Best Butcher Knife
A good quality butcher knife can come in handy when preparing meals at home for yourself and your family. The sharp blade can cut through a variety of meats, including those on the bone and those that are tough or large, with ease. But you don’t need to limit yourself to using this type of knife when you are preparing meat. Instead, you can use a butcher knife for cutting fruits and vegetables quickly and easily too.
Butcher knives are super sharp, so care should be taken while you are using one. Thankfully, there are options on the market that can help ensure you won’t accidentally hurt yourself while preparing a meal. For instance, there are butcher knives that are properly balanced and have non-slip, ergonomic handles to make it easier to get and maintain a good grip. Also, there are knives that have finger guards to help protect against accidental cuts. So, it is wise to keep these features in mind while you shop.
There Is More Than One Type of Butcher Knife
Another thing to keep in mind is that there are several different types of butcher knives, and there are products of varying lengths to choose from as well. You will also note that these knives have blades that are not just long, but also curved.
For example, a cimeter can be a good option if you are in need of a butcher knife that can cut large pieces of meat easily. On the other hand, a skinning knife can—you guessed it—remove skin from meat easily, while a boning knife can be a good choice when you are working with meat that has bone in it. Then there’s the cleaver, which easily cuts through bone and tough veggies.
Put simply, the right butcher knife can be a great choice when you want to reach for a tool that will make it simple to cut thin slices of meat, break through bone, cut big pieces of meat into smaller pieces, and more. Familiarize yourself with the different types of butcher knives to figure out which ones you need in your kitchen.
A Handy List of Butcher Knives to Consider Buying
If you’ve never used a butcher knife, once you do, it might become your favorite because of what it can do to make your life in the kitchen a lot easier. So, are you ready to shop for a butcher knife that will cut through various ingredients easily?
Below is a helpful list of knives that we think are worth considering. Remember, you want to select a knife that will suit your needs in the kitchen, and it should be tough and durable so the blade won’t bend, rust, or become dull right away.
1. Editor’s Choice: GrandMesser Butcher Knife
First on our list is this butcher knife from GrandMesser. The sharp blade is made of high carbon stainless steel that is durable and resistant to corrosion. The handle, which is ergonomically designed, is made of ABS plastic and stainless steel. Also, the blade measures roughly 7.28 inches and the handle measures around 4.84 inches. But the best part is that this butcher knife was designed to be balanced and easy to use when preparing a variety of meals. You can use this knife for dicing, slicing, mincing, and chopping a variety of ingredients, from various meats to fruits and vegetables, so you might find yourself using it every day.
Pros:
- This butcher knife features a sharp blade that is made of stainless steel.
- This product is balanced, and the handle is ergonomically designed, so using it should be comfortable and easy.
- This knife is simple to wash.
Cons:
- This butcher knife is smaller than other options on the market.
2. Runner Up: CUTLUXE Butcher Knife – 10″ Bullnose Breaking Knife
This butcher knife is another product worth considering, as it has a lot of nice features. Featuring high carbon steel that is durable, stain resistant, and rust resistant, this knife might become your go-to choice when you are making meals for your family. It has a super sharp edge, the blade measures 10 inches, and this knife is designed to make it easy to cut through a variety of ingredients quickly and easily. It also has a pakkawood handle that is comfortable and ergonomically designed for your comfort and ease of use.
Pros:
- This butcher knife features a high-carbon steel blade.
- This knife has an ergonomic pakkawood handle for stability and comfort.
- The blade on this knife is razor sharp.
- This knife comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- This butcher knife has a 10-inch blade, so it might be too big if you prefer using something smaller.
3. Best Multi-Purpose: TUO Butcher Knife – 8 inch Scimitar Breaking Knife
This butcher knife is a good choice when you want a sharp knife that isn’t too big or too small, as well as when you want one that you can use to prepare a wide range of ingredients. Features include an ergonomic pakkawood handle, full tang, and a blade that measures 8 inches long. You can use this one knife for cutting away fat from various meats, as well as cutting cartilage. And you can use it for cutting meat after it has been cooked and is ready to serve. Or, you can use it for slicing bread and produce. Overall, this knife is built to remain in good condition for a long time.
Pros:
- This butcher knife features an 8-inch blade that is super sharp and rust resistant.
- The blade on this knife is made of high carbon steel, and the handle features pakkawood.
- This knife is designed to be easy to use, so you can maintain control when cutting through various foods.
Cons:
- Some customer reviews state that they were disappointed by the quality and design of the handle on this knife.
4. Best Handmade: Hand Forged Butcher Knife for Meat Cutting
This butcher knife measures about 12 inches long, with the blade measuring 7 inches and the handle measuring 4.8 inches. The blade is 2.5mm thick, and it is made of high carbon steel. Also, the blade is nice and sharp to make cutting through food quick and simple, and you can use this knife for meats, as well as fruits and vegetables. The handle is full tang and designed to be easy to grip and hold while cutting your food, and the hammer texture of the blade helps ensure food won’t stick to it. Plus, this knife is easy to clean, and you can use it for deboning, chopping, and slicing, so it is versatile.
Pros:
- This knife features a full tang handle that is designed to be durable, comfortable, and balanced.
- You can use this butcher knife to cut through a variety of foods with ease, as it has a sharp high carbon steel blade.
- This butcher knife is hand forged and has a hammer pattern.
Cons:
- Oil may need to be applied to this butcher knife regularly to help prevent rust from forming.
- This butcher knife should be washed by hand.
5. Best Stainless Steel: Wusthof Classic Butcher Knife, 8-Inch, Black, Stainless Steel
Another long butcher knife that is worth checking out is this one from Wüsthof. The blade is made of high carbon stainless steel that is super sharp, while the full tang handle is made of polypropylene. The contoured finger guard can help provide protection while you cut. Also, the handle is designed in a way that helps ensure this knife will be easy to hold when cutting a variety of foods. Plus, it measures roughly 8 inches, so it might be just the right size if you don’t want a blade that is too long.
Pros:
- This butcher knife features an ultra-sharp blade that measures about 8 inches.
- The blade on this knife is made of high carbon stainless steel.
- The handle is designed to be balanced and comfortable to hold, and the finger guard provides some extra protection for your fingers and hands.
Cons:
- This is an expensive butcher knife that is priced much higher than other options on the market.
6. Best with Comfortable Handle: Mercer Culinary BPX European Butcher Knife, 8.25 Inch
This butcher knife from Mercer Culinary features high carbon German steel, and the blade is strong, durable, and precision-forged. The blade is also smooth, while the ergonomic nylon handle is textured to be non-slip and comfortable. And the handle has a finger guard, which is a great feature because it can help protect your hands and fingers from the blade while you are busy cutting various ingredients for your homemade meals. You can use this product for cutting, slicing, trimming, stripping, and splitting various meats, including large pieces.
Pros:
- This butcher knife is built to be durable, from the high-carbon steel blade to the glass reinforced handle.
- The handle has a finger guard and provides a non-slip grip, which is helpful when it comes to avoiding cuts.
Cons:
- This butcher knife should be washed by hand, not in the dishwasher.
- Care needs to be taken to avoid submerging this butcher knife for long periods of time.
7. Best Set: Jero TR Series Butcher Knife Set
Do you want to buy more than one butcher knife at the same time to save money and avoid the hassle of buying them separately? Then check out this set of knives, which gives you a breaking and trimming knife, a cimeter, and a curved boning knife, along with a sharpening steel. The blades on these items are made of high carbon stainless steel, and the handles feature soft grip outer layers for comfort and stability during use. Overall, the products in this set are versatile and built to last, so they might be a great option if you are buying butcher knives for the first time or you want to upgrade a set you already own.
Pros:
- This set gives you more than one knife, each a different size, along with a sharpening steel
- These knives feature blades made of high carbon stainless steel.
- The soft grip handles help make these knives easy to use and comfortable to hold.
Cons:
- This set is expensive, so keep the price in mind when deciding if it’s right for you.
8. Best Budget-Friendly: UltraSource – 449413 Butcher Knife, 10″ Cimeter Blade
If you are shopping for a butcher knife on a budget, this option from UltraSource might be a good fit for your needs. It is a cimeter that is 10 inches long, so you can use it for cutting large pieces of meat and it should make the process quicker and easier. The knife is balanced, and the handle is ergonomic, antimicrobial, and textured. Also, there are safety bolsters on the handle to help keep your hands and fingers safe from the sharp blade. Plus, this knife is easy to clean.
Pros:
- This butcher knife is industrial-grade and affordably priced.
- This knife features a high carbon molybdenum steel blade.
- The textured, non-slip handle can help you maintain control, and the two finger guards help prevent cuts.
- This product is designed to be comfortable to use.
Cons:
- This butcher knife should be hand washed rather than put in the dishwasher.
Things to look out for:
Even though you might think that all butcher knives are created equal, the truth is that they aren’t. There are several features that are worth looking into while you shop so you can be sure you are making the right choice. Here are some things we recommend keeping in mind:
As mentioned above, there are different types of butcher knives, so consider which one(s) you want. Purchasing a set that contains more than one type of butcher knife might be a good way to go if you are new to these knives and you want to give them all a try.
Another feature to look at closely is the handle. No matter which type of butcher knife you go with, you want the handle to be comfortable to hold. After all, you will need to keep a good grip on it while you use the knife, and you don’t want your hand to get tired or start to hurt while you work. The good news is there are non-slip handles, as well as those that are ergonomically designed for comfort.
Check that a butcher knife is balanced, too. This can make it easier to use the knife for a variety of tasks, and it can also help ensure you will be able to cut ingredients more quickly and easily. Again, it is all about keeping your hand comfortable and preventing your hand from getting tired. There are full tang handles that can help ensure the knife will be nicely balanced. And don’t forget that finger guards are also super helpful because they can help keep your fingers away from the sharp blade.
Of course, the material that the blade is made of is also important, as is the length of the blade. So, as you look at products that are available, don’t just check the total length of the knife; instead, look into the length of the blade to be sure it will be the right length based on your preferences and needs. A blade that is too long might be difficult to use, while one that is too short might not be able to cut through large pieces of meat as well as it should. And, when it comes to material, durable steel is a smart choice. As you can see in the list above, many options are made of high carbon steel.
You may need to sharpen the blade of a butcher’s knife eventually, even if it is ultra-sharp when you first start using it. A knife that will be easy to sharpen can ensure you will be able to continue using it for a long time to come. You might even find butcher knives that come with a sharpener so you can have it ready to use whenever you need it.
Many butcher knives should not be washed in the dishwasher, so when it comes to keeping your knife clean, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. That way, you can take the right steps and avoid ruining your knife. Generally, washing your knife by hand and drying it thoroughly after each use can help keep it in tip-top shape.
Finally, consider your budget because butcher knives can be surprisingly expensive. Sure, there are many affordable items available, but if you want to treat yourself and go with a well-known brand that produces the highest quality and longest lasting knives, you have plenty of options.
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