knives. It is a versatile unit that will help you deal with meat like never before – forget about messy results and uneven cuts.

The blade measures eight inches. It is more than enough for most pieces of meat you will get. You can use the knife to cut large roasts into tiny pieces. It is made of high carbon molybdenum steel. It is treated cryogenically to face issues like corrosion and rest. Plus, it is very efficient at maintaining its sharpness.

The handle is worth some attention too. It is textured, so it is less likely to slip out of your hands and cause injuries. It is antibacterial infused too. Plus, there is liquid welding around the blade, so the whole thing is seamless and easy to keep clean. On top of all these, the knife is perfectly handled with some safety bolsters.

Pros

• Great balance, no fatigue
• Durable design and great edge retention
• Suitable for more meat related operations
• Nonslip antibacterial infused handle

Cons

• Not the best looking knife in the world

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife

You can never go wrong with a piece from Victorinox. The Swiss quality standards have been on the market since the 19th century, so you can leave yourself in good hands. This might be the best knife for cutting meat if you are more into carving. It is a versatile tool that will help you carve and slice meat in a clean and neat matter.

The tip is round, while the blade carries the Granton standards. This is a specific type of serration that will create air pockets when the knife goes through the meat. This way, the meat will never stick to the blade, while friction is minimized. Meat separation has never been easier.

The long and narrow design ensures a good cut, while the blade ensures an outstanding sharpness for ages. After all, the blade is made of high carbon stainless steel, while the handle carries the Fibrox Pro standards. It has a non-slip surface, even if your hands are wet or sweaty. All in all, the blade measures 12 inches and the knife weighs about eight ounces.

Pros

• Can easily maintain its sharpness
• Ensures a clean and neat cut
• Less friction due to the Granton blade
• Nonslip handle

Cons

• Not the best option for other kitchen-related activities

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

What are the Types of Knives for Cutting and Slicing Meat

There are a few specialized knives designed for nothing but meat, but there are also a few general knives that will make meat slicing a breeze.

Chef knife

Chef knife is one of the most popular choices out there. It is so versatile that you can use it for pretty much everything. The blade is wide and tapers to a point. It works for slicing, mincing, and chopping. Such knives also come in more sizes.

Here is our article about the best chef knives available in the market

Boning knife

The boning knife is not necessarily a slicing knife. Instead, it is mostly used to separate the bones and meat. They can reduce the quantity of wasted meat too. They come in more sizes, but usually, they are small, flexible and curved.

Here is our  guide to boning knives

Butcher knife

The butcher knife is more aggressive and heavier than other similar knives. It is usually handy to cut through the meat. It is more suitable for commercial environments. Having the Granton edge, this knife will ensure a neat and clean-cut.

Here is our guide to the butcher knife

Cleaver knife

The cleaver knife is often classified in a category of its own. This is one of the largest knives you will ever see. It is versatile and can slice meat, but it is also used to chop garlic or chop vegetables. The cleaver knife is common in Asian kitchens.

Here is our guide to cleaver knife

Breaking knife

The breaking knife is most commonly rated as a specialty knife. It is common among butchers and can be used to chop large pieces of meat into smaller pieces. The blade is usually curved, so you get extra control when cutting through cartilages, skin, and even bones. The same knife is used to separate meat from the fat.

Buying Guide For Choosing The Best Knife For Cutting Meat

Now, before diving in and exploring the potential best meat knife, what makes a random knife great? What are the most important considerations to think about in the process?

Blade shape

The blade shape is extremely important in the process. It will affect the way you cut and chop, but it will also have a word to say in flexibility and control. Furthermore, when slicing meat, the blade shape will determine how much precision you have.

This consideration is even more significant for activities that require attention to small details. Whether it comes to separating meat from bones or fat from meat, you want a knife that provides full control without causing too much waste.

According to professional chefs, the best knife for cutting meat should come with a decent blade at about 15 degrees from the handle. Sides should also be symmetrical and must meet in a sharp tip.

Blade material

The blade makes or breaks a deal. If you get a poor quality blade, your cutting experience will be terrible. Not only will your cuts look uneven and rough, but you also risk injuring yourself. With this thought in mind, pay special attention to the material. Generally speaking, you need a blade that will successfully face the test of time, but it will also maintain its edge sharpness for as long as possible.

There is nothing more annoying than preparing a meal, only to realize that you might need to sharpen your knife. You would have to do it again the next week and so on. Therefore, it pays off to invest in a model built with quality in mind

There are more materials out there. When it comes to professional knives, most of these materials are based on steel. After all, steel is durable and can resist corrosion, rust, and abrasion. But then, there are more types of steel out there.

High carbon stainless steel seems to be the preferred choice for lots of manufacturers. It is durable and strong.

Handle

The handle is often overlooked. After all, the blade is the element that does most of the work. The handle is there to help you guide the knife through the meat. You could get the job done with a wooden handle, a plastic handle, and even a toy handle. You might as well wrap the paper around a blade and still cut through the meat.

But then, dealing with raw meat is a bit difficult and can get messy. Do you want a handle that can slip and slide when trying to use it? What if it slips in the hand you use to hold the meat? Not only does it mess up the cut, but you can also injure yourself.

The material could be anything, but if it is the slippery type, it should have a texture to prevent such problems. At the end of the day, you want a stable grip.

Brand and make

It is said that buying a premium knife implies paying for the actual brand as well. On the other hand, it is also said that you get what you pay for. Which one is more valid when it comes to knives?

Indeed, you can find inexpensive knives that will last you for ages. They are not perfect and they have their flaws, but they can get the job done. On another note, knives are not like other items – cars, clothes, and so on. With knives, you want a model created by a manufacturer with a good reputation.

Differences in prices are not that big. Moreover, a product with hundreds or even thousands of positive reviews is more likely to provide a good experience in the kitchen. Such knives come with great value for money as well.

FAQ

What are the types of knife edges available on the market?

The straight edge is a classic and is most commonly used to cut and chop. Many chef knives come with this blade. It is also the easiest to sharpen, as there are no special requirements for it. On the other hand, the Granton edge seems to gain more popularity in meat knives because it has some sort of serrations that create air pockets. The meat will no longer stick to the knife.

The serrated edge is more common to slice through bread, fruits, and vegetables – not so much for meat. However, you will notice that many steak knives come with serrated edges. Finally, while not so popular, the hollow ground edge is more common in preparing sushi – the meaty parts.

What is the best handle to choose from?

The wooden handle is comfy and good looking, but plastic and stainless steel are easier to clean. They are more durable too, but they might come with a poor grip. Santoprene handles are not so popular. They are durable and ensure good slip resistance. They have no major disadvantages.

What is the best type of mean knife to purchase?

Different types of meat knives come with different recommendations and requirements. Choosing the best knife for cutting meat depends on how you normally prepare meat, so make this choice with your personal needs in mind.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that the best knife for cutting meat is a concept that does not necessarily exist. In other words, what works for some people will not necessarily work for everyone else. The above-mentioned products dominate the market, yet you must ensure they can match your necessities in the kitchen.